Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I will close for our side, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Firefighters are indeed on the front lines between the public and the devastation that fires or other emergencies can cause. This mostly volunteer force helps protect the public interest from these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergencies despite hazardous conditions and long, irregular hours. Every year fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Fire kills 3,700 and injures more than 20,000 people each year. Direct property losses due to fire reach almost $11 billion a year. Firefighters pay a high price as well. Approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Firefighters must be prepared to respond immediately to a fire or any other emergency that arises. Because fighting fires is dangerous and complicated, it requires organization and teamwork. Education, training and teamwork have lowered the rate of America's fire losses today to represent a dramatic improvement from more than 20 years ago. In 1971, this Nation lost more than 12,000 citizens and 250 firefighters to fire. We owe a debt of gratitude to firefighters for making our communities safer. Therefore, I strongly support this resolution and urge that all of my colleagues do the same, and we continue to owe tremendous debts of gratitude to those men and women who every day protect us from fires. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), another strong proponent of firefighters.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume; and as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join our chairman, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), in the consideration of H.R. 1460, legislation naming the U.S. postal facility in Springfield, Virginia, after Captain Mark Stubenhofer. This measure, which has been sponsored by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, was introduced with the support and cosponsorship of the entire Virginia delegation. Captain Mark Norman Stubenhofer died on December 7, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. Captain Stubenhofer, a company commander, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Regiment, 1st Armored Division in Fort Riley, Kansas. Captain Stubenhofer, a native of Springfield, Virginia, was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed. Mark Stubenhofer graduated from West Springfield High School in 1992. In high school, he was a student government leader, member of the homecoming court, and baseball player. After high school, Mark went on to graduate from Clemson University with a degree in history in 1996. Mark joined the Army after graduating from college. While in the Army, he was certified as an Army Ranger and jump instructor. He earned the Bronze Star during his first tour of duty in Iraq. He left behind a wife, Patty, and three children, Lauren, Justin, and Hope. Madam Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) for seeking to honor the sacrifice of Captain Stubenhofer by naming a postal facility in his honor in his hometown. I urge swift adoption of this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers on our side. I would just simply close by suggesting that my father used to tell us that money is like life. The better you manage it, the longer you are likely to keep it. Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the cosponsor of this resolution. (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, financial literacy may be more important today than during any other time in our Nation's history. That is why I am pleased to support H. Res. 148, introduced by the gentlewoman from the Great State of Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), which supports the goals of Financial Literacy Month for Youth. As the resolution notes, a study by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy found that 92 percent of college students have at least one credit card by their sophomore year. This fact becomes alarming when you consider that the same study found that only 26 percent of people between the ages of 13 and 21 claimed that they had been taught how to manage their money by their parents. This resolution serves as an important wake-up call for all of us: the administration, Congress, and the American taxpayer. As the economy begins to rebound from an arduous period, now is an opportune time to teach all Americans, young and old, about fiscal responsibility. The Jump$tart Coalition's aim is to identify personal finance materials for educating our youth. To that end, they have established 12 must-know personal finance principles for young people if they want to improve their financial future. The 12 financial principles stressed during Financial Literacy Month for youth are, one, map your financial future; do not expect something for nothing; high returns equal high risk; know your take-home pay; compare interest rates; pay yourself first; money doubles by the rule of 72, which is a way of determining how long it takes your money to double while in the bank; your credit past is your credit future; start saving young; stay insured; budget your money; and do not borrow what you cannot repay. These important, but basic, principles are of value to all of us. But let me add one more, since the 15th is not too far away: pay your taxes, and on time. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to endorse this resolution supporting the goals of Financial Literacy for Youth Month and urge all of my colleagues to support it as well. As a matter of fact, my mother used to tell us that if you take care of your nickels, then your quarters will take care of themselves. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. One of the great experiences I have had in life was to have an audience with Pope John Paul II. I traveled to Rome with the former mayor of the city of Chicago, Harold Washington; two other colleagues of mine at the time, a Jewish gentleman, Larry Bloom, and a Polish gentleman, Bill Krystaniak. The four of us met with the Pope, two African Americans, a Jewish person, and a Pole. When we were ready to leave, Bill Krystaniak replied, ``We can actually end our trip because one of my wishes has been fulfilled.'' Each one of us left with a tremendous sense of peace and tranquility, knowing that we had been in the presence of encompassing greatness, one who fought poverty, ignorance, discrimination, totalitarianism, whose arms were wide enough and broad enough and strong enough to embrace the hopes of the world. I strongly support this resolution. Chicago is home to more Poles than any city in the world with the exception of Warsaw, and I know that we experienced a tremendous sense of pride, not only our Polish citizens, but all of Chicago, knowing that Pope John Paul II, had passed our way. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Pope John Paul II. He served as the head of the Catholic Church during a tumultuous 26 year period that saw changes that rocked the World as well as the Church. During his life, Pope John Paul II's influence extended far beyond the Catholic faithful to non-Catholics and world leaders. As a result, his death is mourned by people of all faiths around the world. In his role as head of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II led a growing Church that spans 6 continents and consists of people from very different backgrounds. His credibility as a leader was bolstered by his willingness to take stands that were often unpopular and sometimes viewed by many in highly developed countries as anachronistic. His willingness to take stands that reflected the traditional teachings of the Church was strengthened by his willingness to acknowledge that the Church had at times failed to stress its traditional teachings during challenging periods. He did not just acknowledge past errors, but sought to prevent future ones by confronting the totalitarian threat of his time, the Soviet Union. John Paul II was a tireless champion of democracy in Eastern Europe and an unrelenting critic of the Soviet Union and its puppet regimes in Eastern Europe. His experience growing up in Nazi occupied and Soviet controlled Poland surely influenced his pro-democracy, anti- totalitarian worldview. As Chicago is home to the largest number of Poles of any city in the world other than Warsaw, his death hits especially close to home. Many Chicagoans of Polish descent fled Poland during the crackdowns and turmoil of the 1980s--a period during which Pope John Paul II was a major figure in the pro-democracy, anti-Soviet movement in his homeland. Developments in Poland proved decisive in ending Soviet domination in Eastern Europe as well as the collapse of the Soviet Union itself. For his leadership in the fight against totalitarianism, many people in Eastern Europe and of Eastern European descent hold him in particularly high esteem. His leadership in the pro-democracy movements in Eastern Europe represents only one facet of his numerous accomplishments. A complete list would not be possible, though I am certain that my colleagues in the house will point out many more.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on February 26 the young men of George Westinghouse Career Academy High School's basketball team, lead by coach Quitman Dillard, won their fourth City Championship in the last six seasons. The game was never really in doubt and second place Simeon could never get any closer than eight points in the second half. By a score of 67-52, Westinghouse clinched their place at the top of the Chicago Public League, according to press reports, one of the Nation's top high school basketball proving grounds. The 72 team Chicago City league is reportedly used by some college coaches as a benchmark for the success of their recruiting efforts. The Westinghouse team was powered by DeAndre Thomas, rated by many as the best high school player in Illinois. Thomas scored 29 points, snagged 9 rebounds and had three assists. However, the victory was definitely a team effort. Westinghouse had 23 assists. Marquis Johnson scored 14 points and secured 11 rebounds. Kris Harris and Corey Caston each scored nine points. Caston had 7 assists. Mr. Speaker, Westinghouse Career Academy, which serves the Austin, South Lawndale and West Garfield Communities, is a public school fighting its way to the top in every category. Eighteen percent of its almost 1400 students are enrolled in honors classes. They were City champs in the C-CAP culinary arts competition. Westinghouse students have earned nine medals in Academic Decathlon competition. Tonight, Mr. Speaker, I salute Westinghouse Career Academy and Principal Dr. Lona C. Bibbs. The Westinghouse Warriors are setting an example for the entire school by now setting their sights on the next task: the State finals. All Chicago wishes them the very best. The Westinghouse Warriors have, through their hard work, their determination and their talent, achieved a remarkable record. Congratulations to the Westinghouse team, their coach and to each of these outstanding young athletes individually.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, the CBC budget is sane, rational, logical, serious. It recognizes the tremendous need that exists in our country to assist those 2 million people who are currently in jails and prisons and the 650,000 who return home every year. Therefore, it increases juvenile justice programs by $300 million, $100 million for the weed and seed drug elimination program, and $300 million for prisoner reentry programs, and it does not raise taxes. It rolls back the tax breaks that were given in 2001 and 2003 to those individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000. People in my community say, provide the services, don't give to the rich.