Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on this day, Ronald Reagan will join John Adams and Herbert Hoover as the only Presidents to reach age 90. We know him as our 40th President. However, many do not know the precedents set by him. For example: He was the oldest man elected president; He was the first Hollywood actor to be elected President, earning the monikers, ``Dutch,'' ``The Gipper,'' and ``The Great Communicator,'' and He appointed the first woman to the supreme court, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February 6, 1911. While at Eureka College, he studied economics and sociology, played on the football team, acted in school plays, and served as class president. While in college, young Reagan proven himself to be a strong, well-liked, vocal leader, characteristics that would suit him well in future endeavors. After graduation, Reagan worked as a sports announcer for WOC, a radio station in Davenport, Iowa. Subsequently, he pursued a career in broadcasting and acting. In 1947, after serving for three years in the U.S. Army, he was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild. As president of the Screen Actors Guild, Reagan became embroiled in disputes over the issue of Communism in the film industry; his political vies shifted from liberal to conservative. Moreover, he toured the country as a television host, becoming a spokesman for conservatism--taking it to the mainstream. Leadership extended beyond Reagan's film career into public service. He focused on understanding the nation's institutions and developed a philosophy and outlook that he implemented throughout his political career. Furthermore, Reagan was able to rally others to believe in his political ideals as he ascended into higher legislative positions. In 1966, Ronald Reagan successfully secured a bid for governorship. While Reagan was governor, he cut the state budget and raised taxes. He signed a new billion dollar tax increase, which helped balance the state budget. In addition, he raised person and sales taxes, and lowered property taxes. As a result of his popular appeal, he was reelected for a second term in 1970. After a successful eight years as governor of California, Ronald Reagan focused exercising his leadership skills in the highest public office in the United States. In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the Republican Presidential nomination. While working with Congress. Reagan obtained legislation to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, increase employment, and strengthen the national defense. He embarked upon a course of cutting taxes and Government expenditures, refusing to deviate from it when the strengthening of defense forces led to a large deficit. His staunch approach to public policy combined with his savvy appeal has earned Ronald Reagan the title as ``The Great Communicator.'' We all can learn from the legacy of Ronald Reagan. Today, this nation and this body celebrates his 90th birthday. This resolution acknowledges not only his birthday, but his role as our 40th President. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to recognize the splendid reputation, the years of dedicated service, and the outstanding achievement of Catholic Schools. During Catholic Schools Week, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm remarks that highlight the achievements of a leading institution that provides immeasurable educational support to neighborhoods and communities throughout our Nation. In fact, Catholic Schools in America have had a tremendous impact in the lives of many Americans. For example, Chicago has the Largest Catholic School System in the United States. It is comprised of 277 elementary schools serving close to 105,000 students. In addition to educating younger students, the Chicago Catholic School System provides direction and oversight to 48 secondary schools; its programs and services reaches the lives of 33,648 teenagers. In Chicago and abroad, Catholic Schools have provided education and service to those that have been traditionally left behind in our society. for years, through their educational programs, they planted seeds of hope in the minds and hearts of many poor and neglected children, which have germinated to produce leaders and champions. So, I graciously thank our teachers, counselors, Nuns, and Priests in our Catholic Schools for their years of dedicated service. And I urge them to ``keep on, keeping on'' as they continue to prepare our young to excel in the New Millennium.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the majority leader, and my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for their sensitivity in expediting this important resolution to the floor. I also take this opportunity to commend and thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the co-chairs of the Caucus on India, for their leadership in drafting this important resolution. I was also pleased to have a resolution which I submitted rolled in this one so that there would be one strong resolution and one strong display of unity. I rise today on behalf of the people of the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois to offer support, sympathy and condolences to the people of India in light of what has been called one of the most deadliest and most devastating earthquakes ever to strike that country. On Friday, January 26, India was struck by a devastating earthquake that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake has flattened the second most industrialized city in India. In addition, to causing massive destruction to the infrastructure of India--thousands of lives have been lost. As of today, the official death toll stands at more than 7 thousand. According to Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes, the death toll could go as high as 100 thousand, with twice as many injured. Moreover, more than 200,000 people are said to be homeless as a result of the devastating destruction to many of the buildings in Western India. Thousands of India citizens remain traumatized by the continuous strong tremors and aftershocks--some ranging up to 5.