Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution represents bad economics and bad social policy. The ability to borrow to help our States and citizens is a critical tool to aid our Nation during economic crisis. One of the most egregious consequences of this bill is the dangerous cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other safety net programs that would result. Given the vast deficit that exists due to reckless tax cuts for the wealthy, this bill would achieve balance on the backs of the elderly, the poor, and the disabled. To achieve balance in the short term, massive reductions to critical safety net programs would have to occur--$750 billion in cuts from Medicare, $1.2 trillion from Social Security, and $85 billion from veterans' benefits through 2021. Dramatic cuts to other safety net protections for citizens, such as food stamps and supplemental security income for the disabled, poor, and the elderly, would almost certainly occur. To add insult to injury, nonpartisan economists with Macroeconomic Advisers estimate that a balanced budget amendment would eliminate 15 million jobs, increase unemployment to 18 percent, and shrink the economy by 17 percent--catastrophic economic losses at the same time that Federal safety programs to support citizens experiencing such hardships are eviscerated. This is a terrible piece of legislation. It's a bad bill. I could not, would not, and I don't think anybody should vote for it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Charlie Calvin, who has distinguished himself as both an outstanding community leader and political organizer for over 30 years. Mr. Calvin graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science/Pre-Law; he subsequently earned a Master of Arts Degree in Political Theory and Government from Governors State University and two Juris Doctorate Degrees, one from LaSalle University School of Law and the other from the National Conference of Black Lawyers College of Law and International Diplomacy. For the past 31\1/2\ years, Charlie Calvin has worked tirelessly as a community and political organizer--addressing issues of family, community, public education, the justice system, and the destruction of the African American male. Mr. Calvin has addressed concerns and advocated for help to feed and clothe the needy. As Deputy Register, he has helped to register thousands of new voters and has held town hall meetings relative to vital issues, such as disproportionate incarceration, the adverse effect of the criminal justice system on the African American Community, and leadership through political forums. Charlie Calvin has affected people young and old though his motivational speaking engagements, Criminal Justice Conferences, and Adjunct professorships at the National Conference of Black Lawyers, LaSalle Law School, Harold Washington College and Chicago State University. Mr. Calvin is affiliated with many organizations ranging from the NAACP to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. to the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Charlie Calvin entered the Democratic Political Primary of 1978 where he was a candidate for County Clerk--which at 22 years of age, made him the youngest and first African American in the history of Kankakee County to run for a seat in county government. He later assisted a number of local politicians to be elected as judges. Recently Charlie Calvin became the Division Administrator for the Presiding Judge's Office of Juvenile Justice. Charlie is married to Mrs. Dorothy Calvin, and they have three children; Charlie Jr. is a graduate of Governors States University, Felicia is a junior at Northern Illinois University, and Thomas is a high school student. I am pleased to commend and congratulate Mr. Calvin on an outstanding career and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring the Montford Point Marines for their great sacrifice and courage in becoming the first African Americans admitted to the Marine Corps, and their service to our country during multiple wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Their service to the country was great, which is why I voted in favor of H.R. 2447 to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines. The Congressional Gold Medal is a prestigious honor that these men truly deserve. After President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Fair Employment Practices Commission in 1941, allowing for equal opportunity in all branches of the armed forces, the first black recruits entered boot camp at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The recruits were prohibited from training with white recruits in nearby Camp Lejeune, and the conditions during their training in the snake- infested swamps of New River were much more difficult than those of their white peers. These men dealt with unsanitary drinking water, inferior barracks made of cardboard, and freezing living quarters, all of which were unfit for any American, let alone the men and women that protect our country. As a testament to the resolve of the Montford Point Marines, after completion of their training in North Carolina, the 8th Ammunition Company and the 36th Depot Company were deployed to Iwo Jima on D-Day during World War II, receiving praise from fellow officers for their actions under fire. In addition, Marines trained at Montford Point participated in the seizure of Okinawa and helped with clean-up of debris from the atomic bomb attacks in Japan. After the announcement of U.S. victory in the war, nearly 17,500 of the 19,000 black marines were discharged from the Corps. A few of the Montford Point men remained in the service completing tours of duty in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Today, few of these men are still with us, but their legacy continues to inspire young men and women who strive for participation in the U.S. Armed Services. I salute the Montford Point Marines for their endless determination to bring about change in the Marine Corps, and for their exceptional contributions to equality in this country. Their sacrifices opened doors for many individuals seeking to serve this country, and we are forever grateful for their accomplishments.