Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 2449 would establish a Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission to cooperate with and assist States and national organizations with programs and activities to ensure a suitable national observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and to educate Americans about the significance of the war in our national history. With the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Civil War became a war to save the Union and to abolish slavery. The war resulted in the loss of 620,000 lives, the liberation of 4 million slaves, and the ratification of three constitutional amendments that changed the way we define freedom and democracy in this country. Frederick Douglass moved many free and runaway slaves to enlist in the Union Army and to fight for their freedom when he said, ``Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, there is no power on Earth can deny that he has earned the right for citizenship in the United States.'' Approximately 180,000 African Americans, comprising 163 units, served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and many more served in the Union Navy. Although black soldiers proved themselves as reputable soldiers, discrimination in pay and other areas remained widespread. We as Americans continue to struggle with issues of race, the politics of federalism and heritage. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War would give us an opportunity to reflect collectively on our shared history and our identity as Americans. Many say and many believe that we have a democracy, that we as African Americans, for example, have equal rights. But we must ask what it really means, and even in 2004 we must ask is freedom and equal rights a reality for all Americans. What we do have, though, is the right to struggle, and the need for struggle is just as important today as it was during the Civil War. Frederick Douglass was right then and Douglass is right now when he said that ``Struggle, struggle, strife and pain are the prerequisites for change, and if there is no struggle, there will be no progress.'' The American Civil War is a critical part of our Nation's history and development. The 105th anniversary of the war should remind us that we have come a long way, but there is still much work to be done, and in the words of the philosopher, we must remember that freedom is a hard- won thing. Each generation must win it, and win it again. The American Civil War was critical to America's development as a nation and a democracy. The 105th anniversary of the war is an appropriate time for us to reflect on its legacy and its impact on our lives. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will just end by suggesting that the Civil War was the costliest war that this country has ever been engaged in and perhaps one of the most important wars that this country will ever fight. I urge strong support of this resolution. 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. Israel).

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, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) in support of this legislation. The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Commission, as established in this act, will plan and develop programs in 2009 that will celebrate the voyages of discovery made by Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain. The programs and activities will mark the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson, the first European to sail up the Hudson River; the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, the first person to use steam navigation on a commercial basis; and the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain, the first European to discover and to explore Lake Champlain. The exploration of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain and the introduction of steam navigation in maritime commerce played an important role in shaping New York State. In addition, these early explorers opened a part of North America that was crucial to international trade throughout eastern New York, the North Country and the Lake Champlain region. The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission represents a unique opportunity to celebrate New York, its history and its heritage.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, a year after the Department of Homeland Security began its ad campaign to educate the American people on how to prepare for a terrorist attack, a USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll published in March found that most Americans have not heeded the government's advice by stocking up on food and water, formulating a plan to contact family members and identifying a ``safe room'' in their homes. This statistic is very troubling, because it demonstrates that the government has not done an adequate job in communicating how important it is to be prepared in the event of an emergency or terrorist attack. Being prepared could mean the difference between life and death. Establishing a National Preparedness Month will focus the public's attention on emergency preparedness and help to resolve issues people may have, such as where to go and how to contact family members during an emergency. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to help protect and to educate our constituents about the threats facing our Nation. H. Con. Res. 489 would help us to do exactly that. There is no such thing as a perfect plan to protect the American people from an attack, but we can work to make our plan as perfect as possible. While the poll suggests that Americans are not as prepared as we should be, it does serve as a wake-up call. So I urge my colleagues to take advantage of this opportunity to vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 489 and to help make sure that we are as prepared as a nation as we can possibly be. 