Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Idaho in consideration of this resolution honoring the men and women of the United States Secret Service, New York field office, for their extraordinary performance and commitment to service during and immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Madam Speaker, the United States Secret Service is mandated by the United States Congress to carry out two distinct and significant missions: protection and criminal investigations. One of the Nation's oldest Federal investigative law enforcement agencies, the Secret Service was founded in 1865 as a branch of the United States Treasury. Its original mission was to investigate counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Though the Secret Service's primary mission is to protect the President and Vice President, and the Nation's financial system, on September 11, 2001, these men and women placed themselves in harm's way to protect the ordinary citizen. They did so after their offices in the World Trade Center were destroyed and after losing one of their own, Master Special Officer Craig Miller. The New York field office's tireless work to reestablish critical field office operations and assist State and local public safety officials after their attacks is a testament to the Secret Service's commitment to the City of New York and to the American people. We often think of the Secret Service as a Washington-based organization that protects the President, heads of state, the White House, and other national treasuries in the District of Columbia. Now we know that the Secret Service is present in cities all over the country and is ready to serve and protect all of us at a moment's call. So I join with my colleague in urging total support for this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to associate myself with the remarks of all the distinguished speakers and would urge passage of this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding me this time, and I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 378, to honor the men and women of the District of Columbia's National Guard for their extraordinary service and assistance to the United States Capitol Police. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for their leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor to commend the D.C. National Guard for their assistance after the attacks of September 11 and the anthrax attacks on the Capitol. And, Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank and acknowledge the gentleman from California (Mr. Istook) for his efforts and commitment in paying tribute to the National Guard's dedication to the Capitol by also introducing a similar resolution April 10, 2002, with over 120 cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I also introduced a similar resolution, as has been noted, on April 10, 2002, the final service day of these men and women, because I felt it was only appropriate for my fellow colleagues and I to pay homage to the men and women protecting our lives and our Nation's Capitol. There were a total of 220 men and women from the D.C. National Guard who assisted the Capitol Police from November 12, 2001, to April 10, 2002. These men and women worked a remarkable 207,120 hours in 150 days by providing perimeter security, barricade support, and vehicular inspection 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. As has already been noted, Mr. Speaker, they sacrificed their holidays, weekends, and time with their families to ensure the safety of the Capitol. In addition to lending their resources to the Nation's Capitol, the D.C. National Guard has also played significant roles in our Nation's past armed conflicts, such as World War II, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Joint Endeavor. I join with my colleagues in sending my deepest gratitude to the units involved in protecting the Nation's Capitol: the 260th MP Command, the 74th Troop Command, the 260th Regional Training Institute, the Headquarters District Area Regional Command, the 121st Criminal Investigation Detachment, and the 33rd Civil Support Team for their extraordinary service, their protection of the U.S. Capitol, the safety of the Members of Congress, congressional staff, and visitors to the U.S. Capitol, and for their assistance to the Capitol Police. Mr. Speaker, I also want to congratulate the D.C. National Guard, who will be celebrating their 200th year in service next week on May 3rd. Again, I urge all Members of this honorable body to support this resolution and convey once again to the D.C. National Guard our gratitude for the tremendous service that they have provided to all of us as well as to the Nation. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I thank and commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I also want to commend Chairman Istook and Ranking Member Hoyer for their introduction of this important resolution. ``We are the guardians of our Nation's borders, America's front line. We serve and protect the American public with integrity, innovation, and pride. We enforce the laws of the United States, safeguard the revenue, and foster lawful international trade and travel.'' Such is the mission of the U.S. Customs Service, a government agency whose history parallels the history of our country. In 1789 when our new country was struggling to fight off financial ruin, the U.S. Customs Service was created to help save the Nation. On September 11, 2001, when our country was the victim of terrorist attacks of the most horrific magnitude, the U.S. Customs Service was once again there to help save our Nation. As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in support of House Resolution 385. This measure honors the men and women of the United States Customs Service, 6 World Trade Center offices, for their hard work, commitment, and compassion during and immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It is indeed a fitting tribute for an extraordinary group of Federal Government employees. On September 11, there were 760 Custom employees at the World Trade Center 6, along with 40 other Customs employees who were there for a meeting. Although their offices were destroyed, Customs employees, at great personal risk, ensured that every one of their coworkers safely exited the building. Just hours after the attack, they established temporary operations at JFK Airport and worked with national, State, and local officials in rescue and recovery efforts. They have helped retrieve evidence which is critical to criminal convictions. Madam Speaker, tradition, service, honor. That is the U.S. Customs Service legacy and its future. I urge my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the men and women assigned to the United States Customs Service, New York operations, for their dedication to duty and in providing the necessary resources for the U.S. Customs Service to carry out its mission as we know it today, guardians of our borders, protectors of our people.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), the dean of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross).