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio not only for yielding, but for convening this discussion this evening. I was speaking to a group of young people a couple of days ago, and they wanted to know why did we think this whole question of voter suppression was such a big deal. They said, But doesn't everybody have the right to vote? And of course it was necessary to convey to them some of the experiences that people like Representative Lewis and others have had. All of us recognize, from a historical perspective, the evolution of the development of our country. Of course when we started, there were only a few people who actually had the right to vote, and they were the individuals who made most of the decisions. Ultimately, we fought a war, and after the war we saw the expansion of opportunity; and yet there were millions of individuals who were denied the same opportunities that others had. People often ask about Southern States. And you don't pick up on any State, but I remember reading the history of Mississippi, where in 1890 the State of Mississippi devised a system that effectively disenfranchised most African Americans or blacks who were there and adopted a system that other States picked up. But you've got to remember that at that time African Americans made up 58 percent of the population in the State of Mississippi. They elected delegates, and the delegates who were elected--134--consisted of 133 white men and one black, or one African American. I am afraid--and I wish that it wasn't so--that there are cynical efforts to manipulate and control and prevent individuals from having the opportunity to exercise the most important franchise in a free and democratic society, and that is the right to help make decisions. And sometimes it's done in so many ways. There's an old saying that if you fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. There are places where the polling places just got changed. People have been accustomed to voting at the Johnson school, and all of a sudden they wake up and it's time to vote and they're now voting at the American Legion Hall. Well, they don't know where the American Legion Hall is; they just go to the Johnson school. And once they get there, they can't vote, then they decide that they'll go on to work or do whatever else it is that they're going to do, and they will miss voting that day. Poll taxes sound kind of way out and farfetched. But I actually grew up in rural America. It is true that I live in Chicago, a magnificent city, probably the most magnificent city in the United States of America and many other places throughout the world. But I grew up in rural Arkansas, and there was a $2 poll tax. My parents paid a $2 poll tax. Now, the average person who worked in an agrarian environment at that time, the wages were $4 a day. Four dollars a day. That's what people earned driving tractors. That's what they earned chopping cotton. That's what they earned baling hay. And to take $2 out of $4 that you might earn working a whole day to go and get registered to vote? Well, that meant, for all practical purposes, that many of the people, not just African Americans, mind you, but many of the people who were low-income were not going to participate because they couldn't afford to pay $2 to register to vote. And so I join with all of my colleagues who say that this issue is most important, that we must watch it, keep our eyes and hands on it. And we have to make sure that even in places like where I live, I can recall voter suppression during one Presidential election where the whole idea was simply not to vote. People were not going to vote for a different political party at the time. But if they didn't vote, that was the same as voting for the other guy. So don't fool us. We kind of know what's happening. I thank you for calling this Special Order.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and commend my constituent, Mr. Lou Lori, on his remarkable achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. In this centennial year of the Eagle Scout Award, Mr. Lori has earned his place among a very prestigious group of young men. His tenacity and dedication to his community impresses me; such commitment deserves public recognition and appreciation because these qualities are critical to building a strong nation. Mr. Lori's Eagle project involved collecting and donating nine thousand books from the now-closed Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary. Mr. Lori identified local and national organizations--such as Chicago schools, the Cook County Sheriff's office, and a seminary in Dallas--in need of the books. Mr. Lori's original goal was to donate the books to aid programs for English language learners; given that the reading level of the books did not match program needs, Mr. Lori donated the books while still raising funds for programs for English language learners. So, in addition to donating nine thousand books, he raised over $500 for programs benefiting those learning English. Mr. Lori's project represents a well-conceived demonstration of the Scout values, particularly the duty to others. The coordination