Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during the 90s' we had ten years of solid economic growth. In the past two years, America has entered an economic downturn. For the first time in a decade the economic indicators--benchmarks showing where we are and where we are going--all point down. Job losses in technology and manufacturing have risen dramatically and corporate bankruptcies were nearly double what they were two years ago. Consumer confidence hit its lowest point in over a decade. Even though, the U.S. stock market saw a significant gain during the 90s'. However, the bottom has virtually fallen out as a result of the events of September 11th. Now every industry is taking a huge hit as profits and employment figures head into a downward trend. Presently, under the Bush's Administration the country is averaging approximately 68,000 workers losing their jobs per month. Resulting in the fastest pace for job elimination in more than 20 years. The President's speech last night did not mention that his economic plan calls for cutting job training and employment funding by $534 million while unemployment is increasing. The President's plan calls for reducing $500 million from title 1, the Federal Government's primary program for targeting aid to the most disadvantaged students. This cut means 447,000 fewer low-income students will be served by this program. Also, the President's proposes to cut $250 million from teacher quality initiatives. For heating assistance, the President is expecting a $300 million cut from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program at a time heating prices are rising. While some talk about tax cuts which will primarily benefit the wealthiest 1 percent of taxpayers, and do nothing for the bottom 75 percent, let me suggest that any serious economic stimulus package or plan must consider and be focused on the needs of the poor and the most vulnerable among us. The President should propose a fair fiscal policy that will provide more unemployment benefits and health coverage for low to moderate income workers. These are the people who spend a larger portion of their earned dollars to make ends meet. By expanding unemployment benefits for those who have already exhausted their extended benefits and continue to seek jobs and health coverage to dislocated workers, it would be the quickest way to stimulate the economy. Only the Democratic plan focuses on working families and small businesses that drives the engine of the American economy. Under its plan every worker will get a tax cut and everyone receives the same $600 per couple. This fair and equitable tax cut will provide a short- term stimulus for our economy while allowing the budget to recover as the economy strengthens.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis), my colleague and classmate, who is the originator of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago the Cook County Board of Commissioners opened a brand new public hospital in Chicago, the John H. Stroger Cook County Hospital. I rise to congratulate and commend President Stroger, the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Ms. Ruth Rothstein, director of the Bureau of Health Services for the county, Mr. Lacy Clay, director of the hospital, and all of the staff for making this milestone possible. Mr. Speaker, Cook County Hospital is one of the finest hospitals in the Seventh Congressional District and in the nation. Since the 1800s, Cook County Hospital has delivered comprehensive primary, specialty and tertiary health care services to all residents of Cook County, despite socioeconomic status, being uninsured, or their ability to pay. With the astonishing fact that 98 percent of patients who arrive alive at the trauma center survive, this public hospitals is well known nationwide. Cook County Hospital excels in services and expertise for its level I trauma center, burn unit, the largest neonatal intensive care unit in the Midwest and its women's cancer center, which treats 30 percent of the women with breast cancer in the county. Yet Cook County Hospital could not be the model for public hospitals in our Nation if it were not for the hospital's extraordinary staff. The staff is commended for their consistent dedication and enthusiasm for giving the highest quality of care, even when they worked in a hospital constructed over 100 years ago, which made the task of serving the needs of patients much more complicated. However, the staff has extended their participation of saving lives in the hospital to help save lives in the communities surrounding the hospital. Though half of the admissions in the trauma unit are a result of assaults, and the majority of those from gun violence, the hospital staff decided to pursue efforts to reduce violence by creating a violence prevention task force, which helped spawn the Chicago Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. However, on Thursday, December 12, 2002, the historic beauty on West Harrison Street that inspired the hit television show ``ER'' stopped accepting patients. The remarkable medical staff and their patients were moved to the new modern facility, the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The patients and staff will now be air conditioned in the summer, have access to oxygen hookups in each room, and have a hospital-wide paging system. And although the staff expects quality of care to improve along with efficiency, they are certain that the largest impact will be on patients, who gained private bathrooms for the first time, televisions and telephones in their rooms, and nurses stations that are in close proximity in the new hospital. This new hospital will have fewer beds and is smaller than the old, but it is a reflection of the changing times, with fewer inpatient and a growing number of outpatient procedures. Mr. Speaker, I believe that this new development is a testament to Cook County's sensitivity and farsightedness by investing in public health care at a time when cities and counties around the country are closing public hospitals or cutting back services. I commend the Cook County Board in its efforts to make real their mission statement: to provide a comprehensive program of quality care with respect and dignity to the residents of Cook County regardless of their ability to pay. This new hospital positions the county to do just that, and I again commend them for their farsightedness and their sensitivity in providing high-quality health care to even those with the least ability to pay.