Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise to echo the sentiments that have already been expressed by so many on this floor, but also so many throughout America. I first knew of Bruce Vento through one of his fellow Minnesotans who moved to the community where I live in Chicago, Al Arcello, who was actively involved in prevention programs. He said to me when I came, you ought to get to know Bruce Vento, and get to know him I did. I got to know him through his work, through observation of his sensitivity and his ability to reach out, especially to those who are sometimes called the least ones in our society, those who are untouchable, unreachable; the homeless, those that we do not always see. I serve on the board of directors of a homeless newspaper, Streetwise. I can tell the Members, from all of those who sell Streetwise, all of those who have benefited from assistance to the homeless, I say on their behalf, we thank Bruce Vento for reaching out and representing those who oftentimes are left behind and not represented.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate the village of Bellwood, Illinois as it winds down the celebration of its centennial existence, from a dream to more than 100 years of community life. Bellwood was incorporated as a village more than 100 years ago and came up with a unique way of paying special tribute to its people. In addition to fun events, ceremonies and activities, the village decided to bestow medals upon 100 individuals who were nominated for acts of kindness. I, Mr. Speaker, was nominated and presented with one of these and must confess that I have never felt more honored. But even more than that, it is indeed an honor to represent a community which pays close attention to its schools, parks, playgrounds and other recreational and developmental opportunities for its children. It is indeed an honor to represent a community which values its senior population, is noted for its city services, has fire and police departments who serve and protect, who prevent fires and keep down crime, and it is an honor to represent a community which is proud of diversity and respects all of its people. It is an honor to represent a community where corporate/business citizenship is encouraged and where people seem to feel good about each other. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I take my hat off to the people of Bellwood and commend: President Donald Lemm, Clerk Booker T. Brown, Trustee Jann Beauchamp, Trustee Woodrow Broaders, Trustee Michael Rogers, Trustee Joyce Ann Porter, Trustee Art Grapenthien, Trustee Frank E. Hasman, and Trustee Frank A. Pasquale. Library Trustee Gail Archibald, Library Trustee Arnie F. Bryant, Library Trustee Alice English, Library Trustee Carolyn Griffin, Library Trustee Mary Ann Grunder, Library Trustee Anthony Howard, and Library Trustee John Johnson, Jr. Memorial Park District: Commissioner Patrick Hurley, Commissioner John Johnson, Commissioner Victor Lezza, Jr., Commissioner Frank A. Pasquale, and Commissioner Ralph Sartore. School District 88: Ms. Marilyn Thurman, President; Ms. Linda Morgan- Jones, Vice-President; Ms. Roxanne A. Brown, Secretary; Ms. Gloria M. Blackwell, Mr. Willis J. Booker, Jr., Mrs. Barbara J. Griffin, and Mrs. Sandra M. Hixson. School District 209: Ms. Imoni Baxter, Mrs. Sandra Collins, Secretary, Mr. Patrick ``Chico'' Hernandez, Mrs. Theresa L. Kelly, Mr. Richard G. Klaczynski, Mr. Michael A. Manzo, President, Mr. Robert J. Smith, and Mr. Gregory T. Jackson, Superintendent. I also pay tribute to police chief Greg Moore, fire chief Andre Harvey, and all of those who work to make Bellwood the delightful city that it is. Congratulations on 100 years of tremendous existence and I trust that Bellwood will be standing for at least 100 more.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Ramon Price spent his entire life pursuing goodness, helping others and being involved with art and artistic endeavors. Mr. Price was the half brother of Chicago's first African American mayor, the Honorable Harold Washington and while Ramon was not overly drawn to electoral politics, he did organize artists for Washington and kept the artistic community actively engaged in fundraising and other support activity for the Washington political apparatus. Mr. Price was inspired by his high school art teacher, Dr. Margaret Burroughs who founded the DuSable Museum and the two of them became friends and worked together in developing the museum until his death. In addition to his work with the DuSable Museum, Mr. Price who earned both bachelor and masters degrees taught at DuSable High School, was department chair and taught at Indiana University. He was also a painter and sculptor whose work is on display at DuSable, other museums and galleries. A gentle soul who loved his community and his people. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), one who does, in fact, also have perfect attendance, especially perfect attendance when it comes to representing the needs, hopes and aspirations of his people and representing the effort to make America a better Nation in which to live.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman once again, and First of All, Servant of All, we shall transcend all.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the esteemed gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon) for joining me this afternoon as we discuss one of the most serious problems facing our country and, indeed, our world today, that is, the problem of HIV/AIDS and all of the problems associated with it, as well as talk about ways in which we can combat it. Earlier today we passed the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Relief Act, which provides resources to fight this dreadful disease. I think our passage of this act today is further indication of how serious this Congress takes this problem and the approaches that we have begun to use in terms of providing resources to deal with it. Although money is needed, and resources is one way of impacting positively the situation, there are other things that people can do that do in fact cost money, but sometimes not as much as we think. There are many agencies, organizations, and groups throughout America and throughout the world who are making use of themselves in every possible way to do what it is that they can