Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the gentlemen from Arkansas, Marion Berry, Asa Hutchinson, Vic Snyder, and Jay Dickey, for their eloquent and passionate remarks in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, AR. They reminded me that 40 years ago I too lived in Arkansas and, like Jay Dickey, was a college freshman. Our heroes were Ernie Green, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Thomas Jefferson, Minnie Jean Brown, Daisy Bates, Wiley Branton, and the rest of the Little Rock Nine. Someone commented that in 40 years Arkansas has come a long way. I agree. But then I say so, too, has America.

Mr. DAVIS

Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Mollohan-Shays amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today and join my colleagues in strong support of the Mollahan-Shays amendment. This amendment is about ensuring an accurate count of the 2000 census. The Constitution requires an accurate count, not a headcount. This amendment would allow the use of statistical sampling to conduct the 2000 census. Since 1790, during the first census there was a significant undercount especially among minorities. Two hundred years later in 1990, it is estimated that the census missed 10 percent of the population. The Government Accounting Office estimates that as many as 26 million people were missed. Locally, in the State of Illinois, the undercount was about .98 percent. In Cook County undercount was about 1.6 percent. The city of Chicago undercount was about 2.4 percent. Furthermore, African-Americans were said to have anywhere from a 5-6 percent undercount; Latinos were about 5 percent; and Asian Pacific Islanders were about a 3-percent undercount. The statistics demonstrate that the poor and mainly racial minorities are seriously missed. Africans-Americans are 7 times as likely to be missed as Whites. That translates into being--7 times more likely to be denied resources and representation in Congress, State legislatures, city councils, county boards and other political subdivision. An undercount among minorities furthers their deprivation to Federal money while devaluing their political power. Billions of Federal dollars are at stake. Governmental agencies often use census data to dole out money or at least to determine targeted areas for distribution. There are some 120 federally-funded programs that move approximately $150 billion a year, which use the census data in their formulation for distribution. In 1990, children made up only one-fourth of the population but accounted for 52 percent of the undercount. The children, the most vulnerable people in our society have been denied representation and valuable resources because of this significant undercount. This amendment simply seeks to ensure that each and every individual is counted without regard to color, wealth, or status. This amendment protects both the urban and rural dweller. If the primary goals of the upcoming census are to reduce cost and to eliminate the differential undercount, then let's take the politics out of the census. The real issue is how to get the most accurate count and the real answer is sampling. Statistical sampling and estimation techniques have been proposed as a means to finish the undercount for the 10 percent that are the hardest to reach--the hardest to find, the left out, the hopeless and helpless, traditionally minorities and the poor. This is not the first time that sampling has been used in the census. This approach has also been endorsed by expert panels of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Statistical Association, the Commerce Department's Inspector General, the GAO and various other professional organizations. As a matter of fact, three separate panels convened by the National Academy of Sciences have recommended that the Census Bureau use sampling in the 2000 census to save money and improve accuracy. The commerce IG has said that sampling and statistical methods are the only way to eliminate the historic, disproportionate undercount of people of color and the poor. Ten percent of the count in 1990 was wrong. The Census Bureau will make an unprecedented effort to count all Americans directly. Sampling is scientific, not guessing. Conducting the most accurate census must be the goal for the 2000 census, that goal cannot be met without the use of sampling. We owe it to ourselves and we owe it to the American people. Therfore, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment that would allow for the use of statistical sampling.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of their 150th year anniversary. One hundred fifty years ago, in 1847, the community and fellowship known as Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church formally took its name under the leadership of Rev. George Johnson, a missionary of the New York conference. This group of churchgoers decided to name their church in honor of, and after the renowned Bishop William Paul Quinn. Bishop Quinn was one of the most prolific circuit-riding preachers in the 1800's who personally organized 97 AME churches, prayer bands, and temperance societies. It is interesting to note that Quinn Chapel's first community project focused on the abolition of slavery, and ironically, Quinn Chapel became a station on the Underground Railroad. Moreover, for 150 years, during race riots, depressions, the great Chicago Fire of 1871, and a myriad of other natural disasters and human crises, African-Americans came to Quinn Chapel for protection, information, support, and inspiration, in part because African-Americans were denied attention from other private institutions. Quinn Chapel was the birthplace of Provident Hospital of Chicago, organized by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams in 1891. Dr. Williams was the first surgeon