Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, every year fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Fire fighters help protect the public against these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergencies. They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries, or perform other vital functions. State fire chiefs associations serve to provide educational resources to fire fighters, to facilitate the exchange of information, to promote regional cooperation between firefighting entities and to provide professional development workshops and training to all state-wide and regional fire fighters. These efforts in recent years have been broadened to include protecting the homeland. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association is dedicated to promoting excellence in the fire service by providing the network of information sharing and opportunities for its diverse membership and associated partnerships through education, legislation, and technical means. The fire chiefs associations help us do our jobs, which is to serve and protect the American public. I commend the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and all fire chief associations for their hard work and dedication. They function for all of us and in our best interest. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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 to close for our side. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 86, which pays tribute to the New England Patriots, their owner, Robert Kraft, their coach, Bill Belichick, and their dedicated fans for the team's historic achievement of winning Super Bowl XXXIX. As an avid, patient, and optimistic Chicago Bears fan, I understand how having a great football team can lift the spirits of an entire community. The fans of New England have stood loyally with the Patriots in tough times since their inception in 1962. However, over the last 4 years their dedication has been rewarded with three Super Bowl victories. In spite of their previous success, this season's Super Bowl championship did not come easily. Headed into the playoffs, the Patriots suffered two disappointing losses, and it was predicted by many that they would lose their first playoff game. The Patriots had a different plan. They first shut down Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in New England by a score of 20 to 3. The Patriots then headed to Pittsburgh to play their rivals, the Steelers, a team that had beaten them decisively earlier in the year. Despite being dubbed the ``team with no stars,'' the Patriots easily disposed of the Steelers by winning 41 to 27, and quieted their critics. Their final test would come in the Super Bowl. Technically favored to win the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, many people believed that Coach Belichick and his players would be outplayed by Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, and the rest of the Eagles' high-scoring attack. Once the game was played, however, it was the Patriots who celebrated. After falling behind early in the game, the Patriots players displayed the hearts of champions by clawing their way back and ultimately winning the game by a score of 24 to 21. By winning their third championship, the Patriots solidified their place as one of the National Football League's greatest teams. Mr. Speaker, I take a moment to commend the efforts of the mastermind behind the operations, Coach Bill Belichick, who has solidified his standings as one of the great coaches in National Football League history. With this win, Bill Belichick improves his playoff record to 10 and 1, the best playoff record of any coach with three Super Bowl wins. His record even eclipses that of the legendary coach, Vince Lombardi. Congratulations to the New England Patriots and their fans and, once again, for a terrific year. I am sure that it will not be their last, and I know that the Chicago Bears have been waiting and watching and hoping to emulate their success.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).

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 Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 324, legislation naming the postal facility in Altamonte Springs, Florida, after Arthur Stacey Mastrapa. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) on January 25, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on February 9, 2005, enjoys the support and co-sponsorship of the entire Florida delegation. Mr. Mastrapa was a city letter carrier at the Arthur Springs Post Office who served in the United States Army Military Police in Iraq when he was killed in action on June 16, 2004. He was 35 years old and due to return home the week that he was killed. Arthur Stacey Mastrapa joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and served at the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and later in Germany. He left active duty in 1998 and joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He became a letter carrier casual in Altamonte Springs and soon earned a career appointment. Sergeant Mastrapa was called back to active duty in 2003 to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom. During his military service, he earned medals for good conduct and service in the national defense. He received two Army Achievement medals and ribbons for service in military law enforcement. Sergeant Mastrapa was a loving family man. He left behind a wife and two children and many, many relatives in the central Florida area, Cuba, Michigan, and Australia. He was also loved and respected by his co-workers at the post office. Designating the post office in Altamonte Springs, Florida, is an excellent way to honor the memory of Arthur Stacey Mastrapa. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for sponsoring this measure. I urge swift passage of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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, it is with great pride and admiration that I rise to support H. Con. Res. 25, recognizing the contribution of Jibreel Khazan, David Richmond, Joseph McNeil and Franklin McCain, the Greensboro Four, to the civil rights movement. Mr. Speaker, on February 1, 1960, Franklin McCain, Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond sat down for lunch at the counter of a Greensboro, North Carolina, Woolworth's. This may not seem like much today, but in 1960 that was an extraordinary act. Extraordinary because the four men were black and the counter inside Woolworth's was segregated. They did not serve people of color. When the four young men from North Carolina A&T were refused service, they remained seated. The restaurant called the police in an attempt to force them to leave. When the police and other white people in Woolworth's used threats of violence and imprisonment to force the four men to leave, they remain seated. This form of resistance became known as a sit-in, a form of peaceful protest that was used extensively during the civil rights movement. The idea worked so well that, rather than serve the four men, the owner closed the store early. Undeterred, the Greensboro Four returned to Woolworth's the next day and sat at the counter. This time, however, they brought with them reporters and local TV news crews to cover the story. By the following day, news of the sit-in had spread and was receiving national attention. The sit-in had grown to include whites as well. After months of sit-ins, Woolworth's decided that they had had enough. On July 26, 1960, they agreed to the Greensboro Four's demand that they integrate the restaurant. This may seem like a small victory in light of later accomplishments in the civil rights movement, but victories like this one laid the foundation for many of the rights people of color enjoy today. The surviving members of the group, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, and Jibreel Khazan, have settled into their own private lives; but their impact on race relations in the United States was profound. It is only fitting that we honor them today in this manner. Mr. Speaker, I reiterate my strong support for this legislation, remember my own days as a student at that time, not in North Carolina but in the State of Arkansas where conditions were very similar, and all of us were touched, moved, inspired, motivated, and activated by the Greensboro Four. I thank the gentleman for introducing this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), a cosponsor of this resolution and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus,

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller ), who is the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, we may soon know the official count from the elections in Iraq but it is already very clear we will not know the real long term impact and results for some time. Will the election unite the Iraqi people or further divide them? Will the new government represent the interests of all sectors of Iraqi society? Will the rights of minorities be protected? Will the new laws of the land be promulgated on a secular or religious basis? The elections do nothing to increase the legitimacy of our so-called ``preventive war.'' The official end for the search for weapons of mass destruction confirms what a majority of the American people have known for some time: we were misled as to the need for military action in Iraq. There was no link between Saddam Hussein and 9/11. U.N. sanctions and inspections were, in fact, highly effective in disarming Iraq after the 1991 war. There is no doubt that those Iraqis who did vote, and already the controversy is growing over what share of the population participated, were expressing their profound hope for an end to the violence, for an improvement in the quality of their lives, for a say in their own futures and an end to the occupation of their country. And why not? Estimates by reputable experts such as the British medical journal, The Lancet are that more than 100,000 Iraqis have died as a result of the war and the on-going violence under the occupation. The Iraqi government has reported that malnutrition among young children has doubled since the war began and that they are experiencing soaring rates of disease exacerbated by a decimated health system. Iraq is no closer to a stable democracy today than it was two years ago. The Iraqi insurgency appears to be growing significantly faster than the security forces we have attempted to train. It is questionable if Iraqi security forces can ever achieve authority as long as our troops have the real responsibility for maintaining order. The presence of more than 130,000 U.S. troops has, in fact, become a rallying point and an endless source of fodder for propaganda by terrorists. At a time when American prestige and leadership is more necessary than ever, when the light of hope for a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people once again flickers to life, U.S. ability to serve as a broker for peace has been crippled by the perception of many of our actions in Iraq. We face the massive and difficult task of rebuilding international alliances and renewing the mechanisms of international diplomacy and security. And what has been the cost to America? As of yesterday, 1,449 American troops killed. 10,740 wounded as of the end of January. Extended time of service for tens of thousands of service men and women and reservists at immense cost to families. The diversion of tens of billions of dollars from homeland security, health, education, housing, and a host of other needs have left some of our most urgent needs here at home untended and unaddressed. The long term impact on our military has not yet been examined, but based on our experience after Vietnam there is good reason to expect that there will be a negative impact. Mr. Speaker, in the interests of stabilizing the situation in Iraq, in the interests of peace and security in the region, in the interests of our homeland security, and in support of our troops, it is time to bring our troops home.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was saddened earlier to learn of the passing of Mr. Milton Davis, the former chairman and president of Shorebank. Shorebank is one of the most innovative, creative community financing operations in the Nation. Milton Davis was a pioneer in community banking. I simply want to extend condolences to his family, and I trust that his legacy will continue to live as neighborhoods and communities reap the benefits of the lending policies and practices that he developed.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barrow).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), another contemporary and friend and colleague of Ossie Davis.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. McKinney).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), the originator of this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have left.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, could I indulge my colleague to yield to us maybe 6 minutes?