to arrest this disease. One of the areas that we have the most difficulty with is in teenagers. Despite the fact that most American teenagers are aware of methods for preventing pregnancy and STD infection, reports indicate that nearly half of teenagers engage in unprotected sexual activity. In turn, morbidity and infection rates due to HIV continue to rise as young adults become one of the fastest-growing populations contracting HIV/AIDS. In addition, recent reports estimate that at least 20 to 30 percent of young men may be infected with herpes simplex virus, regardless of sociological demographic background. As a matter of fact, in some manner, we are all affected by the hardships of these diseases because they have placed hardships on our communities, no matter where we are or who we are. Consequently, programs dedicated to informing young adults about safe sex practices in an appropriate and effective manner are vital. One such national effort is Project Alpha, which is a creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University, has the distinction of being the first intercollegiate fraternity established for African Americans. Since its inception, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has provided voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. Today Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, has approximately 150,000 members. Past and present members include noted sociologist W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., former Senator Ed Brooks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, former Congressman and ambassador Andrew Young, former Representative Bill Gray, who heads the United Negro College Fund, the noted author and activist, Paul Robeson, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon), the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the gentlemen from New York (Mr. Meeks and Mr. Rangel), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott). I, too, Mr. Speaker, am pleased to be a member of the Mu Mu Lambda chapter of this illustrious group, Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated. Project Alpha, in the spirit of this powerful legacy, was established to address the major social, economic, and health problems related to troubling trends in teen pregnancy and STDs. Since the early 1980s, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has implemented the Project Alpha Program, along with the March of Dimes Foundation, and has taught thousands of young men about the consequences of STDs and teenage pregnancy from a male perspective. Over the past 20 years, members of Alpha have worked with the staff and volunteers of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to reach hundreds of communities and thousands of young men throughout America and the world. In an effort to herald this program to the entire Nation, the second week of October has been declared Project Alpha Week, and from October 7 to October 14 each chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha will devote time to reviewing the medical, legal, and socioeconomic issues involving teen pregnancy and STD infection with teens while encouraging responsible behavior. I want to commend the brothers of Alpha and the Alpha Project, for without preventative programs such as this successful one, we will pay greatly in the future with higher rates of teen pregnancy and birth defects, higher rates of HIV and other STDs, and ultimately, a lower quality of life for all members of our society. Now, it is my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon), the ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, my brother, and fellow Alpha member.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Well, I thank the gentleman. As we have discussed this afternoon and we have pointed out, all of our speakers have, the impact of HIV and AIDS in the African American community, we know that it has indeed been devastating. As a matter of fact, through December of 1998, the Center for Disease Control had received reports of 688,200 AIDS cases. And of those, 251,408 cases occurred among African Americans. Representing only an estimated 12 percent of the total United States population, African Americans make up almost 37 percent of all AIDS cases reported in this country. Researchers estimate that 240,000 to 325,000 African Americans, about one in 50 African American men and one in 160 African American women, are infected with HIV. Of those infected with HIV, it is estimated that more than 106,000 African Americans are living with AIDS. So when we see a program like Project Alpha, there is no doubt about its importance in mentoring, educating and encouraging young adults to be responsible during their teen years and beyond. According to the CDC, 10 national studies have shown that education programs increase safer sex practices among young people who are sexually active. These programs also lead to abstinence, fewer sexual partners, and increased and more effective use of contraception among young men and women. The other major objective of Project Alpha is teen pregnancy reduction from a male perspective. And although teen birth rates experienced a decline between 1991 and 1996 across all ethnic and economic groups, the country is beginning to see a new surge in pregnant women under 20 years of age. Some important facts to consider are: the United States has the highest pregnancy rate of all developed countries. About 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year, of which 95 percent are unintended. Public cost as a result totaled $120 billion between 1985 and 1990, a circumstance that may resume if current trends continue. It is estimated that $48 billion could have been saved if birth had been postponed. Eleven States are implementing comprehensive integrated youth programs to prevent teen pregnancies. While others have assistance programs, the Department of Health and Human Services' recent annual report reveals that 32 States have no specified goals regarding this issue. However, Project Alpha has vision with long-range benefits: to reduce teenage pregnancy, thereby reducing child poverty; reducing high school dropout rates and boosting the probability that young adults can fully achieve their potential. Furthermore, realizing that these programs are traditionally targeted towards raising awareness in young women, Project Alpha focuses on reaching young men, an important yet often overlooked factor in the teen pregnancy problem. By educating young men about contraception and emphasizing personal responsibility, positive changes in attitude and behavior can make a positive difference. Finally, again, I would like to congratulate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the March of Dimes for recognizing the need for Project Alpha and holding a week that not only serves young Americans in our communities nationwide, but also fulfills the alpha pledge: First of All, Servant of All. Does the gentleman have any other comments?