Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, we have failed to make a real TANF reform that helps the working poor low-income single parents, children of poverty stricken families, and especially the men and women who have a drug conviction. The TANF program contains several provisions that could decrease funding for individuals who received a drug felony conviction, which includes use, possession, or distribution. There is a lifetime ban on TANF and food stamps for individuals who receive a drug felony conviction after August 22, 1996, unless the State enacts legislation to disregard the ban completely or narrow it. Only 7 States and the District of Columbia have completely opted out of the ban with another 18 states allowing benefits to be paid to individuals with drug felony conviction in certain circumstances. For instance, in only three states the ban does not apply to those who finish their sentence and comply with their parole or probation, six states do not apply the ban to those in treatment or who have completed treatment. However, 41% of States ban TANF and food stamps based on the conviction alone. A report in 2002 estimated that the ban affected 92,000 women in 23 States studied. Mr. Speaker, this is not a State issue. This is our Nation's issue. If we do not help all of those in need, if we stop giving assistance to some of our most needy, those with an addiction or who have been falsely accused of this conviction, our Nation will end up paying for it with higher rates of crime, higher recidivism rate, and a number of individuals remaining drug-users. The National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study found that women treated in federally funded treatment programs increased their employment and decreased their use of welfare. The number who reported being employed in the year after treatment increased by 25 percent. Incomes also increased by 6 percent while the number receiving public assistance decreased by 8 percent. This clearly demonstrates that punishment and banning assistance is not the answer. Instead, federal assistance will assist to produce working, tax-paying citizens.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas for yielding me this time. On Saturday of last week, I attended the funeral of Sergeant Phipps, who had been killed in Iraq in the line of duty. And, of course, as one could expect, it was a very solemn period, and there were thousands of people from his community who came to pay their last respects. It occurred to me as this bill was coming to the floor that individuals should have the opportunity certainly to come home and visit for rest, recuperation, and to see their families and friends while they are alive and healthy. So I simply came down to urge passage of this legislation and to indicate my support for it and to suggest that all soldiers who give of themselves should have the opportunity to experience interaction with their family. I thank the sponsors of this legislation, and I urge its strong support.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join with my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3917, legislation naming a postal facility in Copiague, New York, after Maxine Postal. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) on March 9, 2004, and unanimously reported by our committee on March 18, 2004, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire New York delegation. Maxine Postal was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942. She grew up in Brooklyn, was educated in Brooklyn, and taught school in Brooklyn. In 1968, she opened the Busy Bee Nursery School and Kindergarten in Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Postal used her vast teaching experience and expertise to serve as president of the Hauppauge Library Board and later as president of the Amityville Board of Education. In the late 1980s, Mrs. Postal was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature where she served for 15 years until her death of Creutzfeldt-Jakob, a rare brain disorder, on New Year's Day at a hospice on West Palm Beach, Florida. While an active member of the county legislature, Mrs. Postal was a liberal Democrat, I like that, dedicated to improving the lives of those in her community. She was a tireless advocate for the homeless, the downtrodden, and the poor, using her position on the social services committee to better living conditions for those living on the streets. She was a woman of the people who fought for everyone and championed the rights of all to live free from discrimination and oppression. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the sponsor in honoring the life of Maxine Postal and pleased that we are seeking to remember her good works, her good deeds, her advocacy for the poor, the downtrodden, those who are oftentimes forgotten. So it is my pleasure to urge swift passage of this resolution. I know that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) had wanted to be present but could not make it, and I wanted to indicate that so that, as sponsor of this legislation, his name is listed in the Record as individuals pick up the Congressional Record and see or read the proceedings.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I 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 with my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 3723, legislation naming a postal facility in Dallas, Texas, after Vaughn Gross. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) on January 21, 2004, and unanimously reported by our committee on March 4, 2004, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Texas delegation. A graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in special education, Mrs. Gross has dedicated her life to teaching and working with children with learning disabilities. Her vast teaching experience has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Mrs. Gross has won the distinguished Teacher of the Year from the Richardson Association of Children with Learning Disabilities and has achieved the Parent Teacher Association life membership status. Currently, Mrs. Gross is serving as the Assistant Superintendent in the Richardson Independent School District. She is involved in a number of community organizations such as the Psychoanalysis Professional Development and Appraisal System, the District Instructional Strategies Committee, the Central Math Textbook Committee, and the Richardson Independent School District Professional Development Strategic Action Team. And, finally, Mrs. Gross has received her school district's Silver Cup Award for Community on Campus and has been nominated for the YMCA Women of Achievement Award. Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that Mrs. Gross has a distinguished record of community service, and although it is oftentimes unusual while people are still available to achieve these kinds of recognitions to see that the people of her community and that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), her representative in Congress, thinks enough of her dedication to name this postal facility in her honor, I am pleased to join with him and urge swift adoption of this measure. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional educator in the 32nd Congressional District of Texas with this legislation H.R. 3723, ``To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8135 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, as the `Vaughn Gross Post Office Building.' '' I am pleased to honor Vaughn Gross with the naming of this post office. It is a fitting tribute to a career educator who has served children with special needs and disabilities with excellence and distinction. As a father of a child with special needs, I know firsthand that it takes an extraordinary person to educate children with disabilities. It requires both love and passion to be able to accomplish this tough task, and I admire Mrs. Gross for her drive and determination to improve the lives of children with disabilities. Vaughn Gross began her career in education 36 years ago as an innovative classroom teacher for children with special needs and disabilities at Wooten Elementary School in Austin, Texas. For the past 30 years, she has served with the Richardson Independent School District. From 1993 until 1999, Mrs. Gross held the position of Principal of Brentfield Elementary School. From 1999 until 2003, she was the Principal of Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet School. Mrs. Gross currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Few in school administrations come from special education backgrounds, so it is notable that Mrs. Gross has been able to continue her commitment to improving special education as she transitioned from the classroom into her current administrative position. All too often, we as a society do not give the appropriate recognition to dedicated teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty to educate those children with disabilities and special needs. Mrs. Gross has dedicated her life to furthering the education of the countless children who have benefited from her years of experience. I believe that this legislation not only honors Mrs. Gross, but also pays a fitting tribute to the scores of educators in Texas and throughout the country who specialize in teaching our children with disabilities and special needs. In addition to teaching her students, Mrs. Gross has made tremendous efforts to share her successful techniques with other educators in Texas to help improve the teaching of students outside of her home school district. I have always been impressed with her abilities, and I sincerely wish her all the best as she continues her career with the Richardson Independent School District.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Greek Independence Day with the people of Greece and Greek Americans. March 25, 2004, marked the 183rd anniversary of the beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire. It is important for us to not only recognize and celebrate this day with the people of Greece but also to reaffirm the democratic heritage from which the United States and the country of Greece were born. I am proud to represent Greek Town in the city of Chicago, and I certainly want to extend congratulations to not only my Greek constituents but the people of Greece all over the world and especially those in Greece.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for yielding me this time. And I also want to commend the Congressional Black Caucus for putting together this budget, a budget which recognizes that reentry of individuals coming out of correctional institutions as one of the great needs and one of the great problems that exist in our society. Unfortunately, the President's budget takes away from justice programs that would facilitate the reentry of these individuals. The Congressional Black Caucus budget restores those programs to help the 640,000 people who come out of jails and prisons each year to find their way back into meaningful participation in society. And for that reason I strongly support the Congressional Black Caucus budget. Mr. Chairman, I have always been told that budgets are a way of expressing one's positions and priorities in real dollars and cents; therefore, when we look at the Bush budget, one experiences mixed emotions, emotions that suggest concurrence that we need a strong defense budget, we need serious resources to fight terror and we do indeed need to provide