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, a large number of people are on the Hill this week from ACORN, one of the most effective grass-roots community organizations in America. The group I just met with told me one thing. They said, Tell the President if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Add to it, but do not fix it. Of course they were talking about Social Security that has been the lifeline for millions of seniors in our country since its inception. Madam Speaker, I will just repeat what ACORN told me: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, from time to time, it is important that we acknowledge our individual histories and the characteristics that define us as Americans. Last month, we celebrated African-American History Month. Today, I am very happy to stand with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre) and the other 56 cosponsors of H. Res. 41. This bill recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States by expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as National Tartan Day. Scottish Americans have played important roles in the growth and development of this Nation. Three such Scottish Americans are John Witherspoon, Andrew Carnegie and Alexander Graham Bell. John Witherspoon immigrated to the United States in order to become the sixth President of Princeton University. He was a member of the ratifying convention that made New Jersey the third State to ratify the Constitution of the United States. He also is identified with the Common Sense Philosophy, which is considered to be of importance in the development of our national life. Andrew Carnegie came to the United States not as an educated man but as a poor immigrant. His vision and business acumen earned him a fortune in steel during the industrial revolution. Carnegie used his wealth to establish one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Much of his collected fortune was spent to establish over 2,500 public libraries and to support institutions of higher learning and public education. By the end of his life, Carnegie gave away $350 million. Inventor Alexander Graham Bell, like Carnegie, was primarily self- educated, and he, too, accomplished much during his life. Graham is best known for inventing the telephone, though he explored the realm of communications and engaged in a great variety of scientific activities. Almost a decade ago, Congress recognized the influential role of the Scottish community in our country by making April 6, 1997, National Tartan Day. April 6 was chosen because it commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims and influenced our own Declaration of Independence. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I want to take this moment to thank the originators of this bill for their leadership and want to reiterate my strong support for H. Res. 41. Our Scottish citizens have made a tremendous impact on the development of this Nation, and all of us are proud of them. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), the other cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close for our side. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join with my colleagues, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), in support of House Resolution 124, honoring Jewish students and teachers on their 7- year completion of the 11th cycle of the daily study of the Talmud. Mr. Speaker, the Talmud is considered to be an authoritative record of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, ethics, customs, legends, and stories. The Talmud is comprised of two components, the Mishnah and the Gemara. It expands on earlier writings in the Torah and it is the basis for all later codes of Jewish law and much of rabbinic literature. Today, we celebrate the conclusion of the 11th cycle of the Daf Yomi, a Jewish tradition that began over 80 years ago. Daf Yomi was created by Polish Rabbi Meir Shapiro in 1923. He wanted to create a way for Jews across the world to unite and study and pray. Daf Yomi does just that, and it also helps Jewish people to reconnect with their faith and to make it part of their daily lives. In order to complete the Daf Yomi, a person must study the Talmud each and every day for 7 years. Mr. Speaker, I think that everyone, regardless of their faith and beliefs, can appreciate and respect the profound commitment people must make in order to complete such an impressive task. To celebrate this accomplishment, countless people around the world are expected to gather together and to study in unison in the same manner that those we honor today gathered to study. In the United States alone, thousands of people are expected to celebrate the occasion. I think that the participants and teachers alike deserve a rousing applause from this body for their shared sense of purpose. I stand in strong support of this resolution and again want to congratulate each and every person who will participate and all of those for whom it will have meaning. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Nevada for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I am pleased to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I have always been told that music is a universal language, and so I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 45 to recognize the benefits and importance of school-based music education. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the reality our schools face today is one of budget cuts yet while trying to maintain a well-rounded curriculum for our children. After-school programs, art classes, intramural sports, late bus routes and even music classes are being eliminated. We know music education helps young minds to develop creatively and express emotions. We know that studies show that early music training can enhance a child's ability to reason and think critically and that children exposed to music at a young age learn better in other subjects. We also know that children trained in music score significantly higher on reading tests than those who were not. We know that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances such as alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drugs. The College Board identifies the arts as one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college, and the Department of Education agrees by listing the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students should take, stating that many colleges view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them. Although the Department of Education sees music education as a prerequisite to college and countless studies have shown the vast impact of music