Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding woman, Mrs. Patricia A. Jones, who in her own right provided immeasurable services, especially to children and social service agencies in Chicago, Illinois, and its surrounding suburbs. In addition to that, Mrs. Jones is also the beloved wife of the Senate Democratic Leader of Illinois, Emil Jones, Jr. She passed away Sunday past at 11 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital, a young woman, only 63 years old. She was as much a partner in her husband's public life as she was in his private life. Emil and Patricia Jones were wed on December 4, 1974. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 9, 1938, the third of eleven children. She went through the New Orleans school system where she became a teacher. Of course, ultimately, she came to Chicago and is survived by her husband; two sons, John Sterling and Emil Jones III; and a nephew, Emil Alvarez Jones, whom she raised. She is also survived by a number of other relatives. She attended Loyola University in Chicago and graduated from Chicago State University. As a young adult, Mrs. Jones moved with her family to Chicago. She was employed by the City of Chicago, administrating the Title 20 program for a number of years, which included preschool, Head Start. She also taught in the preschool program at the YMCA in Chicago. She served on the school board as President of Holy Name of Mary Catholic School in Morgan Park. She was active in her church, Holy Name Mary Catholic Church in Morgan Park, where she was a former member of the Ladies Guild. She was a member of AKA Sorority and a board member of the Beverly Arts Center. We extend our condolences to the minority leader in the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones, on the death of his wife, but we value her contributions and know that they will long remain not only a part of Chicago but a part of the Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as we just listened to the debate and tributes being paid to Representative Solomon, I think that gives us one of the reasons why this bill is so important; and so I rise in strong support for H. Res. 298, a bill expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Veterans Day should be observed on November 11 and separate from any other holiday or day for Federal elections or national observances. Madam Speaker, in 1921 an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reference for American veterans. On Sunday November 23, 1921, Miriam Felt, then 23 years old, wrote a letter to her family describing the events in Washington, DC., during the time of that first burial, now known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington National Cemetery. Miriam wrote: ``Well, this last week has been quite an event in history, and I certainly do wish you all could have been in Washington. It certainly is something I shall never forget. Somehow, you can talk about it and think about it, but the realization of the whole thing struck me so much more by seeing it all, and it was so impressive. Of course, Washington is alive with foreigners of all sorts, and I am turning around all the time to see something else for fear that I will miss something. ``Thursday night after work, Gertie and I went up to the Capitol to see the body in state there. We went up about six o'clock, thinking the crowd would not be so large. But at that time, the line four breast extended over two blocks, and by the time we had reached the Capitol steps and could look back at the crowd, it extended up on one side of the park, down another side, then the third side of it and on beyond the Capitol Building where we could see no farther, so I don't know how much longer it was. It was perfectly beautifully managed, and there was no crowding, and everyone, strangely enough, acted as though they really were there to pay respect to the memory which that body was to represent to the country.'' As a postscript, Miriam Felt wrote: ``Give my love to Grandpa. Sorry he isn't feeling up to par. Tell him to be a good boy. Tell him too that some of his old 'cronies' marched to Arlington Friday and they looked mighty fine, I'll tell you, and I thought a lot about what he did for his country.'' November 11 is a time for us to reflect on what the men and women of the United States military have and continue to do for the country. The feeling of pride and patriotism expressed in Miriam Felt's letter should be felt by all of us. No longer can we take the freedoms that we enjoy today for granted, and no longer can we take the men and women who fought for those freedoms for granted. Yes, Madam Speaker, I encourage that we hold aside this day for this purpose only and for no other purpose, except to honor and pay tribute to the men and women of this country who have given and continue to give the last measure of devotion that one might have so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that we so rightly deserve. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2305, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Restructuring Act of 2001, a bill to strengthen the District of Columbia's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council by ensuring Federal participation and funds. I also thank the Chair of the D.C. subcommittee, the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), for working closely with the ranking member, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), to develop this measure. In 1998, the District of Columbia's financial authority created the D.C. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The goal of the CJCC was to coordinate criminal justice activities between the various Federal and D.C. agencies that have responsibility for different aspects of the criminal justice system in the District of Columbia. This coordination is essential because following the passage of the District of Columbia Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act in 1997, most of the District's criminal justice entities were either Federal agencies or D.C. agencies funded by the Federal Government. Currently, there are 13 agencies with responsibility for some aspect of D.C.'s criminal justice system. All of these agencies are members of the CJCC, in addition to the Mayor's office and the Council of the District of Columbia. The goal of the CJCC is to provide a forum to identify and resolve coordination issues that arise in the District of Columbia's criminal justice system and to help implement critical justice reforms. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Restructuring Act meets the legitimate concerns by District actors and the CJCC not to become a super agency while at the same time ensuring that supremacy clauses and federalism notions are respected. Specifically, the bill recognizes the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council as the appropriate entity set up by District legislation, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the District of Columbia Establishment Act of 2001 to coordinate criminal justice activities in the District. In addition, the bill requires that Federal agencies with a role in criminal justice matters in the District, including Court Services and Offender Supervision, Pretrial Services Agency, Office of the U.S. Attorney, the Bureau of Prisons and the United States Patrol Commission, serve on the CJCC, participate in its activities, and take such action as may be necessary to fulfill their duties on the CJCC. However, in keeping with the mandates, no District official can compel a Federal official to take any action. The bill also authorizes Federal funds to carry out the duties of the CJCC. This measure will strengthen and enhance the CJCC as a vital coordination entity for the District's multi-jurisdictional criminal justice system. Madam Speaker, I again thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for her work in bringing this important legislation to the floor. I urge its passage. Madam Speaker, I include for the Record the statement of the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Alliance for Community Media. This is a nonprofit organization which was founded in 1976 to provide access to voices and opinions that otherwise would not be heard. The alliance promotes this idea through public education, progressive legislation, regulatory outreach, coalition building, and grassroots organizing. The alliance's primary goal is to educate and advocate on behalf of the community at large. It works with the Federal Communication Commission, Congress, State legislatures, State regulatory agencies, and other partners to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or economic status, have access to available technology to express their opinions, to express their views. In my congressional district back in Chicago and in the western suburbs, I use extensively this media to reach out to my constituents. We do a program called Hotline 21, where citizens can call in and voice their opinions and get answers to their questions. That is a 30-minute one. We do another one that is an hour where individuals come in and talk about public issues, public policy directors, notions, concepts and ideas. As a matter of fact, the group of community producers, individuals who have their own shows, who have learned how to use technology, how to use cameras, as a matter of fact, they have built up quite a following; and everybody knows that whatever it is that they want to get out, they can get it out through this media. So I again commend the Alliance for Community Media, congratulate them on their 25th year anniversary; and I also congratulate their executive director, Bunnie Riedel, and her associates for having done an outstanding job and for having helped to keep alive the notion that as people talk and interact, share notions, ideas and concepts that really binds us closer together as a Nation, it helps to promote the concepts of democracy and it helps to make America a stronger, more open, more productive Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, there were 16,653 alcohol-related fatalities in the year 2000, 40 percent of the total traffic fatalities for that year. Driving under the influence of alcohol continues to be one of our major domestic problems and issues and we must continue to work towards finding lasting solutions to this major problem. About a week ago, a driver under the influence of alcohol smashed out the lives of two of my community's most beloved citizens, Reverend Charles H. Shyne, Junior, and his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Verlena Pruitt Shyne. Reverend Shyne, at the time of his death, was serving as pastor of the Hamlet-Isom Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on West Division Street in Chicago. Mrs. Verlena Pruitt Shyne was a retired teacher who had worked for the Chicago public schools and other districts, who at the time of her death was serving as first lady of Hamlet-Isom and providing voluntary leadership to many local church initiatives and programs as well as denominational activities and functions. Reverend and Mrs. Shyne were both college educated, he at Grambling High School, Central State University, Roosevelt University in Chicago, and received his seminary training at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. Mrs. Shyne also attended Grambling High School and graduated from Roosevelt University with a degree in early childhood education and taught for 15 years in the Chicago public school system and retired in 1999. She was the first lady of Hamlet-Isom CME Church and served on the missionary and stewardess boards. She was past president of the Ministers Spouses of