Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I join the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) in bringing to the House floor H.R. 4616, legislation naming the United States Post Office located at 3813 Main Street in East Chicago, Indiana, as the Corporal Harold Gomez Post Office Building. Corporal Gomez, as we have already heard, a Vietnam veteran, was a fire team leader in a rifle company of the Third Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Silver Star Medal for his leadership and bravery during his service, earning recognition for his actions during the February 21, 1967 battle in which he died. Corporal Gomez was the first citizen of northwest Indiana to die in the Vietnam War. I commend the Indiana delegation for seeking to honor such a man, one who would give his life in the service of his country. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) the sponsor of this measure who will make some comments.

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. We have no further speakers, and so I commend once again the chairman of this subcommittee for the outstanding work that he and the ranking member, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), did. It has been a pleasure working with them and other members of the committee throughout this past session, and we look forward to another great time beginning in January. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the conferees, especially the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stokes), the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) for the outstanding work that they did on the housing report. Gone are the heavy-handed provisions that would have mandated community service for unemployed residents of public housing. In its place this bill requires either 8 hours of community service or 8 hours a month of participation in an economic self-sufficiency program. This is real problem-solving without the insensitive and stoic responsibilities to existing circumstances in public housing that we witnessed earlier in the process. When I look at my congressional district in Chicago, where only 18 percent of the residents of Dearborn Homes are employed, where only 9 percent of the residents of Robert Taylor A are working; where only 9 percent of the residents of Stateway Gardens are working, there is clearly a need for job training. I believe that this is where we need to direct our focus. This is a most welcome undertaking and is proof positive of the type of agreements this body can reach. I thank the conferees for an outstanding piece of work.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) for yielding me this time and giving me this opportunity to share some comments about my colleague. I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished gentleman and my colleague from the 13th District in Illinois, Congressman Harris Fawell. Congressman Fawell has represented the 13th District and the constituents of that district since 1984. He has been a lifelong resident of Illinois and attended law school in my district in Chicago at Chicago's Kent College of Law. Therefore, we claim some representation for his success and for all that he has been able to do. Congressman Fawell has distinguished himself as an efficient, effective, and professional legislator. He has served with distinction on both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Science. He leaves behind a legacy of committed service to his constituents and to this Nation. I believe that the tribute paid to him by the Members of his staff represents the kind of esteem in which he is held. The Illinois delegation will not be the same without Congressman Fawell. We shall miss you and wish for you all the best. Therefore, on behalf of all the residents of the Seventh Congressional District, we salute you for your fine service and trust that in retirement you will experience peace and contentment, that your years of service serves you well, and that you so rightly deserve. Best wishes and good luck.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), my colleague, for first of all taking out this time to salute and honor a tremendous legislator, a tremendous American, a man whom I am proud to call a colleague, Mr. Sidney Yates. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the opportunity. Mr. Yates has the honor, of course, of representing the 9th congressional district of Illinois and has represented the people of the 9th district since 1953, serving 24 terms in the House. Born the son of Jewish immigrants in 1909, Mr. Yates was born in Chicago, and I am proud to say that he was born in my district, the district that I currently serve. His family lived on Maxwell Street, but later moved to the Lakeview area. Mr. Yates was educated in the Chicago public schools, attended college at the University of Chicago where he played on the basketball team. I am not sure that he slam dunked that often but occasionally I suspect that he could rise to the heights of the basket. But nevertheless, he received his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. During the past 48 years, Mr. Yates can claim a leadership role in many important efforts. Most notably, he has been the staunch backer of the NEA and is often credited for saving this valuable program. Arts funding and environmental protection are perhaps two of his highest priorities. In addition to this, Mr. Yates has assisted projects such as Navy Pier in Chicago, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, defunding the School of the Americas, gaining citizenship rights for the Japanese in the United States after World War II, and the Chicago Transit Authority. I can think of no more spirited of an advocate for the people and their civil liberties than my good friend, Sid Yates. If he gets behind an issue, he will fight for it until the end. Mr. Yates has often been deemed by the press a Truman era liberal, an unapologetic liberal and the greatest friend the arts have in America today. In 1973, Congressman Anunzio remarked, For in the Congress, he is the people's advocate, and his contributions have been positive and numerous. He has waged war against the common enemy: hunger, disease and apathy. He has helped relieve human suffering by devoting his energies to equal opportunity for employment, housing and education. He has encouraged the immigrants and the oppressed from other lands to migrate to America, the land of the free. He is a true liberal with his goals and sights high, but with his feet on the ground. He has vision and courage in abundance. And so as Sid Yates takes leave of 48 years of service in the House, I am proud to salute the honorable Sidney Yates. His voice is one of principle and honor. His vote has always been one of the people, and all of the people in the 7th congressional district in the State of Illinois commend, congratulate and salute him for his service.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today against the Republican Social Security bill because it raids the Social Security Trust Fund in order to provide Republican tax cuts, six weeks before an election. These tax cuts are a short-term, one-shot use of the surplus. Mr. Speaker, this is wrong. Those working-class Americans who have paid into the Social Security Trust Fund deserve to have Social Security for them. Social Security has provided benefits to more than 160 million workers and their families since the program began in 1940. Without this vital program, half of our Nation's elderly would live in poverty. Two-thirds of our Nation's elderly depend on Social Security for one half or more of their income. Make no mistake about it. The issue is not whether cutting taxes aimed for reduction should or should not be cut certain reductions might be beneficial. The heart of the matter is, it is unacceptable to finance the tax cut package with Social Security funds. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for the elderly and the working poor--preserve 100% of the surplus for Social Security. They have been there for us, let us not let them down and leave them behind now.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the American people oppose fast track by a 2-to-1 margin because they see existing trade agreements that do not do enough to protect living standards or to keep our food, air and water safe. Some Members of this body feel that because we are in an economic boom like we have never seen before that the American people should support fast track to give our industries an even stronger economic boost. But while the rich of America are enjoying the good times of economic prosperity, I am constantly reminded in my district that there are no good times to be poor, but some times are worse than others. Now we understand the question is not whether we should trade. Of course we should. There is no turning back from our global economy. But we also must understand that how we trade makes a big difference. Mr. Speaker, I heard an old African proverb that says when elephants fight it is only the grass that gets trampled. Do not let this fast track further trample the lives of every day people. I ask that we vote against fast track and vote to save decent jobs for the American people.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, when the United States enters into trade agreements, the objective should be to advance the standard of living for working families in our country and abroad. Just like the average family in Illinois' 7th Congressional District. They are impacted by this trade agreement whether they like it or not. My hope is for them. They want what you and I want--to provide, to the best of their ability, for their loved ones. My hope is for the people in the district, so that they can obtain a Living Wage, a wage that allows workers to lead a dignified life while working in a safe and healthy environment--an environment that respects their needs as a worker and a human being. Their struggles and desires are not so different from yours and mine. They want to put clothes on their children's back, they want to put food on the table, have access to reliable transportation, live in adequate housing and be able to obtain affordable child care for their children. Their issues need to be taken into account and be an active part of this debate. We need to engage the people in this debate--for we are playing with their livelihoods. I hope for a trade agreement that will help to broaden our economy, help eradicate poverty, while bringing jobs and a decent quality of life to all of those involved. However, based upon recent reports, NAFTA as a trade agreement and trade model, has not met its promises. Thus, I believe that any standard of trade, based on the NAFTA model, will further threaten the standard of living for working families, not only in the USA but in other countries as well. Therefore, I am opposed to HR 2621, Fast Track. ``Free traders'' often state that those opposed to NAFTA-based agreements--like fast track, need to ``get with the times''-- Often asserting that we are opposed to this treaty out of fear for the future. I pronounce that this is just simply not the truth. I welcome healthy change and look forward to supporting a treaty that will serve in the best interest of small businesses, workers and the environment in this country, as well as all those involved. Mr. Speaker, I know that when we start placing people before profits; placing democratic safeguards before raw political gain; placing the well-being of our land ahead of the fiscal bottom line of a limited number of business concerns and protecting our inhabitants from irresponsible development--then the future will be hopeful for those ordinary folks both here and in places like Mexico. Instead of fast-track, we need an agreement that increases our purchasing power, that improves living standards for all, and that proposes constructive solutions to pressing development and social problems, and that enhances healthy commerce throughout the region. ``Fast track'' proponents continue to argue that jobs are being created, but they cannot back up their claims. Studies show that 65% of laid off U.S. workers end up in lower paying jobs. The vast majority of new jobs in the United States are now in low paying sectors of the economy. The U.S. Department of Labor's forecast of job growth over the next ten years shows the greatest increase in cashiers, janitors, retail sales clerks and waiters and waitresses. The Administration argues that they need ``fast track'' authority to negotiate trade agreements, but this just isn't so. By their own admission, only 2, out of over 200 trade agreements negotiated while in office, have been negotiated under ``fast-track'' authority. Working families are better served by public debate over trade agreements, not backroom deals cut by policy players that can only be voted up or down. Fast-tracking is an issue of democracy. There is no adequate time to debate. Thus, members are forced to circumvent on their duty to vote. Finally, given the negative effects that NAFTA has had on workers both here and across the continent, using a region known as the Maquiladora, as point-in-case. The area is an environmental and health disaster area called a ``cesspool of infectious diseases'' by the American Medical Association. Residents on both sides of the border suffer from alarming rates of hepatitis, chronic diarrhea and tuberculosis. Contamination by toxic industrial wastes and chemicals has been linked to the clusters of cancer, rare birth defects and immunological diseases on both sides of the border in 1995. This is a tragic example of the types of human costs that can be experienced when linked to rapid industrialization without any human rights standards. Yes, we need jobs and a solid economy, but, I ask my colleagues, at what cost and at the expense of whom? We need to seek equitable trade across borders, we cannot think of what is only good for U.S. citizens. We need enforceable workers' rights provisions and standards for all parties in trade agreements. This is fair trade. To honestly analyze this ``agreement,'' we must understand not only what NAFTA is, but more importantly what it is not. NAFTA did not create substantially more free trade with Mexico, it did not create higher paying jobs for rank and file workers--on either side of the Rio Grande, it did not ensure the development of Mexico, and it side-steps critical social, environmental and economic issues. NAFTA is the absence of wage and labor rights, and responsible environmental regulations. I say that NAFTA is more about Wall St. than about Roosevelt Road in my district where businesses thrive and employe many working-class families. What can we learn from this debate? One strategy that seems abundantly clear is that we must work together to introduce and pass legislation that seeks to defend the rights and improve the quality of life for all working people across borders. People in my district--and beyond--need good, decent-paying jobs with a liveable wage as well as a workplace that has an atmosphere of safety and respect for all. With a new effort afoot to spearhead international trading blocks, we must respond by allowing aggressive organizing to take place in the workplace, and create an atmosphere that welcomes the advocating of social change that safeguards workers, communities and the environment. To ask for less is to consign all of us to a spiral of economic decay and growing human misery that undercuts the humanity and well-being of all people of the America. Mr. Speaker, I close today, by submitting to you that our struggle is linked to the struggle of poor and oppressed people throughout the world and their economic liberation protects our economic development. I look forward to supporting a treaty that will help small business prosper, a treaty that gives everybody the same break that the current treaty reserves for only the most powerful players at the table. We need a fair trade agreement that includes all who have a right and need to trade. Good trade is good for people in the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, the city of Chicago as well as the people in the USA and Mexico. A higher wage means more purchasing power which means a stronger economy.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great organizer, a visionary leader, a coalition-builder, a singer, and a preacher of the gospel, the Reverend Dr. Amos Waller, who recently made his transition and passed through this life. Every once in a while a leader comes along who is gifted with the ability to magnetize people and draw them into his presence, and keep them returning for more of whatever it was that they were receiving. Such has been the life and is the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Amos Waller, founder and pastor of the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Waller was a graduate of the Selma, Alabama, University of Baptist Faith, and was ordained as a minister in 1956. For the next 42 years he has been a preacher, pastor, revival evangelist, and lecturer, and was a chaplin for the A.R. Leak Funeral Home. In addition to his work as pastor of Mercy Seat, Dr. Waller organized the WestSide Ministers Alliance, served with the Neighborhood Assistance Program in the city of Chicago's Department of Human Services, was politically active in his neighborhood, and provided food and shelter for the poor and needy members of his community. As a matter of fact, not only did he provide food for the needy, but he was one who believed in the doctrine that man does not live by bread alone, and so a typical Sunday after services, hundreds of people would gather in his dining room for chicken and dressing and potatoes and turnip greens, and all of the other delights that he was noted for. The Reverend Waller was a man of great diversity who became a board member of the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., and was a great friend of and worked closely with Reverend Sun Myung Moon. In August of 1995 he participated in an international marriage ceremony where 42 couples from his church united with over 3 million others throughout the world as they took and renewed marriage vows. Reverend Waller has been a developer of ministers and of churches, and out of Mercy Seat came the New Home Baptist Church, where the Reverend Mac McCullough is the pastor; the Greater St. John Baptist Church, where the Reverend LeRoy Elliot is pastor; the Grace Temple Baptist Church, where Reverend Dennis Will is pastor; the Full Gospel Church, where Evangelist Betty Yancy is pastor; True Light Missionary Baptist Church, where the Reverend Freddie Brooks is pastor; Greater Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, where the Reverend Curley Brooks is pastor; New Christian Center, where the Reverend Greg Macon is pastor, and the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, where Reverend Sparks is pastor. Reverend Waller was affectionately known as Daddy by many of the younger ministers in his community and throughout the area, because he embraced them all. Reverend Waller received awards from the mayor of Chicago, the Governor of Illinois. He and Mrs. Waller, who preceded him in death, were presented the 1996 Parents of the Year award for Illinois, in conjunction with a proclamation by President Clinton declaring July 26, 1996, as Parents Day. Reverend Waller understood the role of business and economic development activities, and helped to start local businesses; specifically, the A-1 Garfield Exterminating and Janitorial Service, operated by Mr. Garfield Major. He encouraged his parishioners to vote and to shop in the neighborhoods where they lived, a sound and wise economic development strategy. In the book of Matthew, the fifth Chapter, 14th through 16th verses, we read, ``Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light onto all that is in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.'' The Lawndale Community of Chicago and the Nation have seen and benefited from the good works of Reverend Dr. Amos Waller, and now may his soul rest in peace.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3248, the Dollars to the Classroom Act. This legislation converts 31 targeted popular, effective elementary and secondary education programs into a block grant to the States. The replaced programs include Eisenhower Professional Development, the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund, Goals 2000, School to Work, Comprehensive School Reform, and even Close-Up. This is the only attempt by the majority to address education reform during the 105th Congress, and it relies on a measure that removes accountability, eliminates targeting to the neediest children, and promotes reduction in education spending. H.R. 3248 abandons the Federal commitment to target education dollars to the neediest children in America. Currently, the Federal Government targets education funds to impoverished areas at seven times the rate of State and local efforts. H.R. 3248 repeals this targeting and allows Governors and States to divert limited resources away from needy schools and students. H.R. 3248 also replaces existing programs that have strong accountability with a blank check to the States, and does not provide the oversight necessary to ensure quality programs. In addition, H.R. 3248 will cause a loss in education funding generally. In 1981, more than 40 education programs were merged into a block grant. Since then, funding for this education block grant has decreased by more than half. We should be enhancing our investment in education not gradually dismantling the Department of Education through budget cuts and block grants. Finally, H.R. 3248 does nothing to address real education priorities, such as modernizing our public schools, reducing class size, improving reading and reforming our most troubled schools. Our colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay), the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, will offer an amendment that represents a key ingredient in education reform. This amendment will substitute the bill with a class size reduction initiative. Support for class size reduction cuts across party lines. In the State of California, the class size initiative was put in place by Governor Wilson. Other State and local officials, including a Republican gubernatorial candidate in the State of Maryland, are looking to class size reduction initiatives to spur education reform. My colleagues should consider H.R. 3248 for what it is, just one more attempt to do away with the Federal role in education. We should support nonpartisan efforts to improve the quality of instruction for children across the Nation. We should help local schools address education reform at its most basic level, the size of the class and the quality of the instruction. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in rejecting legislation that dismantles viable, important education programs and support class size reduction substitute of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay). Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for yielding me this time. I really want to thank all of those who took the time to come and pay tribute to two great athletes, two great Americans. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Arkansas, which was close to Missouri, and so I grew up a Cardinals fan, next to my beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. And I remember Red Schoendienst and Stan Musial and Ray Jablonski and, later on, Curt Flood and Bob Gibson. I was thinking of the great feat of Mark McGwire, how great it would have indeed been had Harry Caray been around to be able to make the pronouncement and say, ``Look at it go.'' I guess it would probably have still been going even today. But, certainly, Mark is a tremendous athlete and a tremendous human being. I am also pleased to take note of the great feat and contribution of Sammy Sosa. As has already been indicated, an individual who was content all year to kind of move in the shadows, always behind but knowing that eventually he would catch up. Always behind, but knowing that at some point there would be the evenness. Two men who emerged as great friends, complimenting each other almost on a daily basis, one not really worrying about who is going to be first, but knowing that they were both going to be winners. Because no matter which one ends up with the greatest number, they have combined their efforts to revive and revitalize the game of baseball to excite people all over the world, to put spirit and energy in a game that had lost some of its luster. Certainly, Sammy indicated that it is not always where one comes from. As a matter of fact, he used to shine shoes, like Isaiah Thomas, the great basketball player who at one time used to shine shoes at Shine King. So, he indicated that it is not always so important where one comes from in life, but what is really important is where one is going. No matter who ends up with the highest number, both of these esteemed gentlemen have, indeed, reached the top. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with all of my colleagues in saying a hardy ``thank you'' to Mark McGwire and to Sammy Sosa for revitalizing the game of baseball.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding time. I also want to commend and to congratulate the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) who is chairman of the India Caucus for his sponsorship of this legislation as well as for the effort that he puts to increase the relationship between the United States and India. A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is very easy to support. As a matter of fact, as has already been indicated, he led the greatest resistance movement in a nonviolent way that the world had ever seen at that moment. And then, of course, as has already been indicated, he was an inspiration to Dr. Martin Luther King who in our modern era led the most effective nonviolent resistance movement that we have ever seen during contemporary times. Most importantly, though, this memorial will signal even greater relationships between the two countries, the two democracies, the largest, I believe, as someone said, and the oldest. I think that that in and of itself is a tribute to all of us. And so I very greatly endorse and support this legislation and again commend the sponsor for its initiation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, contention between people who speak different languages is as old as the story of Babel. The ancient Greeks referred to those who spoke in other tongues as the babblers. Ancient Slavs called the Germans across their border the mute or unspeaking people. Today, United States residents whose primary language is other than English, especially Spanish speakers, are being regarded as un- American. The English Language Fluency Act plans to un-Americanize people who so desperately want to be American. I am concerned that this bill would hinder those who by the bill's definition it should help. The English Language Fluency Act has in it provisions that move language minority children out of specialized classes, cuts bilingual education funding to States with large immigrant populations and voids all voluntary compliance agreements made by State and local school districts to provide bilingual education. This bill, as written, will reduce Federal funds used for teachers and learning materials while at the same time demand students to learn in an environment that does not promote or assist them in learning. In essence, this bill implies that America wants you to learn as long as you do not learn too much. Mr. Chairman, I believe it is imperative that we make access to learning as easy as possible for people who must already overcome the language barrier. We will get the best results in education if we leave its management to people whose motives are to educate. I urge all Members to join me in opposing this bill because it will hinder, not help, the education of America's children.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to submit the following Proclamation: Whereas for the first time in Chicago history, two competing radio stations V-103 FM and WGCI AM/FM have united to sponsor ``Unity Day 1998'', a community oriented event in Washington Park. Whereas ``Unity Day 1998'' will bring together hundreds of thousands of people to collectively focus on family values, the power of hope, self-discipline and the strength of a unified people. Whereas Unity Day is a daylong celebration highlighted by a festival of fun, entertainment, education and leadership from the community. V- 103 and WGCI AM/FM are presenting special awards to several community social and cultural organizations; and Whereas the DuSable Museum of African American History, HRDI, Inc., Old St. Paul Church, Westside Cultural Center (Douglas Park), and the Soul Children of Chicago are worthy of the Unity Day Awards; and Whereas the DuSable Museum of African American History is the nation's oldest, non-profit institution devoted to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of African American History; and Whereas the Human Resources Development Institute, Inc., (HRDI), is the largest African American behavioral healthcare and social service organization in the State of Illinois committed to improving the quality of life for people in all communities; and Whereas the Soal Children of Chicago, founded in 1981 by Walt Whitman exemplifies Unity Day 1998 by promoting self-esteem, leadership and good moral character among our youth; and Whereas the Westside Cultural Center, Douglas Park works to develop camaraderie, friendship and exposes our inner city youth to cultural and youth development activities; and Whereas Old St. Paul Church provides spiritual guidance and support to our communities and support families, the power of love and hope; and Whereas Marv Dyson, President and General Manager, WGCI AM/FM and Donald T. Moore, Senior Vice President and general manager, V-103 should be commended for their contributions and support of our communities; and Whereas V-103, an award winning radio station consistently provides the best hits and dusties to primarily the African American communities; and Whereas WGCI AM/FM, winner of many awards, ``Plays the Hits'' and ``All Dusties 1390'' plays Chicago's favorite dusties of all time; and I therefore proclaim August 29, 1998 ``V-103 FM and WGCI AM/FM Unity Day 1998 in Chicago''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I voted for the Shays-Meehan bill. I did so because it goes a long way towards moving us in the direction of cleaning up our campaigns. But it really did not go far enough, and the level of confidence is so low that we need to go for the jugular. Tierney goes much further. In order to clean up, we need to seriously take some of the money out of politics, provide some public financing for all Federal campaigns, set a limit on Federal candidates' use of personal funds, provide voters with enough unfiltered information so that they can make rational decisions that are informed, shorten the election cycle, create a truly independent regulatory agency to monitor campaigns and elections, require paid lobbyists to publicly report who and when they lobby, create a universal voter registration system, and require full disclosure of all independent expenditures. As I indicated, I voted for Shays-Meehan but I think we need to go for the jugular and really clean up our elections. I support the Tierney substitute. It goes much further.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me we have been down this road before, and here we go again. I rise in opposition to the experiment of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) to privatize public education, put vouchers into the hands of 2,000, when vouchers need to be in the hands of 80,000. I really appreciate the concern for 2,000 of the students, but I would sure appreciate much more concern for 80,000 by reducing class size, having special programs, special tutoring, seriously paying teachers. That is how we improve education, not for 2,000, but for 200,000. Let us vote down this amendment and make America work for all of the students, and not just some.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Tiahrt amendment because all the scientific data from experts suggests needle exchange programs reduce HIV infection and do not increase drug use. While AIDS deaths are down, clearly HIV infection continues to increase especially in inner city areas where injection drug use is prevalent. Needle exchange does not increase drug use, rather it encourages a society that would have fewer individuals infected with HIV. These programs make needles available on a replacement basis only, and refer participants to drug counseling and treatment. The National Institutes of Health's march 1997 study concluded that needle exchange programs have shown a reduction in risk behaviors as high as 80 percent in injecting drug users, with estimates of 30 percent or greater reduction of HIV. In addition, this amendment puts children at risk. The Centers for Disease Control reported that the rate of HIV/AIDS in the African American community is 7 times that of the general population. Make no mistake about it--this is not an African American problem this is an American problem. This is a public health issue and the Surgeon General, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services both support needle exchange programs. When we help save American lives--America is stronger. The Federal Government must provide leadership on this critical issue and therefore, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Kucinich amendment. I ask my colleagues, what with the intimidation of the WTO rules and upcoming Federal lawsuits, what State or local governments will be able to use procurement as instruments for influencing public policy? If the State and local governments had been bound by such trade rules when many of us joined with the people of South Africa in their struggle for freedom, Nelson Mandela might still be in jail. We would not have been able to use local sanctions as weapons against apartheid in South Africa. I believe one of the reasons this country remains free is the ability for local people to have initiatives, started at the bottom, implemented by ordinary people, and represented by local officials who oftentimes are closest to them. Mr. Chairman, when I was a member of the Chicago City Council, alderman of the 29th Ward, I fought for selective contracting policies. I fought for them because the people I represented firmly believed that their local government and businesses should not be doing business with the apartheid regime in South Africa. In the mid-1980s, the city of Chicago passed a selective contracting policy, along with 50 other cities, five other States, and 14 counties that passed similar ordinances. I, as a local elected official, stood with my constituents, who were courageous enough to organize against the injustices in South Africa. This city ordnance was passed as a monument to the personal undertaking and fearless conviction that the people in my community have. I hope not to see the day when the Federal Government can overturn this kind of conviction. This was our way, the people's way of supporting the struggle that was led by the people at the bottom, at the very local level of being. Why is it that every time there is conflict between the people and major corporations, that somehow or another the people get shut out, left at the bottom? There is no fear in a policy like this. All that it really says is let the people decide. That is the democratic way. That is the American way. That is why I support the Kucinich amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, much has been said about this debate. Much is going to be said. But after all is said and done, there are some facts that will remain the same. Fact number one, African- Americans and the poor have been undercounted in this country since 1790. Even the Constitution allowed for African-Americans, for blacks, to be counted as three-fifths of a person. Now there are those who would tell us 200 years later that it is all right for the poor to be undercounted because they are hard to find. It is all right because you do not know where they are. It is all right because they live way out in rural America. It is all right because they live under the viaducts in the big urban cities. The only way that the people of this country will be counted is to pass the Mollohan amendment. We missed almost 9 million people the last time, 9 million of the poorest people in America. Millions of dollars of entitlement moneys should have gone to them and to their cities. It is amazing to me that someone could come to the floor of this House and suggest that sampling is unfair to the minorities in this country. Mr. Chairman, I would urge, let us be real, let us be serious. Every newspaper in America, and we do not live by newspapers, but the Chicago Tribune, the Sun Times, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Buffalo Times, Commercial Appeal, from Memphis to Maine, all of the newspapers have said that scientific sampling and full funding of the census is the way to go. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the Mollohan amendment for two reasons. First, this amendment strikes language in the bill that restricts funding for the Census Bureau. The amendment allows the Census Bureau to proceed with its plan to conduct the fairest and most accurate Census to date. The 2000 Census is perhaps one of the most important issues of our day. We are charged with the responsibility to ensure that everybody is counted. Because if you are not counted you do not count. Since the first Census in 1790, there was a significant undercount especially among the poor and disenfranchised. 200 years later in 1990, it is estimated that the census missed 8.8 million people. In Chicago, the City of the big shoulders, the 3rd largest City in the nation, a city with one of the largest concentrations of poverty in urban America, the undercount was about 2.4 percent, or about 68,000 people which translates into at least 2 million dollars of entitlement money which could have and should have been used to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and provide shelter for the homeless. It is inconceivable that we could allow this to happen again and that is exactly what will happen unless we fully fund and implement a scientific approach to the census. The African American undercount in Chicago was between 5 and 6 percent. Most of those who were not counted were people living in cities and rural communities, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and the poor. None of us believe that newspapers are always right, but we must admit that a cross section of them often have their fingers on the pulse of the people and all the way across America, Roll Call here in D.C., the Chicago Sun Times, the Buffalo News, the Chicago Tribune, the Christian Science Monitor, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Atlanta Constitution, the Bangor Maine Daily News, the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Morning News and others have all written about scientific sampling and full funding for the Census. They knew that when every American is not counted America loses, cities lose and people are denied valuable resources and representation in Congress, State Legislatures, County Boards and City Councils. Secondly, I am supporting this amendment because it avoids the risk of a census shutdown and serious disruptions to census preparation. This amendment ensures that the census bureau has sufficient funding to carry out its plan. This is a common sense amendment that allows the census bureau to move forward with their important work of making sure that we have the most accurate census possible. I urge my colleagues to support accuracy and support the Mollohan amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I certainly do not intend to prolong the time. As a matter of fact, Mr. Chairman, I would hope that the agreement would, in fact, stand, that this amendment be accepted. I simply rise because it is such an important concept; that is, the concept of resolving conflict, not just letting it lay, not letting it go, not hoping that things are going to work out but actually putting resources together to help work them out. I think that is an important concept, and I would certainly hope that the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) would continue to hold in terms of the agreement to accept the amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker I rise today to express my concerns regarding H.R. 1155, The Credit Union Membership Access Act, as amended by the Senate on July 27, 1998. While I recognize the important and necessary role credit unions play in our economy, it is my understanding that their creation was expressly premised upon the dire need to serve low-income communities and groups. It was out of recognition of this unique obligation that I worked to preserve the tax-exempt status for credit unions. The inclusion of an express requirement that credit unions serve economically disadvantaged groups appears to be a consistent, if not superfluous, corollary to these originally stated goals. Unfortunately, changing times has not ushered in an era where the need for financial institutions that serve underserved communities has dissipated. In fact, the need to provide financial services to low-income communities is as compelling today as it has ever been. There are endless accounts of individuals with limited financial means who have been unable to purchase a home, unable to buy a car, unable to by other necessities of life simply because they cannot find financing in the private sector. Obviously, it is proper and fitting to require credit unions--who receive a subsidy from the government by virtue of their tax-exempt status--to serve these underserved communities and groups. It is quite ironic that the rationales offered in debate on the House floor in support of H.R. 1151 were based upon the unique obligation credit unions have to serve lower-income groups. Yet, this version of H.R. 1151 deletes any express requirement that credit unions serve these communities or groups. This irony is further underscored by the fact that it has been an unwritten policy of the National Credit Union Administration that credit unions must significantly endeavor to serve low-income groups. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that this unwritten policy will continue.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to express support for H.R. 2759, the Health Professional Shortage Area Nursing Relief Act, introduced by my colleague the Honorable Bobby Rush. H.R. 2759 provides opportunities for institutions in medical manpower shortage areas to hire foreign trained nurses who have been granted special waivers to enter the country and work. Initially, I had some concerns about this bill due to reservations expressed by some nursing groups, especially the Chicago Chapter of the Black Nurses Association. However, after reading the bill and having discussions with Congressman Rush, I am convinced that there is little room for negative impact on opportunities for U.S. trained nurses who are available and ready to work in these special situations. This bill is well crafted, it has built in protections and should go a long way towards meeting concrete needs. Therefore, I commend the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Rush, for entertaining a specific problem and finding a solution which will benefit one of our great community hospitals, St. Bernards in Chicago and other institutions experiencing similar problems throughout the Nation. I am pleased to support this well crafted legislation and congratulate Congressman Rush on his creativity and ingenuity.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment to restore funding for the Legal Services Corporation. The Legal Services Corporation plays a vital and indispensable role in providing access to our civil justice system for the poor and destitute in our Nation who would otherwise be financially incapable of seeking justice in our courts of law. Today many critics of our justice system believe that justice belongs solely to those who can afford it. With the ever increasing cost of litigation, the legal landscape in this country lends some credence to this perspective. The Legal Services Corporation serves as a safety net for the poor in that it gives them the ability to pursue their rights as American citizens, irregardless of economic status. Without such a safety net, these Americans would not be able to petition the courts for a remedy for their wrongs they may have suffered. For these Americans, their rights would be no rights at all. For where there is no remedy, there is no right. Unfortunately, this bill cuts funding for the Legal Services Corporation in half compared with the funding level for this year. I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill and restore funding for this program to restore the rights of our fellow Americans. In my own congressional district, thousands of residents are in need of these services on a daily basis. I also take my hat off and commend and congratulate all of those Legal Services attorneys, paralegals and other personnel who make use of their talents and skills each and every day to try and make sure that the poorest members of our society have access to our judicial system. Especially do I commend that group of attorneys and paralegals whose offices are down the hall from mine in my district office, where I see countless people coming in and out every day who would not be able to have any redress except for the fact that they are there. Again, I commend the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fox) for this amendment and would urge that we make America one America when it comes to justice and the pursuit of it by providing legal services for all of our citizens.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to note the passing of Mrs. Irene Norwood, an ordinary woman from my community who did extraordinary things. Mrs. Norwood was a wife, grandmother, avid churchgoer, community leader, and member of the South Austin Coalition Community Council where she rose to prominence as the utilities spokesperson. Mrs. Norwood was an inspiration to thousands of people who knew her, saw her on television or heard her on the news. Mrs. Norwood became ill and reached the point where she could not walk and often would come to meetings and functions in a wheelchair. Her motto was, she might give out, but would never give up. Well, she finally gave in and gave out and is now gone to a new community where she remains a premier activist. I can hear her now calling the heaven to order.