education, it is still missing for too many schools, particularly public schools in inner city neighborhoods having virtually no access to music education. Local budget cuts are depriving approximately 30 million students of an education that includes music. It is not only at the local level that is forcing schools to abandon music education, but the lack of Federal funding as well. Without music education, so many of our great musicians that we admire today would be doing something else. Not only musicians, but it has been noted that even the very best entrepreneurs and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry are nearly, without exception, practicing musicians. The school music program was there for them, and we need to have it there for the next generation of musicians, thinkers and entrepreneurs. So, Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise in support of this resolution and urge its passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) for yielding, and I would like to associate myself with some of the comments that both he and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) have made relative to the import and the importance of African American History Month. I would certainly agree that all of those who have lived and who have come to this country have become a part of making America the great Nation that it indeed is. Oftentimes, when we think of black history, I grew up in an era where I was taught to read by unlocking words and, to an extent, we were taught that history meant his story, and lots of people think of history as meaning his or her story. I have been challenging young people throughout my district and every place that I have gone to view black history not so much in the context of history, but in terms of ``mystery,'' meaning that it becomes my story. And each one of us has a story that we can write or a story that we can tell. I spent part of Monday, I say to the gentleman from New York, with 10 kindergartners in a school, and they were watching ``Roots'' as I came into the classroom. And before we ended the day, each one of them had decided that they were going to be an integral part of making black history and that they were going to look back to understand where they came from so that they would have a better understanding of how they got to where they are, and they would have a greater awareness and appreciation of where they ought to be going. So I want to commend the gentleman from New York and the gentleman from Maryland for helping to bring alive the historical development of African Americans in this country so that all of us know that we continue to move forward even as we look back. I thank the gentleman for this opportunity.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for giving me the opportunity to make these comments prior to the hour that she will be using on behalf of the majority. Mr. Speaker, this week, residents of Chicago lost three of its most prominent citizens. Earlier today, the funeral was held for a blues singer, a fellow named Tyrone Davis, who has had great popular songs such as ``Mom's Apple Pie'' and ``Turn Back the Hands of Time.'' Tyrone grew up in Mississippi, rural Mississippi, as a matter of fact, not far from Greenville. He came to Chicago and ultimately became one of the top recording artists in the country. He also happens to be a resident of the neighborhood that I come from. He came and lived on the west side of the city of Chicago and interacted in the night clubs and blues joints before he rose to the top. And so I simply want to express condolences to the wife and family of Tyrone Davis, great blues singer. We also lost this week attorney Earl Neal, one of the most accomplished lawyers that the country has ever seen. Earl distinguished himself as a great attorney, great trial lawyer, but also was actively engaged and involved in civics and community affairs, chairman of the board of trustees of the University of Illinois, his alma mater; chairman of the University of Illinois Alumni Association; and also chairman of the Urban Health Program, where, through his efforts, the University of Illinois trained more African American physicians and dentists than any college or university in the Nation, with the exception of Howard and Meharry. And so certainly we want to extol our condolences to Earl's wife, Isabella, his son, attorney Langdon Neal, and other members of his family. And finally Milton Davis, who was chairman of Shorebank, little group of people got together, started a bank, they called it south Shorebank. It emerged as the number-one community lending institution in the Nation. Right now its assets are more than a billion dollars, and Milton Davis and I collaborated, and he put a bank in the neighborhood where I lived, called the Austin branch of Shorebank. So I simply want to express condolences to his wife and family, and all of those who are associated with Shorebank, one of the top community lending institutions in the Nation, on the life and legacy of Milton Davis, its former president and chairman. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to commend the life and work of one of America's most skilled, most effective and most influential lawyers, Attorney Earl Neal. Over the years, I have often heard Earl Neal referred to as a lawyer's lawyer or as the city's expert on may issues, no matter who the mayor or city's management might have been composed of. I have been involved in court cases and litigation where I was on one side and Earl was on the other. In each instance, although we were (in fact adversaries) I always found myself wishing that we were on the same side. There were instances where we were on the same side of issues and I always had the highest level of assurance that were being represented as well as humanely possible. In addition to being an outstanding lawyer, Earl and his wife Isabella were prominent civic and social leaders in the State of Illinois. He was intimately associated with his alma matter, the University of Illinois serving on the Board of Trustees, President of the Alumni Association and Chairman of the Urban Health Advisory Council which resulted in the University of Illinois training more African American physicians and dentists than any medical school in the USA with the exception of Howard and Meharry. To Mrs. Neal and Attorney Langdon Neal and other members of the family, you have the heartfelt condolences of myself, my wife, Vera and our entire family. Earl has been as Harold Washington would say, ``fruit of the loom, best of the breed, in a class by himself.''

