Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3825, legislation designating the postal facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after the late Clayton Smith. This bill was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy) on September 19, 2005, and was unanimously reported by the Government Reform Committee on October 20, 2005. H.R. 3825 enjoys the support and co-sponsorship of the entire Pennsylvania delegation. Clayton Smith was a postal letter carrier who worked at the Greentree-Crafton Postal facility for 9 years before he was killed on June 23, 2003. Mr. Smith was killed by a stray bullet while taking a midday break in the parking lot outside his postal vehicle. For 2 years family and friends have marked the anniversary of his death. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better way to acknowledge the dedication and work of this postal worker than naming a facility in his honor. I urge swift passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3770, legislation designating a postal facility in Knox, Indiana, after the late Grant W. Green. This legislation, which was introduced by Representative Chris Chocola of Indiana on September 14, 2005, was unanimously reported by the Government Reform Committee on October 20, 2005. H.R. 3770 enjoys the support and co-sponsorship of the entire Indiana delegation. A rural letter carrier, Mr. Green had the distinction of being the longest serving postal carrier in Knox history. He worked for the Post Office Department from 1920 until 1970. His route ran through the center of Knox and in rural areas, working for 50 years. Mr. Green's neighbors and friends remember him as dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about his job. Nothing kept Mr. Green from delivering the mail. He was a dependable and friendly letter carrier. Mr. Speaker, it always gives me great pleasure when we recognize the contributions of postal workers by dedicating a facility in their honor. Designating the newly opened post office in Knox after Mr. Green is a wonderful way to honor the memory of Grant W. Green, and I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 302. This resolution recognizes and commends the continued dedication and commitment of employers of the members of the National Guard and the other Reserve components who have been mobilized during the global war on terrorism. I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of this legislation and firmly believe that it is the duty of us at home to support the brave men and women who are serving their country overseas. Many of the 433,000 Reservists and members of the National Guard that have been mobilized left behind not only their family and friends, but also their careers. Therefore, it is important that we do all that we can to ensure that those jobs are there for them when they return. I also would like to give special thanks to the employers located in my district and my State that the Illinois National Guard has commended for rising above and beyond the call of duty. Some of the companies in the Chicago area singled out by the Illinois National Guard include Hershey Foods, United Airlines, Motorola, Abbott Laboratories, Boeing, Frito Lay, the Chicago Police Department, the Arlington Heights Fire Department, the Buffalo Grove Police Department, ABN AMRO, Cardinal Health, Mackie Consultants, Mitchell Aircraft, Grainger, the Oak Park Police Department, United Parcel Service, the DuPage County Sheriff and the State of Illinois, to just name a few. So, again, I strongly support this legislation and urge its passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 4053, legislation designating a Postal Service facility in Covina, California, after the late Lillian Kinkella Keil. This measure, which was introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) on October 7, 2005, was unanimously passed by the Government Reform Committee on October 20, 2005. H.R. 4053 enjoys the support and co-sponsorship of the entire California delegation. Captain Lillian Kinkella Keil, a long-time resident of Covina, California, was a flight nurse for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and the Korean War. Captain Keil flew over 400 combat evacuation missions and was one of the most highly decorated women in military history. Lillian Kinkella Keil began her career as a stewardess with United Airlines. In 1943, she attended the Army Air Forces' Air Evacuation School near Louisville, Kentucky. She received training as a flight nurse and was involved with evacuating wounded in many missions, including operations in Normandy during D-Day invasions. She was also part of the team that followed General Patton's Army across France. One year after the war ended in 1946, Lillian returned to United Airlines as a stewardess. She left her job 4 years later, signing up for military flight duty in the Korean War. After Korea, she returned to California, got married, had two children and became a homemaker. In 1954, the year she married Walter Keil, a Navy intelligence officer, Hollywood made a movie based on her life entitled ``Flight Nurse;'' and in 1961 her story was featured on ``This is Your Life.'' Sadly, Lillian Kinkella Keil passed away of cancer at the age of 88 on June 30, 2005. I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) for seeking to honor the tremendous legacy of the late Captain Lillian Kinkella Keil. She will forever be remembered as the ``Airborne Florence Nightingale'' and the most decorated female veteran. The Keil story is an inspiration to all, and I am proud and pleased that the postal facility in Covina, California, will be dedicated in her honor. I also note that the mayor and the City Council of Covina join in support of this measure and urge its swift passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that if all you do is cut, cut, cut, cut, all that you really get is blood, blood, blood, blood. I am afraid that the blood of the American people, the blood of the poor, the blood of the homeless, the blood of the hungry, the blood of the children, the blood that is cut out of Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, all of that blood will be on the hands of those who had the knife.