Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, I am pleased to join with the gentlewoman from Maryland in support of S. 1202, a bill to amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Office of Government Ethics through fiscal year 2006. OGE's mission is not only to prevent and resolve conflicts of interest and to foster high ethical standards for Federal employees, but also to strengthen the public's confidence so that the government's business is conducted with impartiality and integrity. OGE does this by, one, reviewing and certifying the financial disclosure forms filed by Presidential nominees requiring Senate confirmation; two, serving as the primary source of advice in counseling on conduct and financial disclosure issues; and, three, by providing information on promoting understanding of ethical standards in executive agencies. OGE and its staff are well regarded by the Federal agencies with whom they do business. OGE has played an essential and significant role in fostering the public's trust in the integrity of government. Mr. Speaker, there is no component of government more important than that of assuring the public's trust. OGE helps to build and maintain that kind of trust that is essential for an orderly, ethical, and respectable conduct of the Nation's business. For those reasons, I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me commend and congratulate all of the members of the Committee on Commerce, especially its leadership, the gentleman from Louisiana (Chairman Tauzin); the dean of the House, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell); both the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee; and especially my colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps). They have all put their fingers on a most severe problem in our country, and I was just sitting there thinking how much of a Christmas present this is going to be for all of the hospitals. I represent a district that has 23 hospitals, four university medical centers, nine nurses' training programs, 25 community health centers. Health for my district is one of the most important elements of it. I just finished meeting with the deans of our nursing schools. Every one of them recognizes this shortage. I just finished meeting with the owners of nursing homes, and they all point out the problem that they have. As a matter of fact, we have even had hospitals seek waivers so that they could import nurses from other countries. So we thank the gentleman for America, but especially do I want to thank this committee for the people of the Seventh Congressional District in Illinois. They have given us a tremendous Christmas present.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, I am pleased to join with my colleague in the House in consideration of H. Con. Res. 292, a resolution introduced by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. McCrery). Roses are beautiful and have long been used to symbolize love, friendship, and peace. Indeed, four States in this country currently list some variation of rose as their official state flower: New York, Iowa, Georgia, North Dakota currently recognize this beautiful flower. The resolution before us speaks to the fact that the rose was designated as the national emblem of the United States and that the American Rose Society has designated the year 2002, next year, as the Year of the Rose. Of course, Mr. Speaker, we all know that individually in our own lives, roses have played serious roles. They are used by people to extend friendship. I can imagine that all of us who are males have, at some point in time, picked up a dozen roses or, if not a dozen, at least a half a dozen, to convey in some way, shape, form, or fashion an appreciation that we may have had. So I think this is an excellent resolution. As a matter of fact, I even fondly remember my father teaching me how to date, and he told me that when I wanted to convey to whoever the date might be, that I ought to say to them, roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you. Well, Mr. Speaker, in a very serious way, roses do, in fact, convey not only a level of appreciation, but also a level of respect, and I commend the gentleman for introducing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the House consideration of S. 1714, which places a plague in the Post Office in Williamsburg, Kentucky, honoring Dr. James Harvey Early. This measure was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell on November 5, 2001. Dr. James Harvey Early was born on June 4, 1808, in Knox County, Kentucky. He was appointed postmaster of the first United States Post Office that was opened in the town of Whitley Courthouse, now Williamsburg, Kentucky, in 1829. In 1844 he served in the Kentucky legislature. Dr. Early died at home in Rockhold, Kentucky, on May 24, 1885, at the age of 77. He represents the significance of individuals who have made a tremendous impact on the development of our community for many, many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleague and urge swift passage of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the House consideration of H.R. 1432, which names a Post Office in Valdosta, Georgia, after Major Lyn McIntosh. H.R. 1432 was introduced by my good and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) on April 4, 2001. This bill, which meets the committee policy, is cosponsored by the entire Georgia delegation. I commend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) for seeking to honor Major McIntosh. Major McIntosh grew up in Valdosta and received his education in his hometown. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his pilot training. As a member of the Eighth Special Operations Squadron, he commanded an MC-130 aircraft. He later volunteered for a rescue mission to recover the hostages seized in Iran at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, in 1979. Sadly and unfortunately, he was killed on a ground aircraft collision on April 25, 1979. Here is another example of an individual who was willing to give all that he had for his country; and I think it is certainly fitting, proper and appropriate that we honor him by naming a post office for him. I urge my colleagues to vote in the affirmative for the passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), the author of this legislation.