required for this project was daunting--organizing, identifying potential parties interested in, and transporting the books all involved an impressive amount of time and commitment. Putting old assets to new use is a hallmark of leadership and efficiency. Further, giving books delivers immeasurable value via the knowledge gained about oneself and the world upon reading; this information is the key to opening many doors. It is a key that Mr. Lori has shared with so many. With his efforts and leadership, Mr. Lori delivered an essential ingredient to the growth and development of hundreds of readers. I served as District Commissioner for the Austin District for the Boy Scouts for 13 years; I know becoming an Eagle Scout is an honor and a standard of excellence for young men across the country. I am proud to recognize Mr. Lori for the dedication, perseverance, and community involvement he demonstrated in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. I wish Mr. Lori all the best in his future endeavors. Chicago, Illinois, and the country will benefit tremendously from his continued commitment to the Scout Oath and Law for all the days of his life.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures. If I were present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``aye'' for the following votes: Roll 801, October 24, 2011: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 320: To designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California. Roll 802, October 24, 2011: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 1160: To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other purposes.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding me this time. I also want to commend and congratulate Representative Corrine Brown for her introduction of this legislation and for the tremendous work that she did to get it to the floor this soon today, and I commend you for that. I have an uncle who was at Okinawa, and of course he talked a great deal about his experiences. But I also remember being a young boy during Korea, and two or three of our older guys went and joined the Marines, and how proud they were to come home wearing their dress uniforms. All of the younger people were running kind of behind them, looking at them when they would come to church or dress up. I have a large Montford Point Marine Association in my congressional district that I visit quite frequently, especially Veterans Day and other times such as Memorial Day when we pay tribute to veterans. So I simply come to say thanks to all of them who have helped to make America what it is and have helped to keep our country strong. I urge passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the National Opinion Research Center on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. Known by its acronym, NORC, is one of the nation's oldest, not-for-profit, independent research organizations. It is headquartered in downtown Chicago with additional offices on the University of Chicago's campus and in the D.C. Metro area. NORC is a national leader in social science research. Numerous data collection and analytical tools that now set the industry standard were pioneered at NORC. The organization's capabilities in the areas of study design and survey methodology, statistical design and analysis, survey data collection (including biomarker and environmental data collection), evaluation and performance measurement, policy analysis and recommendations, dissemination and knowledge management, and technical assistance set it apart as an authority in the field of social science research. Further, its research expertise is enhanced by its interdisciplinary approach, innovative study designs and research methods, commitment to the highest standards of research excellence and scientific rigor, and strong collaborative relationships with prominent experts, senior government officials, and leading scholars. Given its expertise in social science research, NORC plays a leadership role in numerous wide-reaching studies and surveys that provide vital insight and information into today's most pressing issues. For example, NORC manages the National Immunization Survey sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which produces national- and area-level data on vaccination rates for children and teens. It conducts the General Social Survey, which is regarded as the best source of data on societal trends and is routinely used by policymakers. NORC also advances health care innovation and effectiveness through its evaluation of four projects for the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology. These projects are critical to understanding adoption of health IT and what resources are needed to achieve measurable gains in health care quality and efficiency. Other NORC projects of note include the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, the National Children's Study, and a series of international impact evaluations for the Millennium Challenge Corporation. As a policymaker, I am especially impressed by NORC's unique ability to conduct high-caliber social science research and analysis designed to inform policy decisions on complex issues. Research to inform policy must be intentional as well as carefully designed and executed; I am grateful to NORC for its commitment to applying social science research to social policy, be it in the areas of health, education, economics, crime, justice, energy, security or environment. True to its mission to perform high-quality social science research in the public interest, NORC has proven a tremendous resource to my office over the years. Indeed, I have sought their expertise on