for Homeland Security. However, as we fight the war against terrorism, we also need to fight against illiteracy, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, poor health, inadequate housing, and environmental protection. We need to try and make sure that there is money to tackle correction reform, money to make education, rehabilitation and training viable in parts of our correctional system. We need money to help re-integrate ex-offenders back into normal life, otherwise, we keep sending them back to prison, thereby, costing the taxpayers money. Monies we should not have to spend especially, when we help them to become self-sufficient. During the State of the Union Address in January, President Bush said, ``600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society'' this year, and these Americans are in need of help. Many of these individuals are never able to find a decent place to live; cannot access various entitlement programs such as public housing, Pell grants, and, in some instances, food stamps; and are oftentimes denied employment because of their past criminal convictions. There is little wonder that 52 percent of these individuals end up back in jail. President Bush articulated the need for education, job training and housing well when he said ``America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.'' The Republican's budget cuts criminal justice and crime control programs for fiscal year 2005 by $494 million and continues to increase cuts for fiscal years 2006 through 2009 by $4.2 billion. I am concerned about the Republican's budget not adequately addressing certain issues within the criminal justice system that pertain to the Justice Assistance Grant Program which is cut by $468 million, Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program cut by $219 million, Department of Justice reentry program to help facilitate individuals with felony convictions back into normal community life is cut by $300 million and the Edward Byrne Memorial grant programs used to fight drugs in our communities is cut by $477 million. This budget plan is unfair, unjust and fiscally irresponsible. It shortchanges the domestic needs of our country.

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, there is no greater gift a person can give to his or her country than to serve in the Armed Forces. Today, we honor the thousands of soldiers, men and women, serving our country at home in the United States and around the world, as well as the millions of Americans who have served in years past. While our reasons for going to Iraq, or any other war, for that matter, can be questioned and scrutinized, one issue that should remain above the political fray is the profound courage that has always been exhibited by our troops. They have always honored America by protecting our Nation both at home and abroad in a manner befitting a great nation. Today our Nation turns to them and says, ``Thank you.'' Over 500 Americans have lost their lives thus far in Iraq, and it is crucial to the future of both our Nation and other nations that Americans, both young and old, understand that without these soldiers and the countless others who have died in wars past, making this ultimate sacrifice, there would be no America as we know it today. The tremendous freedoms we all enjoy, including freedom of speech, the right to representation in government and the right to assemble were all earned because tremendous human beings were willing to fight for those freedoms. Although no gesture can ever do justice to the work done by our men and women of the Armed Forces, with the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month, our Nation can do no more to thank these brave Americans for the unbelievable service they have provided to all of us.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will close by just simply saying that as we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, I can think of no better way to do that than by naming a post office in honor of Lloyd Burke, whose display of courage is an indication of all that has made this Nation the great Nation that it is. I strongly support this resolution. 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, when I lived in Arkansas, we used to call Stuttgart the ``rice, duck and mosquito capital of the world.'' Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry), the author of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, ``Pound for pound, he's got to be the greatest living athlete'' in racing, writer Red Smith once wrote of Willie Shoemaker. This resolution honors Willie Shoemaker, who was one of the most successful and respected jockeys ever to mount a thoroughbred. Willie Shoemaker was born in 1931 in Fabens, Texas. He later moved to southern California, where he cleaned stables and began riding thoroughbreds. Once ``Shoe,'' as he was called, began racing, he quickly learned how to win. In his career, Willie Shoemaker won 8,833 races, a record that stood for 29 years. One of Willie Shoemaker's most memorable rides was in the 1986 Kentucky Derby. He guided Ferdinand through the pack of Derby competitors to victoriously cross the finish line 2\1/2\ lengths ahead. At age 54, he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. Willie Shoemaker made an impression on our Nation not just as an athlete but as a person. In 1957, Shoemaker was poised to win the Kentucky Derby when he misjudged a finish line and eased up too soon, losing the race. He turned his mistake into something positive by honoring Ralph Lowe, the owner of the horse Shoemaker was riding, who handled Shoemaker's loss with grace. Shoemaker endowed the Ralph Lowe Trophy to be presented annually to a distinguished racing competitor for good sportsmanship. After he was severely injured in a car accident, Shoemaker used his talents in other ways. He served as honorary chairman of the Paralysis Project and served as director of the Shoemaker Foundation, which provides support to those injured in horse racing. This resolution honors Willie Shoemaker and expresses condolences to his family and friends. Though his loss is certainly felt by many, the memory and legend of Willie Shoemaker and his perseverance will endure. People will certainly remember him as a great jockey, but also remember him as a great humanitarian. He used his ability, his presence not only to win races but to help us all understand that when you give of yourself that is when you are really at your best. Willie Shoemaker was the best. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3769, legislation naming a postal facility in Knoxville, Tennessee, after Ben Atchley. This measure was introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) on February 4, 2004 and unanimously reported by our committee on February 12, 2004. Ben Atchley was born in Knoxville, grew up in the area and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He served in the Tennessee State Senate from the 90th through the 103rd general assemblies. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Mr. Atchley was a member of the State House. As a member of the Tennessee State Senate, Senator Atchley served as the Senate Republican leader from the 95th through the 103rd general assemblies. As a seasoned politician representing District 6 in Knoxville, Tennessee, Senator Atchley has enjoyed a very successful career. I note that he is retiring this year after 32 years in politics. He has also been very involved in community and business organizations. Madam Speaker, what I find most interesting about Senator Atchley is that, according to his secretary, his first apartment, after he got married, was directly across the street from the post office being named after him. The Senator also worked right next door to the same post office where he had a job with South Central Bell Telephone Company. And his high school, Young High School, was a stone's throw down the road from the post office. This postal designation was definitely meant to happen. So I commend my colleague for seeking to honor the contributions of Senator Atchley and urge swift passage of this bill. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. This case has been acknowledged as the commencement of other milestones from the civil rights struggle. As we take the time to embrace and celebrate, Brown vs. Board of Education has truly become ground zero of the civil rights movements. This movement has affected African Americans tremendously; although Brown has opened many doors for African Americans some have remained closed. It is unfortunate that our society has not truly integrated. Brown vs. Board of Education's primary focus was to integrate schools; however it did not pertain to anything occurring outside of schools. Several schools had been integrated, but as time persists we are continuing to revert back to a time of segregation within the schools. Fifty years ago the U.S. Supreme Court realized the truth that, ``separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.'' Consequently, educational integration is an essential prerequisite to achieving a just, democratic fair society, which was finally acknowledged by the high court. If the U.S. Supreme Court had not recognized this ongoing dilemma that continuously occurred I may not be standing before you all today. There would not have been as many African American's pursuing or fulfilling their dreams and providing a better lifestyle for themselves and their family. Although Brown opened many doors and we have experienced same success, nevertheless much remains to come, such as the problems surrounding housing, poverty, inadequate education for minority children, and increasing the enrollment for post-graduate studies. Yet today, 50 years after this landmark decision, more African American, Latino, and Native American children attend segregated and unequal schools than ever before. Currently, Black communities in every part of the country, including schools, are experiencing an increase in segregation; although it does not surpass the stratum of the pre-civil rights of the South. Despite the fact, in my state, Illinois is one of the nation's most segregated metropolitan communities; and has been consistently among areas in the nation's most segregated, in terms of their schools. The National Center for Educational Statistics conducted a study on African American males ages 16-24 are more than twice as likely as white males to be both out of school and out of work. It is horrendous that children of today are continuing to experience segregation within educational institutions. For instance, a study conducted by Harvard University in 2001-2002 stated, in Illinois, 18 percent of African American students attended white schools, while 61 percent of African Americans attended minority schools. Some African American children are forced to attend school in dilapidated buildings; many do not receive an adequate education, and several are displaced into special education frequently because the teacher cannot manage the child's behavior. The school dropout rate is higher for African Americans than for whites. According to the Chicago Reporter, 2 out of 3 African American male students who entered high school did not graduate from high school within 5 years. White high school graduates are much more likely to go to college and complete college than African Americans. The problem also persists throughout post graduate degrees. For instance, of the 17,000 dental students enrolled in U.S. dental schools in 