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 pleased to join with my colleague, the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) in consideration of H.R. 1374, legislation naming a postal facility after former Congressman Philip E. Ruppe. H.R. 1374 was introduced by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) on April 3, 2001. This bill enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Michigan delegation. Mr. Ruppe represented northern Michigan from 1967 until 1979. During his tenure in Congress, Mr. Ruppe served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries and Interior and Insular Affairs Committees, always dedicated to improving the quality of life for his constituents back home. An active member of his community and noted businessman, he will long be remembered for his service to this House as well as service to the people of northern Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Michigan for his fond memories of Mr. Ruppe and the fact that we are naming this postal facility for him. People often wonder why it is that you are naming Federal buildings and why you are naming post offices and how important is this. Well, it is important because people who have made America, who have made America strong, ought to in fact be remembered. One of the things that has made America strong is the fact that we have always been able to rely upon some assistance in our old age. We have always known, after we passed the legislation, that when it came to a certain period of time, you could look forward to having some help, you could know that you had a Social Security check coming. You could just rely upon it and know that it was there. I would hope that as we name these post offices in memory of Americans who have made great contributions, that we also keep in mind that we need to keep the tradition of Social Security being available alive, well and healthy. 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. I can imagine that over a period of 41 years as postmaster that Mr. Westmoreland must have passed out hundreds and thousands of Social Security checks and people probably would come to the post office with a smile on their face and with glee in their heart, knowing that they were going to pick up that valued Social Security check. I would just hope that we never do anything that would jeopardize or take away the opportunity for people to continue to have that feeling. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such times he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sandlin).

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 pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3960, a measure which names a postal facility after Joseph W. Westmoreland, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jeff Miller) on March 13, 2002, and enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the Florida congressional delegation. This measure was originally introduced by our former colleague, Mr. Scarborough. Mr. Speaker, Joseph Westmoreland was a member of the postal community, serving as postmaster of the Jay, Florida, post office for 41 years until his retirement in 1989. A World War II veteran, community leader, and very devout member of the Jay United Methodist Church, Mr. Westmoreland was a civil servant who believed in going the extra mile to help the public. As a matter of fact, there are some who would say he was a servant of the community and enjoyed it. I urge swift passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve 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 am pleased to join with the gentleman from Idaho in consideration of this resolution. Lionel Hampton is an internationally acclaimed jazz artist and undisputed King of the Vibraphone. Lionel Hampton, who began his career as a drummer, has been thrilling individuals like the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) with his music for well over 50 years. Hampton's idol during his early years was drummer Jimmy Bertrand, and drums became Lionel's first instrument. However, Hampton so impressed Louis Armstrong that he invited the young drummer to join his big band rhythm section for a recording session. During a session break, Armstrong pointed to a set of vibes at the back of his studio and asked Hampton if he knew how to play them. Taking up the challenge, Lionel, who was well schooled in his keyboard studies, picked up the mallets and said he would give it a go. Of course, the rest is history. In 1936, Benny Goodman signed Lionel Hampton to form the Benny Goodman Quartet. The Quartet made history, not only for its great history, but because they were the first racially integrated group of jazz musicians. In the 1940s, Lionel Hampton formed his own big band, the Lionel Hampton Quartet. ``Sunny Side of the Street'' and ``Central Avenue Breakdown'' are two of his most highly successful records. He flew to the top of the charts with his recording of ``Flying Home'' in 1942 and ``Hamp's Boogie-Woogie'' in 1943. Many now-famous musicians and singers had their start with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Among these were Quincy Jones, Cat Anderson, Diana Washington, Joe Williams, and Aretha Franklin. Hampton has received innumerable prestigious awards over the years. He was bestowed the title of Official American Goodwill Ambassador by Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, the Papal Medal from Pope Paul I, and the Gold Medal of Paris, France's highest cultural award. In 1992 he received the highly coveted Kennedy Center Honors Award, and in 1997 he received the National Medal of the Arts, bestowed by President William Jefferson Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House. Lionel Hampton is a beloved classic in American jazz and popular music, and I join with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and others in both the House and Senate as sponsors of this resolution in congratulating Lionel Hampton on his 94th birthday. I thank him for his contribution to international music.