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, almost 1.7 million Americans live in a long-term care facility somewhere in the United States. With improvements in medicine and the aging of the baby boomer generation, that number is likely to increase. Therefore, it is important that we take the steps necessary to secure the safety, dignity and happiness of our senior citizens. In 1987, the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act was created as an important first step towards protecting the rights of senior citizens. The act guaranteed seniors the right to self-determination, to be treated with dignity and the right to voice grievances without reprisal. However, much more can be done to educate seniors about their rights. Creating a National Long-Term Care Residents Rights' Week is a step in the right direction. One week each year, Americans will be educated about long-term care facilities and the quality of care and the quality of life that our seniors deserve. Our seniors are a national treasure that should be valued and treated with the utmost respect. There is no question that we are a stronger, safer and more prosperous nation because of the hard work and sacrifices made by the generations that have come before us. We are without doubt in their debt. I support the goals and ideals of National Long Term Care Residents' Rights Week, and I encourage the President to issue a proclamation that calls upon the people of the United States to observe National Long Term Care Residents' Rights Week beginning October 3. We also need to seriously look at what is being done about the pay of individuals who work in nursing homes and especially those at the lower levels. Even as I speak today, I think of my father who is 93 years old and who is probably breathing out his last breath in a facility today, so I have a great deal of concern for those individuals who work in these facilities and who often times are paid wages that are not commensurate with the importance of the work that they do. I also would like to express appreciation to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) for his leadership on this important piece of legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. 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, since the tragedy of September 11, volunteerism has experienced a renewed popularity in our country. Government officials, religious leaders, political activists, health professionals and others all have noted the importance of volunteerism and the positive impact it has on families and communities. It is fitting, therefore, that we designate September 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity, and compassion. After September 11, many Americans channeled their fear, anger, sadness, and frustration into volunteerism. Americans joined the military, volunteered with local charities, and contributed to good causes. Our citizens have shown tremendous resolve by using the tragedy of September 11 to help the less fortunate and those in need. There are many battles won and lost every day in America. These battles are not exclusive to fighting terrorism. They include fights to eradicate poverty, to improve education, and to reduce crime. By creating a national day of service, we will be giving the American people another vehicle for channeling their grief into progress along their own streets, within their own communities, and around the world. By working together on a day dedicated to volunteerism, we Americans can create the next defining moment in our history, one marked by generosity, understanding, and compassion. I urge the President to designate officially September 11 as a day of service through which the American people can continue this movement of good will towards others. Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Van Hollen amendment to prohibit the use of funds in the Transportation- Treasury and Independent Agencies appropriation bill for fiscal year 2005, which would implement revisions made in 2003 to the Office of Management and Budget's long-standing rules that govern Federal agencies' outsourcing of work. Given the fact we have lost more than 2 million jobs since 2001, we should present a more thoughtful approach to Federal contracting that is fair to both the Federal and private sectors. I am not convinced that the rush to privatization is a cure-all for all of the workplace issues that we need to deal with. Therefore, I am not sure it is going to necessarily save taxpayers money. We should accept the Van Hollen amendment. I urge support for it. Let us go back to the drawing board and get it right.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Lutrelle Palmer, better known as Lu, one of the greatest and most prolific journalists known in this country during the last half of the 20th century. Mr. Palmer was born in 1922 in Newport News, Virginia. He attended the local schools, went to Virginia Union where he earned a bachelor's degree, then to Syracuse University where he was awarded a master's degree in communications. He then went on to the University of Iowa where he completed course work for a Ph.D. but lost his dissertation materials on a train and consequently never received his doctoral degree. Lu worked for several newspapers and taught at a number of colleges and universities. He wrote for the Chicago Daily Defender, the Chicago Courier, the Chicago Daily News, the Tri state Defender, and he developed and owned the Chicago Black X Express and wrote freelance articles for other newspapers and magazines. Lu had a unique and provocative style of writing and was known as ``the Panther with a pen.'' He spent 50 years informing, stimulating, motivating and activating the African American community as a