Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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 move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1130) recognizing the roles and contributions of America's teachers to building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being.

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 might consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important contributions that teachers make to our Nation. Next week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. The National PTA created Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984 to show gratitude to the many teachers in the United States. It is a chance for us to thank those individuals who have contributed greatly to society in ways that cannot be measured. It is a chance for us to recognize the selflessness and dedication of teachers and to show our respect for the teaching profession. Mr. Speaker, we know that good teachers make a tremendous difference to our Nation's youth. During the last decade, a body of evidence has grown to support the notion that teacher quality is the single most important factor outside of the home in affecting student achievement. Teachers serve as excellent role models and instill a love for knowledge and lifelong learning in our students. We know that teaching is an important profession that deserves our support and respect. Teachers have the important job of helping to shape tomorrow's leaders. Those in the teaching profession work tirelessly for little reward, and good teachers constantly reflect on their lessons and modify instruction to reach the diverse needs of the students in their classrooms. Quality teachers hone their skills and are experts not only in the subject matter, but also in connecting with young people and making learning come alive. Unfortunately, research has also shown us the negative impacts of teacher shortages. It is important and imperative that schools and communities support teachers. National Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity for all of us to pursue and recognize the selfless dedication of our educators. It is also an opportunity for us to recognize the importance of education and make absolutely certain that every child in America has the greatest opportunity to achieve this commodity that we call education. So we have to search our budgets, stretch our imagination and find the resources that are necessary to attract the best and the brightest individuals into the teaching profession. Yes, there is no greater profession in our country than that of teaching. I call teachers the salt of the Earth, the pillars of the universe, those individuals who give of themselves each and every day so that others will have the opportunity to connect with this vast reservoir of knowledge that we have to be spread around. I am indeed pleased, Mr. Speaker, to join with all of those who urge passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to thank Representative Platts and Representative Poe for their comments relative to this resolution, and certainly join with them in expressing again tremendous appreciation for all of those in the teaching profession. As I listened to them, I couldn't help but be reminded of important teachers during my life. I began school in a one-room school, as a matter of fact, in your home State of Arkansas, where one woman, Ms. Beadie King, taught eight grades plus the little primer and the big primer all by herself. But then I was fortunate because, later on, she was the high school English teacher. And there are individuals who would suggest that I sometimes use poems and poetry and pithy words in expression, and practically all of that really came from Ms. Beadie King. She was unbelievable. As a matter of fact, she walked at least seven, eight miles to school every day to teach. There are a lot of teachers who give that kind of dedication today. They don't necessarily walk 7, 8 miles, but they go into their pockets and buy materials; they purchase clothing for their students when they don't have the appropriate things to wear; they purchase lunch for students; buy materials for their classes. They give the very best of everything that it is that they have. I don't think that we can ever express--I use the opportunity to express appreciation to my wife who taught for more than 30 years, members of my family, my sister who just retired as a principal, my sister-in-law who just retired. And so there are many teachers that all of us stand on their shoulders. Like you, Representative Platts, I know that had not it been for those individuals that I came into contact with growing up, there is no way that I would be standing here this evening expressing myself as a Member of the greatest body that exists in the world, the United States House of Representatives. Again, I thank all of the teachers in America and urge passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert material relevant to H. Res. 1149 into the Record.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1149, commemorating April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, tens of thousands of Americans nationwide are afflicted with this disease. However, currently, there is no cure, no definitive identification of exactly what causes sarcoidosis, no known measures to prevent it, and many people who have sarcoidosis do not exhibit any symptoms. So one might ask the question, what is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is characterized by the inflammation associated with the production of tiny lumps of cells in various organs of our bodies called granulomas because they look like grains of sugar or sand. These grain-like cells grow and clump together in an organ, affecting how the organ works. The increase of these growths can inflame vital organs like the lung, brain, skin, eyes and nervous system, causing seizures, blindness, disfiguring lesions, heart failure and sometimes even death. Sarcoidosis is overrepresented among African Americans compared to other races and ethnic groups, and afflicts African Americans more severely than other races in this country. By documenting the prevalence of sarcoidosis among fluorescent light bulb workers in the 1940s and among U.S. Navy deck grinders, and recognizing that sarcoidosis disproportionately affects factory workers and was the first diagnosis for an overwhelming