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as I look at this bill, it is too little and, for many, almost too late. Almost too late for them to avoid absolute disaster. As a matter of fact, I pulled out one of my old records the other day and was listening to it, and it said, every morning about this time, when I get to the breakfast table, my wife is there crying, get a job, get a job, that I could not find. Then the other part says, I read the paper through and through trying to see if there is any work for me to do; and, of course, in many instances, the individuals come up short. The real deal is that if one represents a district like mine, over the last 30 years, we have lost more than 120,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs that are gone, that do not exist. Unemployment in many of the communities that I represent is 20 to 25 percent. So if we want to stimulate the economy, what do we do? Put some money in the pockets of those individuals so that they can go to the grocery store and buy a loaf of bread, so that they can get a gallon of milk, so that they can have something to plow back into the economy, to keep it moving, to keep it turning. Do not go to the top; stimulate the bottom. Then we can really stimulate the economy. I would hope that 27 weeks would be the very minimum that we could do for some of the people who have been out of work even for 26 months. I am not sure that some have not been out for 26 years. We can do better than what we are proposing.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Cornelius Myricks born April 25, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama. During his younger years, Mr. Myricks served in the United States Navy for four years. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. It was then he became a member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and ordained as a Deacon in 1950. He served as the President of the Senior and Junior Usher Boards for many years and later as the Captain of the Usher Board and the Willing Workers Club Number Two. Mr. Myricks was an active member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church participating in duties as an usher. His favorite scripture was John 9:4, ``I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day, the night cometh, when no man can work.'' Mr. Myricks departed this life on Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 9:32 a.m., at the VA Westside Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He is missed by his devoted wife, Thelma; one brother, Willie (Mattye) Myricks; sister- in-law, Geraleme Myricks, McGrye Wright, Lucille Payne and Pearly Payne; brother-in-law, George Payne; two play sisters, Lonzie Johnson and Ernestine Lenard; nieces; nephews. Mr. Speaker, I extend my condolences to the family. May God Bless his family.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and gratitude to Mr. Robert M. Hartt. Recently, Mr. Hartt has ended a six- month fellowship with the Brookings Institution and will be returning to his position at the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. While working in my office, Mr. Hartt brought an aspect to disabilities issues that shed a new light to legislation and office policies. Mr. Hartt passionately used his personal experiences as a man with a vision impairment to ensure improvements be set forth in computer software, educational textbooks and healthcare for all individuals with disabilities. His advocacy and strength instilled a renewed hope that one day our nation will have equality for all people. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Hartt for his exceptional hard work for the residents of Illinois 7th Congressional District and America's disability community.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a few minutes today to speak about one of my constituents who is making a most remarkable contribution to the people of Chicago and the entire Midwest. Marilyn Miglin is involved in an extraordinary range of public service activities and maintains a remarkable schedule. Ms. Miglin originally suggested the notion of an advisory board for the University of Illinois Craniofacial Center in 1987. The Craniofacial Center of the University of Illinois provides medical services for patients with facial deformities. But Marilyn Miglin went far beyond the offer of a suggestion. She began volunteering time from her busy schedule to assist the physician team at the Craniofacial Center in adding a new dimension to the patient services offered by the Department. She began coming regularly to the center to see patients with facial deformities and to show them how to apply makeup to hide their condition, or to draw attention away from the condition. Not satisfied with superficial appearance, Ms. Miglin recognized the need to go beyond what one could see at the surface, and reached patients in a deeper and more profound way: helping each individual realize their inner beauty and self worth. Out of this personal growth came the renewed confidence and self assurance necessary to deal with everyday life; Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am especially pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate Marilyn Miglin for her support and dedication to the patients and staff of the University of Illinois Craniofacial Center.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank Ms. Leslie Tourigny for serving the residents of the Seventh Congressional District in her capacity as an American Political Science Association Fellow. Ms. Tourigny spent the last year making significant contributions in the areas of: Postal Reform, Civil Service, and Defense issues. She also did an outstanding job of responding to constituent mail and inquiries. Ms. Tourigny came to my office with more than 29 years of experience in the Federal Government. The ideas that she brought and passion for public service enhanced my office greatly. She operated as a senior staff person, and was willing to go the extra mile. Her attention to detail and diligence were greatly appreciated. As Leslie returns to the Defense Intelligence Agency I wish her well. Again, on behalf of the residents of the Seventh Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Leslie for her outstanding work.