Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation; and I want to commend the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), and the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), for their leadership of the Committee on Small Business and the expeditious as well as impartial way in which they handle our business. I think it is a testament to their leadership that both these bills are on the floor today, and I simply commend them. I also want to commend the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady). He has put his finger right on a tremendous need. I interact with many small business operations, with many trades persons, and I can guaranty the moment this legislation is put into effect the Chicago Public School System, the Chicago Federation of Labor, the City Colleges of Chicago, and many other small units in the area where I live and work will pounce on it as a godsend and a lifesaver. I also want to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney), because he also put his finger on another great need, and that is the need to help small businesses comply with the myriad of regulations that they sometimes have to go through and really have difficulty figuring out what to do. So this is a great day, I think, for small business and a great day for the Committee on Small Business. And so I commend all those involved.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, when I was a child, my mother used to try and convince us to work by telling us that we should never rest until your good becomes better and your better becomes best. Tony Gwynn is one of the best hitters in baseball history. Between 1994 and 1997, he won four consecutive batting titles, with averages better than .350. The left-handed outfielder became the first National League player in more than 70 years to accomplish this feat. Gwynn's eight total career batting titles tie him with Honus Wagner for second on the all-time list. Only Ty Cobb, with 12 career batting titles, has more. Anthony Keith Gwynn was born in Los Angeles and educated at San Diego State University, where he played baseball and basketball. He was selected by the San Diego Padres of the National League in 1981 in the free agent draft. After playing in the minor leagues, he joined the Padres in 1982. In 1984, Gwynn led the National League in batting with a .351 average and helped lead the Padres to the National League pennant. In 1987, Gwynn topped the league again, with a .370 average, the highest National League mark since Stan Musial hit .376 in 1948. Gwynn then led the league in batting for the next two seasons, with averages of .313 and .336. He did not win the batting title from 1990 to 1993, but he maintained his excellent hitting, registering averages of .309, .317, .317, and .358. In 1994, the Major League season ended in August because of a player strike, but Gwynn reclaimed the batting title by hitting .394 in the abbreviated campaign. This was the highest average in the major leagues since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941. Over the next three seasons, Gwynn extended his string of batting titles, batting .368 in 1995, .353 in 1996, and .372 in 1997. He became the first National League player to top .350 in five consecutive seasons since Rogers Hornsby achieved that feat in six straight campaigns from 1920 to 1925. Although best known for his hitting, Gwynn was recognized for his fine fielding during several seasons and won five Gold Glove Awards as one of the best defensive outfielders in the National League in 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1991. I congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for introducing this resolution and would urge its support.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, my mother probably just said it best when she said, good, better, and best. Never rest until your good becomes better and your better becomes best. Tony Gwynn was always among the best. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the author of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, like my colleague from Michigan, I also rise to talk about the farm bill that we will be debating on tomorrow. Of course, in that bill is the sugar subsidy program. There is going to be an amendment, the Miller-Miller amendment, and I rise in strong support of it. The sugar program hurts working people in my congressional district and the Miller-Miller amendment would help to redress the harm that they have suffered. The candy industry is important to the Chicago area. There are 31,000 confectionery employees in Illinois, with 15,000 of those in Cook County. Unfortunately, employment in the confectionery industry in Chicago has fallen 11 percent since 1991. The sugar program has contributed to this decline. Along with other members of the Illinois delegation, I have repeatedly spoken on this floor about the injury caused to my constituents by the sugar program. We have not been alone. Mayor Daley and the Chicago City Council strongly oppose the sugar program. They are joined in this opposition by city business leaders and the Chicago Federation of Labor. For companies that make nonchocolate candy, sugar is a large portion of their total costs. The U.S. sugar program supports prices in our domestic market so that candymakers in Chicago are forced to pay more than twice as much for sugar as their competitors abroad. For example, on September 25, the price of raw sugar in the United States was 20.65 cents per pound. On the same date, the world price of raw sugar was 6.84 cents per pound. Candy manufacturers and workers must compete with the candy that is made offshore, using world-priced sugar. Imports of hard candy have been rising, from less than 12 percent of the U.S. market in 1997 to 19 percent in 1999. These imports make it difficult for our companies and workers to compete, because a major part of their ingredient cost, sugar, is so much cheaper than in our domestic market. It is the classic unlevel playing field that we hear our colleagues from agriculture districts talk about so frequently. But in this case, it is the workers in Chicago and other places throughout the country who are on the wrong end of the field. The sugar programs helped cause the candy industry's problems through price supports and import quotas. The Miller-Miller amendment reforms the price support system; it does not abolish the sugar program. The amendment does not say that there should be no assistance to sugar growers and producers; it reduces price supports modestly and increases the penalties that sugar processing companies must pay when they fail to repay their government loan. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the sugar program, and I strongly believe in supporting farmers, but I believe that we have to support the needy and not the greedy. So I would urge my colleagues to vote for the Miller-Miller amendment and give the workers throughout America, and especially those in the confectionery industry, an opportunity to work and not see their jobs moved to other countries and other places.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, tomorrow we will be debating the farm bill; and in that bill is the sugar program, which hurts workers in my district. Since the sugar program has been in effect, employment in the confectionery industry has fallen 11 percent since 1991. The sugar program has contributed to that fall because candymakers in Chicago, in my district, pay more than twice the world market price for sugar. As long as these supports continue and we pay this inordinate amount, we are going to lose employment and employment opportunities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Miller-Miller amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am sure that there are those who would want to ask the question, given the circumstances of our time and our being, why are we taking time to honor athletes? Why are we taking time to tell people about individuals who have hero status that are not necessarily related to September 11? Then there are those who understand that the individuals we honor, such as Cal Ripken, represent the essence of what is good and wholesome in our Nation, represent the essence of courage, of endurance, of skill, the kind of courage, endurance and skill that can serve us well in any endeavor. Cal Ripken holds the major league record for the most consecutive games played. On September 6, 1995, in the 14th season of his streak, Ripken surpassed the previous record of 2,130 consecutive games played which had been set by Lou Gehrig in 1939, and which, for many years, had been considered unbreakable. Ripken's streak of 2,632 consecutive games over nearly 17 seasons ended on September 20, 1998, when he asked to be taken out of the starting line-up. His durability, attitude and mastery of the fundamental skills of baseball made him one of the sport's most respected performers of the late 20th century. Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr. was born in Maryland and grew up in Maryland. He was signed by the Baltimore Orioles after he graduated from high school in 1978, and he debuted in the major leagues for the Orioles in 1981. By 1983, he was considered one of the best shortstops in the major leagues, leading the American League that year in hits, doubles, runs and assists. Ripken's play in 1983 earned him the American League's Most Valuable Player award. Ripken's baseball accomplishments are numerous. In 1984, he established an American League fielding record with 583 assists. Six years later, he set a single season record for fielding percentage by a shortstop when he registered a .996 mark in 1990, committing only three errors in 680 chances. In 1991, when Ripken won the American League Most Valuable Player award for the second time, he had a .323 batting average with 34 home runs and 114 runs batted in during the season. That same year, he was also the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star game and the American League Gold Glove winner for fielding at shortstop. In 1997, Ripken moved from shortstop to third base. The change of position did not affect his streak. In 1998, Ripken continued at third base and led American league third basemen with a .979 fielding average. He was also voted to the All-Star game for the 16th consecutive time. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as the news media reported the attacks on New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, other attacks are also being reported by Americans on Americans who want immediate revenge. I am referring to incidence of hate crimes committed against Arab Americans, South Asians and other mistakenly identified individuals. In spite of the terrorist attacks on our country, our nation's motto has not changed; it is still ``Ex Pluribus Unum!'' that is, ``out of many one'', or a nation representing people from around the world. The City of Chicago has a thriving community of Arab Americans who are not all Muslims. Regardless of religion, all law-abiding citizens of Chicago and other communities deserve full protection of the law against all acts of intolerance. The principle of justice for all shall remain unchanged. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of any resolution addressing hate crimes within our border.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in these times of stress, as we unite and come together as a Nation, we look for leadership and for example to those who have preached unity, who have practiced organization--the bringing together of the diverse people of America for the common good. Mr. Speaker, last month we lost a great American who spent her life bringing people together for the common good. She did not aspire to public office or great power. She eschewed financial reward. She never left her community. Mr. Speaker, Gale Cincotta was born in 1929 and grew up in on Chicago's Westside. Gale Cincotta's experiences as a wife, as a mother, as a Westside resident led her to a career as an advocate for the interests of her neighbors, and for common folk everywhere; as she was once quoted in the Chicago Sun Times, ``I got mad and stayed mad.''But her anger was never channeled into destruction. When Gale got mad she got her neighbors together to make things right. And she was very, very, good at making things right. Gale Cincotta recognized early on that the key to people's advocacy was organization and she became an outstanding community organizer, empowering people to seek redress of grievances and pro-actively shape public policy to advance community interests. Housing was a recurring and central issue for Gale's attention and she led struggles to organize for an end to block busting, mortgage and insurance redlining, reform of federal first-time home-owners programs, and for an to end predatory lending practices. Ms. Cincotta played a key role in the passage of federal legislation including Home Mortgage Disclosure and the Community Reinvestment Act. Her drive for empowerment and organization over time grew and evolved into a national organization known as the National Training and Information Center. Mr. Speaker, during her lifetime, Gale was recognized for her advocacy with many honors and positions including a seat on the City of Chicago Commission on Women, a Chicago Commission on Human Rights Award and a ``Woman of the Year'' award from Ms. magazine. But these awards only served to deepen her commitment to the community. Mr. Speaker, we deeply mourn the passing of a tireless crusaders for people's empowerment, Gale Cincotta. We will miss her, we will miss her energy, we will miss her guidance. But we are resolved to carry on. That would be what Gale expected from us. That is what this great American experiment in democracy is all about. That is what we are resolved to do.