Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in support of H.R. 4840, a bill designating the United States postal facility located at 1981 Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, as the Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office. H.R. 4840 was introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio, Representative Patrick Tiberi, on March 12, 2010. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which reported it by unanimous consent on March 18, 2010. The measure passed the Senate with an amendment correcting the address by unanimous consent on May 25, 2010. It has bipartisan support from 17 members of the Ohio delegation. Mr. Clarence Lumpkin was born in 1925 and spent years as a community activist in Columbus, Ohio. He is also affectionately referred to as the ``Mayor of Linden,'' a neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Lumpkin has helped the Community Development Block Grant Task Force, persuaded the city to separate storm and sanitation sewers to stop basement flooding, led antidrug marches throughout Columbus, made Linden the first inner-city community with lights on every residential street, and improved the Linden area by including the Point of Pride concept that was first shared by city leaders in a speech given in 1974. Before moving to Linden, Mr. Lumpkin served in the United States Army and is a veteran of World War II. Mr. Speaker, Clarence Lumpkin has spent his life serving his community and his country doing everything he could to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this great American by supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1722, the Telework Improvements Act. This legislation is similar to a bill I introduced last Congress that passed the House with bipartisan support by voice vote. Unfortunately, the Senate never acted on that bill so I am pleased that we once again have the opportunity to move telework legislation forward with the leadership of Representative Sarbanes. We currently know that telework continues to be underutilized by Federal agencies and improvements are needed to allow more Federal employees to participate in telework programs. Telework provides numerous benefits including increased flexibilities for both employers and employees, continuity of operations during emergency events--as noted by the massive snow storms that shut down the government during February, yet saved the government an estimated $30 million each day and decreased energy use and air pollution by minimizing the amount of congestion on the roads. Study after study has shown these benefits to be paramount to making the Federal Government more efficient, productive, and prepared. However, a top information security officer at the State Department recently stated: ``the real national security issue is if we had something that disrupted the ability of the Federal workforce to get to the office, could we continue to provide the services of government? I think you'd find that many departments and agencies would have problems.'' This speaks to the need and importance of the passage of this bill. In addition, according to a survey of Patent and Trademark Office employees, 80 percent of employees who telework report that the flexibility of working at home has allowed them to decrease the amount of sick leave used by at least 8 hours per year. Since the 109th Congress, my office has aggressively participated in the Telework program and created a more worker friendly environment for our working families. The attributes of teleworking alone allows greater flexibility for these parents while increasing a better work attitude and work product. I encourage all Members of Congress to get more involved in the Telework program in the future as we move to make a more efficient and productive government. I am pleased to join Representative Sarbanes in supporting H.R. 1722. Plus, we've heard the tremendous cost savings that exist, as well as the anti-pollution measures that take place, but I feel very fortunate in my office to have had individuals who have effectively used telework, I guess to the nth degree; and it has proven to be not only cost savings, but it also has provided them the opportunity to spend time with young children, with their families to the extent they needed to do. This gives us an opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest and have them be productive. It is a great measure. I am pleased to support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the chairman for yielding. You know, I've been told that if you don't want to do something, any excuse is good enough. And every time I hear my colleagues talk about paying for this and paying for that, I'm reminded of Frederick Douglass, who used to say that he knew one thing, if he didn't know anything else. That is that in this world, you may not get everything that you pay for, but you certainly will pay for everything that you get; and, if you don't pay one way, then you're going to pay another way. Well, I can tell you that the people who are unemployed have already paid because they've already worked. They've already paid into the system. And I can wonder how we're going to feel when we go to our parades on the Fourth of July, when we're singing patriotic songs--``My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty''--and when we talk about all of the freedoms that we have, we've got 1.7 million people who are free to be broke, who are free to be unemployed, free to be hungry, free to be living in misery, wondering where their next meal is going to come from. How do they pay the rent? How do they keep their kids in school? Well, I can tell you, I can't believe that we would actually do this. And so any excuse is good enough if you don't want to do it, but let's do the real and