to successfully operate on a human heart, and Provident was the first U.S. hospital where black nurses could be trained and employed. In addition, black physicians could treat patients and black patients could receive quality care, where before black patients' only option for surgery was the doctor's office or their own home. In addition, it was Quinn Chapel who initiated in 1898 the first retirement home for African-Americans. The sons and daughters of Quinn Chapel have filled important leadership roles in the AME church, including Archibald Carey, Sr., B.A. Taylor, Archibald Carey, Jr., John M. Crawford, Jr., Mrs. Portia Bailey Beal, Rev. Charles Spivey, Jr., and Mrs. Eloise King. Additionally, the sons and daughters of Quinn Chapel have also made historic contributions to public service, including State Senators Adelbert G. Roberts, William A. Roberts, and State Representatives Cornell A. Davis, Shadrach B. Turner, George Kersey, and James Y. Carter, and Aldermen Robert R. Jackson, Rev. A.J. Carey, Jr., and Pastor A. Leon Bailey. Also, the first executive director of the Illinois Commission on Human Relations. More than 65 sons and daughters of Quinn Chapel have been specifically singled out for their pioneering work in education in Chicago, across the Nation, and around the world. Others have excelled in self-help, and toward that end have founded numerous businesses, including Mr. Kit Baldwin, the founder of Baldwin Ice Cream Com., and a cofounder of the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce. Many outstanding artists have performed at Quinn Chapel or for Quinn Chapel, including Duke Ellington, Patti LaBelle, and Wynton Marsalis. Quinn Chapel has always demonstrated a high level of involvement with national affairs, from the abolition of slavery to every war, beginning with the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean war, Vietnam conflicts, and continuing today. Quinn Chapel has hosted many historical figures such as Presidents William McKinley and Howard Taft, Dr. Booker T. Washington, Ms. Jane Adams, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Prof. Michael E. Dyson, Frederick Douglass, Dr. George Washington Carver, Richard B. Garrison, Susan B. Anthony, Branch Rickey, Studs Terkel, Irving ``Kup'' Kupcient, Lionel Hampton, Senators Paul Douglas, Charles Perry, and Adalai Stevenson, Oprah Winfrey, Scottie Pippen, Patti LaBelle, Oscar Brown, Jr., Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Mayor Willie Brown, Jr., and of course Chicago's magnificent mayor, Harold Washington. Quinn Chapel has been pastored by a succession of extraordinarily devoted, talented, dedicated, and unique individuals who have left their imprint on the church and the community. Those dynamic pastors have come all the way from Archibald Carey to Thomas M. Higginbotham, who is currently there. These individuals have contributed significantly to the development of African-American life. I salute and commend them on the occasion of their 150th year celebration, and I urge that we all take note of their mammoth contributions to the development of African-American life.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise today and join my colleagues in support of the Mollohan-Fox amendment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is about equal justice and insuring that every American citizen has access to civil legal services. The Legal Services Corporation, LSC, is the Federal Government's contribution to a national public-private partnership. This partnership is aimed at fulfilling the first enumerated purpose of our Government in the preamble to the Constitution: to establish justice. The Mollohan-Fox amendment would increase funding for LSC's by $109 million, which is still way below the President's request. The Legal Services Corporation has been a favorite target of many of my colleagues in the Congress. It has already received a cut in funding by one-third, and now they want to cut funding by 50 additional percent. By cutting funding we send a strong message that if someone is poor in this country they do not deserve adequate legal representation in matters involving just civil suits. More importantly, we undermine the very basic principles of justice and fairness with the notion that because of class or station in life, because one happens to be poor, they do not deserve equal protection or access to legal representation. This is an issue of conscience. In Illinois alone it is estimated that each year 300,000 low-income families face approximately 1 million civil legal problems for which they have no legal representation. This country, the leader of democracy, the leader of freedom, has an obligation to insure that each American has access to legal representation. It is clear that a vote for this amendment is a vote for equal justice for all people, and therefore I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with me in supporting the Mollohan-Fox amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I have listened intently to the discussion and the debate. I rise in opposition to this amendment, and I do so because I have lived in severely distressed neighborhoods for the last 40 years. The community where I live in Chicago, the area where my office is located, is something called the North Lawndale community, which has been called the ``permanent underclass'' by sociologists and urbanologists. It has been called ``the place where there is no hope.'' And yet, because of an EDA grant, that community does in fact have hope. My community has lost more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs over a 30- year period, Allied Radio, GE, Hot Point, Motorola, International Harvester, Sunbeam, you name them, Western Electric. They were once there, but now they are all gone. As a result of that grant, my neighbors