multiple occasions, including recently with regard to the National Children's Study and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. I greatly appreciated their insight into these studies so that I could advocate for policies to improve the well-being of children and youth. It is rare to find an organization that is skilled at both research and application of its findings. NORC has enriched public policy debate and decision making by gathering and distilling critical information. NORC's work and expertise have spanned seven decades, and I am confident the organization and its outstanding researchers will continue to have a positive effect on our nation's knowledge base and policymaking processes well into the future. This year, I celebrated my 70th birthday as well. As I look back on my own life, I can personally attest to the fortitude that it takes to have gotten this far and to have remained relevant. I commend NORC on its commitment to high quality social science research that informs so many aspects of our society. I am proud to have NORC in my congressional district, and I wish NORC and its employees in Illinois and throughout the nation all the best on the occasion of the organization's 70th anniversary. I look forward to your continued success and excellence in the years to come.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Leavell migrated to Chicago, Illinois from Pine Bluff, Arkansas and began her newspaper career as an office clerk with the Crusader Newspapers in 1961. She took over as publisher in 1968 after the death of her first husband, Balm Leavell, who was one of the two founders of the Crusader. In the ensuing years Mrs. Leavell distinguished herself as a militant minded muckraking journalist, community activist and business person. She joined the National Newspaper Publishers Association and for more than 40 years she has been a dedicated and active member and leader of the organization. She has been its Chairperson, Chairwoman of various committee and task forces. As well, she also led a controversial 20 member group to Nigeria to investigate its political crisis. As a media advocate she also was a staunch and critical supporter for the confirmation of Alexis Herman to become the U.S. Secretary of Labor. As publisher of the Crusader, Ms. Leavell has been a strong supporter of affirmative action, parity in advertising and civil rights pursuits. Dorothy Leavell has been an outstanding journalist and a brave publisher and a great humanitarian; therefore, I am pleased to commend her and wish for her fifty more years of productive service. In addition to her journalist work, Ms. Leavell is the wife of Mr. John Smith, her second husband, the mother of two children, three grandchildren and has also raised a niece and a nephew. She is actively involved in her church, Holy Name of Mary in the Morgan Park Community of Chicago. Under Ms. Leavell's tutelage the Crusader has become the City of Chicago's largest locally Black owned paid circulation newspaper. May it long live and may the legacy of Ms. Dorothy Leavell last forever.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of my constituents who's spent a great deal of her life bringing joy, happiness, and direction into the lives of others. I come today to pay tribute to Ms. Faye Stevens-Jett and the Up2Us organization that is in town this week. Athletics has been and continues to be a road to success and a better life for thousands and thousands of people. For many of them, it has been because they had a coach, a mentor, or a friend with whom they connected and formed lasting friendships and relationships in their athletic endeavors. One such coach has been Ms. Faye Stevens-Jett, a physical education teacher and athletic director at the Morton School of Excellence in Chicago, Illinois, located in my congressional district. Ms. Stevens- Jett is a single mother of two boys, and yet finds time to be engaged with a large number of other young people through her coaching of double Dutch, cheerleading, and pom-pom teams. Ms. Stevens-Jett has been selected by Up2Us as a coach of the year. Up2Us is an organization that supports programs that use sports to address critical issues facing youth in America. It also helps to address serious health issues such as obesity and other childhood illnesses and diseases. Ms. Jett is a member of my congressional district, and I take this opportunity to commend and congratulate her and Up2Us for their outstanding work. I also urge support to increase physical fitness as a part of our everyday lives. It is up to us.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to pay tribute to a great American who lived in the State of Illinois, who represented it and the country well, Senator Charles Percy. I recall that when Senator Percy was elected, I was a young schoolteacher, community activist. I also was an individual who interacted with lots of people who were very cynical about government, politics, whether or not there was any potential for change. So we had an opportunity to see in action one of the most forceful individuals in public life, one that you didn't describe necessarily as a Democrat or a Republican. You didn't characterize him as a conservative or a liberal. You really thought of Senator Percy as simply a good, solid United States Senator who represented well not only his constituents, but who provided leadership for the Nation and for the country. I think I learned at that time the meaning of town hall meetings because Senator Percy would hold those; and although he was a Republican by political stripe--and many of the people where I lived and interacted with were Democrats in terms of political stripe--we just would turn out at Senator Percy's town halls to know what was taking place, what was going on, what was happening. I personally owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him for helping to shape my own political philosophy, some of my political ideology, some of the things that I dream about and hope for and work towards. And so I extend condolences to his family, wish them well, and know that America is a better place because Chuck Percy served in the United States Senate and served all of America.