the Chicago District. Mrs. Shyne is survived by two sisters, Ida Mae and Mildred Gipson, and one brother-in-law, Mr. Clarence Mamone. She loved and was loved by children and devoted much of her life and work to them. Before coming to Hamlet-Isom, Reverend Shyne served as pastor of Beede Chapel CME Church in Ripley, Ohio; Cleaves Temple in Omaha, Nebraska; and Central CME Church in Detroit, Michigan, where he also served as pastor of Bray Temple and director of Bray Temple Daycare Center. He was subsequently appointed presiding elder of the Chicago District, Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Conference in 1985. After several years of service in that capacity, he was pastor of Jubilee Temple. He retired in 1999, but agreed to serve as supply pastor at Hamlett Isom, where he remained until his untimely and tragic death. He is survived by one brother, Joe Shyne of Shreveport, Louisiana, and three sisters, Ozeal Brown of Washington, D.C., Mildred Bennett of Grambling, Louisiana, and Florence Bowers of Washington, D.C., and three brothers-in-law, Reverend Arlester Brown, Benny Bennett, and the Honorable Judge Shelli F. Bowers. The lives of Reverend and Mrs. Charles H. Shyne, Jr. will be cherished by all of us who knew them, and especially their seven loving children, five daughters and two sons: Gregory Shyne of Arlington, Virginia; Sharon Bowman of Detroit, Michigan; Jacqueline Robertson of Southfield, Michigan; Charlotte Shyne of Chicago, Illinois; Howard Shyne of Fairfax, Virginia; Robin Reddick of Memphis, Tennessee; and Rosalind Curry of Chicago. Also cherishing their memories are one son-in-law, Michael Robinson, husband of Jacqueline; 11 grandchildren, Nicole White, Tracy Bowman, Leslie Bowman, Damien and Jason Shyne, Jessica Curry, Jennifer and Janis Robertson, Iris, Rose and Samuel Roddick; three great grandchildren, Elijah Herron, Dylan, and Donovan White, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Mr. Speaker, here is another example of where two outstanding citizens who have devoted their lives to serving others have had their own lives cut short as a result of overuse of alcohol while operating a mechanized vehicle, an individual driving without any concern for the safety and welfare of others. We must all join together to find more effective solutions to this problem of people driving under the use of alcohol. We commend the Shynes for their outstanding work on behalf of humankind. Mr. Speaker, another subject, I too just want to acknowledge that today is indeed World AIDS Day. I join with all of those who have spoken relative to the tremendous need to make sure that every effort is made to continue to supply resources, come up with programs and activities to make sure that we combat this deadly disease. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize the 13th anniversary of World AIDS Day, it is noted that the theme for this years Day is; I care. Do you? Mr. Speaker, yes, we care. World AIDS Day emerged from the call by the World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention in January 1988 to open channels of communication, strengthen the exchange of information and experience, and forge a spirit of social tolerance. Since then, it has received the support of many notable organizations world-wide. Notably, the AIDS campaign started on September 1, 2001, and ends on December 1, 2001, which is World AIDS Day. Every single day more than 8,000 people die of AIDS. Every hour almost 600 people become infected and every single minute, a child dies with the virus. World-wide, the AIDS epidemic has become an extremely difficult battle to combat. While many nations' health care systems lag behind the increasing demand for the supply of drugs that treat AIDS and the virus associated with the disease. Many of the infected cannot afford the drugs or may not be able to obtain insurance that will assist during the treatment of the disease. We must continue to visit the issue with extreme importance and caution. Before the terrorist attacks, we were making progress to develop strategies to combat and control the spread of AIDS. We must continue to work with that same passion while balancing the importance of our country's security. Today, more than 40 million people are now living with the virus. A vast majority of these victims are from sub-Saharan Africa, where the spread of AIDS is moving at an alarming rate. Other countries such as Asia, Eastern Europe and parts of the Caribbean have experienced the hardship of the disease's progression. As the spread of AIDS grows, the importance of treatment must be made a top priority. Now more than ever, more pregnant women are carrying the disease affecting their unborn children. The future of the World's children depends on how precise we are in our judgment, our prognosis and our preparation in the fight against AIDS. Over the past 20 years, AIDS have claimed the lives of 58 million people, killing 22 million of them. ``Safe-Sex'' messages are simply not enough. A combined effort of education, realization and information is the only answer to detour the spread of the disease. I urge that we spare no effort to combat this dreadful nuisance.