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that music is a universal language, and it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), one who is known as a culturist, but also an impresario himself. (Mr. CONYERS asked and was given permission to revise and extend remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy) for yielding me time. I also want to commend the Committee on Ways and Means for bringing this legislation to us. I commend the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ramstad) for the leadership that he has provided. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4156, the Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002. Regarding the U.S. Tax Court ruling that occurred in May of 2000 in the Warren versus Commissioner case about a well-established Internal Revenue Service decision to limit the amount of income that a member of the clergy could exclude from taxable income for a housing allowance, the IRS appealed this decision to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court concerning their authority to limit the tax allowance for fair market rental value of a home, and to allow the court to review the constitutionality of the housing allowance tax-exemption for members of the clergy. I believe that members of the clergy should continue this long- standing practice since 1921 to exclude from taxes a portion of their church income that is attributable to housing. Many clergy from every denomination rely on this tax benefit. If this housing allowance is not permitted, our clergy men and women could face a harsh tax increase of $2.3 billion over the next 5 years. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4156. This legislation would codify the original IRS ruling. This legislation would help thousands of clergy men and women throughout the Nation. As one who spends a great deal of my individual time near, close by, and in interaction with members of the clergy, I can tell the Members that there is no legislation that they are more concerned about than this issue. I would encourage all of my colleagues to support it. Once again, I commend the Committee on Ways and Means for bringing this to us.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Congress to pass legislation that will guarantee equal pay for equal work for women. Equal pay for equal work should not even be a question in the year 2002. Yet women earn only 73 percent of wages earned by men for doing the same work with the same qualifications. For African American women, it is only 64 cents on a dollar; and for Hispanic women, 52 cents for every dollar earned by men. The time for pay equity is now. Let us do the right thing: pass equal pay for women.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, based on all I have heard and all the comments and accolades, I urge swift passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, but I will not object, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for further clarification of the measure.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, continuing my reservation of objection, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Continuing to reserve my right to object, Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1366, which names the postal facility after the late Hector G. Godinez. H.R. 1366 was sponsored by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) on April 3, 2001, and enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire California congressional delegation. As chairman of the Congressional Postal Caucus, I am proud to join the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) in tribute to Hector Godinez, a distinguished and medaled World War II veteran, letter carrier, postmaster, and community activist. Mr. Godinez was born in San Diego, California, in 1924, attended ethnically segregated schools in Orange County, and later joined the U.S. Army, serving in General George Patton's Third Army. Wounded in action in Germany, Hector Godinez received five battle stars, one Purple Heart, and one Bronze Star at the Battle of the Bulge. Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Army, he began a 48- year career with the U.S. Postal Service, starting as a letter carrier and rising to the position of postmaster of Santa Ana, appointed by President John F. Kennedy as the first Mexican American postmaster in the United States. A recipient of the Postmaster General's Citation for Excellence Award and the U.S. Postal Service Community Service Award, Mr. Godinez was a founder of the League of Latin American citizens, LULAC, and worked tirelessly and successfully to desegregate Orange County public schools. Local newspaper headlines said it all. The Santa Ana Register, 1984: ``World War II nudged Hispanic off farm, into activism.'' ``Godinez has compiled a lengthy record of community volunteerism in Orange County.'' The Los Angeles Times, 1985: ``Godinez honored for groundbreaking career.'' Santa Ana Magazine, 1985: ``Hispanic leader honored for service.'' The Orange County Register, 1999: ``Santa Ana Hispanic leader dies-- Hector Godinez was instrumental in getting equal treatment of Mexican American children.'' Los Angeles Times, 1999: ``Hector Godinez, first Latino postmaster.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez), for seeking to honor such a man of high principle, a man of the people, and such a distinguished and honorable individual as Mr. Godinez. He is truly deserving of this recognition. I join with my colleagues in urging support.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we approach April 15, the deadline for filing income tax, I have introduced a bill, H.R. 3742, legislation to expand the earned income tax credit for childless workers. This bill would significantly strengthen the credit's ability to reward and encourage work for millions of low-income people. H.R. 3742 would improve the EITC for childless workers in two important respects. First, it would double the credit percentage to 15.3 percent and extend it to apply to the first $7,000 in wages that a worker earns. This would provide workers with new relief from the substantial payroll tax burden they currently bear. While we await enactment, I would also encourage low-income people to make sure they file for their earned income tax credit.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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