1998-1999, less than 1,000 were African Americans, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The Journal of Dental Education states that, African Americans instead have a higher percentage in jobs with lower skills and lower pay, such as a Dental Assistant rather than a Dental Hygienist. This clearly demonstrates the inequalities in education for African Americans. The Supreme Court was supposed to create and continue the legacy of ``separate but equal,'' however our Nation is truly experiencing desegregation in public schools. African American students nationwide are unbelievably disproportionately placed in special educational classes. These individuals who have been overly classified as special education students are confronted with the denial of equal opportunity. When compared to white children, African American children were three times as likely to be labeled ``mentally retarded'' or ``emotionally disturbed,'' while minority students are usually misclassified, inadequately served, receive low quality services, or segregated from white students according to a study by Harvard University. Currently, education is perhaps the most important function of the state and local governments. Education is a principal instrument in awakening children to their cultural values, in preparing them for later professional training, and in helping them to adjust normally to their environment. If we take away a valued education, how can we expect any child to succeed in life? Education in not an opportunity, but it is a right, which the states must make available to all on equal terms. Unfortunately, as time recedes, the condition of receiving a quality education worsens daily for African Americans. Although Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream he also had a nightmare, which has been forgotten. He predicted and was concerned that the promise of Brown and the civil rights law would deceive those who dedicated their lives and souls for the struggle of justice: In his last book, ``Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community,'' he stated, For twelve years I, and others like me, had held out radiant promises of progress. I had preached to them about my dream. I had lectured to them about the not too distant day when we would have freedom, ``all, here and now.'' I had urged them to have faith in America and in white society. Their hopes had soared. They were now booing . . . because we had urged them to have faith in people who had too often proved to be unfaithful. They were hostile because they were watching the dream that they had so readily accepted turn into a frustrating nightmare. Now it is our duty to realize the promise of Brown, so long deferred and still so necessary for progress to occur within our Nation. I would like to leave you with one more quote by Dr. King back in 1959. He said, ``As I stand here and look out upon the thousands of negro faces, and the thousands of white faces, intermingled like the waters of a river, I see only one face--the face of the future.'' So, too, must we. Even though we may not be here to see all the fruits of our labor, we plant these seeds for that child being born. We plant them for the young people of our future. ``Separate can never be equal!''

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the importance of homeownership in our country; the difficulties that many Americans have becoming homeowners; and the financial strain put on Americans, particularly minorities, when seeking reasonable housing options. Homeownership is an effective way for Americans to establish wealth and solidarity for their families. More should have the ability to pass homes from generation to generation, with the comfort and knowledge that home is more than a roof over one's head, but that home is a possession. Most consider purchasing a house a major investment, perhaps the largest that one will ever make, but to many it is more than an investment; it is the first step in achieving the American Dream. Families that own homes are entitled to an added sense of pride and a feeling of belonging to a neighborhood or community. We should strive for all families to have the means necessary to become homeowners and to live comfortably. The fact that homeownership is unrealistic for so many Americans is disheartening. Homeownership has proven to be a tremendous difficulty for a large number of Americans. As housing has gradually become less affordable, families are struggling to pay their rent, let alone mortgage. Housing is considered affordable when a person spends less than 30 percent of their income on rent or mortgage, but contrastingly 4.9 million Americans spend more than 50 percent of their income to remain in their homes. In Illinois, nearly 420,000 renting families, about 30 percent of the total number of renters spend more than 35 percent of their income on rent, 258,000 spend more than half of their salaries on rent; as a result many do not consider home owning an option when apartment living is a struggle in itself. Subsequently, of the Illinois residents who have been fortunate enough to purchase homes, 370,000 of them are spending more than the affordable rate of 30 percent, which is a 38 percent increase from 1990 to 2000. Financial stress due to housing costs has become an incredible burden in the United States. Unfortunately the frustration shared amongst all Americans occurs at an increased level for minorities, particularly African Americans. African Americans lag behind the U.S. population 48 percent to 68 percent in homeownership. The great wealth gap between African Americans and the rest of the nation creates varying levels of housing affordability, thus what is affordable to some is not affordable for others. In the Chicago metropolitan area alone, there are 850,000 individuals living at or near poverty. For Americans whose everyday reality is grim and discouraging due to lack of financial resources; for Americans who are overlooked despite their hard work; the means to live comfortably are unattainable unless a considerable increase in affordable housing is made. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has joined with many partners and sponsors including Habitat for Humanity, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac to stride towards a resolution for the homeownership gap where African Americans, other minorities and low-income families are receiving the short end of the stick. The With Ownership, Wealth Initiative (WOW), was created several years ago to give African American families an opportunity to build wealth through homeownership. The Initiative recognized the rates of African American poverty and homeownership as significantly imbalanced with those of Americans as a whole, and in turn set forth to begin closing the gap. WOW offers credit counseling, housing counseling, home buying assistance and other resources which help families to get on a track that will lead to ownership. After participating in events organized by the WOW Initiative, I am proud to report 200 preapproved mortgages and 103 actual closings in the Chicago area. I commend the CBCF, WOW and its partners for understanding the urgent need to ensure housing affordability for minorities and low-income families. Further, I applaud their success leading families a step closer to our American Dream. Mr. Speaker, I would like to stress the need for affordable housing for all Americans and further I would like to emphasize the importance of WOW and other programs which share similar goals. These programs along with an end to drastic cuts in funding for housing and the development of more affordable homes are an absolute necessity to aid our country in its current housing crisis.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, much has been said, but then you can never say enough when the lives of thousands of people are at stake. You can never say enough when bloodshed is imminent, when chaos is all around. I have been told that the primary responsibility of leadership is to lead, and I want to commend the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, for his leadership on this and many other issues with which we have been confronted. Recognize that in times of crisis you have to act; you have to do something. You cannot just sit back and wait and hope. So, Mr. President, I join with all of my colleagues. I join with those in the international community, those who expect this country, a world leader, to take the initiative and the responsibility to lead, to bring together international thought, international action, establish a real presence in Haiti, establish a presence that will say to the people, come and let us reason together. Otherwise the whole island may be utterly destroyed by the edge of the sword; if not the sword, then the M1s, the grenades, the homemade bombs. Mr. Speaker, this is a situation where it is difficult to see how our country, the United States of America, the protector, guarantor of rights, if we do not see the humaneness of intervention, and we are not talking about intervention to take over, we are not talking about being oppressive, we are talking about enough presence to settle the climate, to create the environment where people can at least sit at the table, work out an agreement, settle in. So, Mr. President, I hope that you have heard what my colleagues have been saying. I hope that you and your advisers are listening, and I hope that you understand that the fate of a Nation is actually hanging in the balance, and to imagine that we have the power, we have the ability to save that Nation. I think it is our duty, it is our responsibility, it is our heritage. It is only what could be expected of a Nation that wants to be the leading Nation of the world. Then we have to take that responsibility. We have to lead, and the best way to demonstrate leadership is to send in enough force to have a presence to bring about a peaceful solution to this imminent bloodbath that is about to occur. Please, Mr. President, listen to the voices of reason and take action now.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield to the gentlewoman from Virginia.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) to clarify our understanding regarding section 7 of this bill. This section relates to the executive exchange program, which authorizes a small number of private sector employees to work at GAO. The bill states that these private sector detailees shall be considered GAO employees for the purpose of several Federal ethics provisions. In 1979 and 1999, the Justice Department stated that GAO employees are subject to 18 U.S.C. 208 and 209, which cover financial conflicts of interest. The Comptroller General has confirmed that it is a long- standing practice for GAO employees to be subject to these provisions. Our understanding is that private sector detailees to GAO shall be subject to the financial conflict of interest provisions in 18 U.S.C. 208 and 209. My question is, does the Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization have this same understanding?