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. I simply appreciate the fact that this amendment is accepted. I commend the gentleman for introducing it. Community health centers do, in fact, have the infrastructure in place, and I think it is a great amendment, and I appreciate the chairman and the ranking member for accepting the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Sanders amendment. This amendment simply redirects $1 million from the Public Health and Emergency Fund to Community Health Centers to make sure that they are prepared in the event of a bioterrorism attack. Community Health Centers are the first responders; they are the community doctors to more than 12 million patients a year. They provide quality affordable health care to the uninsured, working poor, and Medicaid and Medicare populations. The tragic events of September 11th have changed our lives forever. It has caused us to re-examine our public health infrastructure--to determine whether we are prepared should a bioterrorism attack occur. The Illinois Primary Health Care Association just distributed a ``White Paper'' on this very subject. They suggest that the unfortunate reality of today is that community health centers in Illinois and throughout the country are not well prepared to fulfill their role as first responders in the event of a bioterrorist attack. They note that health center personnel presently lack adequate (if any) training to detect the symptoms associated with bioterrorism. Additionally, health center personnel lack the capacity to conduct mass inoculations, and they do not possess the communications infrastructure necessary to quickly share suspicious diagnosis information with other entities in the community and public health sector. Finally, many Illinois community health centers lack any formal plan to manage the consequences of a bioterrorist attack and community and regional planning has been inadequate. This ``White Paper'' really underscores the weaknesses in our public health infrastructure. We must not only ensure our strength abroad--but we must solidify our strength at home. A public health infrastructure that is strong provides security for all of our citizens. This is a matter of public health. The Sanders amendment proposes to strengthen our public health infrastructure by redirecting $1 million to our first responders--community health centers. This is a good amendment because it will provide the resources needed to assist in training health center personnel on bioterrorism and upgrading existing facilities. It will also help to create additional health centers and provide resources to strengthen our integrated information system.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Manzullo and Velazquez amendment. The purpose of this amendment is to allow $140 million appropriated in this emergency supplemental to also go towards the 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program and the 504 Certified Development Company Loan Programs of the Small business Administration providing that not all the funds have been used for disaster relief. This amendment will give the Small Business Administration flexibility to use all appropriate funding to provide additional relief to small business borrowers who use main lending programs of the Small Business Administration. After 10 years of solid economic growth, 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 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 is taking a huge hit as profits and employment figures head into a free fall. Part of the solution to 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 99.7 percent of America's employers, it can play a vital role in bringing America out of this economic downturn. To help American small business survive this economic downturn, the Small Business Administration must engage all available resources in facilitating entrepreneurship development, providing low- or no- interest loans, and more technical assistance programs to small businesses. The most important contribution Congress can make is to fund all SBA programs at their authorized levels. I urge all my colleagues to support the Manzullo and Velazquez amendment. Point of Order

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield to the gentleman from American Samoa.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the gentleman. December 7, 1941, or September 11, 2001, our country has stood strong, resilient and ready to withstand any attack, no matter where it comes from. Again, we salute, we commend those men and women of the military who have protected with their very lives the freedoms which we all enjoy. I urge support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, at 7:53 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial navy attacked the island of Oahu, Hawaii, now infamously known as Pearl Harbor. Approximately 100 ships of the U.S. Navy were present that morning, consisting of battleships, destroyers, cruisers and various support ships. By 1:00 p.m. the Japanese carriers that launched the planes from 274 miles off the coast of Oahu were heading back to Japan. Behind them they left chaos: 2,403 dead, 188 destroyed planes and a crippled Pacific Fleet that included eight damaged or destroyed battleships. Battleships moored along Battleship Row were the primary target of the attack's first wave. Ten minutes after the beginning of the attack, a bomb crashed through the USS Arizona's two armored decks, igniting its magazine. The explosion ripped the ship's sides open, and fire engulfed the entire ship. Within minutes, the ship sank to the bottom, taking 1,300 lives with her. The sunken ship remains as a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives during this attack. Let me take a moment to read an excerpt of Marine Corporal E.C. Nightingale's account of that Sunday morning as he was leaving the breakfast table aboard the USS Arizona. ``I reached the boat deck and our anti-aircraft guns were in full action, firing very rapidly. I was about three-quarters of the way to the first platform on the mast when it seemed as though a bomb struck our quarter deck. I could hear shrapnel or fragments whistling past me. As soon as I reached the first platform, I saw Second Lieutenant Simonson lying on his back with blood on his shirt front. I bent over him and taking him by the shoulders asked if there was anything I could do. He was dead or so nearly that speech was impossible.'' This resolution calls on Congress, on the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, to