reporter, syndicated columnist, newspaper publisher, radio commentator, activist, community organizer and political strategist. Lu and Vernon Jarrett were black journalistic pioneers in Chicago in that they worked for mainline publications and major electronic outlets but always returned to the black press. Lu Palmer was a Black Nationalist who wrote and spoke eloquently and passionately about black plight, black needs, injustice and black hopes. During the activist 1960s, Lu's pen and voice were read and heard all over America. When the police raided the Black Panther headquarters in Chicago and killed Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, Lu's articles were scathing. He was a leader in the successful effort to defeat then-Cook County State's attorney Edward Hahnrahan. As a result of editorial interference, Lu eventually resigned from the Daily News and organized his own paper, the Black X Express. However, Lu was very selective in the kind of advertising that he would accept. Therefore, his paper only survived for a little more than a year. Lu then got involved with radio journalism and developed Lu's Notebook, a hard-hitting editorial newscast which often ended with the phrase, ``That's enough to make a Negro turn black.'' Lu was now, for all practical purposes, a full-time activist. He was holding community forums, book reviews and seminars. He organized CBUC, Chicago Black United Communities, and then BIPO, Black Independent Political Organization, which held political education classes and trained hundreds of citizens to better understand and be involved in the political process. After the death of Mayor Richard J. Daley, black activists and white political progressives in Chicago saw a crack in the dominant political machine, and Lu Palmer emerged as a leader in the effort to elect a black mayor in Chicago. While Lu was characterized as a black nationalist, he was also a coalition builder. He played a key role in the development of Pro-Can, the Progressive Chicago Area Network, which was made up of mostly blacks, young whites and Hispanics whose goals were good, clean, progressive and honest government. Lu became so obsessed with understanding what a good black mayor could mean for Chicago that he was willing to lose sponsorship of his radio series, and he did. He organized forums, focus groups, rallies and eventually a plebiscite to convince then-Congressman Harold Washington to run for mayor. Mayor Jane Byrne had infuriated the black community with some of her appointments to the school board and the Chicago Housing Authority, plus engineered the loss of Lu's radio series sponsorship from which came the slogan, ``We shall see in '83.'' Harold Washington agreed, ran for mayor and was elected. Lu ran for Harold Washington's vacated seat. Harold, as mayor, supported labor leader Charles Hayes and Charlie was elected. Lu was always a political independent, and after Harold Washington's death, Lu became even more disillusioned with local Democrats and helped Republican Jim Edgar to become governor of Illinois and had enough influence with the black or African American Illinois voters to make it happen. Lu eventually became ill and retired from active public life, but helped his wife Jorja to operate the MENHELCO Group Home for boys which was founded in honor of their son Skipper who suffered from a disability and is now deceased. Lu represented the best of what is a husband, father, teacher, journalist and lover of freedom, liberation, self-determination and race pride could exhibit. He was fiercely black, made no bones about it, and often referred to himself as being an African in America. He leaves to mourn his wife, Jorja, and their children Trudy Palmer, Darien Simon, Karen English, Lu Palmer III, Jamie English, Junior, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Lu Palmer, a man of principle, a man of the people, for the people and of the people. Lu Palmer, a man of greatness.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and 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 Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 4632, legislation designating the United States postal facility in St. Albans, New York, after Archie Spigner. This measure, which was unanimously reported by our committee on July 21, 2004, was introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) on July 21, 2004. H.R. 4632 enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire New York delegation. A native New Yorker, Archie Spigner was born and educated in New York. He was called early on into the world of politics and community activism. In 1974, Mr. Spigner began his first term as a city councilman from Southeast Queens. As a member of the New York City Council, Mr. Spigner chaired the committees on Housing and Building, Economic Development, and the Legislative Office of Budget Review. As a result of his legislative prowess, he was able to assume the post of deputy majority leader, the second highest position in the New York City Council. Mr. Spigner served on the advisory board of the National League of Cities, the City Council Budget Negotiating Team, and liaison for the Queens delegation. As district leader and executive member of the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club, Mr. Spigner was instrumental in electing the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Assembly member, State Senator, and Congress member in the Borough of Queens. He was also instrumental in the campaigns for the Honorable David Dinkins, former mayor of the City of New York; the Honorable Percy Sutton, former Manhattan borough president, the Honorable Carl McCall, former state comptroller; former Congressman Floyd H. Flake; and my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks). Archie Spigner retired from the New York City Council in 2001; and although retired, Mr. Spigner is still involved in politics and community affairs. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), for seeking to honor this political legacy of City Council Member Archie Spigner in this manner. I urge swift passage of H.R. 4632. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as one who grew up, went to school, still have strong family ties, social ties in the State of Arkansas, on the occasion of President William Jefferson Clinton's 58th birthday, it is with great pride that I stand to celebrate and to honor the life of the man who epitomizes the American dream and makes the Horatio Alger story become real. Born in the tiny town of Hope, Arkansas, on August 19, 1946, President Clinton demonstrated from an early age the determination and vision that would ultimately take him to the White House and lead our country to a period of economic prosperity that has been unrivaled by any period in American history. As a man who always fought for those who could not always fight for themselves, Bill Clinton after graduating from Yale Law School spurned private practice and began a career in public service. President Clinton began his political career after being elected Attorney General in 1976. He went on to serve as the Governor of Arkansas, and by the time Governor Clinton left Arkansas for the White House the State of Arkansas had been transformed from a State that faced large deficits and polarizing issues into a shining example of what government can do for its citizens when those in government put aside partisan differences in the best interest of what is right. As America's 42nd President, Bill Clinton faced an even more daunting task, and in 1992, the American people were fed up with government. The economy was in bad shape. Unemployment was at a record high, and it was a time when many American parents struggled with basic financial decisions such as what holiday presents they could afford to buy their children. By the time President Clinton left office 8 years later, he had led our country out of this darkness and into one of the brightest eras in American history, the lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation rate in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the United States history, and dropping crime rates in many American cities. Contrary to the bogus stereotype thrown at Democrats, he proposed the first balanced budget in decades, balanced the budget, and then went on to produce a surplus. Since leaving office, President Clinton has continued his lifelong odyssey of working for those in need. Working from his office in Harlem, President Clinton has remained engaged on many social issues. Just last year, he brokered an historic agreement with four generic drug companies to provide low-cost AIDS drugs in developing countries. The world is a better place today because of the 58 years President Clinton has given us so far, and we look forward to many more. We are pleased to hear that President Clinton is expected to make a full recovery from his bypass surgery. We certainly wish him and his family the best, and take this opportunity to say thank you, Mr. President, and happy birthday.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, combating terrorism has emerged as one of the most important U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. The number of terrorist groups is reportedly growing and the technology to inflict mass casualties is becoming more readily available. The United States and other cooperating nations are confronted with four major tasks, namely, (1) deterring and identifying terrorists and their sponsors and supporters (2) weakening terrorist financial ability and infrastructure (3) making potential targets extremely difficult to be accomplished, and (4) containing damage in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Given these priorities Congress and the administration should accept the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report as a guidance document toward effectively combating terrorism without diminishing the people's civil liberties and rights. Combating terrorism requires government activity designed to gather information on, and restrict the activities of individual terrorists and groups seeking to engage in direct or indirect terrorist activity. This is a challenge facing the Congress as to how--in a growing age of globalization, deregulation, democracy and individual freedom--to institute effective communication between various intelligence agencies, information sharing across Federal, State and local governments and private sectors and the method of implementing regulatory and monitoring systems which will help deter, identify, and track terrorists and stop their activities.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2634 and commend Senator Gordon Smith and his family for helping to put the spotlight on this problem. I am happy to be the original sponsor, along with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), for the second part of this legislation dealing with the mental and behavioral health of young people on our college campuses. I was pleased to have our bill, H.R. 3593, the Campus Care and Counseling Act, combined with the gentleman from Tennessee's suicide bill to produce the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. According to a survey described in the Chronicle of Higher Education in 2002, depression among college freshmen has nearly doubled, from 8.2 percent to 16.3. Along with depression, the number of suicidal students tripled and the number of students seen after a sexual assault quadrupled. Without treatment, researchers noted that depressed adolescents are at risk for school failure, social isolation, promiscuity, self-medication with drugs and alcohol, and suicide. I agree with