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on September 10 due to important district business, and I was out of the country on September 11, 12, and 13, 2001. If I was present for rollcall votes for the following bills: 336 on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1766--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4270 John Marr Drive in Annandale, Virginia, as the ``Stan Parris Post Office Building''; 337 on motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended H.R. 1761--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8588 Richmond Highway in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Herb E. Harris Post Office Building''; 338 on passage of H.J. Res. 61--Expressing the sense of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001; 339 on passage of H.R. 2882--To provide for the expedited payment of certain benefits for a public safety officer who was killed or suffered a catastrophic injury as a direct result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty in connection with the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; 340 on passage of H.R. 2884--Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001; and 341 on passage of H.R. 2888--Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2001. I would have voted ``yea'' to all of these bills.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my support of H.R. 2882, to ensure that our public safety workers have coverage as a result of the recent terrorist acts. It is my belief that it is our responsibility to redress this situation in a timely fashion. At the onset of the horror that we experienced on the eleventh day of this month, a victory was won in the hearts of all Americans. These brave individuals are winning the War each and every second. True honor and patriotism shall be bestowed upon them. By now, we have all seen the bravery and extraordinary effort that the Fire Fighters and Police Officers in New York and Washington as well as the rescue workers in these areas. The amount of courage that has been displayed by these individuals is incredible and will forever be remembered. It is now our responsibility in light of the current circumstances to make sure that the families of these public safety workers feel the confidence that the Congress will help ease their burden. I commend each and every one of these workers and their commitment to excellence as shown over these events. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, join me in praising our fallen public safety officers for their extraordinary commitment to the community. They have earned and deserve our recognition, respect and praise. We will never forget these workers.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to offer my support for H.R. 2884, Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001. We have all heard and read stories of the heroic acts of these individuals, which bestows a sense of pride in my heart. We must never forget the innocent lives that were lost. We must hold the thoughts of these victims in our hearts forever. My prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of these horrific events. On that day when their freedom was denied and their lives destroyed, must serve as motivation to restore the very principles for which this country was originally founded. Yet it is certain that this is a very important and difficult issue to resolve. While the administration strategically prepares to protect our country, we must now protect the rights of these victims. We owe this to our citizens. Tax relief for these victims is a must. It now is time to rebuild America to restore the liberty and justice for all. While the World Trade Center no longer is standing, the Statue of Liberty stands strong for the remembrance of each of you. Mr. Speaker, Justice and human decency will prevail for all allowing, us to all heal in time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in support of this resolution authorizing the President to use military force against those responsible for the September 11, 2001, attack on America. In addition, Mr. Speaker, to all of those who have lost their lives and loved ones or been injured, on behalf of the people of the Seventh District of Illinois, we extend to them our heartfelt condolences. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we commend all of those who have committed tremendous acts of bravery, who have given of themselves during this period, who have given even their lives so that others might live. We thank them for their acts of heroism, and we shall stand together.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my condolences to the families of all the victims of yesterday's terrorist attacks. The attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center, damaged our Pentagon, destroyed four aircraft and claimed thousands of lives shall not divide us. This is one of the worst tragedies for the world community. The attempt of the actors on yesterday was to strike a blow to democracy and freedom. They will not succeed. We as a world community must unite and condemn terrorism wherever and whenever it occurs. The world community has a responsibility to promote peace and encourage diplomacy. We also have a responsibility to bring to justice those responsible for terrorist acts. On behalf of all my constituents I want to commend the action of all the rescue workers, volunteers, hospital personnel and others who triumph over tragedy by their actions. Rescue workers who did their jobs under extraordinary conditions. Their actions and sacrifices shall not be forgotten. The thousands of people who have lost their lives or been injured shall not be forgotten, or overlooked. I stand with President Bush and my colleagues in condemning this atrocious act of terror. I urge that we bring to justice all of those involved in yesterday's despicable terrorist attacks. Finally, I urge that we work to make sure that communities and agencies have the resources to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future. God bless America.