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Community of Oak Park, Illinois. I take great pride in expressing my delight and heart felt congratulations as we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Village of Oak Park. Historically, Oak Park is a community in the Chicago area that has made significant contributions to diversity and is a model for other emerging American communities. Since the 1960's Oak Parkers have seriously planned for the evolution and development of their community. The Village of Oak Park has refused to maintain itself as a status quo neighborhood in the Chicago area. The integration of black and white residents has been a key component in the development of this unique neighborhoods. As the community began to change, the Village government took action by enacting an Open Housing Ordinance in 1968, a statement supporting integrated housing. In 1973 Village Trustees created a policy statement, ``Maintaining Diversity in Oak Park.'' These policies created the building blocks for a community now designated an ``All American City.'' Revolutionary action was taken by the Village and initiated during a time when visible racial transformation was needed throughout Chicago neighborhoods. Based on the initiatives of the Village of Oak Park, it has become the home of people from various occupations, professions, ages, and income levels. Oak Park has produced a number of notable people who have made significant contributions to our world in their receptive fields of endeavor. To name just a few, in literature, Ernest Hemingway, and Carol Shields who is one of the finalists for the Man Booker Prize for literature this year. Percy Lavon Julian, an African American Research Chemist whose research led to discoveries in drug manufacturing, hormones, vitamins, amino acids, paint, and paper, Carl Rogers in psychotherapy, other of its better known have been Edgar Rice Burroughs of Tarzan fame, residents are Ray Kroc in fast food restaurants, and Frank Lloyd Wright an architectural genius, who has designed many of the world's most famous structures and buildings, many of which are a part of Oak Park's visible legacy. There is great need to maintain and commemorate the cultural richness and diversity of this unique village. The Gale Research Center of the Historical Society is a research center, which is a repository of photos, publication, and artifacts that highlight the community's history. Complimented by this are exhibits and special programs that assist in public education. Oak Park can proudly boasts of the Oak Forest River Forest Public H.S. and Fenwick H.S. an outstanding Catholic Parochial School. Centennial celebrations mark the communities effort to proclaim and instill the historical legacy of the Village of Oak Park. The advocacy of community members has been instrumental in nurturing the excellence of Oak Park and in helping to shape public policy. There is virtually no issue that I don't hear from someone in Oak Park about. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Village of Oak Park is one of the most fascinating communities in our country and I commend them as they celebrate their centennial anniversary.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for holding this hearing concerning the risk of mercury poisoning from the dental amalgam, which has been used for more than 150 years. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there is ``more significant human experience with dental amalgam than any other restorative material.'' Any adverse outcomes of mercury in amalgam would have first manifested in Dentists and their staff due to their daily exposure. The American Dental Association Health Foundation (ADAHF) have done research regarding the mean urinary mercury levels of dentists from 1975 to 2001 and have found that dentist urinary mercury levels are well below established limits for occupational exposure. Furthermore the American Dental Association (ADA) investigators have done studies and research to find any possible correlation between Kidney dysfunction and urinary mercury levels and found none. In addition, the FDA through various U.S. Public Health Services (PHS) agencies reviewed claims of mercury exposure measurements and fetal mercury exposure and concluded that dental amalgam do not share the same toxicity characteristics of mercury and there is no evidence that individuals with dental amalgam restorations will experience adverse health effects from these restorations. Various disease organizations like The Alzheimer's Association, the Autism Society of America, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics have stated that there is no scientific evidence linking dental amalgam with any known disease or syndrome that the groups track. Other organizations like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, U.S. Federal Agencies and International Organizations and expert groups from Sweden, New Zealand, Canada and the European Commission have concluded that there is no direct evidence that dental amalgam has an adverse effect on patient's health except with isolated cases of allergic reactions. Also it is safe and cost effective. By banning dental amalgam and using alternative type of fillings will only place additional financial burden on low-income individuals and the special needs population. Most insurance programs, whether private or Medicaid, pay for the lowest dental cost restorative material and would not pay for alternative dental options. This will only result in an even higher dental disease rate and dental need among low-income and special needs populat8ons. In conclusion, dental amalgam is deemed as a serviceable, safe, cost effective restorative material, which is backed by scientific evidence and research approved by the ADA and FDA.