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, that continue to hit India. Hundreds of thousands of persons are plagued with the prospect of no food, no running water for bathing or cooking, no blankets to stay warm and no working telephones to make contact with family. But even in the midst of this tragedy, there are heartwarming stories that must be told. For example, the enormous outpouring of aid from the world community and especially Pakistan. Other stories include children and babies being pulled out of the rubble after being buried for 3-4 days. The remarkable story of the human heart and how it is able to triumph over tragedy. In Chicago, and other cities relief efforts are underway. There are the remarkable doctors, nurses and other medical personnel volunteering to work urgently against time to save as many victims as possible. Their dedication to save life regardless of the lack of medical supplies available to them, at times moving from victim to victim without time to sterilize their medical instruments. I praise the medical personnel who are doing everything possible to save their fellow citizens during this tragic time in their country. It is estimated that the damages caused by the earthquake will be $5.5 billion. India is in need of mobile surgery units, simple medications, bandages, splints, and electronic equipment to help search for bodies buried in the rubble. India has already begun to receive aid in forms of search dogs, cranes, generators, and experienced rescuers. The United States has committed $5 million in aid to be sent to India. I call on all citizens of the United States to assist India in its rebuilding efforts. Crisis situations, like the one in India, calls for genuine unity among nations. It has been predicted that the rehabilitation and reconstruction may take another 10 to 20 years. The need for support to India will continue to exist after the rubble has been plowed away and the dead memorialized. This Resolution says that we, as a nation, will continue to be by India's side during its transformation back into a state of normalcy. I want to commend the world community for its swift action and response and especially the country of Pakistan. I also want to commend all of the medical personnel, the doctors and nurses, and others who have given so much of themselves so that they could be of help. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my new intern, Jennifer Luciano from Loyola University. This was her first work effort, and I think she did an outstanding job.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support House Concurrent Resolution 14 to make use of the rotunda to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. When we think about the Holocaust, we must understand the centrality of an individual people with their passions, dreams, aspirations, and agonies as being the voices that sear our conscience to honor righteousness and embrace a future of justice for all. These voices strive to teach us that the Holocaust was not an abstract injustice that defiled, tortured and killed six million Jews, but a testament of faith that the origins of injustice are in the minds and hearts of men and women and that justice will come into the world only when the unjust persons change their ways in a move to love thy neighbor. If we refuse to hear these voices, we ourselves will be perpetual victims of our past and our inheritance. Let us not forget the victims of the Holocaust when we see the faces of desperate people. Mr. Speaker, I simply wanted to add my voice to that of those who not only want to make use of the rotunda, but those who would want to share our expressions and feelings of concern for a tremendous tragedy that wrecked our world. I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to one of the nation's most dynamic, colorful, well- known, influential and eminent religious leaders in America. One who is of humble origin and yet has been able to influence public decision making, develop programs and activities of enormous impact and to provide motivation, inspiration, spiritual consultation and consolation to millions. For more than fifty years, Rev. Clay Evans has been the founder, pastor and guiding light for development of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. The ship as it is affectionately known has been a haven for Civil Rights, a home for aspiring clergymen-women, and a place to be for those who wanted to feel the spirit. Fellowship has been a platform for notables of every color, stripe or hue. It has been a church home for Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and a training ground for renowned clergy and musicians. Of all the decisions made by Rev. Evans over the past fifty years has been the decision to guide the parishioners in the selection of a new pastor so there is an orderly, peaceful and efficient leadership transition. I commend you, Rev. Evans for your ability to motivate and inspire and for the wisdom of understanding continuity. As you retire from active pastorship, may the Good Lord continue to bless and keep you and may he grant you peace as you enjoy the Golden Years of your life.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this conference report and would simply like to reference two parts. Especially, I strongly support the fix that has been provided for the teaching disproportionate share in public hospitals, and I also want to reference the American Community Renewal Act and New Markets Initiative. I want to commend the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), the chairman of the Committee on Small Business, for the hard work that he did on making sure that we get to this point with that legislation, he and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts). Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) and President Clinton for making sure that this legislation became a part, and remained a part, of the package. It is a good bill. It is good legislation. I commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and all of those who framed it and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) and say thank you to a great Congress.