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the topic of underage drinking. It is an issue that challenges every generation of public officials, parents, educators, law enforcement, industry members, and concerned citizens. But through bipartisan leadership and almost three decades of public and private effort, our Nation has made some substantial progress. I mention ``bipartisan'' because it was President Reagan who teamed up with Democrats in Congress to enact the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. At the signing ceremony, the President's remarks are a great lesson in federalism and national leadership that remains very important today. He said that underage drinking is a problem that is ``bigger than the individual States.'' He called underage drinking a ``grave national problem'' that ``touches all our lives.'' President Reagan concluded, ``With the problem so clearcut and the proven solution at hand, we have no misgiving about this judicious use of Federal power.'' I said that this was a bipartisan effort. Our colleague from the other body, Senator Lautenberg from New Jersey, was instrumental in guiding the measure through Congress, and he continues to be a forceful advocate for young people today. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the number of fatalities in teen drunk driving crashes has declined 74 percent since the early 1980s. Studies from the Department of Transportation and Government Accountability Office indicate that the 21-year-old drinking age has saved tens of thousands of lives. Most government measures of underage drinking have also declined. Parents, educators, and other adults who have influence on young people need to recognize that older teens are still capable of making youthful mistakes, and some of these mistakes can be fatal. We should not do anything that allows our young people to obtain alcohol before they reach the legal drinking age. We need to remain involved in their lives and do everything we can to encourage and insist that they make responsible decisions. Back in 2006, our colleague Lucille Roybal-Allard led the effort to enact the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, better known as the STOP Act. The law established a framework for cooperation among Federal agencies with responsibility to address underage drinking. In mid-July, we received a report from the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee that was formally established by the STOP Act. It documents Federal Government prevention initiatives across 17 agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, which created the We Don't Serve Teens program as a public education and outreach initiative. The 2011 launch of We Don't Serve Teens occurred last week in Chicago and throughout the Nation. One purpose of the We Don't Serve Teens initiative is to inform parents and all adults that teen drinking is not inevitable. Crown Imports and MillerCoors, the number two and number three American beer suppliers, are both headquartered in the district I represent in Chicago. Both companies have supported the We Don't Serve Teens program since it began in 2006. I am pleased that these two companies have joined the FTC, Members of Congress, Chicago officials, and thousands of concerned citizens to support We Don't Serve Teens. We need everyone at the table. Industry members have a unique ability to reach out directly to local stores, bars, restaurants, and other places where alcohol is served. The We Don't Serve Teens message is reinforced. I commend these efforts. I especially commend the distributors of these alcoholic beverages in their effort to make sure that teens handle alcohol responsibly. The best way is to not drink at all.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1161.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Let me, first of all, thank you, my classmate, Donna Christensen. We got here about the same time, and it seems as though the longer we're here, the more alike we think. So I want to thank you for your leadership. I also want to commend the Congressional Black Caucus because we have just completed what I will call a very successful tour, a tour where some people were able to actually obtain jobs, where other people were able to renew their faith and hope that out there somewhere waiting for them is a job. As the minority whip talked about pain and frustration, it reminded me that there are thousands of people in my congressional district who are experiencing that pain just as there are millions across the country. I dug out an old record of mine the other day. I was going through my collection, and there was a fellow singing a song about getting a job. He says, Every morning about this time, she brings my breakfast to the bed, crying, ``Get a job.'' He says, When I read the paper, I read it through and through, trying to see if there is any work for me to do-- get a job. But he kind of ends by saying, It was difficult to get a job that did not exist. It was difficult to get a job that he couldn't find. So I was pleased a few nights ago when a job plan was articulated and presented. That's a very simple kind of