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see homeland security under serious consideration, but as a member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service, Census and Agency Organization, as one who has looked closely at this legislation, I am very concerned about provisions in this proposal that would grant the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the Director of Personnel Management blanket authority to set pay and other conditions of employment without regard to existing civil service rules and protections. As a matter of fact, passage of this bill could in fact diminish or take away hard-won worker rights and protections that it has taken years and years of blood, sweat and tears to achieve. This bill which purports to be a compromise would permit administration officials to completely disregard civil service laws in hiring, firing, promoting and setting pay for more than 170,000 employees from 22 agencies that will make up the new agency. Today these employees are not subject to the whims of agency officials when it comes to their pay promotions and collective bargaining rights, but tomorrow they could be. While this compromise legislation may be a victory for the President, it is a defeat for the men and women who go to work every day to serve and protect their country. Many of us have fought to develop and promote safeguards for small businesses and small business development. I am also disappointed that a provision that would have ensured that small businesses were considered and included in contracts awarded by the new department was omitted from the bill. A provision that would have established an Office of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in the Department of Homeland Security was included in the original bill passed by the House but has been excluded from this bill. Federal workers, small and disadvantaged businesses, and real compromise have all fallen victim to the imbalance of power that looms ahead in the legislative and executive branches of government. Passage of this bill will cause insecurity among workers and small business owners as they see themselves set back in the name of homeland security. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and vote no.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all thank the gentleman from Minnesota for yielding me this time and for taking out this special order. I recall a poet once saying, ``Some people see things that are and ask why.'' But then he said, ``I dream of things that have never been and ask why not.'' It seems to me that such was the life, such was the career, such was the being of Senator Paul Wellstone, a man who had an uncanny way of penetrating. Notice that many people say ``Paul Wellstone,'' and that is because they felt a level of intimacy with him even though they were not personal friends, even though they had not traveled with him on the airplane, even though they did not live in his neighborhood or come from his district. He had a way of connecting, and so we would think of him as Paul Wellstone, Senator Wellstone, full of power, dynamite. I knew that Paul could not sit still, but I did not know it had anything to do with his legs. I thought it just had to do with the level of energy and excitement that he brought to everything that he did. I was pleased to spend time with him in many small groups of people where there were no television cameras, there were no headlines, small groups of labor organizers, small groups of college students, small groups of low-income people, and he was asking the question then why not a livable wage so that low-income people can enjoy a level of the goodness and the greatness of this Nation? Why not health care for everybody no matter where they come from or no matter where they are going? But he also believed in giving a lot, understanding that if we put something in, we get something out. Always organizing, knowing that life can be greater and better than what it is. It seems to me that another poet summed up his life when he said that whatever one puts into it, that is what he will get out of it. He said ``I bargained with life for a penny and life would pay no more; however, I begged at evening time when I counted my scanty store, but I found that life is a just employer, he gives you what you ask, but once you have set the wages, then you must bear the task. I worked for a menial's hire only to learn dismay, whatever price I had asked of life, life would have willingly paid.'' Paul Wellstone put a great deal into it, and he got a great deal out of it. It has been a pleasure to know you, sir. Condolences to your family and all of those who shared your dream and your vision and went with you as you left.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, each October we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I rise to ask that all Americans consider what they can do to reduce the unacceptably high level of unemployment that exists among people with disabilities. No other minority group in this nation faces the level of joblessness experienced by such individuals. Much of the problem is based on outdated myths and stereotypes, and each of us must consider what he or she can do to learn more about people with disabilities and how we can more fully integrate such individuals into the American work force. As part of this year's observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 16th has been designated as National Disability Mentoring Day. This day is being coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities with the support of the U.S. Department of Labor and several corporate sponsors throughout the country. It is designed to bring students and job seekers with disabilities into the workplace where they can learn firsthand about employment opportunities, This is an activity that should be ongoing throughout the year, and I urge my colleagues, all employers and employees who wish to volunteer as mentors to learn more about this initiative by contacting the American Association of People with Disabilities at 800-840-8844, or view the National Disability Mentoring Day link on its web site at www.aapd-dc.org. As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness month, I also want to recognize three initiatives in my district that are making unique contributions to both local and national efforts promoting greater independence and economic opportunity for people with disabilities. As the sponsor of H.R. 3612, the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act, a bill that will enable people with disabilities to participate more fully in the workplace and community life by eliminating the institutional bias in our long term care system, I have learned much and benefited greatly from the support of Chicago ADAPT and its national affiliate, Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today. Their efforts to reform our long term support system and change our concept of disability from one of tragedy and dependence to one that recognizes