Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 654) congratulating the Phoenix Mercury for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3308) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 East Main Street in Atwood, Indiana, as the ``Lance Corporal David K. Fribley Post Office''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of this legislation and yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3308, which names a postal facility in Atwood, Indiana, after Lance Corporal David K. Fribley. H.R. 3308, which was introduced by Representative Mark Souder on August 1, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice vote. This measure has the support of the entire Indiana congressional delegation. Madam Speaker, Marine Lance Corporal David K. Fribley was killed in action on March 23, 2003, near Nasiriyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Mr. Fribley earned a degree from Indiana State University in recreation and sports management. He was working at a retirement home in Fort Myers, Florida, a job he loved, when the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11, 2001. Mr. Fribley joined the Marines. He wrote in a letter to his parents: ``Right now, I'm sure I'm where God wants me to be.'' Lance Corporal Fribley served his country with honor and distinction. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, and America is eternally grateful. I commend my colleague, Representative Mark Souder, for introducing this legislation and urge its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly).

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 687) celebrating the 90th birthday of Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, and honoring his contributions to higher education, the Catholic Church, and the advancement of the humanitarian mission, as amended.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H. Res. 687, a resolution amended in committee, which recognizes Rev. Ted Hesburgh for his contributions to the civil rights movement in America, his tireless work to reduce the threat of nuclear conflict, and for seeking the peaceful resolution of international conflict. H. Res. 687, has 103 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Joe Donnelly on September 27, 2007. H. Res. 687, was reported from the Oversight Committee on October 4, as amended, by voice vote. Madam Speaker, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh is president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. He retired from active service as the 15th president of the university in 1987. During his 35 years as an educator, he oversaw the growth of the university and the admission of women to the undergraduate program. Rev. Hesburgh's public service was recognized when he received the Congressional Gold Medal in July of 2000. The leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives gathered in the rotunda of the Capitol as President William Clinton presented Rev. Hesburgh with the Congressional Gold Medal. Rev. Hesburgh has held 16 Presidential appointments pertaining to many social issues. Living 90 miles from Notre Dame, it was as if Father Hesburgh was the pied piper for Notre Dame University. During his tenure in office, young people, especially from throughout the entire Midwest, clamored for a spot at Notre Dame. High school students, especially those at many of the top Catholic schools throughout the country, their greatest hope was to get an opportunity to go to Notre Dame. And so I am pleased to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to a man who is difficult to describe. Yes, he was an educator. Yes, he was a priest. Yes, he was Catholic; but he was so many things until there is no way that you can pigeonhole him. You can only say here is a great American who has contributed significantly to the development of the world order. And so I urge passage of this resolution. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, I can assure everybody that the Chicago Bears have a great deal of respect for Brett Favre, and I don't intend to get into Central Division football, but I do rise in strong support of this resolution, a bill that commends Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for establishing a National Football League record. Football is an American pastime, and even people who don't know a great deal about the game oftentimes get caught up in what takes place, what goes on and what is happening. And so when one can rise to the top of the list in his profession, throw more passes than anybody else has ever thrown, thrill more audiences than perhaps anyone else thrilled, keep people coming and enjoying and interacting and being proud of not only the areas that they come from but proud of the contribution that one makes not only on the field but off the field, all of the charitable groups and organizations of which Brett and his family are a part of, gives us further reason to commend Representative Steve Kagen for his introduction of this legislation. I certainly would urge its passage.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the author of this legislation, Representative Steve Kagen.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam 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. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 697) commending Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for establishing a National Football League record for most career touchdown passes, and for other purposes.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, realizing that I will not have an opportunity to call the Chicago Cubs champions this year, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 630, a bill that congratulates the Warner Robins Little League baseball team. H. Res. 630, which has 55 cosponsors, was introduced by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) on September 4, 2007. H. Res. 630 was reported from the Oversight Committee on October 4, 2007, by a voice vote. Madam Speaker, Georgia's Warner Robins Little League team beat Tokyo 3-2, to claim the world championship title on August 26, 2007. This is the second year in a row that a Georgia team has won the Little League Baseball World Series Championship game. Dalton Carriker hit a dramatic home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat the Japanese baseball team for the championship. Carriker said, ``I felt like I was flying, like Peter Pan. I didn't know what I was doing.'' This was a stunning home run that gave the United States its third straight Little League Championship. Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) for congratulating the Warner Robins Little League baseball team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series. I know that oftentimes individuals wonder why these things are done and what relevance they are, but the reality is that as young people grow to function with each other and learn the value of teamwork and learn what it means to win not just a game of baseball, but what it means to win in the game of life, all of the things that it takes to be successful as a Little League baseball team, those same principles can be applied to everyday life. When we congratulate these young people, we are also encouraging other young people. I would love to see a Little League baseball team on every square mile, in every neighborhood, in every block, so that as many young people as possible would get the opportunity to experience what the youngsters from Warner Robins, Georgia, have been able to experience. Madam Speaker, again, I commend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) for his introduction of this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of H. Res. 630, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall).