plan in a sense. I couldn't find much controversy. I couldn't find much that one couldn't buy no matter which side of the aisle they were on, no matter what their political stripes. I mean, who can argue with rebuilding roads and bridges and highways and giving people the opportunity to just ride on roads that are not bumpy or to ride on streets that are not filled with potholes-- meaningful kinds of work that anybody can know is an investment and is not any kind of giveaway? Who can argue with unemployed teachers getting an opportunity to work? Who can argue with small businesses being able to receive incentives if they hire people who have been unemployed for more than 6 months? Who can argue with that? I don't think anybody that is serious could argue with any of that. So jobs must be found. Jobs must be had. And I am pleased to join with my colleagues to say that we must turn around that there are no jobs so that the guy can sing, I got a job, I got a job. Thank you, Congressional Black Caucus.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, although we must fix the economic problems America now faces, we cannot afford to obliterate important programs that educate and expose our citizens young and old to American culture. Our minimal investments in the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts yield large community benefits and must be protected. For this reason, I oppose the severe cuts proposed to these key programs via the FY12 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill. The programs supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, or NEH, benefit millions of Americans each year. Last year, NEH made over 1,200 grants totaling $143 million that benefited communities throughout our Nation--communities big and small, urban and rural. For example, over 4,300 college, community college, and school teachers benefited from education programs supported by NEH. Almost 22,000 citizens from museums, libraries, archives, and historical organizations obtained training in appropriate preservation and ways to expand public access to humanities collections. Approximately 35 million people benefited from 24 television and radio projects funded by NEH that produced 88 broadcast hours of programming related to arts and humanities. My State of Illinois and my Congressional District have received vital support from NEH funds as well. These funds allowed cultural institutions to leverage their dollars to educate the public more broadly than would have been possible without these funds. From getting a grant to help expand the Hull-House Museum to the Illinois Meaning of Service program that works with thousands of young people to help them understand the nature and rewards of volunteerism. An NEH grant is contributing to the digitization of the papers of Abraham Lincoln so that these important historical documents are available to the Nation, not just to those in driving distance of Springfield. My constituents rely on these programs for education and cultural awareness. Especially during hard economic times when travel and vacations are not possible, the programming supported by the NEH provides significant educational resources for Americans. Cutting funds to NEH will negatively affect our citizens, not help them. It is a unique source of funding for a wide range of local non- profit institutions and organizations across the country. NEH has already experienced dramatic funding cuts; slashing this program more will directly curtail programs and projects in millions of communities for minimal deficit reduction, which means jobs will be lost, services will be gone, and local communities will lose educational opportunities. So I urge my colleagues to oppose provisions that would cut the National Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Arts any further.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution represents bad economics--pure and simple. To require a balanced budget every year without regard to the state of the economy would threaten to make recessions more frequent, more protracted, and deeper. It would require greater cuts to spending at the time when the Federal Government would be needed most to use countercyclical policies to aid its citizens and states in weathering economic crises. It would jeopardize our nation's credit by making default a more regular likelihood. A balanced budget amendment is a good sound bite, but it is not good policy. The ability to borrow in a time of crisis to help our states and citizens is a critical tool to aid our nation during economic crisis. A balanced budget requirement risks substantial harm to our economy, to Social Security, to military and civil service retirement systems, to critical government activities, and to our most vulnerable citizens. During economic hardship, federal revenues decline and safety net programs become even more vital lifelines, causing deficits to rise. Rather than allowing the Federal Government the flexibility to institute a variety of economic stabilizers, a balanced budget amendment would force the Federal Government to cut benefits or raise taxes exactly when such responses are least effective and more likely to further weaken the economy and result in higher deficits. As Robert Reischauer explained in 1992, a balanced budget amendment ``would undermine the stabilizing role of the Federal Government.'' I cannot fathom how policymakers would risk default and serious economic damage to our nation in order to make the elderly pay more for medicine, poor children go hungry, and low income students skip college in order to give that money to corporate jet owners, hedge fund agents, wealthy citizens who own