the gentleman from Tennessee relative to some of the parental consent language. However, it is a good bill that leads us in the direction of dealing with a major health problem. Again I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding me this time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express and convey congratulations to Mr. Bruce Mims, my longtime friend and professional associate on the occasion of his retirement from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Mr. Mims started work in Public Health at a time when very few African Americans were engaged in this profession. It was also a very exciting time in that the Voting Rights Act had been passed, the war on poverty program was being implemented, health problems, needs and issues were being identified in a big way and Bruce was a young, energetic and willing participant. I first knew Bruce as Executive Director of the Mid-South Health Planning Organization, a Sub-B Agency of the comprehensive Health Planning Agency. The Agency was a sister to the Westside Health Planning Organization, an agency that I ran. When the law for our agencies sunset, Bruce went to work for the Illinois Department of Public Health, where he became one of the foremost Public Health experts in the country and remained there until his retirement. It has been a pleasure knowing and working with Bruce for all of these years. I congratulate him on his outstanding contributions and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on Monday, July 19, 2004 due to official business. If I was present for rollcall votes for the following bills: 391 on motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 1587--To promote freedom and democracy in Viet Nam; 392 on motion to suspend the rules and agree, S. Con. Res. 114--``Concerning the importance of the distribution of food in schools to hungry or malnourished children around the world''; 393 on motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 2264--The Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act, I would have voted ``yea'' to all of these bills.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend all of those who have shown leadership on this issue. I have been told that the only way that evil can triumph is that good people do nothing. I believe it was Dante who suggested that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who declare neutrality and do nothing in times of great moral crisis. We have all heard the atrocities that are continuously being heaped upon the people in the Sudan. It is time for us to act, and to act convincingly. We have to ask ourselves the question, if not us, then who? If not now, then when? I commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) and all of those who have demonstrated great leadership on this issue. We are here tonight to sound the alarm, once again, on genocide in Sudan. There is no room for neutrality in the face of the crimes being committed there each day. Amnesty International has renewed its charge that the international community is not doing enough to protect women in the Darfur region and the refugee camps in Chad where mass rape is being used as a weapon. Since 1983, more than two million Black civilians have died during the Civil War in the south of Sudan. That struggle was especially brutal for the civilian population: slave raids resulting in the enslavement of women and children, gang rape, ethnic cleansing, and the imposition of famine conditions for hundreds of thousands. On October 21, 2002, the President signed the Sudan Peace Act which stated, in part: ``The acts of the Government of Sudan constitute genocide as defined by the [United Nations] Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948).'' That bill requires President Bush to certify, every six months, that the government in Khartoum is negotiating in good faith for an end to that Civil War. According to some sources, we may be close to a framework for peace in that region. On May 12th The New York Times carried this report: ``A team of U.S. diplomats led by Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Charles Snyder is on its way to Kenya to help put the final touches on an agreement to end Sudan's 21-year civil war, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Wednesday.'' However, at the same time, Khartoum has launched a massive ethnic cleansing of Black Africans in Darfur, in the western region of Sudan. The same article in the New York Times reported: ``He said Snyder also would discuss with Sudanese officials the situation in the western Darfur region where human rights groups charge the Khartoum government and allied Arab militia are carrying out a campaign of `ethnic cleansing' against Black African tribes, forcing some 1 million people to flee their homes.'' Human Rights Watch and investigators for the United Nations have documented widespread ethnic cleansing and have characterized the situation there as ``crimes against humanity.'' More than 100,000 have fled the region and are now refugees in neighboring Chad. As the seasonal rains begin to set in, it is becoming more and more difficult to move refugees to relative safety and to provide even minimal subsistence. Malnutrition is at acute levels in the camps especially among children. So, while our diplomats expressed their ``grave concern'' to the UN Human Rights Commission response to the murder, rape and forced removals in western Sudan, the President gave his certification that Khartoum was negotiating in ``good faith'' to end the decades old struggle in the south. If the President had chosen to withhold that certification, it would have instituted a program of significant economic sanction against Sudan. How, one might ask, can the government of Sudan negotiate in ``good faith'' to end genocide in one region, and openly engage in genocide