Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2043 to designate the U.S. Post Office at 2719 South Webster Street in Kokomo, Indiana, as the Elwood Haynes ``Bud'' Hillis Post Office Building was introduced by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) on May 26, 2001. This measure has the support and cosponsorship of the entire Indiana delegation. Of course, former Congressman Elwood ``Bud'' Hillis served honorably and with great distinction, representing Indiana's Fifth District from 1971 to 1986. He was an outstanding member of the House, well loved by his constituents, well loved by the people in the communities that he represented and that he served, and I think it is altogether fitting and proper that we bestow upon him and upon his memory the honor of naming one of our institutions in his honor. I certainly join in sponsorship, as well as in support of this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this moment because of the fact that the AIDS/HIV epidemic continues to plague America and, in actuality, continues to plague much of the world. I take this opportunity to commend the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Pacific American Caucus for holding a joint hearing regarding this very important issue on June 12, that is, the issue of the HIV/AIDS epidemic that continues to threaten communities not only in our country, but throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago the term HIV/AIDS was unknown. Since that time, over 19 million people worldwide have died of HIV/AIDS, and approximately 34 million people continue to live with the disease. The Surgeon General, David Satcher, stated in a recent report that HIV/AIDS could be the worst epidemic ever recorded in history. Many people believe that this is an issue that does not really affect our country. It is true that the poorest regions in the world have been hit the hardest; yet the United States of America, the most technologically proficient Nation on the face of the Earth, has not been able to escape the devastation of this deadly disease. In this country alone, over 400,000 people have died, while 900,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control recently released a report stating that each year there are 40,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS. What concerns me the most about this issue is the growing impact that the disease is having on minority communities in our country. The 2000 Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Report to the President stated that ``in the United States, disproportionate numbers of new infections are found in poor communities, communities of color, among young gay men, among drug users, and among African American and Latino women populations who have rarely been embraced by this Nation as a whole.'' In 1999, the AIDS incident-rate per 100,000 people among Hispanics was 25.6. The rate for African Americans was 66. The rate for whites was 7.6. These statistics clearly demonstrate the large racial gaps that exist among aids cases. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has reached my own district in Chicago, Illinois. The city has seen an overwhelming increase in the number of minorities infected with the disease. This past February, researchers in Chicago reported that fully 30 percent of young gay African American men are infected with HIV/AIDS. The infection rate for gay blacks is twice that of any other ethnic group. Nationwide, 14.7 percent of gay black men are infected with the disease. In addition to the African American community, the Hispanic population has also seen an increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases. In 1999, Hispanics made up 13 percent of the entire United States population. At the same time, however, Hispanics also made up 19 percent of the total number of new United States AIDS cases reported that year. Research has shown that these trends are continuing to worsen. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has continued to spread throughout minority communities. We can no longer sit and simply wait for a cure to be found. We must increase our work to educate the public on AIDS prevention, while continuing to study new ways to combat the disease. Again, I want to commend my colleagues in the CBC and the CHC and the CPA for their vigilance on this issue. This hearing is an excellent way to keep the spotlight on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and an excellent way for us to come up with effective ways to solve this very important and growing problem.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I join with my colleague in providing support to H.R. 1183, to designate the U.S. Post Office at 113 South Main Street in Sylvania Georgia as the G. Elliot Hagan Post Office Building. This legislation was introduced by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston) on March 22, 2001. This measure has the support and cosponsorship of the entire Georgia State delegation. The former and late Congressman G. Elliot Hagan represented the First Congressional District in Georgia from 1961 until 1973. Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Hagan served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and one term in the Georgia State Senate. A native of Sylvania, Georgia, Congressman Hagan provided tremendous leadership to that community and to the area surrounding it. As a matter of fact, he was fondly known and well liked by all of those who came into contact with him. Congressman Hagan passed on December 28, 1990. Of course, people still remember his work, they still remember his contributions, and they still remember what he meant to their community. Therefore, I am pleased to join in support of this resolution, and urge its swift adoption. Madam Speaker, you might note that I am wearing this lovely flower that was given to me at the E. Franklin Frazier Elementary School, where I was their commencement speaker. I want to thank them for this flower but also want to congratulate them; and I want to congratulate all of the graduates throughout the country who are finishing up their elementary school, high school, kindergarten, or college education and getting ready for the summer. I also want to thank them for this tremendous badge of honor that they gave me this morning. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. It is incredible, it is unbelievable, and I do not know how we can have a good holiday knowing that whatever it is that we are about to use just might not work.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for yielding to me. I am pleased to join with him and the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), and large numbers of other people throughout the country who recognize that America, the world's most powerful economic engine, is suffering from a severe energy crisis. That means big trouble, big trouble for the American economy, but also big trouble for the world economy. When the energy supply of an engine suddenly becomes erratic, unstable or insufficient, one can expect that the impact will be felt and felt soon. Well, the impact of our energy crisis is being felt from California to Illinois. America's families and America's small businesses all over the country are facing energy shutdowns and back- breaking prices for gasoline, natural goods, and electricity. Suddenly, even middle-class families are facing the choice between paying their energy bills or paying their mortgages or car payments. Suddenly small businesses are being forced to cut back or, in some cases, even close. At the same time when most American corporations are reporting reduced earnings, energy companies are reporting record profits. I remember Shakespeare saying one time that there was something rotten here, and I suspect that it is. Americans want to know what is going on, who is to blame. They deserve an answer, an honest answer. What do we do? We know that California, for instance, has enough electrical generation capacity to meet their needs but that, under deregulation, power producers have strong incentives not to run plants at full capacity or even to shut them down to manipulate prices. We know that, despite allegations of the difficulty in getting environmental permits to build new plants in California, nine major new power projects have been approved in the last 2 years, six of which are under construction. We know that much of the high cost of gasoline in the Midwest and Illinois in particular has been attributed to the cost of additives for the summer reformulation of gas. Of course we know that we do not use those additives in Chicago. We use ethanol in plentiful and cheap supply even as gas prices jolted to well over $2 per gallon and remain there at most stations. We know that more drilling for oil has been touted as a major fix for our energy crisis even though we have enough gasoline for the summer driving season. Even though California uses no oil to produce electricity and even though the drillers have targeted one of our national treasurers for drilling, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We know that America, which ruthlessly demands productivity from its workers, which justifies the mass layoffs of workers in the name of productivity, squanders its energy and powers pollutants, greenhouse gases, acids and particulates in the air and water. We also know that the administration has proposed reducing spending on energy efficiency and renewable energy by 15 percent and appears ready to repeal energy efficiency standards implemented in the 106th Congress. Those regulations, which would increase the efficiency of new washers and air conditioners, can meet 5 percent of our energy needs by 2020. That translates into about 60 fewer power plants than we would otherwise need. By the way, these more efficient appliances would also save their owners money for the life of the appliance. We know that, according to Public Citizen, that nine power companies and a trade association that stand to gain most from Federal energy policy decisions affecting California contributed more than $4 million to one party alone. Three of those companies gave $1.5 million. So it has become something of a mantra among those here in Washington not to try and solve problems by simply throwing money at them. So I am amazed that here we are with a raging fire consuming our Nation with the inability of people to get the basic energy that they need. There is no real plan coming from our administration. I say, and we say, that something must be done and it must be done now. And that is why I am pleased to be associated with individuals who are willing to act, who understand that inaction is not the way to solve problems, who recognize that we cannot stick our heads in the sand like an ostrich but who know that the American people are waiting, looking, seeking, and expecting that their government will act. If deregulation has been the answer, it must have been an answer that I have not seen, or it must have been an answer that millions of other consumers have not seen. And so I think it is time to step in to act, and I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) for acting this evening by organizing this opportunity for all of us to discuss this tremendous issue, and I yield back to the gentleman.