pay tribute to those who not only died in the attack, but those like Corporal Nightingale who survived that fatal Sunday morning. And like my dear friend, Orlandis Dixon, who was also at Pearl Harbor and survived, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of the men and women who have put their lives on the line consistently to protect and promote the most desirable features of our way of life, especially the Crispus Attucks Post, Milton Olive Post, George Giles Post, Tuskegee Airmen and Triple Nickle of the 101st Airborne, all of whom I interact with on a regular and ongoing basis. To listen to these men and women recount their experiences causes one to have a new level of understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. So I join in strong support of this resolution and urge that all Members would vote favorably for it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega). (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from American Samoa. As a matter of fact, as a child growing up, I lived near one of those concentration camps, a resettlement camp, in Jerome, Arkansas; and so I observed some of what the gentleman speaks about. And having actually seen it, I appreciate the gentleman's remarks a great deal.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of my special order this evening.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Jet Magazine and pay tribute to its founder, Mr. John H. Johnson. This month Jet Magazine, black America's number one weekly news magazine, turns 50 years old. Since 1951 Jet Magazine has provided a voice to and for African Americans and people of color. Jet Magazine has covered stories in black life that the mainstream press often ignores. From the civil rights movement to politics, music, the arts, and sports, Jet has always been there to give voice to ordinary people. Today, Jet Magazine currently enjoys a circulation of more than 970,000 weekly and is international in its scope. The magazine has been successful because it speaks to and addresses issues that directly impact black America. As Jet Magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary, it does so in good financial shape. We know that behind every successful venture is a person with vision and a good work ethic. Well behind Jet Magazine is Mr. John H. Johnson, a man of integrity a man who believes that hard work, determination, dedication, and education allows one to rise above poverty and racism. Mr. Johnson's story is truly representative of one who has pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Born in Arkansas City, Arkansas, on the banks of the Mississippi River, he moved to Chicago when he was 15. As a young man, he spent 2 years on welfare while at DuSable High School. He often calls himself a welfare graduate. He noted that the days he spent on welfare were some of his darkest days, and his greatest goal was to get off, which he did. Mr. Johnson recalls that when, at the age of 24, he first tried to borrow money to start a magazine geared toward African American readers, a banker refused and called him a boy. However, he did not give up nor give in. He secured a $500 loan by using his mother's furniture as collateral. In 1942, he founded Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago and began production of the Negro Digest, later titled Black World. On November 1, 1945, the first issue of Ebony hit the newsstands. With a monthly circulation of more than 2 million, Ebony is the largest African American-oriented magazine in the country. Mr. Johnson did not rest on his success, and in 1985 he started Ebony Man, which now has a circulation of 300,000, and he owns a 20 percent interest in Essence, his closest competitor. In the 1970s, Mr. Johnson branched into cosmetics, insurance, and other media. Today he owns Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Supreme Beauty Products. By all accounts, Mr. Johnson has risen above the obstacles of poverty and prejudice to become one of the most successful publishers and businessmen in history. On tomorrow, I shall introduce a resolution in the House so that all Members will have an opportunity to pay tribute to this outstanding American. He will be the first to tell us that he has not always enjoyed success. In fact, he started seven magazines, four of them failures. Mr. Johnson says that out of failure comes success. He instructs that one must always be willing to take the risk of failing in order to succeed. His unwavering spirit, tenacity, and persistence to succeed have not been his alone. Mr. Johnson credits his late mother, Mrs. Gertrude Johnson Williams, for much of his success. It was her nurturing, support, and guidance that planted the seeds for his success. He notes that she lived to see 30 years of his success. Additionally, he credits his wife of more than 50 years, Ms. Eunice Johnson, who is the producer and director of Ebony Fashion Fair, and his daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, who is the chief operating officer of Johnson Publishing Company. Additionally, no operation is successful only because of its leadership. Mr. Johnson has a team of over 2,600 employees who contribute to Johnson Publishing Company. Stellar among this group for many years was Mrs. Willie Miles Burns, a good friend of mine and Mr. Johnson's cousin, who for many years was vice president for circulation. As a result of Mr. Johnson's prowess, others have been able to let their lights of journalistic talent and management skills shine, individuals like associate publisher and executive editor emeritus Robert Johnson, who ran Jet for many years; and current senior editor, Sylvia P. Flanagan; managing editor Malcolm R. West; feature editor Clarence Waldron; Washington Bureau Chief Simeon Booker; West Coast Bureau Chief Aldore D. Collier, and many others who have helped to make the Johnson Publishing Company a team. Mr. Johnson, now 83, still works hard and has not missed a beat. He has received thousands of awards and accolades. Recently, he was the first African American to be inducted into the prestigious Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson and Ebony and Jet have all given African Americans, as well as much of the rest of the world, knowledge, insight, and understanding into the needs, hopes, and aspirations of the people.