in another region? And how, it is reasonable to ask, can our own government accept the notion of negotiating in ``good faith'' in one region of the Sudan, while conducting a ruthless genocide in another? Mr. Speaker, only a short time ago we paused here to mark the tenth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. More than 800,000 died while the world watched, and did nothing. Once again genocide is unfolding before us. Those who have taken note have expressed their horror at what they have seen. But where is the public outcry? Where are the front page pictures? Where is the response of our government on behalf of the American people? The ominous sign is that our government is willing to turn its eyes away from genocide in the West of the Sudan in favor of resuming oil production in the oil rich Southern region. The genocide in the South was characterized by both racial and religious differences. The genocide in the Western region pits Muslim against Muslim but retains the racial character of the genocide in the South. Mr. Speaker. In the name of fighting terrorism we have begun a campaign under the rubric of the Global Peace Operations. Even though President Bush has not formally announced the initiative, U.S. troops are now active from Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden to the Atlantic including Mali, Mauritania, Chad and Niger. The question we now confront is this: is the slaughter of hundreds of thousands, even millions of Africans, terrorism? If our struggle against terrorism is truly global, can we be truly engaged in a global war on terrorism, and not engage genocide in Africa? Mr. Speaker, funding for State Department programs in Africa such as the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program and the Enhanced International Peacekeeping Capacities have languished for years. If we are to engage in a new anti-terrorism initiative in Africa, I would hope the President would consult with the Congress and with the Congressional Black Caucus as to how the struggle against terrorism will be shaped so as to protect the people of Africa as well as the peoples of the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Mr. Speaker, on June 24 the U.S. Holocaust Museum here in Washington took the dramatic step of closing access to its main exhibitions to call attention to the horror underway in Darfur. Around that same time U.N. Secretary General Koffi Annan and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell paid a visit to the western Sudan. Secretary Powell expressed his deep concern over what he saw with his own eyes as an humanitarian crisis. But he failed to place the events in the Sudan in their proper historical context: the world is once again facing the onslaught of genocide. When asked, Secretary Powell, speaking on behalf of this administration, was asked if this was genocide responded, ``Let's not put a label on things.'' Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that is exactly what we need to do. Our failure to acknowledge genocide in the Sudan led directly to the abdication of the G-8 leaders in their responsibilities to intervene to save the lives of tens of thousands of African men, women and children as called for by the International Genocide Convention. Mr. Speaker, if America cannot remember the great lessons of history, cannot confront genocide, or if we do not count the deaths of tens of thousands of Africans as genocide then the days ahead are sure to be some of the saddest and most difficult we have ever confronted.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, like thousands of others across the world, I was involved actively in the efforts to free South Africa. I attended many rallies, participated in demonstrations, walked picket lines, raised money and was very pleased as a member of the Chicago City Council to introduce the anti-apartheid ordinance that we passed, which prohibited the city from doing business with the Government of South Africa until such time as their policies changed. So I am pleased to rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 436, celebrating 10 years of majority rule in the Republic of South Africa and recognizing the momentous social and economic achievements of South Africa since the institution of democracy in that country. Ten years ago the people of South Africa were given hope for the redresses of injustices in the past. When they held their first nonracial democratic elections to parliament in 1994, many South Africans were poor, hungry, sick and homeless. But today the people of South Africa and the world can say that progress has been made to improve the lives of South Africans and the conditions of the country. Before 1994, 22 million South Africans did not have access to adequate sanitation. Now approximately 63 percent of the households do. Also, more than 70 percent of households in South Africa now have electricity compared to 60 percent before 1994. Since 1994, 9 million people in South Africa have gained access to clean water, 1.6 million houses have been built for the poor people of South Africa, secondary school enrollment increased from 70 percent to 85 percent, and students now learn in a racially integrated school system. Furthermore, to help the poor and to improve the educational system of the country, the Government of South Africa established nutritional and educational programs to benefit the youngest and poorest individuals in the country. And while we cannot say that all of the problems have been solved or all of the needs have been met, we can say with assurance that the quality of life for people in South Africa, for the masses of people, has indeed changed and that is a tribute to democracy. It is also a tribute to all of the struggles of the people who helped to make it happen. I commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for his introduction of this resolution. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor this evening because earlier today I failed to pass an amendment in a Committee on Education and the Workforce markup. My amendment was a very simple amendment, very modest amendment. It was an amendment that would have allowed States to move utilization of their leadership funds for vocational education from 1 percent to 3 percent. Now, I think my amendment failed not because it lacked merit. I do not think it failed because it was too ambitious, but I think it failed basically because of a lack of understanding and sensitivity to what I think is emerging as one of the biggest problems facing urban America today, and that is, the problem of individuals coming home from prison with no skill, little education, no training and virtually no ability to get a job, which sends them right back to the penitentiaries from which they have come. We have become, Mr. Speaker, the most incarcerated Nation on the face of the Earth, the United States of America. It is hard to believe, but we have more people in prison per capita than any other country on the face of the Earth. Right now, as I speak, there are more than 2 million people in this country who are incarcerated, in jails and prisons. More than 640,000 of them come home each and every year. Now, I will not even bother to go into why there are so many people in prison: mandatory minimums, antiquated sentencing laws, get tough on drugs, punishment that does not fit the crime; of course, lack of prevention, lack of education, poverty; all of the things that characterize individuals who are in prison and, of course, in many instances, race and ethnic backgrounds. The realities are, if we do not do something to stem the tide, then this problem keeps recurring over and over and over again. Last year, I introduced a bill, the Public Safety Ex-Offender Self- Sufficiency Act of 2003, along with the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder). That bill calls for the building of 100,000 units of SRO-type housing for ex-offenders, people as they come out of prison because all of the studies suggest that one of the biggest problems that people have when they return home from prison is having a stable environment in which to live. About 3 weeks ago, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and I and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) introduced the Second Chance Ex-Offender Act which is, in reality, a scaled-down version of our first bill. What we are really trying to do is to assist people to reenter back into normal life. It has nothing to do with getting soft on crime or being soft on crime, but it has everything to do with promoting public safety, with reducing recidivism, with improving the quality of life, not only for those individuals who return but for all of those with whom they come into contact. So, Mr. Speaker, I hope that as we continue to move progressively in our country that we would take a different look at how we treat punishment and how individuals who have gone afoul of the law should have and must have a second chance.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Eugene Dibble as he prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday on July 22, 2004. Mr. Dibble also known as ``Big Gene'' has been a leader and a pioneer in many areas since moving to the City of Chicago. He was one of the first African American stockbrokers in Chicago. In addition, Mr. Dibble demonstrated his business and family acumen by owning five businesses at one time and having five children who worked in those businesses. In addition, to being a businessman Mr. Dibble was elected and served as a Trustee for the Chicago Sanitary District. Among Mr. Dibble's many talents has been his keen focus and vision on homeland security. Seven years ago, Mr. Dibble came to my office with a proposal for an Emergency Response Center that would be available in the event of a terrorist attack in downtown Chicago. Perhaps Mr. Dibble's volunteerism for the Red Cross, Salvation Army and emergency response teams in Chicago and Markham, Illinois prepared him for his leading role in being prepared for disasters. Among Mr. Dibble's greatest accomplishments is that of a family man. Mr. Dibble has been married to his wife Jeanette for 48 years. Also, they are the proud grandparents of six grandkids and counting. I ask that my colleagues join with me in commending and congratulating Gene and his family as they celebrate 75 years of his life. Gene may God keep you and bless you with many happy healthy years to come. Thank you.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in the late 1990s, the Government Reform and Education and Workforce Committees, held oversight hearings to examine the barriers to telecommuting and federal agencies' development and promotion of telework programs. It was then thought that the primary benefits of telecommuting were reducing traffic congestion and pollution, improving recruitment and retention of employees, reducing the need for office space, increasing productivity, and improving the quality-of-life and morale of federal employees. These continue to be compelling and valid reasons for implementing agencywide telework programs. Representative Frank Wolf is to be commended for moving legislation that pushes agencies to increase the number of federal employees who telecommute. Today, post 9-11, we are again holding hearings on telecommuting. We have another, very compelling reason to push federal agencies, and ourselves, to develop and implement the infrastructure and work processes necessary to support telecommuting. They are emergency preparedness and the continued threat of terrorism. The question we must ask ourselves is this: In the event of an emergency, are