and I have an opportunity to go to a bank that would not have been there had it not been for an EDA grant. We have an opportunity to go to stores that would not have been there had not it been for an EDA grant. There are small manufacturing concerns that have begun to come back that would not have been there had not it been for the EDA grant. So I tell you, if we are talking about rebuilding, redeveloping, reconstituting urban America, then we are not talking about taking one dime, one scintilla, one ion from this agency. If anything, we are talking about trying to find additional ways to put the needed resources of this country where they should go, to rural America, to urban America, to places that have made this country what it is and is redeveloping. Mr. Chairman, I would urge all of my colleagues, let us not cut; let us increase. Let us give hope to the hopeless. Let us bring help to the helpless. Let us make America the land that it has never been, but yet ought to be. Let us make America the America that it has the potential of being.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I certainly want to thank my colleagues for putting together this opportunity to talk about the needs of the Midwest. I rise today to join my Illinois colleagues in urging the Clinton administration and the Japanese Government to use this historic opportunity to put an end to the limits on direct air service between Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Asia. It is imperative that current negotiations with Japan yield an air service policy that will benefit Midwest businesses and consumers. Liberalization of Midwest air service is an important first step in ensuring real economic gains to our region which has been historically disadvantaged by current air service agreements. It is time for the Midwest to receive its fair share of access to the growing Asia markets. Under current air service agreements, Chicago's O'Hare, the hub of the Midwest and one of the most frequently-used air terminals in the world, is restricted to only 20 weekly direct flights to and from Tokyo, the gateway to Asia. This is not adequate service for the thousands of midwesterners who do business with companies in Asia. Four of Illinois's top 10 export markets are in Asia and account for more than $6 million in annual revenue. A new agreement would have enormous economic potential for our region, and would enable the Midwest to be more competitive in the largest and fastest growing economic market in the world. In fact, it is estimated that lifting current restrictions could bring as many as 2,670 new jobs to the Midwest, 1,820 of those in Illinois alone. Expanding current service of trans-Pacific flights will also provide additional access to the Midwest region for foreign businesses wishing to invest in our region. Unless these restrictions are lifted, the Midwest stands to lose up to $1 billion in Japanese investments in property, plants, and equipment. It is unfair to require our airline industry to operate under an antiquated post-World War II agreement which only granted limited air service rights to Asia for certain United States cities. As a result of this agreement, flights to and from Chicago are severely restricted. These outdated regulations do not realize the global economic dependency on efficient air service, nor the state-of-the-art technology of today's airline industry. Furthermore, a new agreement must provide for increased hub-to-hub connections which could provide lower fares for consumers. These reduced fares could generate about $16 billion a year in tourism revenue for the Midwest region. Mr. Speaker, the Midwest must not be forced to compete in today's global economy while operating under an antiquated air service agreement. Therefore, I, along with my colleagues, urge the Clinton administration to reach an agreement and the Japanese government to reach an agreement which would increase Midwest-Asia air service. These negotiations offer an unprecedented opportunity to not only expand tourism, increase employment and economic growth for the Midwest region, but to open up enormous opportunities not only in the Midwest but in other major areas throughout the country. So I thank the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hastert] for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas on this subject.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I certainly want to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Riggs], for yielding me this time. I rise to speak in support of the Goodling amendment. I do so even with the understanding that reading and arithmetic are the base fundamentals of the development of any educational program. However, I rise to speak in favor of this amendment because I am concerned about a national testing program because of the differences and variations in our society. I am not sure that when we measure and how we use that data, that it will not be used in such a manner that it is not designed to point out the needs that really exist. If we want to improve education, what we really need to do is galvanize our communities so that people believe that education is essential to making it. Once again, I would be in favor of a national testing program if we had a national funding program, if we had a national resource development program, if we had a national training program so that we could train, inspire and motivate teachers to give their best. So when that time comes, then I would be in favor of a national testing program. But until then, I believe it makes more sense to make greater use of those resources, to find a way to equalize educational opportunity by finding ways to bring equity to school systems throughout this Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the world's finest