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis); the gentlewoman from Virginia (Chairwoman Jo Ann Davis); the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member; and their respective staffs for working so diligently to improve the General Accounting Office Human Capital Reform Act which we are considering today. I believe that GAO is a good demonstration project for reform that may eventually be extended to the rest of the government. As a matter of fact, in the November 2003 issue of Washingtonian magazine, the GAO is listed as one of 50 great places to work in the D.C. area. GAO was noted for a pay system that rewards top performance, stability, upward mobility, and such benefits as repaying employees' student loans, on- site child care, and Metro subsidies. This does not mean that GAO is perfect, but it has set an example of how to prepare for and implement human capital flexibilities. Unfortunately, I cannot say that for the Department of Defense and a host of other agencies that are asking for and receiving unprecedented exemptions from title V. Most agencies are simply ill equipped to manage such major reforms. We should be concentrating our efforts on government-wide reforms rather than agency-by-agency requests. Having said that, several improvements were made to the bill during the subcommittee markup and subsequently by Ranking Member Waxman. The original bill did not contain any reporting requirements. I offered an amendment that requires GAO to submit an annual report to Congress on its use of flexibilities under the bill. Additionally, the original version of the bill only allowed enhanced annual leave for high-grade managerial or supervisory positions. My amendment changed that so it would apply to all GAO employees. I also requested and received written assurance from the Comptroller General that GAO would provide the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization with an annual report on pay adjustments received by women minorities and veterans at the Government Accounting Office. The gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) insisted on additional changes to the executive program that have been incorporated into the bill. These changes include reducing the number of participants who can participate in the program, having the program sunset after 5 years, and ensuring that private employees working at GAO are subject to Federal ethics and conflict-of-interest laws, and do not have access to trade secrets. Now we have a responsibility to continue our oversight of agencies like GAO that have received human capital flexibilities to ensure that they are working and working in a fair and equitable manner. Finally, I would like to take note that this bill has bipartisan and bicameral support, the result of doing civil service reform the right way; and I trust that we will learn from that as we continue to reform the government. I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the gentlewoman so very much, and I continue to urge support for the bill. 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, last week all of Chicago and all of those who read the Chicago Sun Times were shocked at the death of Steve Neal. Steve Neal was one of the premier political columnists in the country. I was particularly shocked because I was scheduled to have lunch with Steve on Friday of last week. Steve Neal was one of the premier writers about politics and political action in the Nation. All of us are going to miss him, so I express my condolences to his family, his wife and children and say that all of our lives have been enriched by the opportunity to read the writings of Steve Neal.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) for introducing this resolution, and I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Dr. Dorothy Height is a steadfast pioneer of women's rights and racial justice for people of color. She has set an example of what can be achieved through commitment and group activism. As the fourth elected president of the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Height led a crusade for justice for black women. To help strengthen the black family, she conceived of and organized the Black Family Reunion Celebration, which has been held here in Washington since 1986, an activity in which I have participated. Under the leadership of Dr. Height, the NCNW achieved tax exempt status; raised funds on behalf of thousands of women in support of erecting a statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW's founder, in a Federal park; she developed several model programs to combat teenage pregnancy and address hunger in rural areas; and established the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women, the first institution devoted to black women's history. She was instrumental in the initiation of NCNW- sponsored food, child care, housing and career educational programs. No stranger to political activism, in the 1960s Dr. Height called on the NCNW to sponsor Wednesdays in Mississippi when interracial groups of women would help out at Freedom Schools and conduct voter registration drives in the North and voter registration in the South. She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Roy Wilkins to prevent lynchings, desegregate the Armed Forces, reform the criminal justice system, and provide equal access to public accommodations. Dr. Dorothy Irene Height has a long legacy as a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights. She has through her words and deeds proven distinguished service to humanity and her many contributions for equality, social justice and human rights for all people. She is commended for her efforts. And even at this stage of her life, every time I go to an event, an activity, she is generally there in her wheel chair. Someone is pushing her, bringing her, but she is there. I grew up as a great fan of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. And Dr. Height inherited the legacy. I also work with two women who are very close to Dr. Height, Ms. Rosie Bean and Ms. Arnetta Wilson. I am sure that they are both rejoicing to note that their distinguished leader who is deserving of such an honor is to be recognized.