multiple homes, and oil companies that already earn tens of billions of dollars in profits. During times of challenge, I resolutely believe that the mantle of responsibility for caring for the poor and struggling falls squarely on the shoulders of government, not primarily on the charity of individual citizens. In such times of hardship and strife, government leaders should extend help to the needy, not advance the wealth of the most secure. With so many of our children and youth bearing the brunt of our nation's economic hardship, I am committed to protecting all of America, not just the privileged. For these reasons, I resolutely and steadfastly oppose a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, although our economy is gradually improving, we cannot ignore the fact that the economic crisis remains a daily reality for millions of Americans, nor can we ignore the fact that the crisis unevenly affects certain groups of citizens, such as racial and ethnic minority groups. A study by the Pew Research Center released last month demonstrates starkly the wealth gap among racial and ethnic minorities in this Nation. Although all racial and ethnic groups experienced loss of wealth during this economic crisis, the wealth of African American and Latino households dropped dramatically. For example, the median net worth of a white family now stands at 20 times that of a black family and 18 times that of a Hispanic family, roughly twice the gap that existed before the economic crisis. Even more startling, this is the largest wealth gap since data started being collected in 1984. Other findings of note that reflect the uneven economic difficulties among groups of citizens include the fact that approximately 35 percent of Black households and 31 percent of Latino households had zero or negative net worth in 2009, compared to only 15 percent of white households. The Pew findings echo those of a recent study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) that found that the Great Recession has decimated the black middle class. This study found that the median wealth of black households dropped 84 percent from 2004 to 2009, essentially wiping out the economic gains that black Americans made since the early 90s. There are multiple factors that contribute to the wealth gap-- disproportionate investment patterns, experience of unemployment, and education debt are a few. The Pew study highlighted the fact that white families are typically able to diversify their investments in housing as well as stocks and bonds, whereas minorities usually invest heavily in housing. The housing crisis then contributed to wealth disparities because minority families lost everything and had few (if any) other investments on which to fall back. African Americans and Latino Americans disproportionately experience both unemployment and long-term unemployment, which further contributes to the wealth gap. African Americans stand at the highest unemployment levels since 1984. Most recently, the black unemployment rate averaged 16.1 percent in April, May, and June 2011, compared to an average of 7.9 percent for whites during the same periods. The unemployment rates for recent high school graduates who were white were 9.5 percent and 21.4 percent in 2007 and 2010, respectively. In contrast, the unemployment rates for recent high school graduates who were black were 20.3 percent and 31.3 percent, respectively. Thus, the unemployment rate of 21.4 percent in the middle of the recession for white high school graduates was about the same level of unemployment for black high school graduates at the beginning of the recession. Similarly, recent black college graduates have the highest unemploynient rate among college graduates. With regard to long-term unemployment, researchers at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California at Berkeley recently found that African Americans represent only 11 percent of the labor force, but 22 percent of the long-term unemployed. Thus, African Americans are twice as likely to experience long-term unemployment compared to their representation in the labor force. Similarly, Latino Americans represent 15 percent of the labor force but 17 percent of the long-term unemployed. In contrast, white Americans experience unemployment and long-term unemployment at lower rates than their representation in the labor force. These discrepancies are problems that we cannot sweep under the rug. The costs of higher education exacerbate the problems of differential investment and unemployment that contribute to the wealth gap. Recent analyses by Mark Kantrowitz, the publisher of FinAid.org found that student loan debt in 2010 surpassed credit card debt for the first time. The report--Trends in Higher Education Series 2010--found that black graduates with bachelor's degrees exceeded other racial and ethnic groups for highest debt. For 2007 to 2008, 27 percent of black graduates with bachelor's degrees had over $30,500 in debt, compared to only 16 percent of white graduates, 14 percent of Latino graduates and 9 percent of Asian American graduates. The high-cost of college creates a two-fold obstacle for black households to become middle class. Some youth may choose not to attend higher education given the costs, dramatically reducing their income and ability to enter the middle class. Other youth face overwhelming debt that combines with poor job opportunities that make a middle-class lifestyle difficult to obtain. These studies demonstrate that black families will face serious obstacles to becoming middle class, furthering the wealth gap. High rates of unemployment and college debt will make it difficult for recent graduates to enter the middle class. These difficulties with obtaining well-paying jobs are expected to grow given the discussion of continued cuts in public sector jobs and capital investment in the name of deficit reduction. So my fellow colleagues, I urge us to address the wealth gap head on. It affects our economy and the well-being of our citizens. Right now, we need to do everything we can to rebuild our economy. We need to fix our economy, and we need to help our citizens who have borne the brunt of the economic crisis recover. Government intervention and investment are needed to make our Nation's economy and households strong again.