we--this Committee, our staffs, and federal agencies-- prepared to serve the American people, if in an emergency situation, our primary places of work are no longer available to us? You only have to read the General Accounting Office's (GAO) April 2004 report entitled, ``Human Capital: Opportunities to Improve Federal Continuity Planning Guidance,'' to know that the answer is no. The GAO report notes that the government is better prepared to handle an emergency than it was before 9-11, but there is room for improvement. Federal agencies' continuity of operations plans (COOP) address securing the safety of all employees and responding to the needs of personnel performing essential operations, but essential personnel make up only a small portion of the total federal workforce. Neither the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) nor the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agencies responsible for providing emergency preparedness guidance in COOP, have addressed workforce considerations related to the resumption of broader agency operations. While COOP efforts should give priority to the safety of all employees and address the needs of those who directly support essential operations, the resumption all other operations is crucial to achieving mission results and serving the American people. The GAO report states that, ``Given that the majority of employees would be associated with resumption efforts rather than essential operations, considering this segment of the organization is an important part of continuity planning.'' According to GAO, continuity efforts should be guided by two key workforce principles: the demonstration of sensitivity to individual employee needs and the maximization of all employees contributions to mission results. I introduced H.R. 4797 to push agencies to do just that. The legislation would require the Chief Human Capital Officer Council to conduct and evaluate a 30-day demonstration project that broadly uses employees' contributions to an agency's operations from alternate work locations, including home. The outcome of the demonstration project would provide agencies and Congress with approaches to gaining flexibility and identifying work processes that should be addressed during an extended emergency situation. This Congress experienced a prolonged emergency situation when, in 2001, congressional office buildings were closed from 2 weeks to 3 months due to the threat of anthrax contamination. Congressional staff stayed home, or they were hastily relocated to nearby federal office buildings. A Congressional Research Report on congressional continuity of operations stated that although alternate office accommodations were in place, office computer and hard copy files in the closed offices, in many cases, were inaccessible. The number and types of potential emergency interruptions are unknown and we must be prepared, in advance of an incident, with the work processes and infrastructure needed to reestablish agency operations. In a world where anything is possible, we must be prepared for all the possibilities. ACT Applauds Efforts To Ensure Continuity of Federal Operations Through Teleworking The Association for Commuter Transportation applauds Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) in his effort to ensure continuity of Federal operations in the event of an emergency, natural or manmade, by making effective use of telecommuting. The legislation introduced today by Congressman Davis will show that establishing effective telework programs for the Federal Workforce will allow for continuity of federal operations in the event of an emergency. The events of September 11th showed us that the Federal government needs to be better prepared to operate in the event of an emergency. However, an act of terror is not the only event that prevents the federal government from operating effectively. Recent events such as the anthrax incident, the tractor incident, numerous weather related events, and the events surrounding the passing of former President Reagan have all but shut down the National Capital Region. Despite this fact, the government has a need to function day to day processes even in the event of an emergency. ACT feels that the legislation introduced today will serve as a test bed on how to operate in the event of such emergencies and provide a pilot for emergency preparedness in the context of natural disasters in other regions as well. The legislation will leave us better prepared to face the next event, and will also highlight the many benefit of telecommuting and will teach us what we need to do better. ACT urges the Government Reform Committee and the full Congress to pass this legislation into law. We believe that the Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, Tom Davis (R-VA) is true champion of teleworking and we hope that he will align himself with this legislation. ACT looks forward to working with Congress and with Congressmen Danny Davis (D-IL) and Tom Davis (R-VA) to see passage of this important bill. The members of ACT represent a broad coalition of organizations--from major private-sector businesses and institutions to transportation agencies--but we all have one thing in common . . . We are all working cooperatively to make transportation work better by making it more efficient and less costly. ACT members understand that addressing the nation's transportation challenges requires investment in a comprehensive multi-faceted approach--not just the way we build our transportation systems, but the way we use our transportation system. Through programs and services that enhance and promote real transportation choices, ACT members and their partners are developing innovative solutions designed to ensure personal mobility, maximize the performance, security and safety of transportation facilities.