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, continuing to reserve the right to object, I would say that the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick) introduced this resolution to congratulate Detroit and its residents on the 300th anniversary of the city's founding. The city of Detroit, founded in 1701, incorporated as a city in 1815, has many great attributes, but none greater than the people who contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of the city. During the 19th century, it took brave and courageous people to make Detroit a vocal center of antislavery advocacy, and for more than 40,000 individuals seeking freedom in Canada, it was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Detroit is known as the automotive capital of the Nation, and an international leader in automobile manufacturing and trade because of the workers and laborers who worked on the assembly line, and continue to do so. It is fitting that the Detroit Historical Museum, in recognition of Detroit's 300th anniversary, honor 30 Detroiters who dared to make a difference. The exhibit features the biographies of Detroiters who have made a difference in various ways over three centuries. It is not meant to choose or display the most important people. Rather, the names selected illustrate the diversity of Detroit's history by telling lesser-known stories. I certainly want to congratulate the city of Detroit. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) to explain the bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my concern about the legislative language of H.R. 1--The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, that contains a ``grandfather'' clause permitting school districts that currently segregate homeless children to continue to do so. The McKinney Act has prohibited this form of segregation. Since 1990, the McKinney Act has required States and school districts to integrate homeless students into the mainstream school environment, and to remove barriers to their enrollment, attendance, and success in school. As a practical matter, segregation of homeless children who are disproportionately Black and Latino means racial re-segregation. In Chicago, for example, 92% of homeless families that use shelter facilities are African American. To the poor students throughout this nation, this is a crucial issue. Separate is not now, and has never been ``equal.'' National educational policy must not now in the 21st Century embrace this insidious notion: that children should be sent to schools based on their housing or economic status. There is no sound teaching rationale for educating homeless children separately. Homeless children are like all other children and represent an array of educational strengths and needs. Some emerge as valedictorians or above-average achievers, others as special education students, and some simply average achievers. Putting children in schools with a label of ``homelessness'' is stigmatizing and demeaning. In many years of work in my district, I have never met a single family that asked for a segregated school. In fact, the parents along with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless in Chicago fought and closed a segregated facility. I have a letter from a homeless child name Junior Brewer who is ten years of age, he wrote ``I think no matter what, if you are homeless or rich this does not mean that you have to be separated from your friends because we are all created equal inside.'' What do I tell Junior about the hypocrisy and lies that is being portrayed in H.R. 1. After all Junior, if you are poor and Black or Latino or some other ethnic group being created equal in the inside among men, women, and children is just a dream. Our Republicans say we will leave no child behind but their actions say otherwise. We must show through deeds not words that no child is left behind.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to also acknowledge the George Giles Post, the Chrispus Attucks Post, the Milton Olive Post, and the Montford Point Marine Association, as all of these posts interact on a regular and ongoing basis, not only to keep the memory of Pearl Harbor alive, but also to commemorate the tremendous contributions that have been made by our veterans who fought in all of the wars. So I simply commend and congratulate them. 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 myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) for introducing this resolution, because I think it is so meaningful that we remember on December 7, 1941, a fateful day when the Japanese Imperial Navy attacked the island of Oahu, Hawaii, now infamously known as Pearl Harbor. Approximately 100 ships of the United States Navy were present that morning, consisting of battleships, destroyers, cruisers, and various support ships. By 1 p.m., the Japanese carriers that had launched the planes from 274 miles off the coast 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 warships. The 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 U.S.S. 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 the 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 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 front shirt. I bent over him, and taking him by the shoulders, asked if there was anything that I could do.'' Of course there was not. ``He was dead or so nearly so 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. I also would indicate that I paid tribute to a dear friend of mine whom I have known and lived near for close to 40 years who was a survivor of Pearl Harbor, Arlandis Dixon. Always we would look forward to seeing Arlandis Dixon's photograph on the front page of the Chicago Sunday Times just about every year until the past when he, too, died, as a person who survived. I would also like to pay tribute to my uncle, Nehmiah Davis, who served at Pearl Harbor. So I join with all of those who support this resolution and I urge its adoption. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Reverend Joseph Sylvester of my community, who passed away last week and was funeralized over the weekend. I pay tribute to him because he was an outstanding religious and civic leader who built an edifice in the heart of the hood, as we would call it, but who understood that the doors of the church had to open both ways: inside so that people could come in and be nurtured, but then outside so people can go out and take their spirituality to their neighborhood, by developing shelters, providing food, providing for people who are hungry, disavowed, those individuals who were most in need, reaching the unreachables and the untouchables. So we extend our condolences to his family and to the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church and trust that their new pastor, Reverend Fields, will be able to carry on his tradition.