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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to endorse House Resolution 308, a resolution expressing the support of the House of Representatives of the goals of a National Motivation and Inspiration Day. I commend my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci), for introducing such a resolution, and call upon all Members of the House to begin to focus on the importance of motivation and inspiration, especially as we embark upon a new year, 2002. After reading House Resolution 308, I was immediately reminded of an important passage in the Bible: First Corinthians, Chapter 13. This passage discusses the love man can have for his fellow man, and how we should not worry about ourselves, but worry about others. The ideals embodied in the First Corinthians passage not only embrace the message contained in House Resolution 308, they also speak to two legislative proposals we will consider today: H.R. 3072 and H.R. 3379. H.R. 3072 seeks to honor Mr. Vernon Tarlton, a man of great faith and dedication to his community, by naming a post office after him in his hometown. H.R. 3379 names a post office after New York City Fire Department Chief of Rescue Operations, Mr. Ray Downey. Chief Downey, a firefighter for 39 years, died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. These two men are and were great leaders who directed their energies towards positive and constructive activities and goals. Chief Downey led a New York fire department special unit to assist in recovery efforts at the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. He directed rescue efforts at the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, and helped the Federal Emergency Management Agency found a national network search and rescue team. He truly motivated and inspired and led the way for his team. He did not worry about himself; rather, he directed his efforts to save others. Mr. Tarlton spent his lifetime working on behalf of others in his community and along the way being recognized for his efforts. In a time of uncertainty in the world and here at home, at a time when we as a Nation are called upon to show greater compassion and appreciation for the diversity of our people and religious faith, we need to take stock and focus on the importance of maintaining motivation and inspiration in our lives. As part of that, we must open our arms wide and embrace and educate our children and young adults. They too must learn the value of helping others, not for glory, but because it is the right thing to do. Mr. Speaker, I again commend my colleague for introducing this measure and urge its swift passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers; and as I prepare to close, let me again congratulate the gentleman for his very thoughtful resolution and for it coming at a time of great need. Because even as we stand here today, a great shadow is being cast across America, the shadow of economic crisis, of recession. We are now in our 14th month of decline in industrial production. There are 100,000 workers losing their jobs each week. More than 1.3 million Americans have lost their jobs this year. Poverty and homelessness are on the rise. And as usual, the largest group of the poor are the children. Tens of millions of them are without affordable health care. Suddenly thousands of people cannot pay their mortgages, cannot afford to continue college education. The hopes of millions of Americans who struggle to enter the mainstream of American economic life, to share in the American dream during the past decade, are now being dashed. The economic crisis has been worsened by the terrorist attacks of September 11. But despite the heartfelt outpouring of support from Americans of every socio-economic group for the victims of the terrorists, there still remain masses of poor people who are finding it difficult to survive in our country. So this resolution, this resolution calling for the inspiration and motivation that people need to dream, to believe that their lives can become whatever it is that they would endeavor to make life be, to know that no matter how dark it is at night, that there is sunshine in the morning. And so the idea of hope, of motivation, of inspiration of helping people to know that they can overcome any obstacles, overcome any fears, that they are in control of their own destinies, and they can help to make America and the world even greater than anything that we have ever experienced. Again, I commend the gentleman and urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution. 