the right thing. Let's vote to extend unemployment benefits to those who deserve it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I would like to communicate my support for designating the week of May 2, 2010 as ``National Physical Education and Sport Week.'' America faces an obesity crisis, and this problem is particularly harmful to our children. The childhood obesity rate has more than tripled since 1980, and today the CDC places the rate at approximately 17%. This crisis, however, does not affect all children equally. It disproportionately affects children from racial/ ethnic minority groups and from low-income families. Although only 16% of Caucasians aged 12-19 are obese, 24% of African Americans and 21% of Hispanics are obese. Obesity in childhood is particularly troubling given that obese children often develop many diseases in their youth that typically occur in adults, such as Type II diabetes. Frequently, these children also develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Furthermore, obesity in childhood increases the likelihood of obesity and its associated health problems in adulthood, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In addition to the negative health effects of childhood obesity, the crisis also proves costly to the health care system. It is estimated that childhood obesity costs the U.S. approximately $3 billion a year, and this number will only grow worse if we fail to correct this problem. Although many factors contribute to the increased obesity of our children, including the lack of nutrition in many children's diets, a key variable is that the American life style has changed to be more sedentary both in school and at home. Physical activity during the school day is restricted much more now than in the past. Only 15% of middle schools and 3% of high schools offer all their students physical education three or more days a week. Many schools offer PE only once a week, with recess seen as an extra rather than a key part of child development. In the past, children played outside for hours after school, but active outdoor time is now much rarer. A 2009 study found that children ages 8-18 watch an average of three hours of television a day. Although these factors affect all children, they are intensified for minority and low income children. Schools in low income areas often cut physical education to one day a week to focus on reading and math. Minimum wage jobs rarely offer the flexibility needed to get kids to sports practices and events; doing so is even harder when public transportation is necessary. Some communities lack safe places to play outdoors, so children engage in more sedentary activities inside. Frequently, low income communities lack grocery stores and options for fresh produce. We must work to reemphasize the importance of physical activity, so that each child has an equal chance at living a healthy life. We cannot allow this unwholesome future to become the destiny of America's children. Let us instead face this problem, and help these children. We can begin to fight this epidemic by recognizing the importance of physical education and sport in children's lives. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1373.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the participants and sponsors of the National Junior Disability Championships. This annual competition, founded by Wheelchair Sports USA, has helped teach the value of sports to young athletes since 1984. It began as a small competition for wheelchair athletes ages 7 to 21. Since that time, it has continued to grow both in nature and number. The competition expanded in scope to include athletes with many different types of disabilities, not just those in wheelchairs. Athletes with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, blindness, and many other disabilities now participate in the competition. Reflecting this expansion in mission, the sponsoring organization changed its name to Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports USA. The diversity of sports offered also increased. Although only three sports were initially offered, athletes now participate in seven areas of competition. Over 300 athletes from around the country participate each year. For some of these young athletes, the National Junior Disability Championships competition provides a pathway to qualify for the U.S. Paralympics team. More importantly, however, it provides these young people the opportunity to develop the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, and perseverance offered by sports. Participants also benefit in other ways. For example, research shows the importance of physical activity in both the physical and mental development of children. This event removes the barriers that so often prevent these young people with disabilities from participating in sports, allowing them to reap the benefits of athletic competition. In closing, I would also like to congratulate the athletes participating in the National Junior Disability Championships. It takes great perseverance, commitment, and strength of spirit to participate in this type of competition. I wish you the best of luck as you prepare for your respective athletic events.