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the House Resolution 1885 to expand the class of beneficiaries who may apply for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and National Act. As I understand it, the purpose of this legislation is to enable eligible illegal immigrants to apply for legal residence in the United States without being forced to leave the country while waiting for clearance. Whereas President Bush would like this program to be extended for another 12 months, the four-month extension proposed by my colleague, Representative George Gekas is a sensible approach. This alternative approach would be beneficial to all concerned parties, particularly if family or employment ties are already in existence.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Maryland, for yielding time to me. I also want to commend and congratulate the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. DeMint) for introducing this meaningful legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with my colleagues in expressing the importance of the Hope for Children Act. In our country, there are thousands of children without a family to care for them. At the same time, there are thousands of families who would like to bring these children into their homes but cannot because of the rising cost of adoption. Families today often spend between $8,000 and $30,000 just to adopt a child. Yet, the adoption credit to them is only $5,000. For many families, this makes adoption impossible simply because of the huge financial burden. Last year, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services consummated 6,281 adoptions. However, this year, DCFS reports that 1,600 children are still waiting to be adopted immediately; and there are 29,000 children in Illinois living in non-permanent substitute homes. By increasing the adoption tax credit to $10,000, the Hope for Children Act will allow more families to adopt, give them the opportunity to adopt. It will help more children bypass the foster care system and become part of a permanent family. It will also help to encourage the development of more stable families. Children are indeed the future of our country, and it is necessary that we give them the opportunity to grow up in stable and permanent environments. So I commend all of those families who would adopt and bring children into their homes. They are indeed what I would call the salt of the Earth, the pillars of the universe: those who are willing to share and give of themselves so that others might have a more meaningful life. I also want to thank my intern who just joined us, Kate Perdzik, who actually wrote these comments, and the importance of the issue was captured by her, not much more than a child herself, but one who really understands the value of families taking into consideration the needs of others.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would simply say that when one gives of themselves and gives of their life, they have given the best that they have had to give, and I would urge support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), one who knows exactly what it means and what it is like to be a law enforcement official himself.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley) for introducing this resolution honoring our law enforcement personnel. Mr. Speaker, the first recorded law enforcement fatality in the performance of duty in this country occurred on May 17, 1792. The officer, Isaac Smith, a sheriff's deputy in New York City, was shot to death while attempting to make an arrest. Since that time, more than 15,000 other officers have been killed in the line of duty, and today roughly 740,000 officers continue to put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and it is fitting that this resolution, honoring the men and women of this country who were killed or disabled while serving as law enforcement officers, be brought before this body today. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 1997, there were 31.3 million crimes committed in the United States, an average of one crime every second. That is how often law enforcement officers put their lives on the line; every second of every hour they are on duty protecting the American people. And so it is for this reason that in 1984, Congress authorized the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The memorial honors Federal, State and local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizes the service and sacrifice of all officers. Completed and dedicated in 1991, the memorial, which is located here in Washington, D.C., has the names of more than 15,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty inscribed on its blue-gray marble walls. The names of seven fallen officers from Illinois were added to the memorial this past Sunday. Of those, Roy Costello, John Kearney, and Alane Stoffregen were from the Chicago Police Department. Their watch over the city ended at various times: Mr. Costello in 1945; Mr. Kearney in 1909; and Ms. Stoffregen last year. But they served one common purpose: to keep the district that I represent safe. Mr. Speaker, I salute them and those that serve today for their dedication and commitment. Since 1854, a total of 417 Chicago police officers have lost their lives while serving our communities. For 40 years, the Chicago Police have held the St. Jude parade to honor fallen police officers of the previous year. More than 8,000 participants, including law enforcement officers and employees, marched the streets of Chicago. This year's march honored 30 fallen officers, including the last officer killed in action, James Camp, who was shot while investigating a car theft. Soon a museum will be built near the memorial to tell the story of law enforcement's proud history and to serve as a research repository to promote law enforcement safety. The memorial, the future museum, and this resolution will ensure that the heroism and sacrifice law enforcement officials make every day will be remembered and revered, so I would urge all Members to give support to this resolution. 