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 yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague, the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis), in the House consideration of H.R. 3072, which names the post office in Forest City, North Carolina, after Mr. Vernon Tarlton. This measure was introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor) on October 9, 2001. H.R. 3072 has met the committee policy and is supported and cosponsored by the entire North Carolina delegation. Mr. Tarlton is a lifelong member of the Forest City community. He has spent his time working for the betterment of his neighborhood and of the great State of North Carolina. He is a man of great faith and serves his Presbyterian church as both an elder and trustee. Last year, he was named the 2000 Citizen of the Year by the Kiwanis Club and is a recipient of the North Carolina Governors Award for Outstanding Volunteer. Mr. Speaker, this is a man who truly cares about his community. So much so, that he has worked tirelessly on the bringing in of a new postal facility to the city. Mr. Tarlton's efforts have not been in vain. Passage of H.R. 3072 means that the new facility will be named after Mr. Tarlton. I cannot think of a better honor for one who has worked so diligently on behalf of his neighbors, friends, and other residents of his community. I would urge passage of this postal-naming bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for the development of this legislation. I also thank the gentlemen for working with me and my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ehrlich), to ensure that individuals who are visually impaired and blind are able to vote independently. We appreciate the inclusion of much of our amendment in the manager's amendment. Mr. Speaker, the question I would like to ask the gentleman from Ohio is what does the gentleman envision by the term ``fully accessible'' as it relates to the bill?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate that clarification and share the gentleman's expectation. I feel there is nothing more important than the right to the franchise and for the ability for all people to exercise that right independently and secretly. Again, I thank the gentleman for his accommodation and thank the gentleman for the development of this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I also want to commend Chairman Ney and Ranking Member Hoyer for the development of this legislation, but I rise in strong opposition to this rule. I do not rise because it is a bipartisan bill, I do not rise because it has a large number of supporters, but I rise in opposition to this rule because it is a contradiction to democracy. It is a contradiction to the whole purpose of voting. Voting is a way of expressing oneself, of expressing one's ideas, thoughts and opinions. This rule denies that opportunity. It is closed. I had offered an amendment that I wanted to offer last night in the Committee on Rules that would deal with the whole question of intimidation, of fraud, by making sure that States had some mechanism in place to deal with that. All of my life I have heard of intimidation and fraud in elections in communities where I have lived and worked. I have never seen anything really done about it. This would have been a great opportunity. It does not exist. For that reason, I urge that we vote down this rule and come back with an open rule that gives people the opportunity to really express what democracy and voting is all about.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, there is no greater profession than that of teaching, and I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding educator who, over a 30 year span, has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people. Dan Davis was recently selected Distinguished Professor of the Year by the faculty and staff of Malcolm X Community College in Chicago under the leadership of Dr. Wayne Watson, Chancellor of the Chicago City Colleges, and Mrs. Ziri Campbell, President of Malcolm X College. Professor Davis graduated from Crane High School, All American, All State and All City in varsity basketball. He holds a BA degree in education, Summa Cum Laude, and a Masters Degree from Northwestern University in Health and Physical Education. Dan and I both live in the same community and oftentimes are mistaken for each other since I, too, am sometimes called Dan Davis. I usually tell people that the difference is while Dan was scoring points in basketball, I was analyzing the game from the bench, and while he was graduating Summa Cum Laude, I was graduating ``Thank You Laude.'' Dan Davis played varsity basketball and was an All Big Ten Academic Selection in 1968-1969 from Northwestern. He has served as Athletic Director for Malcolm X College for the past 13 years, Project Administrator for the National Youth Sports Program for the past 13 years, and Illinois State Coordinator for the National Youth Sports Program for the past 9 years. In addition to his regular teaching and directorship responsibilities, Coach Davis is an active participant in College Governance, Student Government, Local 1600 of the AFL-CIO, former Vice Chair, and the President's Scholarship Gala Committee. In 1992, coach Davis was selected by the United States Department of State to teach and to serve as Athlete and Program Specialist in Africa. He taught and supervised sports clinics in Egypt, Uganda and Kenya. Professor Davis also served as Vice President for Personnel and Head Basketball Coach for the United States Upper Deck All Stars Professional Basketball Team, which toured Europe from 1996 to 1998. Professor Davis has earned meritorious awards, among the top ten in the United States, from Malcolm X College for eight consecutive years. In 1997, Malcolm X college won the Silver Conte Award, designating Malcolm X College's program as the best in the Nation. Dan Davis has been instrumental in assisting more than 300 students and student athletes in acquiring scholarships as well as their college degrees. Equally important, Professor Davis is viewed by many of his professional peers as a coach, a master teacher and a mentor extraordinaire because of his high standards and unswerving commitments to his student, his community, education and his college, where he is indeed a distinguished professor. In addition to being a distinguished professor, Dan Davis is a distinguished citizen, a good neighbor, a role model, a person who grew up in an inner city community, Crane High School, which at one time housed what is now Malcolm X College. He returned home, brought his skills and attributes and has given something back, has given something of himself on a regular basis. Yes, I congratulate Dan Davis and his family for their outstanding citizenship. All of us who know him are proud of his accomplishments. I commend him for not only being a distinguished professor, he is indeed an outstanding citizen and a distinguished American.