disability as a natural part of the continuum of a life that can be fully enjoyed, is deeply appreciated. I also wish to acknowledge the Access Center for Independent Living in Chicago. The Access Center, along with the National Council on Independent Living is also leading the way in the effort to break down the barriers people with disabilities face in obtaining equal access to housing, transportation and employment opportunities. The CEO of the Access Living Center, Marca Bristow, was appointed by President Clinton to serve as Chairwoman of the National Council on Disability, and her term has just expired. Her leadership in Chicago and on the National Council is deeply appreciated. The residents of Illinois and our entire nation owe much to this outstanding leader. Another initiative I wish to mention is one that focuses solely on creating employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities. There are several nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area that participate in the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, a federal procurement initiative that uses the purchasing power of the Government to generate employment opportunities for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. These organizations include the Ada McKinley Community Services Center, the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, the Jewish Vocational Services and Employment Center, the Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens and the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago. These organizations, along with over 600 other community nonprofits across the nation work with National Industries for the Blind and NISH, a national nonprofit serving people with a range of severe disabilities. These groups train and employ over 37,000 people with disabilities to furnish office supplies, mail room and janitorial services, grounds maintenance, switchboard operations and a host of other administrative support services to both military and civilian agencies. By simply purchasing office supplies and support services from nonprofits such as these, federal workers can help reduce the high level of unemployment among people with disabilities and push the doors of opportunity open a little wider. More information about the Javits- Wagner-O'Day Program can be found at www.jwod.gov. Whether a child is born with a disability, an adult has a traumatic injury or a person becomes disabled through the aging process, the need to participate actively in community life and earn your own way in the world is universal. I urge all Americans to consult the National Disability Employment Awareness Month resources I have mentioned and to determine how you can contribute to lowering the unemployment rate among people with disabilities throughout the year.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 6, I participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Museum in what in Chicago is fondly called Chinatown. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is known to many as the Father of the Chinese Revolution and the Father of the Republic of China because it was he who masterminded the plan to restore China to the common people which led to what is called the Republic of China today. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was born on November 12, 1866, in Hsiangshan County near the city of Canton in southern China where he had local schooling in traditional Chinese texts until he was 13 years old, when he then went to join his brother in Hawaii. In Hawaii, he studied at the missionary school and graduated from Oahu College. He then returned to China and began his medical studies at the College of Medicine for Chinese in Hong Kong and received his medical degree in 1892. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen practiced medicine briefly in Hong Kong in 1893, after which he became strongly involved in the political scene of China. It was in the midst of the war between the Boxer Rebellion and Europeans that Dr. Sun Yat-Sen started plans for his own revolution. In 1894, when he went to Beijing and discovered that the government had done little for the good of the people, he returned to Hawaii where he organized the Review China Society for his revolutionary purpose. A branch was established in Hong Kong as an agricultural study society; when plans were made to seize control of the government. Unfortunately, the plans failed, which led to Dr. Sun's flight to Japan and later to London in 1896, where he was arrested and imprisoned for 12 days by the Chinese and later released. Dr. Sun did not let this stop him. He used his educational knowledge by spending time at the British Museum Library where he invented the ``Three People's Principles,'' his most important work, which later became the fundamental basis for the government in China. He also advocated a ``five power constitution,'' which included the examination of unsorial branches in addition to the executive, legislative and judicial branches for purposes of control. When he returned to Japan from Europe in 1905, he formed another revolutionary society called the Tong Meng Hui, the ``Chinese Revolutionary League,'' which consisted of his former revolutionaries in Japan and young Chinese intellectuals studying in China at that time. Dr. Sun's league's uprising of rebels and encouraging of people to speak out in Hunan Province led to political unrest in the Ching Dynasty under the control of the Emperor Pu Yi. Also, in the fall of 1911, his Tong Meng Hui League was involved in the important uprising in the Wuchang, where rebels seized control of the government, which led to that day being called the ``Double Ten Day,'' and led to the name change of China to the Republic of China. In January of 1912, Dr. Sun returned to China where he was elected provisional President of the New Republic. It was during his reign that he transformed his revolutionary organization into a political party called the Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang. In early 1913, his party won more seats than any rivals since China's first-ever national elections. Later that year he was forced into exile and married his second wife Soong Ching-Ling in 1914 in Japan. Nevertheless, Dr. Sun never gave up hope for China because he assembled a government made up of his old party when he settled in Canton. He later allied with the Communist International of Moscow due to the need for military supplies and advisers to strengthen his political organization, so that he would be able to break the hold of individual military leaders in south China and create a new unified government with forces in north China. It was on his way to meet with the northern militarists that he fell ill and died in Beijing in March of 1925 due to an inoperable liver cancer. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's corpse became a complex political symbol, with his body being preserved and kept at a temple on the outskirts of Beijing, where people from all walks of life, including generals and political figures, came to pay homage to him. His Kuomintang Party, after their victory about 20 years later, honored him by building a gigantic mausoleum near the capital of Nanjig, where they buried him, which made his burial an event of political enshrinement. Mr. Speaker, I commend the community of Chinese-Americans in Chicago for establishing the Sun Yat-Sen Museum at 2245 South Wentworth Avenue.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support for the conference bill on election reform, H.R. 3295. Members of both parties have worked very hard to reach agreement on this measure over several months. Although I am concerned that some of the bill's provisions relating to voter identification will not make it easier for new voters to cast their ballots, I believe this legislation represents significant progress in addressing the problems we witnessed in our last national election. I am especially pleased that the language in this bill relating to the accessibility of voting systems for people with disabilities reflects the stronger provisions for participation outlined in Mr. Langevin's July 9 motion to instruct, which I and several of my colleagues cosponsored. Thanks to Mr. Shimkus and Mr. Ehrlich for their help in making the conferees aware of the importance of these provisions. Their recognition that this bill must ensure people with disabilities will be able to exercise their fundamental right to cast a secret ballot demonstrates that full participation in the electoral process by all Americans is truly a bipartisan concern. I commend the members of the conference committee for their work on this bill and I urge its passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that he who lives by the sword shall eventually die by the sword. The first call that I got this morning was from a woman named Barbara Mullarkey who said, ``Danny, vote for peace.'' I rise in strong support of the Lee amendment because it gives me the opportunity to vote the will of the people in my Congressional district who do not believe that we have made the case to go to war. The President has all of the flexibility that he needs to protect us. What he does not have is the flexibility to declare war. That flexibility is left to this Congress. Vote for the Lee amendment. Vote for peace.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution, and I am opposed not because I do not believe that we need to protect our national security. I am not in opposition because Saddam Hussein does not need to be checkmated and stopped. And I am not opposed because I do not recognize the need for a strong military, and I am not in opposition because this resolution has been put forth by President Bush. However, I am opposed because after all of the information I have seen and after all I have heard, neither am I or a majority of residents of my district, the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois, convinced that the war is our only and most immediate option. We are not convinced that every diplomatic action has been exhausted. Therefore, I am not convinced that this resolution would prevent us, the United States of America, from acting without agreement and involvement of the international community. I oppose a unilateral first-strike action by the United States without a clearly demonstrated and imminent threat of attack against the United States. We are now asked to vote on a resolution which will likely culminate in a war with Iraq, a war which may involve the entire Mid East region. As the American people are attempting to make sense of this complex situation, no one doubts the evil of the current Iraqi regime. No one doubts the eventuality that the United States would prevail in armed conflict with Iraq. What then are the central issues which confront us? One, is there an immediate threat to the United States? In my judgment the answer is no. We have not received evidence of immediate danger. We have not received evidence that Iraq has the means to attack the United States, and we have not received evidence that the danger is greater today than it was last year or the year before. Two, will the use of military force against Iraq reduce or prevent the spread or use of weapons of mass destruction? In my judgment, the answer is no. All evidence is that Iraq does not possess nuclear weapons today. The use of chemical or biological weapons or the passage of such weapons to terrorist groups would be nothing less than suicide for the current Iraqi leadership. However, as the CIA reports have indicated, faced with invasion and certain destruction, there would be nothing for the Iraqi regime to lose by using or transferring any such weapons they may still possess. Other states in the region which fear they could be attacked next could be moved to rash action. Finally, three, have we exhausted all nonmilitary options to secure the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction in Iraq in accordance with United Nations resolutions? In my judgment, the answer is no. We have not exhausted the potential for a collective action with our allies. We have not yet exhausted the potential for inspections and for a strict embargo on technologies which could be used for weapons of mass destruction. The use of armed force should be a last resort to be used only when all other options have failed. In my judgment that commitment to the peaceful solution of problems and conflict is an important part of what our democracy should stand for, and that does not necessitate or demand invasion or an attack on Iraq at this time. I was at church on Sunday and the pastor reminded us of Paul as he talked about our problems with Saddam Hussein. He reminded us that as Paul instructed the Philippians on how to deal with conflict, at one point he wrote to the Philippians, ``Brethren, I count myself not to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press forth towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ.'' I trust, Mr. Speaker, that as we press forward, I trust that we will press forward towards the mark of a high calling, that we will take the high road, that we will take the road that leads to peace and not to war, the road that lets us walk by faith and not alone by sight or might. Let us, Mr. Speaker, walk by the Golden Rule. Let us do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us walk the road that leads to life and not to death and destruction. Let us walk the road to peace. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution, which authorizes the President of the United States to use armed forces of the United States against Iraq, and I am opposed to H.J. Res. 114, not because I don't believe we need to protect our national security, I am not in opposition because Saddam Hussein does not need to be checkmated and stopped, I am not opposed because I don't recognize the need for a strong military, and I am not in opposition because this resolution has been put forth by President Bush. However, I am opposed because after all the information that I have seen and after all that I have heard, neither am I, or a majority of the residents of my district, the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, convinced that war is our only and most immediate option. We are not convinced that every diplomatic action has been exhausted. Therefore, I am not convinced that this resolution will prevent us, the United States of America from acting without agreement and involvement of the international community. I oppose a unilateral first strike action by the United States without a clearly demonstrated and imminent threat of attack against the United States. We are now being asked to vote on a resolution which will likely culminate in war with Iraq--a war which may involve the entire Mideast region. The American people are attempting to make sense of this complex situation. No one doubts the evil of the current Iraqi regime. No one doubts that eventually the United States would prevail in armed conflict with Iraq. What then are the central issues which confront. (1) Is there an immediate threat to the United States? In my judgment the answer is NO. We have not received evidence of immediate danger. We have not received evidence that Iraq has the means to attack the United States. We have not received evidence that the danger is greater today than it was last year or the year before. (2) Will the use of military force against Iraq reduce or prevent the spread or use of Weapons of Mass Destruction? In my judgment the answer is NO. All evidence is that Iraq does not possess nuclear weapons today. The use of chemical or biological weapons, or the passing of such weapons to terrorist groups would be nothing less than suicide for the current Iraqi leadership. As the CIA report has indicated we know that when backed up against the wall people sometimes lash out blindly and without careful thought. (3) Have we exhausted all non-military options to secure the elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq in accordance with United Nations resolutions? In my judgment, the answer is no. We have not exhausted the potential for collective action with our allies. We have not yet exhausted the potential for inspections and for a strict embargo on technologies which could be used for Weapons of Mass Destruction. The use of armed force should be a last resort, to be used only when all other options have failed. In my judgment, that commitment to the peaceful solution of problems and conflicts is an important part of what our Democracy should stand for, and that does not necessitate or demand invasion or an attack on Iraq at this time. I was at church on Sunday and the pastor reminded us of Paul as he talked about our problems with Saddam Hussein. He reminded us that as Paul instructed the Philippians on how to deal with conflict-- Phillipians 3-13-14 Paul wrote to the Phillipians-- ``Brethren, I count myself not to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.'' I trust, Mr. Speaker, that as we press forward, I trust that we will press forward toward the mark of the high calling toward the high road, the road which leads to peace and not to war, the road that lets us walk by faith and not alone by sight or might. Let us, walk by the Golden Rule--let us do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us walk the road that leads to life and not to death and destruction. Let us walk the road that leads to peace. I urge a no vote on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on September 21, Erika Harold from Urbana, Illinois, in the district of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Johnson) became Miss America 2003. She is intelligent, talented, a role model, and a passionate advocate for young people. In 2001, Erika Harold graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois, with a Bachelor's Degree in political science and prelaw. She was a University of Illinois Chancellor Scholar, a Truman Scholarship finalist, winner of the first prize in the African American studies research paper competition, a member of the President's Award Program, a three-time member of the National Dean's List, vice president of the minority student newsletter, a selectee to the ``Senior 100 Honorary'' by the University of Illinois Alumni Association, and a selectee to USA Today's 2000 All-USA College Academic Second Team. Members of my family are friends of her family, and I am pleased to note that she has been accepted by Harvard University Law School. I am also pleased to congratulate and commend Erika Harold for her outstanding accomplishments and achievements.

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 colleagues in consideration of H.R. 5340, which names a Post Office in Encino, California after the late Francis Dayle ``Chick'' Hearn. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5340, which enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire California delegation, was indeed introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) on September 5, 2002. Francis Hearn was born in the great State of Illinois in the city of Aurora. He attended Bradley University and was given the nickname ``Chick'' when, as an AAU basketball player, he found a chicken inside a box of sneakers. Chick Hearn began his career in Los Angeles, California, broadcasting the University of Southern California football and basketball games. He went on to do night and radio sports, winning Emmy awards along the way. In 1961, Chick began play-by-play announcing for the Los Angeles Lakers, a job he held for over 30 years. During his Lakers career, Chick Hearn became one of the most recognizable voices in the industry and the greatest basketball announcer of all time. His great announcing gave birth to ``Chickisms,'' as it was called. These were comments Chick made while broadcasting the games. Some of his greatest comments were: ``The mustard's off the hot dog,'' ``He's in the popcorn machine,'' ``slam dunk,'' ``air ball,'' ``This game's in the refrig.'' A man of much commentary, Chick Hearn earned a Cable ACE Award, Best Sports Play-by-Play in 1988, and a star on Hollywood Boulevard's ``Walk of Fame.'' He was the recipient of a Golden Mike award, six California Sportscaster of the Year awards, and three Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association awards. His greatest honor came when he was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. Sadly, he passed away on August 5, 2002, from injuries suffered in a fall. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for seeking to honor Chick Hearn by naming a post office after him in Encino, California; and I urge the swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dan Miller) in considering Con. Res. 409, supporting the goals and ideals of National Community Role Models Week, and for other purposes. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 409 supports the goals of National Community Role Models Week and the Recognizing Achievement-Rewarding Excellence Foundation, the RARE Foundation. While today's athletes and entertainers have inspiring stories of perseverance, endurance, and dedication and are indeed noteworthy individuals, they are often far removed from the lives that young people live. However, parents, teachers, nurses, crossing guards, the so-called working stiff, ordinary everyday people are the people that interact and touch the lives of young people on a daily basis. People that go to work every day to earn an honest living that provide a service and do so in a professional manner, these are the individuals that often are overlooked, but fortunately not during National Community Role Models Week. These individuals are motivated every day by traditional American values such as selflessness, compassion, dedication, courage, and integrity. They embody these values in their daily work, in their communities, and in their homes. Not only should these individuals, the neighbor, dentist, baker, shopkeeper, Sunday school teacher, scout leader, the lady down the block who teaches children, young girls how to bake, how to cook, how to sew, all of these individuals should be honored during National Community Role Models week but every day they touch the lives of children in a very positive and enduring way. The ``working stiff'' as they are often called, the average person, is indeed a national treasure and should be treated as such. There are thousands and thousands of individuals throughout our country who give of themselves on a daily basis in such a way as to empower, enlighten and enrich the lives of others and especially of children. And when they do so, we must recognize that they are role models and should be treated as such. So I am pleased to join in support of this resolution and urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just close by indicating that Representative Hawkins was indeed and is indeed a legend. Between the time that he spent in the California Assembly and the time that he spent here in the halls of Congress, he must have spent much more than half of his life in representative positions. I think that that is indeed rare, and it is my pleasure to urge passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am indeed pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 2578, which names a post office in Los Angeles, California, after former Representative Augustus Hawkins. H.R. 2578 was introduced by the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) on July 19, 2001, and enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire California delegation. Augustus Freeman Hawkins was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1907 and moved with his parents to Los Angeles in 1918. He received a public school education and graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. From 1935 to 1962, Mr. Hawkins served as a member of the California State Assembly. He served on the important Committee on Rules during part of his tenure in the Assembly and began his focus on education, labor and employment issues. In 1963, Augustus Hawkins was elected to Congress as a Democrat representing the 29th Congressional District in California. In 1971, he joined 12 other African American Members of Congress and formally established the Congressional Black Caucus, a coalition of African American Members of the House dedicated to achieving greater equality for persons of African descent. During his tenure in Congress, Gus Hawkins served as chairman of the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Education and Labor. The 1990 Almanac of American Politics describes Chairman Hawkins' mindset: ``His convictions are that government programs can help and have helped the poor and middle class; that aid to education has strengthened the Nation; that Federal job programs have made the difference between a productive life and an idle one; and that the government has a responsibility to give jobs to those who cannot find employment in the private sector.'' To that end, Chairman Hawkins coauthored the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978, legislation designed to promote genuine and sustainable recovery and a full employment society. Representative Hawkins also served as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing and Joint Committee on the Library. He retired at the end of the 101st Congress. Mr. Speaker, I commend my good friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), for seeking to honor Chairman Augustus Freeman Hawkins by naming a post office after him in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).