Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2778) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3 Quaker Ridge Road in New Rochelle, New York, as the ``Robert Merrill Postal Station''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of this legislation and again commend the gentlewoman from South Dakota for its introduction.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield such time as she might consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from South Dakota, Representative Herseth Sandlin.

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 move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2654) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 South Dumont Avenue in Woonsocket, South Dakota, as the ``Eleanor McGovern Post Office Building''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the Representative from the State of Tennessee, the City of Memphis and surrounding areas (Mr. Cohen).

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 move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2587) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 555 South 3rd Street Lobby in Memphis, Tennessee, as the ``Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr. Post Office,'' as amended.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this legislation, the former speaker of the house assembly in New Jersey and a distinguished Member of this body, Representative Albio Sires.

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 move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2467) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 69 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the ``Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building''.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we approach September 11, all of us have memories of that fateful day. All of us recognize that in order for our Nation to be strong and to feel secure, that not only must we be in a position to protect ourselves, but we also must cultivate friendships and relationships throughout the world. And so I would hope as we memorialize those who gave their lives and lost their lives on September 11, that we will renew our efforts to try and make sure that we can create for ourselves and the rest of the world a more stable, peaceful environment and let that be the legacy of those who gave the last measure of devotion, their lives.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule for H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access conference bill. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to commend the leadership in both the House and the Senate for this outstanding legislation. This bill recognizes the fact that without investment there is no return. And it is, indeed, a strong investment in the future of America. There are many components of the bill that are outstanding: loan forgiveness for public service, loan forgiveness for individuals who teach in high-need institutions, schools. But especially, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that this legislation focuses attention on the needs of primarily minority-serving institutions like Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, PBIs, predominantly black institutions, and of course Native American and Pacific Island institutions. I want to commend Mr. Hinojosa, who is the chairman of our subcommittee, and urge that this legislation be passed. First of all, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the leadership in both the House and the Senate for this outstanding legislation. This bill recognizes the fact that without investment, there is no return. And it is indeed a strong investment in the future of America. It expands access and makes higher education more accessible for all. It increases the Pell grant maximum to $4,800 next year and to $5,400 by 2012. It cuts interest rates, provides up-front tuition for students who agree to teach in high-need public schools, provides loan forgiveness for some public employees and, Mr. Speaker, I am especially pleased that it recognizes the unique needs of primarily minority serving institutions like Hispanic-serving Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Native American, Pacific American, Asian American and Predominately Black Institutions in which I took a particular interest. Importantly, it includes $510 million for these minority-serving institutions and $30 million for PBIs specifically. Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the leadership in both the House for this great work and especially subcommittee Chairman Hinojosa for his strong positions on the needs of minority students and primarily minority serving institutions.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, there is broad agreement that fathers matter in the upbringing of children. Studies show that children raised in the absence of a father are more likely to live in poverty. Children whose fathers interact with them on a regular basis on such daily activities as helping with homework, enjoying recreational opportunities and sharing meals have higher self-esteem and are better learners. Children raised in the absence of a father are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as early sexual activities, as well as drug and alcohol use. Statistics demonstrate that boys raised in fatherless homes are more likely to become violent. No one argues that there is any one model of family structure, but the elimination of government barriers to healthy relationships and healthy marriages, the promotion of cooperative parenting skills, and the fostering of economic stability and the provision of incentives to noncustodial parents to fulfill financial and emotional support responsibilities are clearly in the best interest of millions of children. What we have learned is that even effective fatherhood programs cannot by themselves address the growing crisis arising out of the trend toward a single-parent home. What is required is a national social infrastructure which supports effective fatherhood. Therefore, on Friday of this week, I, with Representative Artur Davis, Julia Carson, Bobby Rush and others shall introduce the Responsible Healthy Fatherhood Act. The Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2007 restores cuts in Federal child support and requires States to pass through 100 percent of collected child support payments. It prohibits unfair and unequal treatment of two-parent families receiving TANF. It provides grants to help reduce barriers to healthy family relationships and obstacles to sustainable employment. The Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2007 ensures equal funding for programs such as mediation and conflict resolution. It provides funding for partnership between domestic violence prevention organizations and fatherhood or marriage programs to train staff in domestic violence and domestic violence prevention. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is designed to promote healthy family living; and I encourage all of my colleagues to take a hard look at it and support it.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2309) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3916 Milgen Road in Columbus, Georgia, as the ``Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr. Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 471) congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, on their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on June 6, 2007, in Anaheim, California, the Anaheim Ducks won the National Hockey League Stanley Cup. They won with a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in the decisive fifth game of the championship series. The Ottawa Senators were worthy opponents and should be congratulated for a hard-fought Stanley Cup series. The Ducks' win marked their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history and by a team from the State of California. I join all my colleagues in congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, on their victory in the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Rep. Loretta Sanchez for seeking to congratulate the Anaheim Ducks as the National Hockey League Champions and urge the swift passage of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, the Detroit Tigers has won 10 American League Baseball Pennants. In 2006, they made their first trip to the World Series in 22 years. I join all my colleagues in congratulating the Detroit Tigers on winning the 2006 American League Pennant. Additionally, we commend the players, coaches, management, and fans for this great victory and accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Mike Rogers for seeking to congratulate the Detroit Tigers for winning the 2006 American League Pennant and for bring the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan their first trip to the World Series in 22 years and urge the swift passage of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on June 28, 2007, Mr. Craig Biggio is the 27th professional baseball player in major league history to make 3,000 base hits. He is the ninth to do so while playing all of his games with one team. In 1988, Mr. Biggio began his distinguished career with the Houston Astros as a catcher. In 1992, hoping to extend his career, the team moved him to various positions, first to the outfield, then to second base, where he is currently playing. He is the only player to be named an All-star as both catcher and second baseman. After playing baseball for 20 years, he has announced his retirement at the end of this season. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Kevin Brady for introducing this legislation and urge the swift passage of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2765) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 44 North Main Street in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, as the ``Master Sergeant Sean Michael Thomas Post Office,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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 on the 13 Committee on Oversight and Government Reform bills previously considered.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill (S. 1099) to amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to make individuals employed by the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission eligible to obtain Federal health insurance, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, S. 1099 is a bill that makes a U.S. citizen employed by the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission eligible to obtain Federal health insurance. Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this bill. The Senate bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on June 14, 2007, the San Antonio Spurs won the 2007 National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship with a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was the Spurs fourth NBA Championship in the last 9 years. I join all my colleagues in congratulating the San Antonio Spurs and Coach Gregg Popovich for winning the 2007 National Basketball Association Championship.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 490) honoring the 2007 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.