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 630) congratulating the Warner Robins Little League Baseball Team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series Championship.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 588, a bill that recognizes Martha Coffin Wright on the 200th anniversary of her birth and her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. H. Res. 588, which has 55 cosponsors, was introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri) on July 31, 2007. H. Res. 588 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 4, 2007, by a voice vote. Madam Speaker, Martha Coffin Wright was the youngest of eight children, and her sister Lucretia Coffin Mott was the second oldest. The two sisters worked tireless hours as activists for women's rights. Mrs. Wright participated in many State and national women's rights conventions in various capacities, often serving as president. She was also active in the abolition movement. With her sister, Mrs. Mott, Mrs. Wright attended the founding meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia in 1833. Later, she presided over many anti-slavery meetings which were often disrupted by angry anti-abolitionist mobs. She used her home in Auburn, New York, as a station on the Underground Railroad to help runaway slaves gain their freedom. Mrs. Wright was a good friend and supporter of Harriet Tubman. Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri) for seeking to honor the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Wright and remind us all of what she and other people like her taught, a lesson that we remember even to this day, and that is the primary right that we actually have is the right to struggle. Those who would dare to struggle would dare to be victorious. Madam Speaker, again, I commend my colleague from New York (Mr. Arcuri) for his introduction of this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he might consume to the author of this legislation, Representative Michael Arcuri from New York.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures on September 25. If I were present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of the following bills: Roll 895, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H.R. 1400, To enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by imposing additional economic sanctions against Iran, and for other purposes. Roll 896, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 584: Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Life Insurance Awareness Month.'' Roll 897, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Con. Res. 210: Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Roll 898, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 663: Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. Roll 899, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 548: Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon. Roll 900, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 642: Expressing sympathy to and support for the people and governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico which have suffered from Hurricanes Felix, Dean, and Henriette and whose complete economic and fatality toll are still unknown. Roll 901, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 557: Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda. Roll 902, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Table the Motion to Appeal the Ruling of the Chair. Roll 903, September 25, 2007: On Ordering the Previous Question. H. Res. 675--Rule providing for consideration of the SCHIP bill. Roll 904, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 675--Rule providing for consideration of the SCHIP bill. Roll 905, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 95--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month, and for other purposes.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of H.R. 3432, the 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007. The transatlantic slave trade was the forcible capture and procurement of more than 12 million Africans. These men, women, and children were transported in bondage from their African homelands to the Americas for the purpose of enslavement between the sixteenth and late nineteenth centuries. The actual transport is often referred to as ``The Middle Passage.'' During this transition, many Africans suffered abuses of rape and perished as a result of torture, malnutrition, disease, and resistance. If these individuals survived the trip, their fate was a life of slavery. I recently visited Ghana. During this trip, I toured the former slave dungeon, Cape Coast Castle. I also had the opportunity to stand in the ``Door of No Return'' where captives were held with little light, water, and absolutely no toilet facilities. Over 125 million West Africans died during the Middle Passage, and more than one-third of the people captured died within the first 3 years of their life on a plantation. The importance of this legislation lies in the fact that the slave trade and the legacy of slavery continue to have a profound impact on social and economic disparity, hatred, bias, racism, and discrimination. This legislation underscores the fact that the legacy of the slave trade continues to affect people of African descent today. One of the key purposes of this act is to ensure a suitable national observance of the 200th anniversary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade. By sponsoring and supporting commemorative programs, we raise awareness of the transatlantic slave trade and its effects, as well as recognize the experiences of all people during this period in history. I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3432 in creating this commission that would not only celebrate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, but also educate citizens regarding a significant part of our Nation's history.