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, good morning. Today we gather with one accord to pay respect to the memory of our colleague Sid Yates. Public servant, staunch advocate of freedom of expression, leader, father, and friend, Mr. Yates' life is a true testament of the greatness one can achieve in this country when he has a good heart and character, a focused mind, and a determination to succeed. Mr. Yates has never been a stranger to the ethic of hard work and leadership. Born in Chicago at the beginning of the 20th Century, Sidney Yates learned at an early age how to grapple with and overcome the trappings of adversity. Equipped with an arsenal of courage, he has conquered the lion's share of lows with true fighting spirit and has emerged victoriously. Losing both parents by the age of five, Mr. Yates was left with the responsibility of raising his younger sister and his little brother. In order to provide for his siblings, Mr. Yates worked as a carpenter for most of his childhood. At a time when most children are afforded the opportunity to hope, dream, play, and learn, Mr. Yates was forced to think in real terms. As a young provider, he was forced to make decisions that had an immediate impact on the lives of his loved-ones. As a champion, Mr. Yates accepted his role without reservations. His role as leader eventually extended beyond his immediate family as he began a life of community service and public advocacy. He held numerous posts and positions on the local and state level. However, it was an upset victory in 1948 that brought Mr. Yates to Capitol Hill as a Representative of the 9th District of Illinois. As Congressman, Mr. Yates proved to be a capable and effective leader. Not only was he successful in responding to the needs of his diverse constituency--born the son of Lithuanian Immigrants--Yates understood the importance of pushing the envelope and entertained innovative ideas and progressive policies that widened the scope to explore the unknown. Mr. Yates' record of public service has left an indelible mark of greatness. His efforts have led to many historic victories. He has been a patron and protector of the Arts--As Langston Hughes would say, life for Sid Yates ``ain't been no crystal stair. It's had a lot of cracks and holes in it; but he held on to his dreams for he knew that if dreams die, life becomes like a broken winged bird that cannot fly.'' Yes, Sid Yates continued to dream and continued to soar until his last days. Thank You Sid!

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the House when the following votes were taken. Had I been present on the following items my vote would have been the same as indicated following the resolution. Oct. 30, 583, H. Res. 663, on agreeing to the Resolution Providing for consideration of S. 2485; and Corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 2614, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 582, H. Res. 663, on ordering the Previous Question Providing for consideration of S. 2485; and Corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 2614, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 581, H. Res. 662, on agreeing to the Resolution Providing for consideration of certain joint resolutions making further continuing appropriations for 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 580, H. Res. 662, on Ordering the Previous Question Providing for consideration of certain joint resolutions making further continuing appropriations for FY 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 579, motion, on hour of meeting, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 578 H.J. Res. 120, on Passage Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 30, 577, Journal, on Approving the Journal, ``yes''; Oct. 29, 576, H.R. 4577, on Motion to Instruct Conferees Making Appropriations for Labor, Health and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 29, 575, H.J. Res. 119, on Passage Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 29, 574, Journal, on Approving the Journal, ``yes''; Oct. 28, 573, H.R. 4577, on Motion to Instruct Conferees Making Appropriations for Labor, Health and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 28, 572, H.R. 4577, on Motion to Instruct Conferees Making Appropriations for Labor, Health and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 28, 571, H.J. Res. 118, on Passage Further Continuing Appropriations for FY 2001, ``yes''; Oct. 28, 570, Journal, on Approving the Journal, ``yes''; Oct. 19, H.R. 4541, to Authorize and Amend the Commodity Exchange Act to Promote Legal Certainty, Enhance Competition, and reduce Systematic Risk in Markets for Futures and Over the Counter Derivatives, and for other Purposes, ``yes''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for yielding to me. I have sat and listened and been thrilled and delighted and smiled hearing all of the accolades that have been bestowed upon Bill Clay as he prepares to retire, and I agree with everything that I have heard. It occurred to me as I listened, though, that I knew Bill Clay perhaps better than I did any Member of Congress, other than those from Chicago, in terms of being way back, and that is because St. Louis is so close to Chicago. We used to call it the big city, and felt we were one of the suburban communities of St. Louis. But Bill Clay has always represented a large urban area, which is not always the easiest to represent. There are large numbers of low-income people, people who are searching and seeking. In many instances in the Midwest and the north there are people who migrated from southern areas of the country, and so I know it well. The thing that has impressed me the most about the gentleman from Missouri is that the same comments that we hear from his colleagues in the House we also hear from the people on the streets in St. Louis. I have never met a person in St. Louis who did not feel that they knew Bill Clay. And it was not that they knew him through what they had read in the