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of the most admired, most loved and most influential members of my community, and of my congressional district. She was not a minister, she was not a physician, she was not an athlete, she was not a gangster and she was not a public educator or well known philanthropist. She was a queen, the queen of soul, the queen of soul food. She was the owner of Edna's Soul Food Restaurant where she fed kings and queens but never lost the common touch. Edna and her father, the late Mr. Sam Mitchell Sr. opened Edna's in the 1960's and operated a number of businesses in the Garfield Park Community. Their good food, personality and community spirit propelled Edna's into becoming a community institution. During his stay in Chicago, it was one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, favorite eating places and of course they fed him and his staff often times for free. Over the years Edna's became the place to be, it was a meeting place for ministers, politicians, business persons and others. I have held regular meetings there for both my political and government activities. Mayors, governors, Presidents, entertainers, athletes and other well known personalities were there on a regular basis. Edna and her family were not just proprietors; they were a community institution, her parents, her sisters, including Judge Judy Mitchell Davis, her brother Sam, Sister Alice, all contributed greatly to the community. One former governor always called it Edna's Kitchen and would inquire about meeting there. Governor Pat Quinn earlier this year proclaimed Edna's Day while feasting on black-eyed peas and cornbread. Edna would hire young people and help them go to college. I cannot count the times she asked me about scholarships and financial aid for students. Edna did more than just manage a restaurant. She was a guidance counselor, a community resource, she hired people fresh out of prison, she fed the hungry, she clothed those who were naked, and she gave hope to the hopeless and provided help for the helpless. She was active in her church, participated in politics and played a substantial role in community affairs. Although Edna is gone, her spirit lives on in her recipes and in her legacy of generosity. Goodbye to our Queen of Soul . . . that is soul food.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, we are gathered today with the opportunity to implement Wall Street reform, and help make our financial markets safer for everyday American citizens, investors, and small businesses. At the center of our efforts today is the concept of power, and what it means to those who have it, and those who don't. Baltasar Gracian, a renowned Spanish Jesuit writer, once said that ``The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.'' I think many people would agree with me that the corporations and executives on Wall Street have considerable power. The question remains, however, whether they are using that power to do good things. People will point out, and I agree, that they are making many people very wealthy, but at what cost? For too long corporate interests have been allowed to dominate decision making in America's financial capital, and many times, this has meant unfair and predatory practices. As lawmakers, we should set out to make our financial markets a more evenhanded place for our citizens, and the consumers that put their trust and money on the line. One of the key things that H.R. 4173 will do is to create a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, tasked with the responsibility of making sure consumer lending practices are fair. Also, under the Volcker rule, large financial institutions would no longer be allowed to engage in risky trading using federal dollars, supported by taxpayers. Throughout the many various initiatives and stipulations in the bill, one theme is clear: protecting American citizens, and maintaining a fair market that allows both informed consumers and powerful financial markets to thrive in tandem. H.R. 4173 does not set out to take power away from those on Wall Street, but to make sure they use their many strengths and abilities for the benefit of the average American investor and small business owner. I rise in support of H.R. 4173, the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010, knowing that the benefits and wealth for the few should not come at the cost of the many.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I received a phone call early this morning from one of my constituents. He said to me, Congressman Davis, I have had a job since I was 18 years old. I have always worked, but my unemployment benefits ran out at the end of May. My basement is flooded as a result of the heavy rains. My son is in college and can't find a summer job. Our house is almost in foreclosure. There are no jobs to be found. And now I have no unemployment benefits. What can I do? And the only thing I could say to him was, You can keep looking, you can have faith, and you can have hope. But there is something that we can do. We can pass 5618, to extend unemployment benefits for you and your family, and for the other hundreds of thousands of families throughout America. That's the very least we can do, and we ought to do it now.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I, first of all, want to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the United States Secret Service Uniform Division Modernization Act, but I also rise today to congratulate the Chicago Blackhawks on their Stanley Cup win over the Philadelphia Flyers. As every sports fan in Chicago knows, the Hawks are proud to share the United Center which is in the heart of my district with that other historic team known as the Bulls. Mr. Speaker, as my daddy used to say: ``Life is 95 percent anticipation.'' Or to use the words of the great American balladeer Bruce Springsteen: ``It's been a long time comin', my dear. It's been a long time comin', but now it's here.'' Hockey doesn't always get its due share of attention in many parts of America, but some of the most memorable moments in sports are found in hockey. Mr. Speaker, who doesn't know of the ``Miracle on Ice'' during the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, where Team USA defeated the Soviet team which was considered the best in the world. Well, Mr. Speaker, this year's Stanley Cup winner, the Chicago