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1196, the Small Business Investment Company Amendments Act. This legislation achieves a number of objectives for small businesses in their goal of obtaining ready sources of growth capital. This program is a true investment partner for entrepreneurs providing critical equity capital to new and existing companies. Indeed, SBICs have invested nearly $15 billion in long term debt and equity capital to more than 90,000 small businesses. At the same time, they have provided growth and startup capital totalling more than $600 million to businesses in low and moderate income areas throughout the Nation. After 10 years of solid economic growth, America has entered an economic downturn. For the first time in a decade, the economic indicators benchmark showing where we are and where we are going have gone down. Job losses in technology and manufacturing have risen dramatically and corporate bankruptcies were nearly double what they were last year. Consumer confidence hit its lowest point in over a decade. Even though the U.S. stock market saw a significant gain in the last 10 years, however, the bottom has virtually fallen out as a result of the events of September 11. Now every industry has taken a huge hit as profits and employment figures head into a free fall. Part of the solution for this problem is for Congress and the President to implement a sound and fair fiscal policy that will provide an economic stimulus for the general public and small businesses. Since small businesses account for 99 percent of America's employers, it can play a vital role in bringing America out of this economic downturn. To help American small businesses survive this economic downturn, the small business administration must engage all available resources in facilitating entrepreneurship development, provide low and no interest loans and more technical assistance programs to small businesses. S. 1196 is one approach that can assist the small business administration, and I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 1196.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Let me just say one thing as I prepare to leave. The gentlewoman from Florida's (Ms. Brown) grandmother was not only a great pie maker but she was also a very wise woman, because she taught the gentlewoman from Florida the value of getting a slice of that pie. Keep doing the work that your grandmother taught you.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown) for organizing this Special Order. They have identified one of the most immediate needs in our country, and that is the need to stimulate the economy. I guess it must be somewhat official now in that economists are declaring that we are in a recession, and I can tell my colleagues, if the economy overall is in a recession, then in much of my district we are in a depression. For if America sneezes economically, many low income, intercity, rural and marginalized communities catch pneumonia. If the economic temperature drops, we go into a deep freeze. Therefore, we need an economic stimulus, and I mean a real stimulus, and we need it now. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, our response to the terrorist attacks, I commend the Congress, the President and the people for what we have done. What really amazes me the most is what we have not done. We have not bailed out the post office so that people can regain confidence in our mail services. We have not raised the minimum wage so that low- income wage earners may obtain a livable wage. We have not extended health care coverage so that unemployed workers who were laid off or have lost their jobs will have some protection. Please, Mr. Speaker, I hope that nobody comes to me again with the same old worn-out, nonproductive, trickle-down theories of huge tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy, with the idea that somehow this will reach those who are most in need. Most often, it does not. I call it the same old wine in a new bottle, or maybe we could call it the same old lemon with a new twist. The real deal is that a rising tide will lift all boats, and so if we want to stimulate the economy, take John Smith who makes $7.50 an hour, give him an extra $50, and I guarantee my colleagues he will spend every penny of it, plowing it right back into the economy. He may go to the shoe store, buy little Johnny a pair of shoes, maybe Suzy a dress. Then the clerk at the shoe store can go to the grocery store, pick up a gallon of milk, maybe some eggs. Then the clerk at the grocery store can go to the beauty shop and see the cosmetologist who then goes to church, puts something in the collection plate. Maybe the preacher then goes to the car dealer, purchases a car, so that he can go and visit his parishioners in the county hospital. On the way, he purchases gasoline so that the person at the gasoline station then earns some money. So if we want to really stimulate, I think we need to reach down to where the people are. My mother was a great soup maker, and she could make a soup that was just out of sight. But I would always notice that when she was making the soup she would take this big spoon and go deep down in the pot, and she would stir up the bottom, and then we could smell the aroma all through house as the ingredients mixed, and then we could be filled with nutrients as we would eat the soup. We would be healthy and happy. This is what America has to do if we are going to stimulate the economy, that is, raise the minimum wage, extend coverage for unemployed workers, for people who are laid off, give them some health benefits so they can still be healthy, and then put the people back to work. If we are not prepared to do that, then we are not really talking about a stimulus. We are talking about a trickle-down system that does not work. I again just commend my colleagues, both of them, for providing us with the opportunity to share with the American people.