majority of rescue workers in New York after the September 11, 2001, attacks, researchers at the American Lung Association have uncovered a link between certain types of occupations and this disease. More careful monitoring of a sarcoidosis diagnosis can dramatically improve public health, including the health of civilian and military workers. It is my hope that by passing this legislation, we will promote more careful examination and investigation of sarcoidosis diagnosis, and lead to the reduction of morbidity and mortality of workers, as well as reduce costs. By supporting House Resolution 1149 designating April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, we as the House of Representatives of these United States of America will demonstrate our acknowledgment of and commitment to the importance of raising awareness for the purpose of uncovering the causes of sarcoidosis disease, environmental and otherwise, and the promotion of strategies to support and protect our thriving workforce. I urge passage of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1149) expressing support for the designation of April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research the causes of the disease, environmental and otherwise, along with treatments and workforce strategies to support individuals with sarcoidosis, as amended.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1119) supporting the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days in which Members may have the opportunity to insert material relevant to H. Res. 1119 into the Record.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of April 27 to May 3, 2008, as National Volunteer Week, and to laud the efforts of volunteers who serve without reward to support America's communities. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to engage individuals throughout the Nation in a common goal of service to better our Nation. This year's theme, Volunteer to Change the World, hopes to inspire all people to connect with their community and truly make a difference through working together to effect positive change. In addition to many volunteer opportunities, the week will recognize deserving volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award and other significant signs of thanks. Next week, volunteers across the Nation will work on a wide variety of projects. Activities range from community arts projects, school renovations, park rehabilitation, and many more equally engaging projects. With a large force of volunteers working together, National Volunteer Week will demonstrate the power of volunteerism and highlight the strength of compassion. The large number of volunteers will continue to inspire the Nation to mobilize for positive change and help people discover their ability to make a difference. Volunteering has far reaching positive impacts on the community as a whole, and even on individual volunteers themselves. Research has shown that communities with high levels of social capital have a higher quality of life. Communities with strong volunteer networks, therefore, are healthy and dynamic places to live and work. Additionally, data shows that individuals who volunteer live longer than those who do not. Individuals and communities reap numerous constructive benefits from volunteering and can be the center of positive social change. So, Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for National Volunteer Week, and recognize all the hard work that volunteers put in on a daily basis. I encourage more people to become volunteers and recognize the fact that, by working together, we can more effectively meet the challenges our Nation face. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1154) supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert material relevant to H. Res. 1154 into the Record.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she might consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentlewoman from the State of Texas, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Representative Johnson from Texas for introducing this resolution, and I am pleased to join with her and with Representative Platts in supporting its passage. I rise in support of the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day. Workers Memorial Day allows us to honor and remember the many workers who have been injured or even killed in the workplace. Unfortunately, while the United States loses about 5,500 workers each year, more than 2 million people die worldwide from workplace-related accidents and disease. According to the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job fatality rate has been cut by 78 percent since 1970. While direct comparisons of injury data for 2006 and years prior to 2003 are not possible due to a change in classification systems, in general, declines in workplace fatalities and injuries have been much greater in those industries where the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has targeted its standards and enforcement activities. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which encourages OSHA industries, employers and employees, to support activities that increase awareness of the importance of preventing illness, injury and death in the workplace. I would also like to thank all those who took the time on Monday to remember those Americans who were injured, or those who have lost their lives due to a workplace accident. And so, again, Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Johnson from Texas for introducing this timely and important resolution. I also thank Mr. Platts, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, for his support. But I also thank him for the opportunity to work with him this afternoon. It's been a pleasure, as it always is. He is one of the most pleasant Members of this House, and it's always a pleasure to interact and work with him. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5479) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 117 North Kidd Street in Ionia, Michigan, as the ``Alonzo Woodruff Post Office Building''.

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. 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, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman who introduced this legislation, Representative Lynch from Massachusetts. (Mr. LYNCH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)