humanitarians, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa departed this life Friday, September 5, 1997, at the age of 87. She leaves behind a committed life of service to mankind. Her legacy has been appropriately quoted in newspapers as the ``Saint of Gutters.'' She came to my district. She came to St. Malachy's Catholic Church. She came to the west side of Chicago. She dared to be different and championed the causes of the poor. She could be found in the most destitute areas on the planet, trying to aid the sick and heal the brokenhearted. Her mission and ministry was clear, and that was to do God's will, no matter what the cost. She was a tiny woman, but she had enormous inspiration. She founded a religious order called the Missionaries of Charity. Beginning with one single convent, almost five decades ago, and now she leaves behind hundreds of religious centers and convents on six continents. Yes, she won a Nobel Peace Prize and countless other awards, but the prize she sought after most was to uplift the poor. In the poor, afflicted and rejected, she saw God, but, more importantly, she saw an opportunity to be a blessing and to make a difference. She had an uncanny ability to be in the midst of the destitute and still have joy and hope. Someone once asked St. Francis what a person needed to do to please God. He answered, ``Preach the Gospel every day, and, if necessary, use words.'' Mother Teresa lived just that sort of life. She is a living reminder to all of us that faith is more than just words. It is the good deeds that we do in this world. The millions of lives she touched through her ministry made this world a much better place. Mother Teresa, yes, has left; but the bright light and legacy that she leaves behind must continue. The challenge for us today is clear: We must continue the work of reaching out to help the poorest of the poor. Our Damascus road lies just before us. And the question is, will we, like Mother Teresa, assume the role of the good samaritan?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am amazed at the continuous efforts to cut occupational safety and health, efforts to scale back protection for workers in dangerous, hazardous, and unsafe situations, efforts to take back and turn around those hard-won gains which have only come about as a result of tragedy after tragedy. I have even heard individuals on the floor of this House talking about taking money from OSHA in order to help disabled children. And surely disabled children need all of the help that we can give them, but why run the risk of injuring, maiming, or even killing workers in order to help children? I say let us stop the attack on workers' safety in this country.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to pay tribute to a great American who blazed trails for African-Americans in the areas of academics and Government service. Mr. Robert Weaver was the first Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] and the first African-American appointed to a Cabinet position in the United States of America. In 1960, Mr. Weaver became the president of the NAACP and President John F. Kennedy sought his advice on civil rights. The following year President Kennedy appointed him Administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, which later became HUD. President Kennedy attempted to elevate the Agency to Cabinet status. However, Congress refused as a result of some Members attacking the appointment of an African-American. President Kennedy abandoned the idea; and 5 years later, President Lyndon Johnson revived the idea and pushed the measure through Congress. This time Mr. Weaver was confirmed. Mr. Weaver had been a part of the Black Cabinet during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a scholarly person who wrote four books on urban affairs and made a name for himself during the 1930's and 1940's as a behind the scenes strategist in the civil rights movement. Mr. Weaver was born on December 7, 1907, and was educated at Harvard University where he earned three degrees; a bachelors, masters, and doctorate in economics. Interestingly enough, Weaver's maternal grandfather was the first African-American graduate of Harvard University with a degree in dentistry. At the age of 90, Mr. Weaver died on July 17, 1997. A great American.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Castle substitute. I do so because I believe that the Istook-Manzullo reporting requirements are duplicative and unnecessary. Furthermore, I have heard some strange logic here this afternoon. The logic that says, if individuals are already involved in sexual activity, and we know it, facing the truth is oftentimes painful, but the fact of the matter is, many of our young people today have already begun to become sexually active before seeking information, advice, or family planning information. The real fact of the matter is, when we deny those individuals the services that they need, we are relegating them in many instances to a lifetime of poverty, of misery, of despair, of the inability to care for children that they have, in fact, produced. The reality is that we are increasing the need for welfare. There is no way that young mothers, 18, 19, 20 years old, can take care of three or four children. And we would deny them information because we know that many teenagers are not going to share with their parents the fact that they are sexually active. I support Castle because it is a vote for realness.