newspapers, or they knew him from what they had seen on TV, they simply felt close to the man. So the fact that he could give people a feeling of empowerment, that he could cause the ordinary person in a community, in a neighborhood, in the inner city to feel empowered is the true mark of a genius, a man who can transcend, a man who can communicate effectively, who can talk to the people on the corner, walk in the pool room, walk into the neighborhood tavern, walk in the alley where the people are working on their automobiles and having a beer in the summertime and be at home. We used to work Bill to death, I guess, in the 1970s. There were not as many African American Members of Congress. I was involved with community action groups and organizations, and every time we needed a speaker, we would be looking, and we would just work Bill Clay and Shirley Chisholm to death. We would work them. They would be running from one place to another. But Bill never said no unless he just had to. If he could make it, he would. So, Bill, as you leave, I know you leave with the satisfaction that you have done a good job. You leave with the understanding that you have epitomized the words of Kipling when he said, ``You have learned to walk and talk with kings and queens, and you never lost the common touch. All people have mattered with you, but none too much. And, yes, you have given the unforgiven moment, with 60 seconds worth of distance run. Yours has been not only these chambers but yours has been the earth and all that is in it. And, yes, your father would say you have been a man, my son.'' Good luck and best wishes.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I had hoped that I would have been able to vote on a number of the provisions in this bill in a clean way: Minimum wage, obviously needed; new market initiatives, obviously needed. As a matter of fact, there are many good features to this bill. But, unfortunately, it is like a wagon that has been overloaded. When you try and put too much on it at one time, it gets stuck in the mud. I am afraid that this bill, unfortunately, is stuck in the mud. It has got a lot of good things in it, and, as we approach Halloween, it seems to me that we have got a lot of good items, but we have got too many tricks and not enough treats. I hope we can come back with some clean bills that we could vote on that would be in the best interests of the American people, and I would urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, some people are fortunate to live long lives, others are able to be seriously productive; but then there are those who are blessed to lead both long and productive lives. Such has been the case of Rev. Johnnie James Jakes who was born in 1902 and lived until just one day before what would have been his 98th birthday. Rev. Jakes was born in Money, Mississippi on October 29, 1902, he later moved to Helena, Arkansas where he met and married Ms. Geneva Johnson, to this union, one son was born. He later met and married Ms. Callie Mae Strigler and to this union eleven children were born, she preceded him in death in 1985. Rev. Jakes answered his call to the ministry on December 3, 1931, and pastored three churches and was highly regarded by his peers as a man of vision, fairness and cordiality. After Rev. Jakes' health began to fail he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he was cared for by his 2nd eldest daughter, Ms. Elizabeth James and other members of the family. He united with the Old St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church which was founded by his son the Rev. Paul Jakes Sr. and is now pastored by his grandson, the Rev. Paul Jakes Jr. A long and productive life, may his soul rest in peace.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two retiring members of the Illinois Delegation who have faithfully and effectively served their constituents and the citizens of this Nation. Firstly, Representative Thomas W. Ewing, who spent 17 years in the Illinois General Assembly and rose to the positions of Assistant Republican Leader and Deputy Minority Leader, before he left to come to Congress. In Congress, Representative Ewing has focused much of his attention on issues relating to agriculture, crime prevention, education, economic growth and healthcare. It has been a pleasure working with Representative Ewing and I wish him well as he returns to the very pleasant, peaceful and friendly community in and around Pontiac, Illinois. And now Mr. Speaker, I turn my attention to Representative John Edward Porter, who is completing his 11th term as a member and is very astute, sensitive and effective Chairman of Labor, HHS-Education Appropriations SubCommittee. He is founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. He has been cited many times by various budget watchdog groups and has stood in the vanguard on environmental issues. Representative Porter has been a strong supporter of biomedical research, a real friend of Community Health Centers and has stood tall against the continuous spread of HIV-AIDS. The Core Center of Chicago stands today as a model to fight these dreaded diseases. And is a testament to the support which John Porter gave to its efforts. One of the things that I like best about John is his ability to convey optimism even when the cupboard is practically bare. It's been a pleasure working with Mr. Porter, I thank him for his sensitivity to the issues facing America and especially my district and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Donald P. Lemm has lived in Bellwood, Illinois all of his life, he and his late wife Ida had four children and five grandchildren. He and his current wife Joy, live at 517 51st Avenue. Mayor Lemm is a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in business administration and accounting. He is a member of the VFW and served in Korea with the 71st Station Hospital as Sergant Major. Prior to becoming Mayor, Donald P. Lemm was a CTA Executive for 40 years, serving in the capacities of Training Specialists, Methods Analysts, Superintendent of Bus and Rail Transportation and Retired as