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I just left a wonderful event at Union Station sponsored by First Book, Coca Cola, and Scholastic Educational Services. We all know that the mission of First Book is to put a book in the hands of children and encourage them to read. They are going to be there the rest of the day, so I am encouraging people to go by, sign this giant book, because for every signature that they get, some child is going to get their very own book to read.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, William Penn was a distinguished statesman and a principled defender of human rights and religious liberty. Born on October 14, 1644, to Anglican parents, William Penn converted to Quakerism after hearing the famous apostle Thomas Loe. He spent much of his time in prison for his radical preaching for personal property and religious rights. In 1672, he wrote the concessions and agreements charter for a group of Quaker colonists who were settling in the newly acquired New Jersey. Among its provisions were the right to trial by jury, the freedom from arbitrary imprisonment for debt, and edict against capital punishment. Penn also strongly urged religious freedom, writing, and I quote, ``No men hath power or authority to rule over men's consciences in religious matters.'' Penn is more famously known, however, as the founder of Pennsylvania. He designed the city of Philadelphia as a rectangular gridiron with a center square that divided the city into four quadrants. Penn planned for the city's principal public buildings, the meeting house, school, and statehouse. His conception of Philadelphia has been characterized as one of the earliest attempts at utopian city planning and represented the most extensively preplanned American city at that time. I must confess, Mr. Speaker, that every time I visit Philadelphia, I am always amazed at the ideas and concepts that Penn had even at that time. Penn's Charter of Privileges, which was Pennsylvania's original constitution, speaks of valuable rights and freedoms. In the charter, Penn ensured that no citizen would be discriminated against because of his or her faith, nor would any citizen be denied a role in civil government because of the expression of his or her faith. Penn recognized the role of religion in public life and affirmed its importance. In 1751, 50 years after Penn wrote the Charter of Privileges, the Pennsylvania General Assembly commissioned a bell for the statehouse to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the charter. The bell was rung to call the citizens of Philadelphia to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence and became known as the Liberty Bell as abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their cause. H. Con. Res. 254 encourages the people of the United States to celebrate the 300th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Privileges, the 250th anniversary of the Liberty Bell and the 225th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Given Penn's profound impact on religious liberty and this Nation's history, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution, as we shall always remember the words: ``We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this resolution is somewhat unusual, but I want to congratulate the gentlewoman from Florida for having the insight and the feeling and the sensitivity and the recognition that sometimes behavior can be taught and that we can move in the direction that we choose to go. This resolution, which expresses the sense of Congress regarding a National Words Can Heal Day, seeks to reduce verbal violence and gossip. Imagine, if we could reduce gossip, then obviously that would help to reduce verbal violence. The goal of this effort is to promote the value and practice of ethical speech in order to improve our democracy, build respect, honor and dignity in our country. The essence of this campaign, which was launched on Tuesday, September 4, right here in Washington, D.C., is reflected in this simple pledge: ``I pledge to think more about the words I use. I will try to see how gossip hurts people, including myself, and work to eliminate it from my life. I will try to replace words that hurt with words that encourage, engage, and enrich. I will not become discouraged when I am unable to choose words perfectly, because making the world a better place is hard work. I am pledging to do that one word at a time.'' We can all play a role in this effort to improve our society and make a difference in our homes, our schools, our communities, and in the workplace by taking this pledge. As I read through it, I could not help but recall the teachings of my mother, who always told us that you can catch far more bees with honey than with vinegar. Or she might say, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Or she might admonish us to speak about others as we would have them speak of us. Then she would force us to read the book of Proverbs, with all of the wisdom that it contains. So it seems to me that the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) has taken those kinds of teachings and expressions, placed them into a resolution that all Members of this body can adopt; and I would urge my colleagues to take this pledge and, in doing so, support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).