Blackhawks, were like Team USA, the underdogs, the David to the Goliaths of Philadelphia. We weren't the fastest or the highest-scoring team. But what we had was grit, drive, courage, determination, and vision to go with the fired-up fan base. This is the first Stanley Cup win for the Blackhawks since 1961. The Blackhawks' recent victory has inspired all of Chicago and aroused fans of the team to a fever pitch. Chicago is red and black all over. The Hawks dominated because of their perseverance, hard work, and dedication to the sport. Johann Gottfried Herder once said, ``What destiny sends, bear. Whatever perseveres will be crowned.'' The Blackhawks have persevered and have been rightly crowned. I congratulate the Blackhawks' head coach Joel Quenneville for giving his team direction and instilling the determination necessary to achieve this well-deserved victory. And while handing out congratulations, let us not forget the Blackhawks' team captain Jonathan Toews. The youngest Mr. Toews possesses superior leadership skills and ability and was able to guide his team through to victory. So I thank, again, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for yielding. I was rushing hard to try to get here before this ended because I am, indeed, proud to represent the world-famous, world-known, world-renowned Chicago Blackhawks who make up a part of the heart and the spirit of the congressional district that I have the good fortune to represent.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in supporting the designation of July 2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month,'' and in congratulating the National Federation of the Blind for seventy years of outstanding service. I am delighted that we have this opportunity to reflect on the progress made to services for the blind, and to build on this progress for the future of Braille literacy. One-hundred-eighty years ago, the first Braille book was published-- an accomplishment that has since allowed for millions of people, who are blind or of low vision, to read, write and communicate. For a person who is blind, Braille has become a basic skill that lies at the center of the continuing efforts for fairness and equal education. The National Federation of the Blind, as both the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, is integral to this continuous tight for equality. For the past several decades, the National Federation of the Blind has advocated strongly for the translation of more books and textbooks into Braille so as to both promote Braille literacy and help integrate blind persons into society. As policymakers, we must support the advancement of equality and knowledge that is imbibed in the actions of the NFB. Declaring July 2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month'' would be one step, but an important one, in our efforts towards promoting equality and education for all persons in the United States. In my hometown of Chicago, there is a nonprofit organization called the Chicago Lighthouse that has provided services and support for the blind for several decades, much like the NFB. Amongst their many accomplishments in education and job training, the Chicago Lighthouse is also responsible for the manufacturing of the many clocks that you see in the U.S. government today--a testament to the skills, talent, and work of the people they serve. Though only one of many achievements, the clocks that you see around you today demonstrate the continuing need to provide equal access to job opportunities and education to those who are blind so as to fulfill their potentials. In declaring July 2010 as Braille Literacy Month, we would not only be promoting literacy for the blind, but progressing down a road of true equality as well.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support and recognition of National Homeownership Month and the importance of owning a home. Homeownership is a signifying mark of hard work and informed decisionmaking. Therefore it is in the interest of us all to ensure that our decisions about homeownership are informed. During National Homeownership Month, there is an emphasis placed on the importance of providing first time home buyers and those who have acquired home information that is imperative to them making informed decisions. In light of the current economic recession, it is crucial that information of this nature is provided to the people in an effort to revive the economy. The recognition of National Homeownership Month is especially important as it pertains to my constituents. In the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, the community of North Lawndale has real estate values estimated at six figures, the median income of the people that live there is estimated to be five figures, and there have been over 200 foreclosures as of June 16, 2010. I firmly believe that the foreclosure of those homes could have been prevented had the constituents been informed and privy to the information necessary to make the best decision for themselves and their families. It is also important to recognize the importance of owning a home given the social and familial ties that are associated with and can be cultivated by homeownership. Homeownership is essential to building the foundations of longstanding social networks. It is imperative that there is stability in the society for the purpose of cultivating and expanding the social networks we develop into meaningful relationships aimed at making substantial change through these relationships.