Manager of Insurance and pensions. He also served as Administrative Assistant to the Chairman of the CTA Board and was retained by the CTA as a consultant for three years after retirement. Mayor Lemm is active in St. Simeon Parish, has served several times as President of the Holy Name Society, is a member of the St. Simeon's Contemporary Choir and St. Simeon's Traveling Troupe, is a Lector and minister of the cup and has served as a member of the Parish Finance/ Planning Committee. Prior to becoming Mayor, Donald P. Lemm served for sixteen years as village clerk. As Mayor, he has led the village to greater property values, added business, a more diverse and professional workforce, and a more open atmosphere for village residents. Mayor Lemm, has served as chairman of the West Suburban Neighborhood Preservation Agency and is a Board Member of such groups as the Boys and Girls Club of Bellwood and Hillside, the Council of Mayors, West Central Municipal Conference (V.P.), West Cook Solid Waste Agency and many more. Over the years Mayor Donald P. Lemm has vividly demonstrated what it means to be a true public servant. He has consistently put the interest of his community above his personal agendas, he has not played politics with the peoples' needs, he has been a true representative of the people's interest and balanced manager of their affairs. Therefore, I am pleased to congratulate him on an excellent public career and wish him and his family well in retirement.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two retiring Members of the Illinois delegation who have faithfully and effectively served their constituents and the citizens of this Nation. First, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Ewing), who spent 17 years in the Illinois General Assembly and rose to the position of assistant Republican leader and deputy minority leader before he came to Congress. In Congress, Tom Ewing has focused much of his attention on issues relating to agriculture, crime prevention, education, economic growth and health care. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and I wish him well as he returns to the very pleasant, peaceful, and friendly community in and around Pontiac, Illinois. Now, Mr. Speaker, I turn my attention to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), who is completing his 11th term as a Member and is the very astute, sensitive, and effective chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education of the Committee on Appropriations. He is founder and cochairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. He has been cited many times by various budget watchdog groups and has stood in the vanguard on environmental issues. John Porter has been a strong supporter of biomedical research, a friend of community health centers, and has stood tall against the continuous spread of HIV/AIDS. The Core Center of Chicago stands today as a model to fight these dreaded diseases and is indeed a testament to the support which John Porter gave to its efforts. One of the things that I have always liked best about John Porter is his ability to convey optimism even when the cupboard is practically bare. He is always eager to look, to see, to try and determine and figure out whether or not he can find greatly needed resources for these programs. I thank him for his sensitivity to the issues facing America and especially my district and wish him well in retirement. Mr. Speaker, I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Honorable Donald Lemm, Mayor of Bellwood, Illinois, on the occasion of his pending retirement. Mayor Lemm has lived in Bellwood all of his life, he and his late wife and four children and five grandchildren. He and his current wife, Joy, live at 517 51st Avenue. Mayor Lemm is a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in business administration and accounting. He is a member of the VFW and served in Korea with the 71st Station Hospital as sergeant major. Prior to becoming mayor, Donald Lemm was a CTA executive for 40 years, serving in the capacities of training specialist, methods analyst, superintendent of bus and rail transportation, and retired as manager of insurance and pensions. He also served as administrative assistant to the chairman of the CTA Board and was retained by the Chicago Transit Authority as a consultant for 3 years after retirement. Mayor Lemm is active in St. Simeon parish, has served several times as president of the Holy Name Society, is a member of the St. Simeon Contemporary Choir and St. Simeon Traveling Troop, is a lector and minister of the cup, and has served as a member of the parish financial planning commission. Prior to becoming mayor, Donald Lemm served for 16 years as village clerk. As mayor, he has led the Village of Bellwood into the new millennium, opening up opportunity, creating increased property values, and serving as the role model. Mr. Lemm has demonstrated what it really means to be a true public servant, always putting the interests of his community and his people above any personal interests. And so, I am pleased to congratulate him on an excellent public career and wish him and his family well in retirement.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5068, which was introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), on July 27, 2000, would name a postal facility in Miami, Florida, as the Marjory Williams Scrivens Post Office building. Ms. Scrivens began her postal career in 1970 as the first woman carrier working from the South Miami branch. She delivered along her Coral Gables route for more than 20 years. Ms. Scrivens is remembered for helping to take the ``man'' out of postman and having mail carriers referred to as ``letter carriers.'' So, in addition to carrying the mail, we also owe Ms. Scrivens a debt of gratitude for moving us to another level in our thinking about gender and about the work that people do. She loved her job and worked long hours serving postal customers on her route. Sadly, Ms. Scrivens passed on November 15, 1999. In addition to the comments that I have made, and that I know that