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to commend and congratulate Father Ignatious McDermott and the Haymarket Center which he founded as a result of his work in the area on the near west side of Chicago. This area, formerly known as ``Skid Row'' earned Father McDermott the nickname of the ``Priest of Skid Row.'' Haymarket Center was founded in 1975 in response to the needs of the men and women who frequented the streets and flophouses in the area. Haymarket is a full-scale substance abuse treatment center which administers 28 programs that provide a comprehensive approach to substance abuse known as a continuum of care. Haymarket Center serves over 14,000 individuals each year; and since 1975, Father McDermott has inspired hundreds of thousands of individuals to overcome their addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and/or illegal drugs. A model for other substance abuse treatment centers throughout the country, Haymarket's continuum of care is an integration of drug abuse prevention, treatment, health services, day care, parent training, vocational education, and job placement. This integration of services enables addicted individuals to recover more quickly and completely. Because substance abuse treatment services are largely financed with public funding, helping these individuals benefits the taxpaying public. In recognition of Haymarket Center's leadership in providing high quality and effective treatment services, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Director of the Office of National Drug Policy, recently took the opportunity to visit the center. General McCaffrey used his visit to Haymarket Center to direct the attention of the public to the value of our Nation's investment in community-based substance abuse treatment services. During his visit, General McCaffrey acknowledged that providing effective treatment services not only helps individuals to achieve sustained recovery from addiction, but also saves significant dollars which would otherwise be necessary for treating addicted individuals within our criminal justice system. I am pleased to note that Gen. Barry McCaffrey has brought attention to the need for a better balance between interdiction and treatment in our Nation's efforts to combat drug abuse. I commend Haymarket Center for its continued commitment to improving and expanding substance abuse prevention and treatment services for all individuals in need, including those whom I am privileged to represent. I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Haymarket Center; and I urge my colleagues to take as much time as they can to visit a comprehensive substance abuse treatment center located in their respective districts. Again, I commend and congratulate Father Ignatious McDermott and the Haymarket Center.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a national leader in the public housing movement, the late Artensa Randolph. Ms. Randolph departed this life Tuesday, August 19, at the age of 81. She chaired the Chicago Housing Authority's Resident Central Advisory Committee, and served as a member of the Chicago Housing Authority's Executive Advisory Committee. She was truly a staunch advocate for the rights of tenants of public housing. She possessed an enormous amount of courage, energy, and tenacity to advocate on behalf of the disenfranchised and the dispossessed. She was guided by the principles of justice and fairness for all people. She was indeed a remarkable person who gave her very best at whatever she did. Her work reached well beyond Chicago, for she influenced public housing policies and decisions on a national level. Ms. Randolph moved to Chicago from Pine Bluff, AR, in 1937, and worked in the stockyards. During the 1960's she became involved in the tenants' rights movement, and was elected president of the Washington Park Homes Local Advisory Council in 1976. Her life paralleled the rise of public housing, and in many ways she was the catalyst for bringing about positive change in the way tenants are treated. She brought a tremendous amount of knowledge, perseverence, and dedication regarding public housing issues. While Artensa Randolph has left this place, her spirit as a fighter for justice, fairness, and equality for all tenants of public housing shall endure forever. She has left a legacy that will speak to the unmet challenges still confronting public housing and its residents. We must never forget the cause which she championed, that of the poor. We must always stand ready to be a voice for the voiceless, and continue to make public housing the best that it can possibly be. Anyone who continues to work at the age of 81 as chairman of a large organization, who helps to make policy for people all over the Nation, is indeed a champion. That was the life and that is indeed the legacy of Artensa Randolph.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, the people of India have just celebrated their 50th anniversary of independence and democracy. It takes a special effort for Americans to imagine when our democracy was only 50 years old and the great hurdles we had to overcome to perfect our legal, political, economic, and social system. India today is the world's largest democracy--950 million people. India is a multireligious, multiethnic society actively seeking to build a common national identity and overcome religious and ethnic conflict. In that half century India has struggled to overcome the legacy of feudalism followed by colonialism and all of the problems of underdevelopment and unequal development, including problems of population growth, capital formation, technology development, and infrastructure. They have shaped all of the basic institutions of a democratic system including, perhaps most significantly, many independent, nongovernmental institutions and organizations dedicated to involving and empowering people. I rise here today in support of aid to India. Throughout my public career, I have worked with the Asian-Indian community. My strong relationship with the Asian-Indian community in Chicago has afforded me the opportunity to meet with Indian officials who have visited Chicago and this interaction has helped me to understand how