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to support the designating of 2010 as the Year of the Father. One- hundred years ago, Father's Day was founded by a mother who recognized the vitally important role of fatherhood. As a father myself, I am honored and humbled by this annual day of recognition and celebration, and happily recall all the positive memories and influences my own father had with me. I'm sure that most people in this room already know of the importance of fathers. Fathers bring love, care, and emotional support that work in tandem with the support of mothers to bring about positive development for their children. For some, however, fatherhood is a foreign concept. Twenty-three percent of families with children in 2008 were maintained by single mothers. Approximately sixty percent of children born during the 1990s lived or would live significant portions of their lives without fathers. For minorities, the numbers are even more daunting, with only thirty-five percent of African American children living with two married parents, and only fifty percent of children having regular contact with their fathers. For these same minority families, being a father is simply not the same. Barriers like education and access to jobs continue to restrict the involvement of men who would otherwise be involved fathers. While it is important to promote and celebrate the significance of fathers, it is equally important to recognize that fatherhood comes with varying obstacles and responsibilities for every background. To fully promote a healthy nation and support the ideals behind designating 2010 as the Year of the Father, it is crucial that we pursue more opportunities for non-custodial and would-be fathers to live up to their potential, and the potential of our present and future generations. It is my hope that by declaring 2010 as the Year of the Father, we would not only be honoring and recognizing the importance of fathers to the family, but also encouraging reform to make fatherhood a reality for countless Americans.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Real Men Cook for Charity in Chicago for its annual event which was held on Sunday, Father's Day, at the Kennedy King College for the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles, family values, and community spirit. As is usually the case, it was well-attended by hundreds of individuals and their families as a tribute to fathers. I again commend them for this great activity.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 288) supporting National Men's Health Week.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 288 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of the annual National Men's Health Week, the observance of which is designed to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. H. Con. Res. 288 was introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), on June 14, 2010. It was reported out of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by unanimous consent on June 17, 2010. H. Con. Res. 288 enjoys bipartisan support from over 50 cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in America among men, including heart disease and cancer, affect men at a significantly higher percentage than women. In addition, the CDC has reported that women are 100 percent more likely than men to seek annual medical examinations and preventative health care. Moreover, health statistics also indicate that despite advances in medical care, men continue to live an average of approximately 6 fewer years than women, with African American men having the lowest life expectancy. Nonetheless, many male-related health problems, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and colon cancer are treatable upon early detection. Specifically, the use of prostate cancer-specific antigen exams, blood pressure screenings, and other exams, when coupled with clinical examination and self-testing for testicular cancer, can lead to early detection and increase survival rates to nearly 100 percent. Accordingly, we must do more to encourage healthy behavior and disease prevention within America's male population. A more concentrated focus upon male-related health conditions such as prostate, colon, and testicular cancer, along with a genuine commitment to addressing heart health, will go a long way toward ensuring that men have access to critical health information. In addition, it is important to remember that prevention and treatment of men's health conditions are critical not only to men, but also to the health and well-being of the American family. Having just recently celebrated Father's Day, I believe that it is important for this legislative body to recognize men's health from a family perspective. Furthermore, while an effort to encourage prevention and wellness among the male population can help meet our primary goal of improving health outcomes, in the aggregate, utilization of these preventive services can lower health costs that currently are spiraling out of control. Mr. Speaker, since 1994, National Men's Health Week has served as a catalyst for increased attention towards men's health issues. So I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 288, recognizing the tremendous importance of these efforts. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it's now my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the author of this resolution, the very distinguished gentleman from Maryland, Representative Elijah Cummings.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend, again, Representative Cummings for his introduction of this very important resolution. I also want to commend the community health centers in my congressional district, and especially the Near North Health Corporation, for their focus on men's health. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 546) recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and more effectively facing the challenges of the future.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1369) recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.