the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) had hoped to be here, but could not make it, there is a letter from the South Florida Letter Carriers, which I will include for the Record. South Florida Letter Carriers, Branch 1071, National Association of Letter Carriers, Miami, FL, July 10, 2000. Hon. Carrie Meek, Member of Congress, Miami, FL. Dear Congresswoman Meek: It has come to my attention there is an effort being made to rename the South Miami Post Office at 5927 SW 70th Street in memory of deceased Letter Carrier Marjory Williams Scrivens. This letter is to advise you NALC Branch 1071 endorses and supports this effort. Marjory was a personal friend who served for more than two decades as a letter carrier in South Florida. The Miami News reported on September 8, 1972 that she was the only female carrier working out of the South Miami Office and one of only four female carriers in the Country. Ms. Scrivens' postal employment was instrumental in correcting identification of those who carry the mail from postman or mailman to letter carrier. Marjory Scrivens loved her job. She worked hard and long to get on with the Postal Service and worked long hours serving postal patrons on her route. I can think of no greater honor than to have the South Miami Post Office renamed the ``Marjory Williams Scrivens Branch''. Sincerely, William E. Burroughs, Jr., President. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) for honoring such a lady letter carrier, and I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) for the opportunity to share this time with him.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join in urging passage of H.R. 5144, which was introduced by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) on September 7, 2000, which would name a postal facility in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, as the Tim Lee Carter Post Office building. Tim Lee Carter was born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, in 1910. He graduated from Western University and earned a medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He was elected to represent the 5th Congressional District in 1965 and served until 1980. Of course, he gained national attention as the first Republican Congressman to seek the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam. In Kentucky, Mr. Carter was known for efforts to improve his district and was actively involved in many various activities, not only in the immediate community where he lived, but throughout the State of Kentucky, and proved himself an effective public servant. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague in the House in consideration of these three postal bills. Of course, in the first one we honor the famous Kentucky State House Democratic majority leader, a former Member of Congress and a dedicated letter carrier. H.R. 5143, which would name a postal facility in Paducah, Kentucky, as the Morgan Station, was introduced by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) on September 7, 2000. Fred Morgan, Sr., was born in 1915 in the Littleville section of Paducah, Kentucky. After election to the Kentucky House of Representatives, Mr. Morgan was elected to the powerful position of House Democratic majority leader. He served four decades in the General Assembly. He was a champion of the poor and downtrodden and worked hard to improve education in Kentucky. In the Kentucky House of Representatives, he was known as the ``silver fox who led Morgan's Raiders.'' Mr. Morgan died in 1999. I am sure that all of the people of Kentucky are indeed proud of his tremendous record, and I know that all of those individuals who are postal mail carriers are proud of the fact that a member of their ranks rose to such a lofty position and did such an outstanding job. So I would urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who was devoted not only to serving the Lord, but to the people around him as well. The Reverend Jesse Taylor of Chicago, died on April 22, 2000. The passing of Reverend Taylor may have indeed been a sad moment for those who shared his life; but the subsequent celebration of the life he lived was a joyous occasion for all. In fact, when I was asked to speak at the home-going services of Reverend Taylor there were not enough words for me to begin to describe the full and virtuous life that he lived. This man lived and breathed all that life had to offer him. To describe Reverend Taylor is to describe a man who was after God's own heart. He was called into the ministry at the early age of nineteen and from there served as the Assistant Pastor of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois where he served for over twenty-eight years. By 1969, he was named Pastor of that same church where he faithfully served for seventeen years. In 1986, Rev. Taylor became the pastor, counselor, teacher, and friend of Greater Love M.B. Church where he served the Lord and his community until his last breath. Rev. Taylor was the Financial Secretary to both the North Woodriver District and the Illinois State Convention. He also was a member of the National Baptist Sunday School and Training Union Congress along with the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America. In addition to being a pastor, Rev. Taylor was a loyal husband of sixty-five years; and to his eight children, a loving father. I stand before you honoring this wonderful man who represents what we should all strive to be--loving, dedicated, and steadfast not only to oneself, but to all of humankind. The Reverend Jesse Taylor, ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).'' Thank you for your life of service. Reverend Taylor lived until the ripe old age of ninety-two and preached his last sermon just a few months before this death.