important democracy, economic development, and human rights are to India. While the cold war no longer exists, our relations with South Asia must not be tainted by the cold war legacy. There is a constant state of tension with neighbors like China and Pakistan--who have large and powerful militaries. Several states in India including Punjab and Kashmir have, in essence, been involved in a low-intensity war involving terrorism with foreign support as evidenced by the recent bombing of a train in Punjab resulting in 36 deaths. Despite the difficulties, India has proven that she will not tolerate violations of democracy and has acted to punish those guilty of violations of law and to reduce any such violations in the future. The United States has become India's largest trading partner--now approaching $9.5 billion per year--and her largest investor. India has adjusted her tax policies to further encourage trade and has become a significant player in many fields including computer science. Yet India is still a country in need of assistance and development especially in the most underdeveloped regions needing assistance with health and educational programs. These programs involve financial and technical support from the United States which is matched by volunteer equity on the part of the people of India. These program have proven themselves to be successful in addressing the problems of underdevelopment and also as powerful instrument of international understanding, communication, and trust. It makes sense to continue our commitment to India. India is proving a success in its economic development and is a role model for other developing countries. We can take this opportunity now to improve our foreign policy relations with India. We can illustrate how the United States is a reliable friend and model. A vote against India in this House, is not in the best interest of the United States and its reputation as a world leader. Therefore, I urge that we oppose any and all amendments that would single out India for a limitation on development assistance.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to first of all commend and congratulate all of those who have worked to reach this accord. But when I viewed the balanced budget agreement I asked two fundamental questions: Is it fair and does it go far enough to lift the boats of all Americans, including the poorest among the poor? And while I agree that there has been serious movement toward the inclusion of more families and more children, I still must ask the question, is it good for all of America? This agreement provides tax relief for the richest of Americans to the tune of over 70 percent. Is that fair? Under the current agreement corporate welfare continues to be protected, and so I agree that it is movement, but I do not believe that it goes far enough to really touch the poorest of the poor. I believe that we can do better. We provide serious breaks for the rich, a few breaks for the middle class, practically no breaks and little hope for the poor.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, not very often will my colleagues find me taking a position that is contrary to that of my colleague from Chicago. But I rise in opposition to the amendment to cut OPIC. I do so because we are a pace setter. We are a Nation that is known as a leader. We have been a leader in business and industry all over the world. I have been told that you cannot lead where you do not go, just as you cannot teach what you do not know. If I know one thing, I know that if our corporations, if our companies, if our businesses are not there in the marketplace, then I know that they cannot do business. And so that I urge that we oppose this amendment and let OPIC do its job, do its work, do its business.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I think the gentleman makes a very valid point, Mr. Speaker, given the fact that we really ought to be trying to find ways to bring people into the process; that is, to encourage people to participate. We always talk about the greatness of this democracy of ours, and that people should be involved. Here we are in a situation that is actually doing just the opposite, trying to intimidate people, suggesting to them that they ought not participate. I think it is horrendous. It is unbelievable. That is why I am so pleased that I decided to come over this evening and join with all of my colleagues as they all say that enough is enough. When are we going to quit it? When are we going to cut it out? I have looked at at least 15 or 20 newspaper clippings, all indicating that the investigations are turning up absolutely nothing.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I agree with that, because if it is Hispanics today, Latinos, then it is African-Americans, Scandinavians, Greeks, it is somebody else tomorrow. We all stand with the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Sanchez] and want to make sure that she does not have to keep going through this unnecessary hassle.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, first of all let me commend and congratulate the gentlewoman from California, chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Hastings] for putting together this tribute. I rise today and join with my colleagues to pay tribute to one of this Nation's finest justices, one who has a progressive reputation and one who has demonstrated that you can be relevant and you can hold true. Justice Brennan departed this life Thursday, July 24, at the age of 91. While he may have physically departed, he leaves a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Through his personal and professional life, Justice Brennan effected change and affected the lives of people in a real way. Justice Brennan was an ordinary man who possessed extraordinary courage, tenacity, and perseverance. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1956 by then President Dwight Eisenhower. At the time of his appointment, America was engulfed with the question of what to do about civil rights and equal rights for blacks, Hispanics, women and other minorities. He dared to be different despite the dictates of the times. In his daring to be different, he lifted the lots of poor people, minorities, and the disenfranchised. He challenged the Constitution to live up to its ideals of equality and justice for all people. He saw the law not as an abstraction but as a weapon to protect individual liberties. In speeches he often urged State courts to thrust themselves into a position of prominence in the struggle to protect people of our Nation from government intrusions on their individual freedoms. In his 34-year tenure on the Supreme Court, he wrote more than 1,300 opinions which helped to significantly change the landscape of constitutional law. Some of his legendary opinions include Baker versus Carr, the landmark 1962 opinion that opened the doors to reapportionment of legislatures and congressional districts under strict one person, one vote standards. This decision reshaped politics and broadened participation in democracy. In 1964 he authored New York Times versus Sullivan, which enhanced First Amendment protections for press critics of public officials. And in 1970 he authored Goldberg versus Kelly, which required States to give welfare recipients notice and a right to a hearing before their welfare benefits could be cut. Justice Brennan was a strong advocate of affirmative action and equal participation for everyone in America. Although he went to one of the elite schools of America, he was a very common, caring, sensitive, down-to-earth man of reason. His life was an embodiment of love, liberty and law. He was a champion of the underdog. He saw beyond Jim Crow segregation, discrimination, and saw an America that could live up to its promises of equal justice under the law. His ability to build consensus and help safeguard freedom broadened the circle of equality for every single American. And so it is indeed my pleasure to join with all of my distinguished colleagues who have already so eloquently stated the case that when it comes to equality, justice, and the fight for freedom, no man, no woman could be Justice Brennan's peer.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank George Grenda for his dedication to the 4-H Club community of northern Cook County, IL. George Grenda was born in 1938, raised in Chicago and suburban Cook County and has been employed by Country Co., as an insurance agent, for many years. His current office is in Palatine, IL. George has participated in 4-H activities for over 20 years in north suburban Cook County. He and his wife Zola first became involved with 4-H when they chaperoned a group of 4-H'ers in an exchange with West Virginia. Since 1991, George has served on the Chicago-County 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees. In 1994, he was elected to the position of vice president, Financial Development. In that capacity he has regularly encouraged 4-H volunteer trustees to raise money by making calls even if it meant taping the phone to their hand until the job was done. He related that he made himself do just that when starting out as an insurance salesman. In the late eighty's when George was president of the North Cook County 4-H Fair Board, he always auctioned off cakes made by 4-H'ers to raise money at a Knight of Columbus event. Because George would try to raise the amount by bidding on the cakes himself, he always got stuck buying at least one or two of the cakes. Another one of George's presidential duties during his 6-year tenure, was to provide leadership in running the annual lemonade stand at the 4-H Fair. Needless to say, George was very good at first, carrying water; two squeezing lemons; three mixing lemonade; and four collecting money. In 1996, George acted as chairman of FORE for 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament to raise money for the 61,000 4-H'ers in Cook County. George was credited with spearheading this successful event which netted over $5,000 for 4-H youth in Cook County. For his countless hours committed to youth, their families, and communities, I would like to join all of the many volunteers and 4-H Staff in thanking George for his distinguished service and unmatched effort.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, one purpose of Government is to suppress injustice. The Republican tax plan does just the opposite. This plan unjustly benefits the top 5 percent of income earners by giving them over 50 percent of the cuts. This plan unjustly excludes working and middle-income students trying to pay for an education. Take, for example, Tina, a single parent, mother of four, and student at Malcolm X College. With an income of $25,000, she pays $1,400 in tuition and fees. She would receive no break under the Republican plan. That is unjust. Under the Democratic plan, Tina would receive a $400 tax break. That is justice for a single mother of four attempting to get an education. In addition to Tina, 4.8 million other Americans are left out by the Republican plan: Police officers, schoolteachers, dental assistants, and carpenters would not receive a break. The Republican plan can be summed up in three words: Unjust and unfair. Give America a break. Let us support a fair and just plan.