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me just ask the gentleman from California (Mr. Dixon), we know that HIV-related illness and death now have the greatest impact on young people. As a matter of fact, AIDS is the leading cause of death among Americans 25 to 44 years old. In this same age group, AIDS now account, on an average, for one in every three deaths among African-American men and one in five deaths in African-American women. Between 1990 and 1995, AIDS incidents among people 13 to 25 years old rose nearly 20 percent. While AIDS incidents among both young gay and bisexual men and young injecting drug users was relatively constant during this time period, AIDS incidents among young heterosexual men and women rose more than 130 percent. In a project like Project Alpha, what is it that one can say or what does one say to young people to try and impact upon them the serious consequences of certain kinds of behavior?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the gentleman from California, not only for his participation and his leadership here in the Congress but also his willingness in the community where he lives to be involved, to be interactive with young people, and to try and help them to understand how they can improve the quality of life, not only for themselves, but for others. We certainly appreciate his assistance.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, listening to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), there is no one that I know of who is more concerned about education. I remember one of the incidents that happened that sort of reinforced that. I remember the President had invited the gentleman from Pennsylvania and his family to the White House as he was about to sign one of the gentleman's bills. The gentleman from Pennsylvania decided that his son needed to go to school that day, that he could not come.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the gentleman very much, and I would like to get the gentleman's reaction, if I could, to how much on target Project Alpha is. A study by the National Cancer Institute confirms existent data which reveals that as each generation comes of age, there is a substantial increase in the rate of infection as individuals enter their late teens and early 20s, with infection peaking in the mid to late 20s. Sustained, targeted prevention for each group entering young adulthood is what will keep these waves from developing. Behavioral science has also shown that a balance of prevention messages is important for young people, and that total abstinence from sexual activity is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV infection. Despite all of the efforts, some young people may still engage in sexual intercourse that puts them at risk for HIV and other STDs. For these individuals, the correct and consistent use of latex condoms has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV and other STDs. How important does the gentleman think it is for older, and I would not necessarily say that all the Members of Alpha Phi Alpha are old, but more mature members of our society to share concepts, ideas and experiences with younger people, as this project kind of attempts to do, in steering them in a more appropriate direction? And would the gentleman have any challenge for other groups and organizations as to how they can be more helpful?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Let me just thank the gentleman for his response and for his participation. People throw out accolades, and sometimes they are meaningful and sometimes not as meaningful; but when it comes to role modeling, I would certainly think that the gentleman has been and continues to be one, not only as a Member of Congress but also in the community where the gentleman lives and works. So I want to thank the gentleman for coming and for sharing with us this afternoon.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield time to the distinguished gentleman from the City of Brotherly Love, Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), who not only provides great leadership in the field of education, which means that he is a natural to be involved in this kind of project, but who is an inspiration to all of those who have known and worked with him for years. I am proud to call him, not only my colleague, but also my Alpha brother.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Ryan White CARE Act. And I rise because this legislation has meant so much to so many people throughout the country. The Ryan White CARE Act has meant so much that there are many people who feel as they tell their stories that without it they simply would not be alive. Mr. John Davis, the newly elected cochair of the city of Chicago's HIV services planning council, says if it was not for the Ryan White CARE Act, he would probably be dead. Mr. Davis, a former heroin addict, says that his road to recovery began with him seeking help at a Ryan White-funded housing program. Like Mr. Davis, thousands of others throughout the country have had the same experiences. Mr. Derrick Hicks from Chicago is able to live longer and get access to medications he may not otherwise be able to afford. And so, as we continue to see the impact and the effects of this program throughout the country, I simply rise to support it and say that without it many people would not have had the quality of life. I urge continued support.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. Also I want to commend her, not only for bringing an issue like this one to the floor, but for the outstanding work that she does on a regular basis on behalf of disenfranchised citizens throughout America, and her tremendous effort to make sure that those who are sometimes left out, those who are forgotten, those who are at the very bottom of everything in our society, are in fact given as much opportunity. So I am pleased to join in this special order organized by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald). This issue has been neglected for too long in this country, and I am talking about those who have officially paid their debt for their infractions, but upon reentry into the mainstream were shunned by the very system that has claimed them reformed by denying them the opportunity to participate in our electoral process. It seems to me that it is unbelievable that for individuals in a society that values democracy, in a society that talks about each and every individual having the right to participate, a society that talks about the reclamation of individuals and finding ways to bring people back into the mainstream after they have committed infractions, and yet, we deny them the most basic of all rights in a free and democratic society, and that is the right to participate. I rise to emphatically declare that every American who commits a crime who sufficiently pays his or her debt to society and is rendered free to reenter back into society should have their right to vote fully restored upon return. In fact, as indicated by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), last year I introduced legislation that would do exactly that. The fact of the matter is clear, that the right to vote is the most basic constitutional act of citizenship. Furthermore, it is my belief that this basic right should include law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately, many people who control the courts and legislatures throughout our country are divided on this issue, and have passed laws that make it difficult if not impossible for people to come back. Some States have passed laws which allow ex-felons to easily regain their voting rights, and as a result, these citizens are able to freely exercise their regained right and carry on as productive members of society. Other States, however, are still rooted in archaic belief systems and have kept oppressive laws on the books that permanently bar ex-felons from the basic right to vote. It is imperative that we review these systems and establish a uniform standard which affords ex-offenders the opportunity to vote in Federal elections, but not only in Federal elections, in local elections as well. It is incredible, when we look at the number of individuals in some of our States, and especially the number of African-American males in some of our States, who have lost their right to ever participate in a meaningful way in the making of laws and the determination of who will represent them in public bodies. If a person can pay taxes, get a job, learn a trade, learn a skill, carry on all of the functions of citizenship, then I think it begs the question as to why they cannot also vote. So I would hope, I would hope that as we continue to look at this issue, that we would look at those States that have in fact restored and given back the right for these individuals, once they have paid their debt to society. I have not seen anything that has happened in any of these States that would cause me to believe that it is a harmful practice. Take, for example, my State of Illinois. I consider it to be a progressive State; not as progressive, perhaps, as it will be, and not as progressive as it should be. But I say it is a progressive State because it is a State where the Governor, even as we look at the death penalty, has determined that we need to review the way in which it is administered, because for some reason, for many reasons, there seem to be an inordinate number of African-Americans, Spanish-speaking citizens, low-income, poor, uneducated, undereducated individuals who end up in the penal system on death row, in the penitentiary, and individuals even who, once they serve whatever time they have been given, still do not have the hope of voting. So I say to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), I think she has in fact given the country a great service by raising this issue, because it gives us a chance to explore; to look at, first of all, why are there so many people in this country in prison? There are more than 2 million people associated in some, way, shape, form, or fashion with our correctional system. Here we are, 5 percent of the world's population, but 25 percent of the prison population. In a country as enlightened, we are the most technologically proficient Nation on the face of the Earth. The quality of life for mass numbers of people in this country is greater than we would find the quality of life for people anyplace in the world. Yet, we have not found a way to, in a seriously, not only humane way, yes, we can look at it as being humane, but we can also look at it from another vantage point. It is like having a car that has six cylinders, but if only three of those cylinders are functioning, think of all the power and energy that we are losing. Think of all the possibilities that we could have. Think of all the positive things that could take place if we would look for ways to take men and women who have committed crimes, who have been incarcerated, and while they are there, would it not make much more sense if they could learn a trade, if they could learn how to do computers, if they could acquire college degrees, if they could learn how to be carpenters and brick-layers and masons and to do maintenance work and to be office managers? Rather than coming back with no skill and not the right to vote, they could come back having paid their debt to society saying, ``I am now ready to do my part. I am ready to do my share of helping to make this country the great Nation that it has the potential of being, so that it becomes even greater than what it is.'' So I ask the gentlewoman to keep working, if she will, on these tough issues. Some of us will be there working with her. Ultimately, the day will come when those individuals who are now left out will in fact get cut in. I thank the gentlewoman for this evening.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank the gentleman from American Samoa for yielding me this time. I also want to thank the ranking member of the subcommittee not only for his diligence but also for his sensitivity in helping to move this legislation forward. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a principal sponsor of this legislation to honor the renowned 19th century abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass with the National Memorial and Gardens in the Nation's capitol. Without question, Frederick Douglass is an American hero deserving of such honor. During the course of his remarkable life, Frederick Douglass freed himself from slavery and became internationally renowned for his eloquence in the cause of individual liberty and human rights. Douglass is rightfully regarded as the true father of the civil rights in America and one of profound intellectual thought. Frederick Douglass published the North Star and Frederick Douglass' Paper, which spread news of the abolitionist movement. His piercing commentary earned him a role as a trusted advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and other American Presidents as the Nation struggled to make good on the promise of emancipation. Breaking yet another racial barrier, in 1877, Frederick Douglass moved to a house on a hill, Cedar Hill, he called it, in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., where he could look down on the Nation's most historic monuments from the sanctity of his garden. From his offices in Anacostia in the late 19th century, he published the New National Era, a beacon for a reformed, racially integrated Nation which was to be published, in his words, ``in the interest of the colored people of America; not as a separate class, but as a part of the whole people,'' the American people. He represented the United States as a foreign diplomat in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic and also served as a member of the Howard University Board of Directors. He resided in Anacostia until his death in 1895, and is remembered by local schoolchildren to this date as the ``Sage of Anacostia.'' In a speech for which he is perhaps most well-known, Frederick Douglass deplored how little democratic ideals had yet extended to his people. By building a national memorial and gardens to Douglass in the Nation's capitol, in the sight line of the U.S. Capitol, we demonstrate that his voice was heard. America is not finished fighting for a 4th of July that includes all people. By surrounding the memorial with a beautiful garden, we pay tribute to the contemplative side of the man that fed his public passion. We remember a man who understood rightly the nature of true power. He knew the value of power vested in a ``moral majority of one.'' To quote his contemporary, Thoreau, ``And he wielded the power of personal example as his weapon of choice in the greatest moral struggle of modern times.'' The outcome of that struggle could be different if not for the looming presence of Douglass, a man who Langston Hughes said quite simply, ``is not dead,'' and we know what he meant. It would be inappropriate to build a passive memorial of silent, motionless stone. Our most fitting tribute to Douglass is a memorial that will include in its presentation the living, breathing lives grown out of his life, lives fleshing Douglass' dreams of liberty and inspiring others to manifest the personal qualities of Douglass the man: Integrity, courage, passion, a love for liberty and justice, and a commitment to intellectual excellence. As a passionate defender of the best of American ideals, Frederick Douglass remains a powerful symbol for our times and a goad to constant vigilance. Freedom is not free, and we would do well to provide a reminder to our children that, as Douglass would say, struggle, struggle, strife and pain are the prerequisites for change. And if there is no struggle, there can be no progress. Mr. Speaker, this moment would not be possible if it were not for people like those in the Anacostia Garden Club; my colleagues, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton); who all were very instrumental in helping to shape this legislation and bring it to the floor. I thank them for joining as original cosponsors. Also I thank the Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert); the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the ranking member; the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), the subcommittee chairman; the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen); and the ranking member, the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Romero-Barcelo) for their help in getting this matter to the floor. Finally, I urge all my colleagues to join with us in passing this legislation, not just for Anacostia or Frederick Douglass, IV, but for the entire Nation and for the entire world to see.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Subcommittee on the Postal Service, I am pleased to join with my subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), in the consideration of H.R. 4315, a bill to designate a facility of the U.S. Postal Service after Larry Small. H.R. 4315 was introduced by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) on April 13, 2000, and originally cosponsored by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). I am pleased to note that H.R. 4315 enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Ohio congressional delegation. Mr. Small, a young man of 82 years, has been recognized for his untiring efforts to serve his community of Beachwood, Ohio. He recently retired after serving 32 years as a member of the Beachwood City Council. Anybody who would serve 32 years on a city council deserves all of the recognition and honor that they can get any time no matter which city they are from but certainly, from Beachwood. He is indeed deserving of the honor. Currently he serves as a senior affairs specialist for the county. As an active member of the city council, Mr. Small was responsible for establishing a paramedic unit, creating a human resources department, and for ensuring the enactment of a city ordinance making gun owners responsible for the safe and secure handling of their firearms. And for that he should not just be honored, he should receive a badge of merit. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones) are to be commended for seeking to honor such an individual, a man of wisdom whose commitment and vision are an inspiration to all of those who have known him. And so, accordingly, I would urge the swift consideration of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) on the selection of an outstanding individual to be honored. Mr. Speaker, seeing that I have no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute the village of Bellwood, Illinois, which is celebrating its 100th year anniversary. It is a quiet, quaint little village made up of some of the finest people in this country. One of the ways that they decided to celebrate their 100th year anniversary was to give away 100 appreciation slips to individuals who had performed acts of kindness. And so, anybody who wanted to submit a person who performed an act of kindness in the village of Bellwood, all they had to do was submit to the mayor. So I commend Mayor Donald T. Lemm, all of the members of the board of trustees, and wish them another great 100 years.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to give special recognition to a premier social service and civil rights organization that has fought the relentless fight for African Americans in the achievement of social and economic equality. Historically, this organization has built bridges over the obstructions that impede the social freedom of citizens. Time and time again, this organization has been in the vanguard, providing guidance and instruction to millions. As a principal shepherd, this organization has been a conduit that has negotiated on behalf of the voiceless and neglected. But most of all, this organization has contributed enormously towards inoculating the disease of institutionalized racism which continues to negatively impact many in America. The organization of which I speak is the National Urban League as it prepares to celebrate its 89th birthday. From the moment of its inception in 1911, the National Urban League has been in the forefront of promoting social change, promoting black conscientiousness and racial pride. Furthermore, the National Urban League has been contributing to the transformation of American social, cultural, and political life. The National Urban League consistently has been on the front line to gauge pressure, temper ills and provide solutions over adverse forces that permeate all sectors in our society. During the Great Migration, the National Urban League created successful social action programs aimed towards improving employment opportunities for African Americans who migrated northward to escape the endless cycle of poverty that held their lives hostage. The National Urban League successfully helped these citizens by working through local affiliates to help them adjust to urban life. These affiliates taught citizens the basic skills necessary to secure employment. In addition, the National Urban League sponsored community centers, clinics, kindergartens, day care, summer camps, as well as a host of other programs tailored to meet the specific needs of black newcomers. In essence, these social programs provided a comprehensive social support system that enabled African Americans to thrive and compete in mainstream society. Thus, the National Urban League firmly established itself as a lead organization for reform in America. Under Lester B. Granger's mentorship, the National Urban League reached unprecedented new levels during the Great Depression. By focusing its reform efforts on coercing the Federal Government to develop equitable policies dedicated towards inclusion for blacks, the National Urban League lobbied government to end discrimination and open its doors of opportunity. As a result of direct pressure, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order ending discrimination in defense industries and Federal agencies. While the face of America was transforming in the turbulent 1960s, the National Urban League stood strong and helped organize extensively to help African Americans take an active role in the political process. Under the direction of Whitney Young, Jr., the National Urban League launched vigorous voter registration drives. Mr. Young's vision of political empowerment for blacks did not end there. To complement efforts to increase blacks' access to the polling booth, the National Urban League sponsored leadership development and voter registration projects. As a result of these and other initiatives, African Americans as a unit began to wield their newly developed, fine-tuned political prowess far more effectively in the political process. Today, the National Urban League continues to promote social, economic, and political empowerment. By using tools of advocacy, research, and program service as its main approach, the National Urban League has expanded its programs to help African Americans meet anticipated challenges in the new century. Under the direction of Hugh Price, the National Urban League has worked to provide information and technical assistance to thousands of small businesses as they compete in the technological and global economy. In addition, the National Urban League is helping to tackle the sprouting problems that seize our Nation's failed schools. Mr. Price is committed to closing the digital divide that has a crippling effect on our Nation's youth. Furthermore, the National Urban League continues to lead African Americans to new opportunities that will help them attain economic self-sufficiency and is helping to fight racial profiling and police brutality. Through its various programs, the National Urban League is helping to move America into a new era with vigor and vitality. I could not mention the work of the Urban League without mentioning the tremendous work done by the Chicago Urban League under the leadership of its president and chief executive officer, James Compton, who is noted as one of Chicago's most outstanding leaders. Prior to the advent of Jim Compton, the Chicago League was led by William ``Bill'' Berry who was voted as one of the most effective leaders of his day. His wit, charm, and personality helped to move many situations.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I, first of all, want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), for introducing this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4944, the Export Working Capital Loan Improvement Act. The Export Working Capital Loan Improvement Act of 2000 makes a technical correction to the Small Business Act that will enable the Small Business Administration to sell export working capital loans on the secondary market. This program provides transaction-specific financing of loans of $833,333 or less. Small business exporters may use this program for preexport financing of labor and materials, financing receivables generated from these sales and/or standby letters of credit used as performance bonds or payment guarantees to foreign buyers. Enabling the sale of these loans on the secondary market will increase the attractiveness of export working capital loans to lenders to be used as performance bonds or payment guarantees to foreign buyers. It would relieve them of the cost of servicing and paperwork on small short-term loans. While the authority exists to sell export working capital loans, secondary market sales of SBA guaranteed loans are conducted infrequently, which create a technical problem affecting these short-term loans. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4944 streamlines the entire process. The committee changes are simply the latest in a series of Small Business Administration program enhancements designed to meet small businesses' needs for a simple process with flexible requirements and fast delivery of financing. Again, I want to commend the Committee on Small Business for its bipartisan work. I want to commend and congratulate the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) for an important piece of legislation, because what he has done has simply been to take a good program and make it better.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I too want to commend and congratulate the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) for introducing such a meaningful piece of legislation. All of us know that small businesses are, indeed, a backbone of the economy in this country. And we also know that as we become more civilized, there is need to protect the workplace and make it as worker friendly as we possibly can, to make it as safe for those who work as we can. That means standards. In many instance those small businesses have difficulty complying because of not having the person-power to figure out how to comply meaningfully with the regulation. Or they may not have the money, the resources, the cash flow. This bill provides an opportunity to assist small businesses to be in compliance, to know how to comply, and to do it well. It is a good piece of legislation. Again, I commend the gentleman from New York and urge all Members to support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, since enactment of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, the number of forcible rapes of women have declined, and the number of sexual assaults nationwide have gone down as well. The Justice Department's states nearly 25 percent of surveyed women and about 7 percent of surveyed men say they have been raped and or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse or partner at some time in their lives. This figure, however, is a conservative one that substantially understates the actual number of families affected by domestic violence because battering is usually not reported until it reaches life-threatening proportions. In fact, some researches estimate that one of every two women will be battered at some time in their life. In Illinois, the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County States Attorney's Office and various other community and government agencies have developed the necessary infrastructure, as a result of the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. Mr. Speaker the Violence Against Women Act works. In fact, a recent Justice report found that intimate partner violence against women decreased by 21 percent from 1993 to 1998. This is strong evidence that the state and community efforts born from this act are working. Despite the success of the Violence Against Women Act, domestic abuse and violence against women continues to plague our communities. The Violence Against Women Act must be reauthorized to allow these efforts to continue without having to worry that this funding will be lost from year to year. Mr. Speaker I urge every member of this body to vote for this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to noted author and journalist Carl Rowan, who passed earlier this week and who devoted his life to working and fighting for equality and justice both here at home and abroad. Carl Rowan was born in 1925 in Ravenscroft, Tennessee. Like many African Americans, he emerged from poverty in the segregated South during the depression. Undoubtedly, the trials and tribulations of Mr. Rowan's life, and which he overcame in his childhood, prepared him to excel as a leader and enabled him to climb the arduous ladder of success in his career. His life is a model which exemplified the continuous breaking of barriers which is truly noteworthy. Mr. Rowan served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. And after his tenure of military service he studied at Oberlin College in Ohio and earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. In the late 1940s, Carl Rowan became one of the first African Americans to work for a major mainstream daily newspaper when he took a copy editing position at the Minneapolis Tribune. Mr. Rowan was known among his contemporaries to possess integrity and an unwavering purpose to fight for justice. His sense of duty to uncover the truth, no matter what the cost, is not only noteworthy but honorable. Equipped with a tenacious journalistic pen, Carl Rowan courageously exposed racism. His reporting on race relations led President Kennedy to appoint him Deputy Secretary of State, delegate to the United Nations during the Cuban missile crisis, and Ambassador to Finland. In 1964, President Johnson named him Director of the United States Information Agency. While serving in these capacities, Mr. Rowan's shrewd character was admired by many, and his toughness was respected by all. After his government service, Mr. Rowan continued to break barriers when he became a columnist for the Chicago Sun Times. During his illustrious career at the Sun Times he composed themes of reform and racial awareness, which touched the spirits of his dedicated readers. Unlike many of his colleagues, he dared to write about the unpopular, the controversial. Mr. Rowan's motto was: ``I inform people and expose them to a point of view they otherwise wouldn't get. I work against the racial mindset of most of the media.'' Indeed, Carl Rowan proved to be a watchdog who was in the forefront of civil rights in the media. This is why my friend and respected columnist, Vernon Jarrett, views Mr. Rowan as a role model who pioneered in the introduction of black content to major white newspapers. Furthermore, Carl Rowan did not use his pen alone to make a difference. He was a staunch advocate of public service and philanthropy, as well. He created Project Excellence in 1987 to help and encourage black youth to finish high school and go on to college. To date, the fund has given $79 million to Washington area youth. Mr. Rowan was a good friend to many. His mark of excellence serves as a testament to what one can achieve. His undaunted literary voice will be sorely missed. And so, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Carl Rowan for his remarkable career of serving our country. On this sad and unfortunate occasion, let us extend our deepest sympathy to his family, to his wife, Vivian, and his three children, Carl, Jr., Jeffrey, and Barbara, a man of distinction, a public servant who served not only his country but the world community well.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri (Chairman Talent) and the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the ranking member, for this very important legislation, as well as for their overall effectiveness and the bipartisan manner in which this committee has operated during the last session. Mr. Chairman, last year the Small Business Committee conducted hearings on Federal Government procurement policies. In that hearing we found what many of us already knew, that small and minority-owned businesses have serious difficulty contracting with the Federal Government. As a result, the Small Business Committee with the leadership of the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), our ranking member, and the gentleman from Missouri (Chairman Talent) conducted a study to reveal which agencies were implementing and reaching their federally mandated goals. This study known as the scorecard revealed that because of contract bundling, many agencies conducted little, if any, business with small and minority-owned businesses. Mr. Chairman, contract bundling is disheartening and devastating to small businesses while and at the same time showing no measurable savings to the American taxpayer. These are now exciting times for small businesses. On the private side of business, we are witnessing a revolution, a complete transformation of how businesses operate. Today our Nation's 22 million businesses are using innovative ways to hire, train and create better products and make extraordinary profits. The easy good ole boy network of doing business is becoming outdated, outmoded, and obsolete in the private sector; therefore, it should be obsolete in our government. Therefore, for us to see Departments like Energy, Education and Labor to be named the worst Federal agencies in small business procurement, and our Nation's Department of Defense to have virtually no 8A goal for minority and small businesses is an embarrassment. It is time to change. It is time to innovate. No longer should these Departments be allowed to posture and pose as friends of small businesses when their actions show something totally different. It is time for us to work together to preserve and expand our small businesses. H.R. 4945 takes the first step, and I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing this greatly needed legislation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for yielding, but I also want to thank the gentleman for his display of sensitivity relative to taking out this special order and for recognizing the tremendous value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We have heard all of those who have spoken talk about the vast numbers of African Americans and others who have benefited from these institutions. I, too, was fortunate to attend a Historically Black College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) was talking about affordability, I can never forget on my 16th birthday going off to A&M College with $50 in my pocket wondering how I was going to make it. As it turned out, the tuition was only $76 at that time, and I did have a $50 scholarship that the State of Arkansas gave to each of its high schools. So I only had to pay $26 of those $50. So I still had a little left over to play with. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has been an educational mecca for my family. I think of the numbers. I have four sisters who attended, two brothers, three nephews, two brothers-in-law and a whole group of cousins. So it has been not only an opportunity but it has been a propelling force in all of our lives. It started with seven students; opened its doors in 1875 with seven students. Much of the character, though, of this institution has been shaped by outstanding administrators: J.C. Corbin, John Brown Watson, and then, of course, President Lawrence Arnett Davis, who we called Prexie, who was there when I was a student and now his son is following in his footsteps, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. Wherever I go in America, I always run into individuals who have excelled: physicians, nurses, under-secretaries of departments and agencies. As a matter of fact, the Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater's, mother-in-law and father-in-law, his mother-in-law was a colleague of mine. We were students together. His father-in-law was one of our advisors in a current events club. So these become very personal and very direct. I would hope that we would understand what everybody has been saying. These institutions have existed, operated, oftentimes with little more than baling wire; but they cannot continue in that way. We seriously need to redouble our efforts and find additional resources, and I guarantee if one talks about getting a bang for your buck, if we put some more resources into the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I guarantee we will be reaping the dividends and rewards for years and years and years. So I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), again, for yielding me this time.