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4541, the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000. I represent the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, which is home to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade--two of this country's premier derivatives exchanges. While I have the honor of representing them in Congress, they and the rest of the U.S. markets represent us all over the world. I believe that it is in this nation's best economic interests for U.S. financial markets to grow and prosper and once again lead the world. This legislation helps us to do that. This much-needed legislation would provide regulatory reform to U.S. futures exchanges, provide legal certainty to the U.S. derivatives market, and finally lift the 19-year ban on single stock futures, allowing U.S. investors access to these products and expanding our markets. The threat to U.S. markets has increased in just the last month. The London International Financial Futures Exchange announced that it would begin trading single stock futures on U.S. based company stocks in January 2001. In just three months, futures on the stock of AT&T, Citigroup, Cisco, Systems, Exxon Mobil, and Merck will be traded in London. If H.R. 4541 does not pass, U.S. markets will continue to be prohibited from offering these products--handcuffed from competing with foreign exchanges for a U.S. market that should be traded here at home. Let me be clear, this is not just an Illinois issue. Futures exchanges are a huge part of what makes the entire U.S. economy robust and vibrant. If we fail to lift the ban on single stock futures, if we fail to provide regulatory reform, and if we fail to provide legal certainty to U.S. derivatives markets, then the consequences could be devastating. For example, U.S. exchanges will be rendered completely unable to compete. Without this legislation, single stock futures, which are based on assets developed and produced in the United States, may never be traded in this country. We all need to ensure that the U.S. financial services industry remain competitive in the global marketplace. Therefore, I urge you to join with me in passing this important legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I could not let this moment go by without expressing some comments relative to John Thomas Weeker, J.T., as we all called him, especially those who knew him. He was area vice president of operations for the United States Postal Service; and, unfortunately, he passed away at an early age. It was very interesting to me that as J.T. did his work in the Midwest area, how much he was revered by the individuals who worked with and for him. As a matter of fact, I had the occasion to attend his funeral services, and he had asked that one of his employees give the eulogy. That was a fellow that he had supervised, Rufus Porter, who is the lead executive for the Chicago post office. It was also interesting that he had asked that the Chicago Postal Choir would perform at his services. Even though he was not from the Midwest, he was not from Chicago, he had grown up on the East Coast, he had adopted the area as his home and decided that that is where he wanted to have the last comments made for him. It is also interesting that employees of the Postal Service made the request to have this facility named for their leader. It was Rufus Porter who was the first person who suggested that there ought to be some lasting way of remembering the tremendous service that J.T. had provided to the Postal Service, and especially to the Midwest region. And so, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in bestowing this honor upon a tremendous executive who gave not only of himself, in terms of providing leadership to postal operations, but who was an integral part of his community. A little phrase he had about moving the mail that he sometimes would like to say, when talking about a letter, clean hands gentle touch; surely we owe a letter that much. And that is how J.T. felt about the work that he did in the Postal Service.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, October 12, 2000 the name of the Louis Wirth Experimental School in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood will be changed to honor one of its founders: Miriam Gobstoob Canter. Almost one year after Miriam died, it will be a fitting tribute to the life of a most remarkable woman who devoted much of her life to public education. Miriam Gobstoob was born in 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Boston University and joined the Women's Air Corps in 1944. She devoted herself to the war effort and was a part of the successful effort to integrate her company. After the war, and her honorable discharge, she joined the first all- women's Jewish War Veteran's Post. She became a commander of that post and later in life commander of the Chicago Jewish War Veteran's Post, the only woman to command two such posts. In 1956 she married David S. Canter and moved to Chicago where she dived into work, family and community activism. Their children, Marc, Evan and Anna drew Miriam into a lifetime commitment to education including President of the Kenwood-Ellis Cooperative Nursery School, President of the Shoesmith School PTA, President of Wirth School PTA, President of Kenwood High School PTA, President of Metro High School PTA, Community Representative of Wirth Local School Council. She was recognized with awards including the Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of service to public education at Wirth School and the Achievement Award for 10 years Service for Local School Council participation. There were many other facets to Miriam's love of community and country. She worked for over 20 years at Michael Reese Hospital, was a founding board member of the Michael Reese Health Plan and the Women's Health Initiative. She was active in protecting the rights and interests of hospital workers. Miriam made her home a center for activism and was fiercely active in the struggle for civil rights, banning nuclear weapons and in opposition to the war in Vietnam. From freedom marches and peace meetings to fund-raising events and making sandwiches no job was too big or too small for Miriam. She was awarded (posthumously) the Unsung Heroine Award by the Cook County Women's Commission. Miriam's home was a joyous place to visit. She was a hostess par excellence, and, according to at least one eye witness was a key player in the greatest little floating mah jongg game in Chicago. Miriam is survived by her husband, three children, six grandchildren and uncounted friends, neighbors and coworkers. She will be remembered not only because her name is affixed to a public middle school, but because her name in indelibly engraved in the hearts of all those who knew her.