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel), who hails right from Cub territory, no doubt about it, Wrigleyville.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, of course Dusty Baker likes to come to my district to eat catfish at Wallace's Catfish Corner, so we look forward to that and hope that it would happen. I want to thank the gentleman for his remarks. It is my pleasure to yield as much time as he would consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), who shares the White Sox stadium. As a matter of fact, our districts come together right at the White Sox stadium. So I do not know if they are more Rush than Davis.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, I represent one of the most interestingly diverse congressional districts in America. It is home to the Chicago White Sox, home to the Chicago Bulls, home to the Bears. It is home to Oprah Winfrey. It is home to the Magnificent Mile and all of the great downtown Chicago, and so I rise today as a proud Member representing the area from which the 2005 world champion Chicago White Sox hail. First of all, I want to thank Representative John Shimkus and the entire Illinois delegation for supporting this resolution. I also want to thank Speaker Hastert. He has to be a White Sox fan for getting this resolution to the floor in such a timely manner. The White Sox organization, led by Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, a constituent of mine, Vice Chairman Eddie Einhorn, and General Manager Ken Williams, has managed to do what has not been done since 1917. They assembled a team led by former player and now coach Ozzie Guillen that won 99 games during the regular season and had the best record in the American League. There are a number of amazing things about the 2005 White Sox that stand out. First of all, they led their division throughout the season. They have an outstanding group of young pitchers who dominated the regular season and the playoffs. They have great hitters who come through in the clutch. Perhaps the most impressive thing about them is the fact that they believed in themselves throughout the year and played as a team. When you look at the line-up, there are no big-name superstars. As a matter of fact, they remind me of Chicago: blue collar workers getting the job done. We will never forget the great starting rotation of Contreras, Buehrle, Garland, and Garcia who pitched four straight complete games during the championship run. Nor will we forget the great bullpen led by Politte, Jenks, Cotts, Marte, Hermanson, Hernandez and Vizcaino, which helped secure 11 victories throughout the playoffs. The bats of Konerko, the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player; Jermaine Dye, the World Series Most Valuable Player; Crede, Iguchi, Uribe, Podsednik, Rowand, Everett, Pierzynski, and others keyed an offense that delivered in the clutch. That offense and defense swept the defending world champion Boston Red Sox in three games. They ousted the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in five games; and in the World Series, they swept the Houston Astros, winning four straight games. I would think that people like Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Al Smith, Minnie Minoso, Bill Skowron and others have to look back in retrospect and say how proud they are of this new bunch. I also want to commend Houston for being great competitors and for their fine season. The Chicago White Sox have brought a championship to Chicago, and for that we are all proud. The championship, though, really pays tribute to all of those who struggled to get to this point. The great teams of the past and their players all cheered. I also want to commend Frank Thomas who got hurt midway through the season, but he never gave up on his teammates; and he was right there all along cheering them on. We also are, even as we celebrate this year, looking forward to next year because we expect them to be back. So, again, to Mr. Reinsdorf, Mr. Einhorn, the front office, all of the coaches and players, we salute you for an outstanding season. We also salute you for being a good neighbor and a good corporate citizen. One of the things that many people do not know about the White Sox is their ownership and how civically and community involved they are, how relevant they are to the whole city of Chicago and to the State of Illinois. So, as we savor this sweet victory, we will be back next year. To my friends from Houston, let me just say that I am looking forward to eating high on the hog. We had a couple of bets out there, one with Representative Poe. I am looking forward to the barbecue. And also I want Representative Al Green to know that I eat a hearty lunch. So I thank you all. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me just close by thanking all of those who have spoken. And I agree with my colleague from Illinois (Mr. Kirk) when he said that the City of Chicago and the Chicago White Sox have no greater White Sox fan than the mayor of the City of Chicago. If you have never seen a ticker tape parade, if you have never seen a real outpouring in a city, you should have been there on Friday when Chicago put on one of the greatest displays of public affection upon an athletic team, an athletic enterprise that one could ever witness. So I want to thank the people of Chicago for their great display of support shown to the White Sox. As a matter of fact, you would have thought that there was no other kind of Sox except White Sox in town. It was a great season, a great victory. Again, I congratulate the owners of the White Sox, I congratulate all of the players and the coaches, and say that we will be back next year. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3989, legislation naming the postal facility in Dennison, Minnesota, after Albert Harold Quie. This measure, which was introduced by Representative John Kline on October 6, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on October 20, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Minnesota delegation. Harold Quie, a native of Minnesota, was born on a farm, educated in the State, and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years. He served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1955 to 1958, before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1958. Representative Quie was reelected and served until 1979 when he was elected Governor of Minnesota. He served as Governor until 1983. After 25 years in government as a public servant, Representative Quie continued to be a man of the people. He became a lecturer, teacher, and director, and vice president of Prison Fellowship, both in Minnesota and North Dakota. Representative Quie is currently retired, living in Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to honor the contributions of former Representative and Governor Quie, and I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join with my colleague from Minnesota in consideration of H.R. 2413, legislation naming the postal facility in Humble, Texas, after Lillian McKay. This measure, which was introduced by Representative Ted Poe on May 17, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on September 15, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Texas delegation. Lillian McKay, a native Texan, was born in Ammannsville, Texas, and grew up in Fairchilds, Texas. She married and moved with her husband to Humble, Texas. Known as the First Lady of Humble while her husband served as mayor of Humble, Mrs. McKay has been an active member of the community and has been honored for her contributions. She has received the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award and the Yellow Rose of Texas award, to name a few. She is the curator of the Humble Museum and has remained involved in the museum since its inception. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to honor Mrs. McKay in this manner and urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3548, legislation naming a postal facility in Pearl River, New York, after the late Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), a Democrat, on July 28, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on October 20, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire New York delegation. Heinz Ahlmeyer, a native of New York, grew up in Pearl River. He attended Rockland Community College and graduated from New Paltz College. Upon his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While serving on his first tour of duty in Vietnam, Marine Second Lieutenant Heinz Ahlmeyer was on a reconnaissance patrol in the Quang Tri province on May 10, 1967, when he and three other Marines came under fire. It was presumed he was killed in action, but because of heavy enemy fire, commanders felt it was too dangerous to retrieve the bodies. In January of this year, the military notified his family that, through DNA, his remains were found, giving family and friends closure. And on May 10, 2005, Marine Second Lieutenant Heinz Ahlmeyer was interred with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to honor the spirit and legacy of this Marine. Naming a post office in his memory is a small token of the appreciation that we can show. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may come consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would simply commend again the gentleman from New York for introducing this legislation. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Reverend Dr. Shelvin Jerome Hall on his 50 years of service to the Friendship Baptist Church and its surrounding communities in the Chicagoland area. Reverend Hall and his family have been tremendous assets to our community. His wife, a retired Chicago public school teacher; one daughter, Priscilla, a supreme court justice in the State of New York; another daughter, Shelvin Louise, an appellate court judge in Cook County; and his son, an esteemed psychologist. They have been assets to our community, and I congratulate Reverend Hall and his family on 50 years of service.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of S. 37, legislation extending the special postage stamp for breast cancer research for 2 years. This measure, which was sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein, was introduced on January 24, 2005, and unanimously passed by the Senate on September 27, 2005. On October 20, 2005, the Government Reform Committee unanimously reported S. 37. The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act, (Public Law 105-41) authorized a special Semi-postal stamp for first-class mail. The price of this class stamp is 45 cents, 8 cents above the regular rate of 37 cents. The authority to issue this stamp expires on December 31, 2005. S. 37, which was cosponsored by 69 members of the U.S. Senate would extend the program until December 31, 2007. Sale of the Breast Cancer Semi-Postal stamp, first issued in 1998, has raised more than $44 million for breast cancer research from more than 650.5 million stamps. By law, 70 percent of the net amount raised is given to the National Institutes of Health, and 30 percent to the Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense. We owe our interest in semipostal stamps to Dr. Ernie Bodhai, chief of surgery at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Sacramento, California, and former Representative Vic Fazio. Dr. Bodhai took his idea for a special breast cancer research fundraising stamp to Rep. Fazio, and in 1996, Rep. Fazio introduced the first semipostal bill, H.R. 3401, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act. He was subsequently joined in this effort by Senator Feinstein when she introduced identical legislation in the Senate the same year. The following year, Representative Fazio and former Representative Susan Molinari sponsored H.R. 1585, Stamp Out Breast Cancer. This bill, which was subsequently enacted into law, authorized a breast cancer research stamp for two years and required the General Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of this method of raising funds. In 2000, GAO determined that the semipostal stamp was indeed successful and an effective and appropriate way to fundraise. The GAO also determined that the Postal Service do more to recover its costs associated with the breast cancer research stamp program. To address health issues raised by semipostal legislation pending in Congress, Representatives John McHugh and Chaka Fattah, introduced H.R. 4437, the Semipostal Authorization Act. This act, which became law (PL 106-253) provided the Postal Service with discretionary authority to issue semipostal stamps, provided the revenue raised goes to federal agencies and is for medical research. This authority is similar to the discretion the Postal Service currently has in determining which commemorative stamps to approve and issue. Mr. Speaker, every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. And, excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. This year, it is estimated that about 212,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, along with 58,000 new cases of non-invasive breast dancer. And, 40,000 women are expected to die from this disease. It must be noted, that men get breast cancer too. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1200 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in American men each year. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among white and African-American women. However, African-American women are more likely to die from this disease. And the incidence of breast cancer in women has increased from 1 in 20 in 1960 to 1 in 7 today. Annually, nearly $7 billion is spent on the treatment of breast cancer. All the more reason to support the Breast Cancer Semipostal Stamp. Through the sale of this stamp, we are able to raise awareness of this disease and participate directly in raising money for needed research. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Tom Davis and Ranking Member Henry Waxman, as well as the chairmen and ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce and Armed Services Committees for moving quickly to get S. 37 to the House floor. It is wonderful to be able to approve this bill now, given that October is designated as ``Breast Cancer Awareness Month.'' I urge the swift passage of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 758. This legislation establishes an interagency aerospace revitalization task force to develop a national strategy for aerospace workforce recruitment, training and cultivation. As the aerospace industry supports over 11 million American jobs and generates 15 percent of our gross domestic product, the strength and vitality of this sector of our economy is absolutely vital. Unfortunately, like many other labor-intensive manufacturing industries, the aerospace industry is experiencing increased competition from other countries. In fact, the aerospace industry in our country employs fewer people today than it did 50 years ago. If we are to remain competitive in this field, we must, and I agree with both the gentleman from Michigan and from Texas, we must produce highly trained workers that can compete with workers overseas. Additionally, this legislation also mandates a coordinated effort to improve science and math education in the United States. Providing a strong education in math and science is absolutely vital and would not only aid the aerospace industry, but also will go a long way to ensuring a prosperous future for our country. I am proud to support this legislation. I am also proud of the fact that Boeing Industries is in my congressional district. I often tell the young people who live there that if they want to look to areas where there is opportunity, then they really need to get a strong background in math and science because much of the future is in this area. So I support this legislation, just as I support Boeing and its employees who live and work in my congressional district.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me time. I also want to commend my colleague from Nevada for bringing this important matter before us today. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a strong supporter of H. Res. 484. Studies indicate that a staggering between 1.8 and 2.6 million children live on the streets of our country each and every year. This legislation in a way honors the individuals and organizations who work so hard to reach out to our young people that are in some of the most desperate of situations. As we can all imagine, the situation on the streets for these young people is desperate and incredibly rough. Half of the HIV cases in the United States are in the youth population. Homeless and runaway youth are two to 10 times higher than the nonhomeless teens who have HIV, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 94 percent of homeless youth are sexually active. We, unfortunately, cannot make street life disappear or even reach a level of utopia; but we can ensure that there are services available to help with the daily lives of these young people, whether it is trying to find a bed, a warm meal, or some safe, genuine companionship. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation. In a large urban district like mine where there are thousands of impoverished young people living in less than desirable home situations, we know that they need help. And I commend some of the many organizations like the Night Ministry, Tabitha House, Hope House, the House of Daniel, Clare's House, Mother's House, and all of the other programs that are designed to assist young people as they go through this stage of their lives.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 3368, the legislation naming a postal facility in honor of Gagetown veterans. This measure, which was sponsored by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), was introduced on July 20, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on October 20, 2005. Mr. Speaker, veterans from the Gagetown community have fought valiantly in all conflicts. Veterans from the village of Gagetown have fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and, most recently, in Iraq. I am pleased to note that the village council of Gagetown, Michigan, fully supports naming the Gagetown Post Office in honor and memory of Gagetown veterans. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to honor the sacrifice of Gagetown veterans in this manner. And on behalf of my colleagues, let me say that we all sincerely appreciate your heroic service to the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this legislation, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3256, legislation naming a postal facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after Congressman James Grove Fulton. This measure, which was sponsored by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy), was introduced on July 12, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on October 20, 2005. James Grove Fulton was a native of Pennsylvania and practiced law in Pittsburgh before serving in the State senate in 1939 and 1940. Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Mr. Fulton published the Mount Lebanon News and other newspapers. While still serving in the Naval Reserve, Mr. Fulton was elected to the 79th Congress. He was reelected to 13 succeeding Congresses, and served from 1945 until his death in 1971. Former Representative Fulton will be remembered for his work with the United Nations where he served as an adviser on space and delegate on trade and employment. Mr. Speaker, I would urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague from Ohio in consideration of this important legislation. Forty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson, through executive order 11183, established the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. The commission was given the task of creating the White House Fellows program. The program was designed to expose the best and the brightest of America's future leaders to policymaking at the highest levels. Between 11 and 20 young, gifted Americans serve as White House Fellows each year, and they truly represent the best of what America has to offer. Being a White House Fellow provides each Fellow with the unique opportunity of interacting with officials at the highest levels of government. It is not uncommon for Fellows to learn about policymaking in all of its forms, at both the domestic and international levels, while gaining access to policymakers that is generally afforded to only a small group of advisers and senior staff. As a result, the White House Fellows program plays an integral role in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. The program is indeed bipartisan and is hailed as a great success by Republicans and Democrats alike. Over the last 4 decades, more than 600 people have served as White House Fellows. The program has attracted the most talented of America's young up-and-comers. Former Fellows have gone on to serve in Cabinet positions, as elected officials at all levels of government, as heads of industry, as distinguished members of the Armed Forces, as leaders in the legal field, and as distinguished academicians in some of the Nation's top colleges and universities. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 40th anniversary of the White House Fellows program and the Federal Government's continued commitment to producing the future generations of American leaders. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Rosa Parks who passed away yesterday. A reporter called me last night and wanted to know what did Rosa Parks's life mean to me. I remembered that I was a young teenager, as a matter of fact, the same age as Emmett Till, growing up during that period, living in the southern part of the country. Things became so exciting for us as a result of Rosa Parks and the whole civil rights movement until we could hardly sleep at night waiting to see what was going to happen the next day. So Rosa Parks sparked a movement that shall forever live and can never die. We still have a ways to go, but she helped bring us to a real point. I salute her.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S. 397, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This resolution immunizes the gun industry--including manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms and ammunitions--from civil liability arising from the criminal and unlawful misuse of their products. Advocates of this bill believe that it is necessary to pass in order to prevent the rise of ``frivolous'' lawsuits against companies that manufacture and distribute firearms. Advocates say, the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects the rights of these companies to irresponsibly sell their products without any repercussions for the misuse of their product. I believe there is a delicate balance between the right to bear arms, a right provided by the Constitution, and the need to prevent gun violence. This bill, if passed into law, will unfairly shift the balance. Through the laws vested in the Constitution, every American has been given the responsibility to keep and bear arms, but this resolution will dismantle all progress that has been made toward the fight against crime. Each year more than 30,000 gun-related deaths occur; a third of these 30,000 deaths are committed with malicious ``intent by customers of the arms industry who exploit their Second Amendment Right. Since 2000, we have witnessed a 9 percent increase in gun-related homicides. In 2003, firearms were used in over 365,000 cases of violent crime. Fifty percent of all the African American youngsters between the ages of 15 and 19, who die, die from gun violence. When guns and ammunitions reach the wrong hands, we must be able to hold accountable the companies that put destructive weapons in the hands of these criminals. My dissent for this bill focuses around the lack of responsibility required by arms dealers. When the desired intent of a product is to fatally wound an object through legal or illegal means, there will always be the need of a high demand of accountability. For cases of gun violence in which the firearms industry should be held responsible, this resolution does not protect its victims. In past years, State and Federal Courts have found these types of cases to be grounded in such credible legal principles as negligence, product liability, and public nuisance. If this legislation passes, the high demand of accountability and liability required by firearms companies will drastically decrease. For these reasons, I cannot support the bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross).