Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. Madam Chairman, today I rise in opposition to this bill. The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 sought to streamline Government and make it more efficient and effective in its delivery of services to the people. The Government Performance and Results Act, GPRA's, objectives are laudable goals on which all of us can agree. However, these amendments at this time would undermine the original goals of the bill, which are to reduce waste and inefficiency in Government. In fact, this bill would require all 100 Federal agencies to resubmit their strategic plans less than 6 months after their original submission. To require agencies to redo their plans in just 6 months is untenable, unreasonable, costly to the taxpayers, and would be an administrative nightmare. Moreover, at the subcommittee's recent hearing on this legislation, not a single witness testified in support of this universal resubmission requirement. The Government Accounting Office and the Office of Management and Budget both agree that the plan submitted by the agencies provide a workable foundation for Congress to use in helping to fulfill its appropriations, budget, authorization, oversight responsibilities, and for the continuing implementation of GPRA. Therefore, these amendments are premature, unwarranted; and I certainly would urge my colleagues to oppose the bill. In addition, if we are serious, then we will support the Kucinich amendment, which suggests that Congress itself comply with the requirements of GPRA. I have always been told that ``you cannot lead where you are unwilling to go.'' And if we are serious, then we would comply so that we do not continue to have unwarranted, unnecessary investigations where individuals come and testify and give the same information that they have already given. And we know that that is precisely what is going to happen. No, if we are serious, we will vote in favor of the Kucinich amendment and vote down this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time, and urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, the amendment which I offer today does not change the intent of this bill in any way. Rather, it seeks to ensure that as we increase trade with Sub-Saharan African countries, we do so knowing that the infrastructure for air traffic is sound and safe. Therefore, this amendment expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should make every effort to donate surplus traffic control equipment, including related reimbursable technical equipment, to eligible Sub-Saharan countries. This amendment primarily does three things. First, it reaffirms our commitment as the leader in technology to bridge the gap in technology that currently exists in Sub-Saharan African countries with regard to air traffic control equipment. Secondly, we seek to ensure that our planes and personnel traveling in African airspace will be safe. Essentially, we are investing in the infrastructure of our trading partner. Finally, this amendment increases the communication between our two nations. Currently, the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association and others have declared that the majority of airspace over Africa is critically deficient in air traffic control. Moreover, pilots have stated that the deficiencies such as lack of radars, no VHF radio coverage, inconsistencies in air traffic control, and sparse meteorological information, have contributed to Africa's poor safety record. In fact, according to recent articles, in much of the uncontrolled airspace pilots generally provide their own form of air traffic control from the cockpit by broadcasting their next position in hopes that crews from other aircraft will be listening. In 1996, the International Airline Pilots Association reported that there were 77 near-midair collisions in the African airspace. Thirty of the 77 near-midair collisions occurred over the following Sub-Saharan countries: Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. Most of the airspace north of Zimbabwe is uncontrolled, with little radar and no VHF radio coverage. As trade has increased in Africa with the lifting of apartheid sanctions in South Africa, air traffic has increased 120 percent in some parts of Africa. However, during this period of growth the aviation infrastructure has remained the same or deteriorated. This has led to a situation where the safety of aircraft flying in the region may be seriously compromised. Clearly, the need for better air traffic control equipment and communications systems exists in Africa. We stand in a unique position as a world leader in technology, and I believe that we have an obligation to help bridge the technology gap that exists between our country and Africa. This amendment would be beneficial to both of our countries, and I, therefore, urge its immediate adoption. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to discuss an issue that is critical to democracy, fairness and representation in this country. The issue to which I am referring is the year 2000 census. As a newly appointed member to the Subcommittee on the Census, I look forward to working closely with other members to make sure that every citizen in America is indeed counted. Since 1790, during the first census, there was a significant undercount, especially among the poor and disenfranchised. Two hundred years later, in 1990, it is estimated that the census missed 10 percent of the population or 26 million people. Most of those who were not counted were poor people living in cities and rural communities throughout America, African Americans, Latinos, immigrants and children. The City of Chicago's undercount was about 2.4 percent and the African American undercount was about 5.6 percent. We can ill afford to have a count in the year 2000 that does not include every American citizen. Too much is at stake. The census count determines who receives billions of dollars in Federal aid. Every year census information directs an estimated $170 billion in Federal spending. Census data helps to determine where the money goes for better roads, highways and transit systems, schools, senior citizen centers, health care facilities and programs for Head Start and school lunches. In addition to money, representation is at stake. Congress, State legislatures, city councils, county boards and other political subdivisions are redrawn as a result of the census count. There are some in this body who would deny representation and resources to millions of citizens in the name of maintaining the status quo. Under the Census Bureau's plan, everybody counts. All Americans will be included in the census. But if we keep taking the census the old way, we will continue to miss millions of people, and one might wonder if we have learned anything since 1790. I was always taught that those who failed to remember the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. I have learned from the past, and the past dictates that the old way of trying to count every citizen will not work. Therefore, business as usual is unacceptable, and we must begin to do things a new way. In addition to making sure that every American counts, the Census Bureau's plan of sampling will save the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Let us put politics aside and use a method that the experts agree will yield the most accurate count. The experts have stated that if statistical sampling is not used to conduct the 2000 census, then the question we will ask is not whether the census was accurate, but how many people did we miss. I urge grassroots organizations all over America, as well as the more traditional ones like the NAACP, Urban League, fraternities, sororities, churches and other groups to become actively involved in trying to make sure that all of our citizens are counted. Let us remember, if you are not counted, then in reality you do not count. Census-taking must be a high priority and sampling is the most professional way to make sure that there is no significant undercount.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I rise today to pay tribute to women in business and to express pride in the fact that the women of Chicago and Cook County have benefitted from the successful programs of the Women's Business Development Center. Based in Chicago, the Women's Business Development Center serves 2,000 women annually with counseling, training, financial assistance, certification, procurement and advocacy on behalf of women's economic empowerment. The programs of the Chicago- based center are effective, successful, and benefit diverse women. These centers service an array of women and their families, including self-employment for former welfare recipients, business development, expansion and job creation. The work of the Women's Business Development Center and other women's business assistance centers are essential to strengthening the economy of this Nation by fostering women's business development nationally. The WBDC and women's business assistance centers are funded by the United States SBA office of Women's Business Ownership and by private and public sector support. They help support a diverse and growing population of new and emerging job-creating women entrepreneurs, including women transitioning off welfare. These centers are unique in that they provide long-term training, involve public and private partnerships for their support, and can be measured on the basis of their economic impact. These centers have served tens of thousands of women. The women's business assistance centers serve our constituencies by offering quality programs to effectively leverage scarce public and private resources into successful job creation, new business start-ups, and business expansion. Most of them, even after they are no longer eligible for Federal funding, continue to be sustained by the private sector. These centers are committed to economic self-sufficiency programs that are as diverse as the women served: women of color, women on public assistance, women seeking self-employment, rural and urban women, and women starting home-based businesses. Therefore, it is appropriate that we pause to recognize the great work of the Women's Business Development Center and women's business assistance centers throughout the country. I take special note of the work of Hedy Ratner of the Women's Development Center, Counselo Pope of the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce, Jaribi Kitwana, director of the Women's Business Development Center, and Pam Bozeman, director of the Women's Self-Employment Project, all outstanding women in the City of Chicago who provide immeasurable help and support to other women seeking to go into business.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3130, the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998. This bill sets forth an alternative penalty structure for states that did not complete their statewide child support computer systems by the deadline. Under current law, states like my home State of Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio stand to lose all of their child support enforcement funding plus the states entire Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. Such a loss would be devastating to millions of children and adults and undermine welfare reform efforts underway in the various states. Child support enforcement is a vital component of any welfare reform plan and efforts to cut any funds for enforcement could hurt those who need the help the most. The alternative penalty structure in this bill is fairer and more reasonable than current law. This bill recognizes states' good faith efforts to complete their systems and targets federal child support enforcement dollars only. However, this bill provides real incentives for states that actually do a better job at child support enforcement. Such inducements provided by this bill gives a real glimmer of hope that those children seeking assistance, whether in Illinois or any other state will in fact secure the support they need. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Thank you.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marc Zalkin an individual who has been a serious advocate for the disabled and the poor. Marc departed this life Monday, February 23, 1998 at the age of 49. He leaves behind a committed life of service to humanity and mankind. His legacy of advocating peace in the midst of the Vietnam War, and compassion for those who were disenfranchised will forever be remembered. Martin Luther King once said that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live in this society. I assure you that Marc had many things for which he was willing to lay his life down for. Although he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1981 his drive, commitment, passion and zeal to champion social causes to uplift humanity never waned. He was a founder and the first executive director of the 46th Ward Community Service Center, which opened in the mid-1970s to provide educational, legal, health and housing services to Uptown neighborhood residents. Whether focusing his attention Uptown or downtown Marc was a committed advocate for people with disabilities. He founded No Limits Inc., which he later called Abilities Inc., a company that created products for people with disabilities, including a Braille cookbook. Marc was truly an idealist, whose tireless work and commitment helped elect Chicago's first African American Mayor the late Harold Washington. The 46th Ward Community Center he conceived evolved into the Uptown People's Law Office and Community Learning Center. Marc was able to help a number of families who suffered from Black lung disease receive benefits and pursue legal claims. This world is a better place because of the service Marc rendered. To your family we say thank you for allowing Marc to touch our lives in a very special way.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a citizen of this country who represents the best of what America has been, is and can become. Mrs. Annie Smith was born in Mississippi in 1906, moved to Arkansas with her family and ultimately settled in Chicago, Illinois. God blessed her with the gift of creativity. She learned cosmetology and millinery, established her own shop and was an outstanding business woman for many years. She was a graduate of Madam C.J. Walker's Beauty College and was an Eastern Star. Mrs. Smith was a member of the St. Luke's Baptist Church for many years before joining the Carey Tercentenary A.M.E. Church, until her death, under the leadership of Rev. K.K. Owens. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Smith and son Charles Gordon. Best wishes are extended to her son, Mr. Eugene Ireland, and grandchildren, Charlotte Willis, Vernetia Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Ann Hill, Rosalynn Hill and her other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, a few days ago this country lost one of its most colorful personalities. And so I rise today to pay tribute to an individual who has been characterized as Mr. Baseball: the legendary Harry Caray. Harry left this life Wednesday, February 18, at the age of 78 and he leaves behind a lifetime of memories and great service to mankind. His legacy of changing the seventh inning of baseball with ``Take me out to the ball game'' will be remembered forever by millions of people. Harry was a man who loved life and enjoyed every minute of what he did. He was certainly one of the top broadcasters in the business. His famed phrase, ``holy cow'' can be heard throughout the United States. He made baseball's most exciting moments even more fun. Harry was not just a broadcaster from the booth. He would often mix in with the fans and go out in the bleachers and broadcast with the fans in Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park and other places throughout the country. His 53-year remarkable career as a play-by-play man comes to an end just as his grandson, Chip, embarks upon his career as an announcer for the Chicago Cubs. Harry made baseball a better game because of his way of presenting it to the public. I guess he has left behind a legacy that others will try to imitate and emulate, but there will never be another Harry Caray. To his wife, Dutchie, and the rest of the Caray family, we simply say, ``Holy cow.'' Harry Caray has been a part of a great tradition, a great legacy, and to all of those people who might be in Harry Caray's, back in the Seventh District in Illinois at this moment, reminiscing, having a sandwich, remembering the life and the legacy, we say all of us are going to miss Harry Caray. But all of us will always know that he has been here and was a part of the great American tradition. And so we say ``Holy cow,'' another great broadcaster gone.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, when we look at health care delivery and we look at what has happened in health care all over the place, there have been changes and changes and changes. We see in America right now thousands of individuals who are physicians who decided to go to medical school, learned their profession, because they wanted to be engaged in the practice of medicine. They wanted to work out with patients treatment plans and treatment patterns. They wanted to make use of the skills which they had acquired to provide the best possible care for their patients and their clients. Now we reach a point where many of these very same physicians, individuals who have spent years and years and years of study and training, are actually being told how they must practice. They are being told what it is they have to prescribe for certain illnesses, what it is that they have to do for certain patients, how long they can keep their patients in the hospital, what they have to do with them if they have to go home. It just seems to me that rather than making use of that training and skills, now we have health maintenance organizations, managed care organizations, HMOs, which are telling the physician how he or she must practice. I can understand when we first evolved to the point where managed care became a real part of the American scene, people were concerned about cost containment, lack of regulation. It appeared as though the health care industry was running wild, and in some instances people may have been staying in hospitals much longer than they actually needed to. There may have been a few physicians in some cases who may have been taking liberties with their prescriptions and what they were doing, or seeing patients when they were not needed to be seen. But that was not the majority. That was not even anything close to a majority. I think we have now given managed care, HMOs, a little too much action. I think we have given them too much leeway to set the pace, to make the decisions, to make the determinations. It is time to look at the needs of the patients. That is why, when the President talks about a patient's Bill of Rights, what he is really talking about is looking now at what the patient can logically and reasonably expect from a health care provider, from a health care institution that will meet his or her individual needs. I do not believe that you can practice medicine wholesale, when it gets down to the actual treatment. One person does not necessarily respond and react the same way as another. While you need to keep one person 3 days, you may need to keep another one 5. There may be some special problems and some special needs that they have. I think we have to move to enact the Patient's Bill of Rights, and we have to give to the patients the greatest opportunity to interact with their doctor, to interact with their provider to determine what the health care is going to be. Mr. Speaker, I see that we have also been joined by a number of other colleagues, and I await what it is the gentleman is going to say.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut for yielding to me, and I also want to do more than that. I want to thank her for the kind of leadership that I think she displays and continues to display in this House of Representatives by bringing before the American people on a daily basis issue by issue, making the greatest use of herself to awaken the conscience of the American people; for putting before them positions that they need to be aware of, things that they need to understand, and then taking the lead in actually not only talking the talk but walking the walk, and voting her conscience and convictions. It is just a pleasure and an honor for me to serve in this body with her.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh), in support of H.R. 2766, legislation introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) designating the United States Post Office located at 215 East Jackson Street in Painesville, Ohio, as the Karl Bernal Post Office Building. Mr. Bernal, as already noted, although deceased, was in the words of the News Herald Newspaper, truly one of a kind. His notion of civic responsibility was to totally immerse himself in organizations, projects, ventures and good deeds designed to make life better for others. Mr. Karl Bernal was the recipient of numerous awards attesting to his dedication to his family and community. He received the Distinguished Service Award of the Lake County Mental Health Board, the Outstanding Pacesetter Award of the Ohio NAACP, the Distinguished Citizen Award of the Painesville Chamber of Commerce, and recognition from the Ohio House and Senate for his volunteer efforts. By all accounts, designating the East Jackson Post Office in honor of Mr. Karl Bernal is indeed only a small token of the appreciation that we can bestow for his efforts to make life better for people throughout his community and throughout the State of Ohio. 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 might consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in bringing before the House legislation naming United States Post Offices after a number of fine individuals. All of these measures have met the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight cosponsorship requirement and enjoy the support of their respective State congregation national delegations. I am proud that my colleagues have sought to honor such a diverse and distinguished group of people and urge swift adoption of these bills. Before I yield time, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) and his staff, particularly Robert Taub, the new staff director, and the committee counsel for their hard work in moving these measures forward. I join the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) in support of H.R. 3120, legislation introduced by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) which designates the United States Post Office located at 95 West 100 South Street in Provo, Utah, as the Howard C. Nielson Post Office Building. A former Member of Congress elected in 1991 to represent the Third District of Utah, Representative Nielson served on the former Committee on Government Operations during the 99th Congress and on the former House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It must be noted that Representative Nielson, after spending 6 years as a district Republican committeeman in Provo, Utah, became a member of the Utah State House where he was elected Speaker. After serving in Congress and later as a missionary, Representative Nielson has returned to the Utah State legislature. Naming a post office in his hometown is a very fine and fitting tribute to a man who is, once again, representing his neighbors, friends and constituents Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with Chairman McHugh in support of Senate Bill 985, legislation which was introduced by Senator Robert Torricelli of New Jersey, which designates the post office located at 154 Ward Street in Paterson, New Jersey, as the Larry Doby Post Office. Mr. Speaker, I must confess that growing up I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan, and Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Roy Campanetta, Junior Gilliam, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Furillo, Andy Pafko and all of those were my main men. But I agree with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) sponsor of an identical House bill, H.R. 2116, when he stated that Larry Doby is an exceptional man and athlete. Of course, the first African-American to play baseball in the American League. Larry is the only black major leaguer from 1947 still alive. As we have heard, he was born in Camden, South Carolina. Larry Doby moved with his mother to Paterson, New Jersey. He starred in four sports in high school, a real feat, and attended Long Island University on a basketball scholarship before enlisting in the Navy. After World War II, he played for the Negro League, the Newark Eagles, with a batting average of .458, that is, until the Cleveland Indians owner, Bill Veeck, signed him up. Larry played 13 seasons in the majors: Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, with a career batting average of .283 with 253 home runs. But Larry Doby was more than an athlete, more than a player. He was, indeed, a leader and was tagged and tapped to become the manager of the Chicago White Sox in 1978, becoming only the second African-American manager in the major leagues. He has not yet been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and I certainly do not know why. But I am indeed pleased to join with Senator Torricelli and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) to commend Larry Doby. And, Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlemen for their foresight and for giving an honor to this great American. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), the chairman, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking member, for their leadership in bringing all of these bills to the floor for consideration today. I think, as usual, they have done a magnificent job; and I certainly appreciate their efforts. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) in support of H.R. 2773, legislation which has been introduced by the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois, (Mr. Blagojevich), which would designate the post office located at 3750 north Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the Daniel J. Doffyn Post Office. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich), himself a champion of the promotion of public safety, is indeed to be commended for seeking to honor a slain Chicago police officer, Daniel Doffyn, who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Doffyn, shot in 1995 while investigating a routine burglary, left behind his parents, Roger and Lea Doffyn, and his daughter, Brittany. I also would associate myself with the remarks made by Chairman McHugh when he suggested that we do all of ourselves an honor when we pay tribute and give honor to those who, on a daily basis, serve and protect and give their best so that the rest of us can enjoy safe lives and safe communities. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Blagojevich) who introduced this legislation. (Mr. BLAGOJEVICH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) in support of H.R. 2836, legislation introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Bruce Vento) which designates the United States Postal Service Building located at 180 East Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul, Minnesota, as the ``Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office Building''. Former Senator Eugene J. McCarthy has a unique and distinguished background, both as a leader and public servant. He served as both a U.S. Representative and Senator from the great State of Minnesota for more than two decades and was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 1968. The gentleman from California (Mr. Henry A. Waxman), the ranking minority member of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, and I are pleased to honor this great political leader, and thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) for sponsoring legislation naming a post office in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, after Senator McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento). (Mr. VENTO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join with the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) in support of Senate bill 916, legislation introduced by Senator Thad Cochran from Mississippi which names a United States Post Office building in Taylorsville, Mississippi, as the ``Blaine H. Eaton Post Office Building''. Mr. Eaton, as we have already heard, although deceased, had a very illustrious career. He served in the Navy, the Mississippi State House of Representatives, worked for the Southern Pine Electric Power Association, and was active in many civic organizations, including his church. I think his neighbors and friends continue to remember his long legacy of community service, and S. 916 commemorates Mr. Eaton's public service and dedication to his community, State, and country. Therefore, I am pleased to join in support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1428, the Voter Eligibility Verification Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1428, the Voter Eligibility Verification Act. A great man once said give me liberty or give me death. I say give me the ballot box free and unencumbered or give me death. I find it ironic that we stand here today in February--the month set aside for the celebration of Black History and we are debating a bill that threatens to undermine with the franchise rights of millions of Americans. Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. King, Goodman, Chaney, Schewerner, and countless others gave up their lives to ensure that every American would have the right to vote. The days of requiring Americans to count how many bubbles are in a bar of soap, before giving them the right to vote must never return. This legislation disguised as a bill to prevent voter fraud could take us back to the days when a series of tests dictated whether one had the right to vote. At a time when voter registration and participation should be encouraged--this bill seeks to discourage potential voters and especially minorities. This bill must be rejected for four reasons. First, there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Secondly, this bill infringes on privacy rights of individuals by requiring that voters Social Security numbers be listed. Thirdly, the Department of Justice and Social Security Administration have stated that this bill is untenable and unsafe. Finally, this bill should be rejected because it is an assault on the Motor Voter bill. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to resist the temptation of interfering with the franchise in this manner--reject this bill and protect the rights of millions of Americans to participate in the democratic process.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, last week many Members took the floor to pay tribute to Representative Ron Dellums. My schedule was such that I did not get an opportunity to do so at that time but I decided that I would come on this day so as not to miss the opportunity. Mr. Speaker, to every man there is a way, a ways and a way, the high souls take the highway, and the low souls take the low. While on the misty flats all the rest drift to and fro. To every man there is a way, a ways and a way, and each man decideth each way his soul shall go. Such has been the life, career and work of the Representative Ron Dellums, who has served his family, community, country and, yes, the world with elegance and distinction. He has demonstrated courage and commitment and has been loyal to those causes which he deemed to be just. Ron has been an ambassador of democracy and a serious promoter of peace, recognizing and realizing the difficulty of its attainment. One of my colleagues recently said of Ron Dellums that he has made a difference. I agree with that assessment and go a step further. I say not only has Ron made a difference but he is different. Ron marches to the beat of a different drummer. He is a thoroughbred, a long-distance runner, tough and tenacious. He is certainly one of the best. He is in a class by himself. When describing Ron, some people like to refer to his stature. The young fellow on the block where I live says, ``He is tall like pine, black like crow, talk more noise than WVON radio.'' Ron reminds me of the words of Sir Issac Watts when he said, ``Were I so tall as to reach from poll to poll or grasp the ocean with my span; I must be measured by my soul, for the mind is the standard of the man.'' Ron Dellums. What a mind, what a man. A creative, piercing, probing, incisive, thought-provoking, inspiring, charismatic, careful, considerate and deliberative mind. The mind to stand up when others sit down. The mind to act when others refuse to act. The mind to stand even when you stand alone, battered, bruised and scorned, but still standing. Standing on principle, standing tall and standing for the people. And so, Ron, as you leave to look after the needs of your family and pursue other endeavors, take with you the words of this Irish proverb, ``May the roads rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warmly upon your face, and until we meet again, may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.'' A Luta Continua!