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I join in this unanimous consent request and would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) and his staff, Robert Taub and Heea Vazirani-Fales, for their hard work in ensuring the compromise on this matter, also Ed Gleiman for his efforts to keep Congress focused on fixing the problem, Neil Denton of the alliance for keeping the coalition together and on track. And even in the face of last minute challenges, the postal service for being proactive, and Nanci Langley, deputy minority staff director for the Senate Subcommittee on International Security Proliferation and Federal Services for all of her help and support. Mr. Speaker, I also commend and thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Burton), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, for keeping all of the parties together for the good of the nonprofit community. As was indicated, this legislation was approved by the Senate on October 6. It is identical to H.R. 4636, of which I am also pleased to be an original cosponsor. Of course, this legislation would change the way that postal rates are set for nonprofit periodicals, Standard A and library rates. Essentially, it would lock in the current rate relationship between nonprofit rates and their commercial rate counterparts. For nonprofit periodicals, this would mean a 5 percent discount off the nonadvertising portion of the commercial rate. For nonprofit Standard A, rates would be calculated to reflect the roughly 40 percent discount. Library rates would enjoy a set 5 percent discount off the special standard rates. The bill is obviously good. It is necessary, because the formula passed in 1993 has become ineffective. In fact, the U.S. Postal Service has difficulty measuring the costs attributed directly to nonprofit mail, so the costs have been steadily rising. This year, the U.S. Postal Service admitted that its data did not adequately represent certain categories of nonprofit mail's real costs. The legislation would positively change the approach to setting nonprofit rates. If passed, nonprofit rates would be a percentage of the commercial rates, therefore ending the reliance of inaccurate costing figures. Nonprofit and noncommercial mail costs would always be compiled and counted together, greatly improving the accuracy and reliability of the Postal Service data and stabilizing nonprofit rates. As was indicated, the legislation is supported by the U.S. Postal Service, the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, the Magazine Publishers of America, the Direct Marketing Association, the Association for Postal Commerce and numerous other organizations. I am pleased and delighted that we have been able to work together in such a nonpartisan way under the leadership of the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking member. I thank both of them for the leadership that they have provided to the Subcommittee on Postal Service this past session and certainly wish them well as we get ready to close and look forward to working with them again next year. 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 New York (Mr. McHugh) to explain his request.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as the debate continues around the issues of vouchers, charter schools, and what some call alternatives to traditional public education, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Whitney M. Young Public High School in Chicago, Illinois, which has the distinction of being hailed number one in the Nation in college preparatory education. For 15 years, the Whitney M. Young magnet school has been number one in the State of Illinois. This year, the year 2000, it leads the United States in the numbers of its students who qualified as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition for outstanding black students. Twenty seniors put Whitney M. Young on the top of the list as a result of their ranking in the top 2 percent of youngsters in competition. Graduates of Young go on to college at the astronomical rate of 96 percent, with the University of Illinois enrolling more than any other college or university. Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Yale and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology lead other schools in enrollment of Whitney Young alumni. Mr. Speaker, Principal Joyce Kenner, her staff, local school council, parents, the Chicago Board of Education, and the students themselves are to be commended for proving, and for proving conclusively, that a student does not have to have a voucher or go to a private or charter school to achieve, and indeed to excel academically. So, Mr. Speaker, a school located in the inner city of Chicago, with a diverse student population, 50 percent of whom are black, leads the Nation in the number of its students who qualified as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition for outstanding students. So just as Whitney Young practiced excellence in his life and work, the Whitney M. Young High School has built and continues to develop a legacy of excellence in preparation of its students for college, for life, and for service to humanity. Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend all of those who have been a part of the development of this outstanding institution: the parents of the community where the school is located, the parents who serve on the local school advisory council, the principal, members of the faculty, and the Chicago Board of Education itself, who continue to prove that public education can in fact thrive; that it can flourish; that it has worked and continues to work when we put the resources where the need exists.