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentleman from California for his introduction of this very thoughtful measure. I can't help but recall the fact that I was given a Tuskegee Airmen jacket by the DODO Club, the DODO Chapter in Chicago. I wear it whenever I get a chance in honor of Lieutenant Goodall and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen. I urge the passage of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this measure, Representative Adam Schiff from California.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentlelady for her introduction of this measure. I urge its passage. I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of H.R. 2548, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6310 North University Street in Peoria, Illinois, as the Charles ``Chip'' Lawrence Chan Post Office Building. H.R. 2548 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Aaron Schock of Illinois, on July 14, 2011. And I, along with the entire Illinois delegation, are proud cosponsors of the underlying bill. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously agreed to report out H.R. 2548, given the sad circumstances that led to the death of the bill's designee. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2548 will rename the post office in Peoria in honor of a young man who was unfortunately a victim of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Chip, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, gave the full measure of the greatest devotion that one can display: He gave his life in support of his country and in service to his country. I have no further speakers, Mr. Speaker, and so I urge passage of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 2244, which would rename the United States Postal Service facility at 67 Castle Street in Geneva, New York, as the Corporal Steven Blaine Riccione Post Office Building. The measure before us was first introduced by Representative Richard Hanna from New York on June 21, 2011 and, in accordance with committee requirements, is cosponsored by all members of the New York delegation. Further, H.R. 2244 was taken up by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on June 22, 2011, where it was favorably reported out of committee by voice vote. Mr. Speaker, I would like to briefly highlight some of the achievements and honorable service of Corporal Riccione. Corporal Steven Riccione was 20 years old when he volunteered to join the United States Army during the Vietnam War. A native of Geneva, New York, and a graduate of Geneva High School, Corporal Riccione served our Nation admirably up to the point of his death in the Quang Tin province of South Vietnam on September 27, 1967. Corporal Riccione died in action while helping evacuate wounded soldiers after a fierce battle with North Vietnamese troops. No greater gift can one give than to give his life in service to his country and his fellow men. I urge passage of H.R. 2244. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the gentleman for introducing this thoughtful measure and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. It is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this legislation, the gentleman from the Garden State of New Jersey, Representative Steve Rothman.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in support and consideration of H.R. 2213, which would rename the United States Postal Service facility located at 801 West Eastport Street in Iuka, Mississippi, as the Sergeant Jason W. Vaughn Post Office. H.R. 2213 was introduced on June 16, 2011, by our colleague Representative Alan Nunnelee from the State of Mississippi. Currently the bill is cosponsored by all four members of the Mississippi delegation and was favorably reported out of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on June 22, 2011, by voice vote. Mr. Speaker, the achievements and honorable service of Sergeant Jason Vaughn are certainly worth noting. The son of Walter Glenn and Llalanda RaNae Vaughn, Sergeant Vaughn grew up in his hometown of Iuka, Mississippi, where he graduated from Tishomingo County High School in 1996. Following graduation, Sergeant Vaughn enrolled in Northeast Mississippi Community College before going on to attend Mississippi State University. In 2003 Sergeant Vaughn made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Vaughn became a member of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which is based out of Fort Lewis, Washington. While serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Vaughn was tragically killed by an improvised explosive device on May 10, 2007, right outside of Baqubah, Iraq. This heroic soldier was only 29 years of age when he lost his life in service to our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of this young man's bravery and accomplishments, I ask that we pass the underlying bill without reservation and pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice made by Sergeant Jason Vaughn. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.