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. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the House Resolution 428 to approve Taiwan participation in the World Health Organization. Historically the United States and Taiwan have maintained good relationship. Ever since its establishment in 1912 we have had substantive diplomatic and commercial ties. On April 10, 1979, the House of Representatives have enacted Public Law 96-8, known as the Taiwan Relations Act. This Act played a very important role in shaping our policies toward Taiwan. It is considered as a representation of our best ideals to safeguard security and commercial interests in the area. Taiwan with its population of approximately 20 million has solidly embraced the principles of a democratic society. Its medical infrastructure is considered to be among the best in the world. According to a recent report, at the end of 1999, there were 152,385 medical personnel in Taiwan. There are currently 11 medical schools, 13 paramedical junior colleges, and 14 paramedical vocational schools. Virtually all medical specialties known in the Western World are being practiced in Taiwan. In view of our close diplomatic ties and excellent health care program in Taiwan, I support House Resolution 428 to allow Taiwan to participate in the World Health Organization.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1271.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today we are in the midst of Public Service Recognition Week, and I rise to salute the public servants whose hard work and determination have markedly improved the way government does business. Each May, the Public Employees Roundtable launches activities in cities across our Nation which highlight excellence in public service at the Federal, State, and local government levels. The organization hosts agency exhibits and demonstrations that educate the public about the array of programs and services that public employees provide to the American people. Activities in my own hometown were kicked off yesterday by the Chicago Federal Executive Board. The board held its 44th Annual Excellence in Federal Career Awards program at the grand ballroom at Navy Pier in Chicago. Thirty-one agencies submitted a total of 487 nominations for the Board's consideration. Among the 11 first place Outstanding Employee or Team winners were: Lynn Hoffstadter, a manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs, who was recognized as an outstanding supervisor for leading Hines Veterans Administration Hospital to the highest level of accreditation that hospitals can receive. Michael Johnson, an employee with the U.S. Customs Service, was recognized as an outstanding community service employee for his work with the homeless and the troubled in his church. And the Chicago Lead Enforcement Initiative at the Environmental Protection Agency was awarded the Outstanding Law Enforcement Team Award for forming an aggressive alliance between Federal, State, and local agencies to protect families from the debilitating effects of lead contamination. Mr. Speaker, while I have only enough time to recognize a few of the winners, I believe that each award recipient and each person nominated deserves our appreciation. This past Monday the Public Employees Roundtable held a ceremony here on Capitol Hill and presented its ``Breakfast of Champions'' award to representatives of exceptional programs at each level of government. The 2001 award winner at the Federal level was the Ricky Ray Program at the Department of Health and Human Services in Rockville, Maryland. Other programs receiving special recognition this year were the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education in Portsmouth, Ohio; Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility Productive Day Program in Plymouth, Minnesota; and the Long Beach, California, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine's Public Art in Private Spaces program. Beginning this past Monday, and continuing through Sunday, May 13, over two dozen Federal agencies and employee organizations will have exhibits set up in large tents on the National Mall at Third and Independence Avenues. The public is invited to come out to learn more about the functions of these agencies and the services that each one provides. There will also be a job fair and a science fair. Some of our military bands and other groups will provide entertainment during this family-oriented event. So, Mr. Speaker, Public Service Recognition Week offers all Americans, especially young people, the opportunity to learn and get excited about a career in public service. It also provides the opportunity to thank those who serve us daily for their efforts. I believe that public service should be valued and respected by all Americans, and the activities occurring this week across the Nation prove why. I thank all our public service employees, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today there are many citizens of this nation that go to great lengths to ensure the safety of our lives as a priority of their own. Today, I rise in support of the 20th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service for the use of the Capitol grounds. I encourage each of you to take note of these individuals who are members of all ranks from municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, dedicating every moment of their precius life for the betterment of ours. Therefore, I stand to recognize these devoted citizens and to encourage unanimous support for H. Con. Res. 74.