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend Chairman Wolf and the ranking Democrat Mr. Sabo for brining a bill to the floor which will provide billions of dollars for vital transportation and infrastructure projects across the Nation. This measure will allow States and localities to begin much-needed construction and repair on highways, bridges, and mass transit systems. Transportation has always been vital to our economic prosperity and quality of life since our Nation's founding. From colonial post roads and canals that expanded our frontiers, the railroads and interstate highways that linked a growing country to the mass transit systems that made possible the development of our great cities. Transportation has opened new markets and enabled the quick economical movement of people and goods that has empowered our economy's growth. In fact, in my congressional district of Chicago, IL, the transportation arena has always been a vital segment of our lifestyle--with over 27 percent of one's income spent on transportation-related expenses. Further, well-paying, much-needed jobs are created when our transportation systems are revitalized. Finally, mass transit, commuter rail, and other forms of public transportation provide a way to work for millions of Chicago residents. So, Mr. Chairman, I must express my extreme concerns for the bill's funding levels for mass transit and the adverse effects they could have on my congressional district. As many businesses relocate to Chicago's suburbs--taking with them well-paying jobs--it is imperative that we continue to provide adequate funding for our public transportation systems. With the recent welfare to work mandates taking effect, it is also important that sufficient transportation services are available for these individuals. As a result of past actions by the Congress which cut transit funding by nearly 40 percent, the Chicago Transit Authority was recently forced to make draconian cutbacks in service. These service cuts affect the majority of all bus routes and significantly reduces CTA's late night owl service for both rail and bus routes. These service cuts were made in neighborhoods where many of the residents have no other transportation alternatives. Further, as many of you know, Chicago's EL is one of the oldest public rail systems in the country and is the cornerstone of our public transportation system. As this system continues to age, it cannot afford to loose precious capital funds that will result because of this measure. It is my hope that as this measure moves to the conference committee funding levels for mass transit will be increased thereby recognizing the transportation needs of our urban, low-income, senior, and disabled residents.

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 Obey amendment because it increases funding for the WIC Program by $23.7 million. I have been told that we measure the humaneness of a society by how well it treats its young, how well it treats its old, and how well it treats those who cannot take care of themselves, and so when we increase funding for this program, we are looking out for those who have the most difficulty in looking out for themselves. And even the $23.7 million is still less than the $30 million that is really needed. Now I have heard those argue that we really do not need the additional money because there may be some shortfall that can be overcome by surpluses. The reality is that when we look at those projections, we are taking a gamble. I do not want to gamble with the lives of 45 to 50,000 women and children who could, in fact, benefit for certain. There has been a great deal of talk about family values, about the development of people. Yet, when there is an opportunity to put our monies where the conversations are, we find that providing insurance protection, providing commissions is more important than providing milk and butter and eggs and cheese. Mr. Chairman, I would hope that the little bit of money we are talking about right now for WIC, in my area in Chicago and Cook County there are well over 100,000 women and children who benefit from this program. As a matter of fact, many of the large urban centers throughout the country could have solved the 45,000 to 50,000 alone, by themselves; when we really go into the crevices and cracks of our society, we find those who are untouchable and unreachable. I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] for giving this House an opportunity to demonstrate its humaneness. I urge support for the Obey amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by Mrs. Mink of Hawaii. This is a good amendment. This amendment is fundamentally about equal rights and equal access. Simply put, this amendment ensures that displaced homemakers, single mothers, pregnant women, and others traditionally underserved by vocational education will have access to vocational education and job training. Vocational education has become a cornerstone of our democracy. Vocational education provides millions of American citizens with the opportunity to become independent. Vocational education provides individuals with real skills so that they can succeed in today's workplace. In fact, thousands of women in my district have benefited from these vocational programs. For example, the Chicago Women In Trade's [CWIT] Organization located in my district is now in its 10th year and is supported by sex-equity funds. CWIT has been successful in training over 450 women, many single parents, and helping them move from low-income jobs to high wage careers. These vocational programs for women have been funded since 1984, and have been very successful. These programs have helped women find real jobs. When women find meaningful jobs that is good for America. It helps to lower the welfare roles, and enables women and families to escape domestic violence. More importantly, it empowers women and gives them real independence. I urge my colleagues not to go backward, to draconian methods of denying women the opportunity to vocational opportunities. Rather let's move forward and restore gender equity to vocational programs. Let's support this amendment as it is good for America.