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Since 1970, the President of the United States has proclaimed January as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, highlighting the importance of giving the gift of life through the donation of blood. House Resolution 202 will continue to help raise the public's awareness about blood donation by establishing a Summer Emergency Blood Donor Month. Every 3 seconds, someone needs blood. Each day, patients across the country receive approximately 32,000 units of this vital resource. This year alone, as many as 4 million patients will require blood transfusions, as accident victims, people undergoing surgery and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases. By donating blood just once, each of us can save up to three lives. Too many Americans wait until they need blood before they truly realize the importance of volunteer blood donation. Sixty percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5 percent do so. While women and minority groups are volunteering to donate blood in increasing numbers, the 5 percent who donate blood are generally college-educated white males between the ages of 30 and 50 who are married and have an above-average income. The gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) should be commended for raising all Americans' awareness about the importance of donating blood and giving the gift of life. Blood donations are most needed during holidays and in the summer. It is during the holidays and summer that the number of donations decline while the demand continues or even increases. This resolution will go a long way in addressing the Nation's need for blood during this critical period. I have always been told, Madam Speaker, that you cannot lead where you do not go and you cannot teach what you do not know. So I am pleased to note that each year at some point in time I find some way to go to a blood donor organization, get on the couch, get on the table, have my blood pressure taken and give blood, even if I have got some reservation or hesitation. Again I want to commend the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) and urge all Members of this body to enthusiastically support this resolution. 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 yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), the author of this legislation and one of the more sensitive Members of this body in relationship to human needs.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana. It is always a pleasure to work with him and to interact with him. I will close by simply stating that when we give blood, we give the gift of life. I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for stimulating me and for challenging all of us. I am going to take up her challenge and I am going to go back to my district and organize a blood donor drive before the end of this year.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2291, the Drug-Free Communities Support Program reauthorization. I also commend the sponsors, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin). I also commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for their cooperation in moving this legislation to the floor. Madam Speaker, I also acknowledge and thank the recently appointed drug czar, former Representative Hutchinson, for visiting with me to discuss these issues back at home in Illinois. I am pleased to support the reauthorization of this vital program because it goes a long way towards reducing drug use in our communities. All of us are aware of the tremendous drug use problems. We are aware of the fact that even young people today are beginning to use habit- forming drugs at an early age. When we talk about getting a bang for the buck or getting the most for the dollars that we spend, what we are really doing is taking a little bit of money, no more than $100,000, but we are empowering large numbers of people to become engaged, to become involved, to interact with each other, to discuss issues, to find ways to combat a problem. Madam Speaker, I suggest this is one of the most effective utilizations of small amounts of money that we could ever have. I thank the Committee on Government Reform for accepting my amendment. I thank the chairman and ranking member for their tremendous leadership in moving this legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we speak an intensive two week effort is underway in Geneva to finalize plans for the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The World Conference, to be held in Durban, South Africa on August 31st, is expected to be the most important international meeting on racism ever held. Given America's tragic history of racial oppression, racism and inequality and the bloody struggles required to end slavery, lynching, Jim Crow, discrimination in employment, education, health care and public accommodations one would assume that America would have some important lessons to share with the international community. Given the heavy price the world has been forced to pay as a result of the slave trade one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of redressing the wrongs of slavery and racism. Given the ongoing conflicts, and the heritage of conflict, as a result of the exploitation of the third world by the U.S. and other developed nations largely driven by American slave system, driven by the lingering aftereffects of the slave trade one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of Given the contradictions arising from the international debt crisis, from the process of globalization and trade driven by the great inequalities between the rich nations and the poor nations, one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of redressing the wrongs of slavery and racism. And one would assume that America would feel a powerful sense of responsibility to share those experiences, because we understand the immense human, social and economic costs associated with the evils of racism and discrimination. Unfortunately, if one were to make those assumptions, one would be wrong . . . our State Department has indicated that the United States will not attend the World Conference unless two items are struck from the proposed agenda: the characterization of Zionism as racism and the issue of reparations for slavery and colonialism. In international forums from Ireland to the Mideast, from Southern Africa to the Indian sub-continent America has always insisted that problems cannot be solved, that differences cannot be narrowed if we refuse to discuss them. Suddenly America has become the loner in world diplomacy, insisting that it is our way or no way. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Germ Warfare Treaty the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty and now the World Conference on Racism. What kind of super-power are we? Are we about democracy, about democratic process, about transparency and mutual self interest. Or are we about imposing our will on international consultations, about insisting on predetermining the outcomes of discussions between nations? Only those who fear the outcome of fair and open discussion have reason to refuse to engage in debate and discussion. I believe we have nothing to fear in openly and honestly exploring history and repudiating racism. It's time to come to grips with racism and the legacy of racism. It's in our national interest and our international interest. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has corrected defined the problem: we need to ``find way to acknowledge the past without getting lost there; and to help heal old wounds without reopening them.'' If American is serious about its affirmation that racism and democracy are fundamentally incompatible, and I think that we are serious about it, then America must be at the table in Durban, South Africa on August 31st. If I might paraphrase the words of Abraham Lincoln: America was conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal. Now, we are being tested as to whether this nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic that America, and the world, are firmly on the road to ending racism and resolving the lingering and persistent after effects of this great distortion of all human, civil and economic rights. Mr. Speaker if we are to continue down that road, we must not, we cannot fail this great test. Mr. Speaker, in the interests of all humankind let us hope and pray that America will not turn its back on the World Conference on Racism.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to be associated with the remarks of the gentleman from Minnesota relative to the loss of Korey Stringer, who not only was a great football player, but indeed was a role model, not only for Minnesota, but for the entire Nation. So we share with you the comments you have just made. Mr. Speaker, as we speak, an intensive 2 week effort is under way in Geneva to finalize plans for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. The World Conference, to be held in Durban, South Africa, on August 31, is expected to be the most important international meeting on racism ever held. Given America's tragic history of racial oppression, racism and inequality and the bloody struggles required to end slavery, lynching, Jim Crow discrimination in employment, education, health care and public accommodations, one would assume that America would have some important lessons to share with the international community. Given the heavy price the world has been forced to pay as a result of the slave trade, one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of redressing the wrongs of slavery and racism. Given the ongoing conflicts and the heritage of conflict as a result of the exploitation of the Third World and other developed nations, largely driven by the American slave system, driven by the lingering aftereffects of the slave trade, one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of redressing the wrongs of slavery and racism. Given the contradictions arising from the international debt crisis, from the process of globalization and trade driven by the great inequalities between the rich nations and the poor nations, one would assume that America would be sensitive and responsive to an attempt to clarify that history and examine means of redressing the wrongs of slavery and racism. One would assume that America would feel a powerful sense of responsibility to share those experiences, because we understand the immense human, social and economic costs associated with the evils of racism and discrimination. Unfortunately, if one were to make those assumptions, one would be wrong. Our State Department has indicated that the United States will not attend the World Conference unless two items are struck from the proposed agenda: The characterization of Zionism as racism, and the issue of reparations for slavery and colonialism. In international forums from Ireland to the Mideast, from Southern Africa to the Indian sub-continent, America has always insisted that problems cannot be solved, that differences cannot be narrowed, if we refuse to discuss them. Suddenly America has become the loner in world diplomacy, insisting it is our way or no way. The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Germ Warfare Treaty, the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty, and now the World Conference on Racism. What kind of superpower are we? Are we about democracy, about democratic process, about transparency and mutual self-interest? Or are we about imposing our will on international consultations, about insisting on predetermining the outcomes of discussions between nations? Only those who fear the outcome of fair and open discussion have reason to refuse to engage in debate and discussion. I believe that we have nothing to fear in openly and honestly exploring history and in repudiating racism. It is time to come to grips with racism and the legacy of racism. It is in our national interests and in our international interests. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has correctly defined the problem. He stated we need to ``find ways to acknowledge the past without getting lost there; and to help heal old wounds without reopening them.'' If America is serious about its affirmation that racism and democracy are fundamentally incompatible, and I think that we are serious about it, then America must be at the table on August 31. So I would hope, I would pray, and I would urge that America do in fact attend the conference, participate, and explore with the rest of the world attempts to find solutions to our past and present problems.