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge all Americans join with me in congratulating and commending the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum as they mark the 40th anniversary of Alan Shepard's historic space flight in the Freedom 7 Mercury capsule on May 5, 1961. This flight and that of Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut whose flight preceded Shepard's by three weeks, set in motion the race with the Soviet Union for dominance in space exploration. These successes set a course that would eventually result in the landing of a man on the moon in 1969. As part of its new Space Millennium Project, the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum will honor and commemorate the outstanding achievements of the American space program by opening the Dawn of the Space Age exhibit on May 10, 2001. The intriguing saga of the early years of American space exploration is retraced using original NASA prototype rocket models from the Dr. Robert R. Gilruth collection and historic oil paintings by artist Chesley Bonestell. Dr. Gilruth was the director of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston from 1961 to 1972. During his tenure, he directed 25 manned space flights, including Alan Shepard's first Mercury flight, the first lunar landing by Apollo 11 in July 1969, the dramatic rescue of Apollo 13 in 1970, through the Apollo 15 mission in July 1971. Mr. Bonestell's work has been a stimulus to generations of astronomers, physicists, engineers and others who were inspired by his artistry to pursue work in the space program and aeronautics industry. Mr. Speaker, the last 40 years have seen remarkable changes in space exploration. NASA continues its dominance in space exploration, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, challenging our most basic understanding of the universe, most recently with the construction of the International Space Station. The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum continues to educate the American public about space exploration and NASA's accomplishments through their innovative programs and exhibits.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join with the gentlewoman from California in paying tribute to Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan who was one of the outstanding international leaders of our day. As a matter of fact, I recall some 25, 26 years ago when I was visiting in East Africa, and one of the first things I saw was an OIC center in Nairobi, Kenya. That is an indication of the kind of reach that Dr. Sullivan had. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to pay tribute to an important group of institutions in our communities, institutions that often go unrecognized, and, that is, our public libraries across the United States of America. This institution has served as an intellectual playground where young people explore their dreams. And for many of us, this institution has served as our think tank, where we go to formulate master plans for personal growth and development, where we go and relive our hopes for success. Recently, I have had the opportunity to interact with three libraries in my congressional district, the one in Bellwood, Illinois; the one in Maywood, Illinois; and the Chicago library, the Harold Washington Library, in Chicago. Behind these walls, meticulously preserved are the thoughts, data, theories, and dreams that were generated by countless people who have greatly impacted our society. And so today I decided to simply recognize National Library Legislative Day. There are approximately 122,289 libraries in the United States. A significant number of these libraries are free and available for public use. As an American, I am proud and pleased to live in a country that prioritizes giving access to information and knowledge. We have all heard the phrase ``knowledge is power'' and yes, it is. It is not just the building or even the books that make the library so special. Day in and day out, libraries provide a smorgasbord of information that is needed by the general public. They provide guidance in a child's academic endeavors. They lend a helping hand to adults seeking to expand their knowledge base. And today libraries have been in the forefront of helping to close the digital divide by providing computer and Internet training to community residents. Indeed, libraries are multifaceted institutions. We salute them for their commitment. We commend their excellence. And we are grateful for their guidance. We praise them on this special day and say, long live our libraries, so that long can live freedom and democracy in our country.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Jennifer Luciano. Ms. Luciano has spent the last five months doing an internship in my Congressional office. As she prepares to leave Capitol Hill tomorrow and return to Loyola University to complete her education I wish her well. On behalf of the constituents of the Seventh Congressional District I want to commend and congratulate Jennifer for doing an outstanding job. During her internship Jennifer responded to constituent mail, drafted ideas for legislation, prepared ``Dear Colleagues'' and assisted the legislative staff. In particular, Jennifer thought of the idea for a Minority Women's Statue to be displayed in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Currently, there are no depictions or Statues that represent the accomplishments of Minority Women to the history of America. In addition, she thought of a bill to expand Medicare coverage to cover eyeglasses and hearing aids for the Medicare eligible population. These are just two of the outstanding ideas that Jennifer worked on. I am certain that Jennifer will do well in her future endeavors if she continues to work as hard as she has worked on behalf of the people of the Seventh Congressional District and the United States. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Jennifer Luciano as she prepares to go back to Chicago, Illinois.