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Detroit, Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the energetic gentlewoman from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson- Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, we have heard statistic after statistic. We have heard number after number. It is very clear that HIV/AIDS is indeed an emergency situation in the African American community. It is a real problem across the country in all communities. The question that comes is: What do we really do about it? I commend the President for mentioning in his State of the Union address an additional focus on the issue. I agree with my friend from Florida who suggests that we need abstinence and education information, but we really need a comprehensive approach to the problem. We must have enough resources for treatment, we must focus on prevention, and we must focus on changing and altering lifestyles. Mr. Speaker, America has within it the resources to really deal with this issue; we just need the will. I commend the gentlewoman from California for her leadership and all of those who have pledged to do what they can. I also commend all of those individuals in my community. I have been publicly tested three times to help convince individuals to be tested, to do the things that are necessary. Churches are getting more involved, as they should. We must continue. Mr. Speaker, according to the 2000 Census, African Americans make up 12.3 percent of the Nation's population but account for 40 percent of the estimated AIDS cases diagnosed since the epidemic began. Through science, research, and medical advancements, there are better treatments, prevention efforts, and a decline in AIDS diagnoses and deaths, except for African Americans. Between 1999 and 2003, AIDS diagnoses among African-Americans increased by 7 percent, compared to a 3 percent decline among White Americans. Deaths among African Americans remained fairly stable but declined by 18 percent among White Americans over this period. In 2003, 59 children younger than 13 years of age in our country had a new AIDS diagnosis, 40 of the 59 were African- American. Of the 90 infants reported as having HIV/AIDS in 2003, 62 of the 90 were African-American. It is important Congress takes time to focus and support January 7th as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, especially since the startling statistics continue. In 2002-2003, the HIV/AIDS rates for African-American females were 19 times the rates for White females and 5 times the rate for Hispanic females. Although African-American teens ages 13-19 represent only 15 percent of the teenagers in our Nation, they accounted for 65 percent of new AIDS cases reported among teens in 2002. In Illinois and Chicago, we also continue to lose our African- American mothers, sisters and young people--the future generation-- incredibly more than any other group in American to AIDS. Approximately 66 percent of Illinois women living with HIV are African-American, while African Americans only make up 15 percent of the Illinois female population. In Chicago, African-American women are 12 times that of White women and 4 times that of Hispanic women to have AIDS. In Illinois, African-Americans accounted for 58 percent of reported AIDS cases among teens ages 13 to 19. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today rattling off statistic after statistic because HIV/AIDS is plaguing and destroying African-American communities. Yet, I wonder how many of my colleagues or how many Americans, including African-Americans, know how devastating and destructive this disease is on one population in our country. It leads to the questions, why is more not being done? Why has this not been considered a national public health emergency? With more African- American males in prison, more African-American females living and dying with HIV/AIDS, what is to happen to the African-American children and families? We all must get behind the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day slogan ``Get Educated, Get Involved, Get Tested''. I am proud to have joined individuals in my congressional district last year on Worlds AIDS Day and got tested. I am also very excited and pleased that the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AFC, introduced its new Faith in Prevention initiative last year, which aims to include 12 churches and faith-based organizations to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on the health of African-American men and women in Chicago. Each received a leadership grant to support activities such as HIV outreach and education, HIV prevention Ministries, support groups and awareness events. Again, I support this legislation and thank the gentlewoman from California for her dedication to HIV/AIDS and for bring this legislation to the floor. But I remind our country--more needs to be done.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 26 honoring the heroic accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen. At a time when race narrowed the horizons and limited the opportunities of many Americans, the Tuskegee Airmen soared high above the low expectations of the day. The Tuskegee Airmen served their country with great valor and distinction and set in motion the movement to desegregate the Armed Forces, a crucial moment in the civil rights struggle. Black History Month is a good time to remember the American heroes that were not given the full recognition that they were due. The Tuskegee Airmen are deserving of all of the praise that they will surely receive today. All took great risks for their country and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Americans remember our heroes and hold a special place in their hearts for the Tuskegee Airmen. Those that are still with us have continued to serve their country on the home front in various ways and have received not all of the attention. However, a friend of mine from Chicago, Rufus Hunt, who served with the Tuskegee Airmen, has helped to keep the memory and spirit of these brave Americans alive by serving as their chief historian. Others have taught flying skills to underprivileged youth, and still others have worked as mentors. We have a great active group of Tuskegee Airmen in the City of Chicago, the DODO Chapter, and they are still teaching young people how to fly. They have a Young Eagles program. One of my proudest possessions is a jacket that I have that the Tuskegee Airmen's DODO Club has given to me. So I join with all of us as we extol the virtues of those brave men and now women who are members of the Tuskegee Airmen who continue the great tradition of providing the greatest of service and tremendous aviation.