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I support patients' rights, but I do not want to support putting a cap on unnecessary pain and suffering. I support patients' rights, but I do not support greed and unaccountability. I support the rights of patients to interact with their doctors to make decisions. I can tell my colleagues that the doctors in my district support Dingell-Ganske. They have been calling all day saying do not vote for Norwood, vote for Dingell-Ganske. I follow the doctors in my community, and I urge all of us to vote for Dingell-Ganske.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, although I will not object, I rise today in support of this important resolution, and I am pleased to have been a major sponsor of this legislation along with the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), my fellow co-chairs of the Community Health Center Caucus. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) for expediting this resolution to the floor. The resolution before us simply urges the establishment of a Community Health Center Week beginning on August 19. The establishment of Community Health Center Week would raise awareness of health services provided by the more than 1,029 community health centers located in rural and urban communities throughout America. Community health centers have stood in the gap providing health services to the poor and medically underserved throughout our Nation, in public housing, homeless shelters and in rural America. It is a program that has been successful and is currently serving over 12 million people at 3,200 health delivery sites throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Health centers have been cost-effective and at the same time provide quality health care to their patient population. They are truly community oriented and patient focused. In addition, health centers play a major role in helping to reduce health disparities. We still remain a Nation divided when it comes to health care, divided along the lines of those who have and those who have not access to care. Health centers have to bridge the gap between those entities. A National Health Center Week will allow health centers to raise awareness and educate the public about health issues and the role that they play in our communities. Therefore, I am pleased to support this resolution, and urge its immediate adoption. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio, and urge adoption of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, genocide is often described as the planned and systemic annihilation of a racial, political or cultural group. As we look at different situations around the world, we often see instances in which genocidal activities are being carried out. We examine the struggle for self-determination in Kosovo, the ethnic conflicts in Bosnia and Macedonia and every other place where we have gone to safeguard the rights of ethnic minorities. We failed to do that in Rwanda, and I do not want us to ever sit by and allow this level of atrocity to occur again without our intervention. Unfortunately, there is another serious ethnic conflict under way of an almost genocidal bent in another part of the world. Let me tell you where it is and why we, the American people, do not know much about it despite the fact that our government is involved. The conflict of which I speak is the ethnic conflict that is taking place in Sri Lanka where the Tamil minority is systemically being destroyed by the Sinhalese- dominated Government and its military. I have every reason to believe that the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka has been denied their legitimate rights and are being subjected to the most inhumane treatment by the Sinhalese-dominated Government since the nation became independent in 1948. Since the Tamil people and the Sinhalese people are concentrated predominantly on different parts of the island since ancient times, Sinhalese politicians have virtually ignored the legitimate concerns of the Tamil minority because they are elected almost exclusively by Sinhalese electorates. The Tamil minority, which yearned to share the benefits of their newly found freedom with the Sinhalese, were dumbfounded when the Sinhalese-dominated Government rejected Tamil demands for the use of their language for regional administration, seek administration to universities based on merit, to secure employment opportunities without discrimination, to prevent their traditional homeland from being settled by Sinhalese citizens under government-sponsored colonization schemes and to develop their districts. Furthermore, Tamil demands for any measure of regional autonomy for Tamil areas receive rejection by the Sinhalese-Buddhist clergy on the grounds that it would threaten the spiritual and ethnic integrity of the Sinhalese-Buddhist nation. Every peaceful demonstration staged by Tamils to show their displeasure with the government was broken by force, mostly with the tacit approval of Sinhalese politicians. Hundreds of Tamils have been killed; their property damaged. As a result, almost half a million Tamils have had to take refuge in foreign countries. Another half million have been displaced from their homes within Sri Lanka. Their most treasured library along with some of the rarest books describing their ancient history and culture were deliberately burned by the army also with the tacit approval of a government minister. Under these circumstances, Tamils felt as if they had no choice but to encourage its youth to organize, and many of their young people have taken military action, fighting back as part of a self-determination and liberation front. The LTTE, as in every civil war, has carried out some violent acts that targeted government establishments in Sinhalese areas to counter the brutal activities of the Sri Lanka Government and has succeeded in some instances. Now comes the time for the real intervention that is needed. We ought not stand by and allow this ethnic conflict to continue to the demise of a people, specially those who constitute the minority. Therefore, I hope that our government, this government, will become more diplomatically involved, will try and bring about peaceful resolution of this conflict that is wrecking a nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I say that we will either pay now or we will pay later.