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), a son of New England and a very proud Patriots fan.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's most shining and influential artists, Ms. Marian Anderson. The recent issuance of a commemorative stamp in her honor provides an opportunity to recognize her impressive achievements. Few musicians in history can claim the number of achievements Ms. Anderson can. As an opera singer, she proved to be among the world's best. Her range and ability to communicate a song's emotion were envied. Ms. Anderson often sang in the original language of the songs she performed, feeling that she would better connect with the native audience. By the end of her career she had performed in eight languages and traveled all over the world--living and studying for extended periods of time in Europe. Her voice graced President and Mrs. Roosevelt at the White House and the Inaugural ceremonies for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy. After hearing her, the world renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini commented that hers ``. . . is a voice one hears once in a hundred years.'' How true. During her life, Ms. Anderson witnessed and contributed to some of the greatest changes in history. She lived through two world wars, a depression, and the civil rights movement. As an African-American, female performer during a period of history in which that combination provided particular challenges, she overcame prejudice and social limitations. For example, she was the first black singer to perform on stage at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. One of her most notable concerts was on Easter morning on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Broadcast nationwide via radio, Ms. Anderson sang before a crowd of over 75,000 and millions of listeners after she was prohibited from performing at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the Revolution. In addition to receiving awards for her musical talent, like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement, she received numerous other honors for her commitment to peace and equality. She was appointed goodwill ambassador to Asia and a delegate to the United Nations. She received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the United Nations Peace Prize, the NAACP's Sprigarn Medal for outstanding achievement by a black American, and the President's Medal of Freedom. Clearly, Marian Anderson had a resonating and inspiring voice with the heart and conviction to match. Ms. Anderson's voice was a vehicle of communication, and music her universal language. Hers' represented the voice of so many others who were unable to speak out against the injustices they faced. I am honored to celebrate the issuance of the Marian Anderson commemorative stamp today. Ms. Anderson is quite deserving of this recognition. In doing this we eternalize the courage, conviction, and talent of this remarkable woman.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company for being a leader in minority business development by entering a multiyear master service agreement with All Printing and Graphics Incorporated, a certified minority business enterprise headed by Mr. Hoyett Owens. This agreement goes beyond the ordinary tier one vendor relationship and creates a new model that encompasses the spirit of minority business development. This alliance enables an important minority-owned business in Chicago to draw on R.R. Donnelley's manufacturing, information technology and product development resources, making All Printing and Graphics one of the leading minority-owned printing companies in the country. R.R. Donnelley is a premier, full-service global print provider and the largest printing company in North America. It was founded 140 years ago and serves the largest companies in the world through a comprehensive range of verifiable printing services and market-specific solutions. All Printing and Graphics provides award-winning graphic design and imprinting services. Under the leadership of Mr. Hoyett Owens, it developed from a small printing company to a multimillion-dollar business that was selected by Chicago's Civic Committee of Inner City Business Development and the city of Chicago for a unique program connecting strong minority companies with large corporations. The relationship between R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company and All Printing and Graphics, Incorporated, can serve as an example of a possible solution to the problems facing small businesses. There are an estimated 25 million small businesses in America. They employ half of our workers that account for half of our gross domestic product and create three out of every four new jobs. Small businesses have and will continue to pull the U.S. economy out of recession. They anchor our neighborhoods, employ and train our workers, and take care of our families. They are the reason that the United States economy has consistently been known as the strongest in the world. Despite all of their contributions, they still have many problems and face many barriers, access to capital, opportunity for new markets. The agreement between R.R. Donnelley and All Printing and Graphics is an example of something called BusinessLINC, where a major business links with a smaller business in order to provide not only resources but also technical assistance and open markets for the smaller unit. And so I commend R.R. Donnelley and All Printing and Graphics as an example of how to strengthen and develop small business enterprises in this country and make sure that small businesses continue to grow, thrive and develop.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my time out of order.