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me congratulate the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) on the introduction of this bill. I also want to commend the chairman and ranking member for the efficient manner in which they have moved this legislation to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2538, the Native American Entrepreneurial Development Act. This legislation would provide $7 million to fund a 3-year program for technical assistance to Native American businesses. Mr. Speaker, the reality is that when we provide an opportunity for Native American businesses to grow and develop, to experience some sense of technical knowledge, to be able to come into the mainstream, then we are really doing the work, I think, that we were sent here to do. I do not want to be redundant, but I certainly want to commend again the gentleman from New Mexico for his sensitivity and understanding and recognition of the needs of the people that he represents. Again, I commend the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), and the ranking member for the efficiency and the good work of this Committee on Small Business. With all due respect to other committees, Mr. Speaker, I think that this is probably one of the most bipartisan, one of the most efficient committees in Congress, and we all do an outstanding job on it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague, the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis), in consideration of H.R. 3248, legislation naming a post office in Cranbury, New Jersey, after Todd Beamer. H.R. 3248 was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) on November 7, 2001. I would like to begin my remarks by thanking the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) for continuing the tradition of naming post offices after individuals of accomplishment and people who have given up much to the betterment of their community and of their Nation. Naming a postal facility after Todd Beamer sets a very high standard indeed; for Todd Beamer not only accomplished much, he gave his life in defense of our country. The consideration of H.R. 3248 on the heels of H. Con. Res. 232 is important, important because we in the Congress express our appreciation to the passengers and crew of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 for diverting the use of that aircraft from its intended target, Washington, D.C., possibly headed for the White House or the Nation's Capitol. As the resolution states, we in the Congress extend our condolences to the victims, families and friends. We also place a memorial plaque honoring the victims of Flight 93 on the Capitol grounds. Acknowledging the heroic struggle aboard Flight 93 leads us to the consideration of H.R. 324, and the fateful telephone call from Todd Beamer to a telephone operator. Todd Beamer, along with other passengers on the plane, organized resistance to the hijacking after learning the fate of three planes, two of which flew into the World Trade Center and one which hit the Pentagon. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, Flight 93 took off from Newark, New Jersey, bound for San Francisco, with Captain Jason Dahl in the pilot's seat. Along the way, it suddenly and unexpectedly detoured, heading for Washington, D.C. Before I conclude my comments, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the widow of Todd Beamer. She has handled the loss of her husband extremely well. But in addition, Lisa Beamer has become a real activist, organizing assistance for victims and the families of those who were victimized. She is in Washington this day, trying to generate support for the families of those who lost loved ones. Her children and family can take great comfort in knowing that their father and son was a hero and a master of his fate. His actions have left behind a great legacy, a legacy of patriotism, a legacy of love, a legacy of courage, and a legacy of leadership. Mr. Speaker, I often define leadership as the ability to do what needs to be done, but to do it first. In closing, I am proud to support H.R. 3248. I thank the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), and the ranking minority member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), for moving quickly to schedule this bill. I also again express my appreciation to my colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), for introducing this legislation. In what has been quoted as the final immortal words of Todd Beamer, I close, Mr. Speaker, by asking America, ``Are you ready? Let's roll.'' I urge the swift passage of H.R. 3248. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), who is the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Somehow or another, heroes arise in times of great need. Heroes arise in times of great need. At a time of crisis and great need, Todd Beamer and his fellow passengers rose up. And because they rose up, we have the ability to continue to stand up on this floor and protect the rights of Americans and of people all over the world. So we take this moment not only to designate a post office in honor of Todd Beamer, but we say, ``Thank you, Todd. Thank you, passengers and crew of Flight 93.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.