Danny Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

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

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 legislation, Representative Russ Carnahan from the State of Missouri.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, in the words of novelist, P.D. James, ``What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give.'' Our children are entitled to stable, caring homes; if we deny them what they truly deserve, we can anticipate a colder, more uncertain future for our nation. This week marks the tenth anniversary of subsidized guardianship in Illinois, an innovative program that allows foster children to exit the child welfare system into permanent families while using federal funds to provide caregivers with the level of resources provided to adoptive families of children in foster care. To recognize this milestone, my colleague Tim Johnson and I introduced H.R. 2188, the Kinship Caregiver Support Act. Modeled after the adoption assistance program, innovative programs in Illinois, and recommendations from the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care, this bill provides kinship caregivers with the necessary resources to address their children's needs. The bill addresses gaps in existing foster care laws that withhold important supports from children living with relative guardians. By enacting the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, Congress recognized the need to align Federal incentives with the desired goal of providing abused and neglected children safe, permanent homes. Nearly half a million children make up our nation's foster care population, with more than one in four of these vulnerable children living with a grandparent or other relative. Unfortunately, federal financial assistance currently is available only to foster and adoptive families, with only a few states receiving a waiver to provide subsidized guardianship. However, adoption is not a viable option for many children to exit foster care. For example, courts explicitly rule out this permanency option for approximately 20,000 children in relative care each year. Moreover, adoption is not equally availed by families of all races and ethnicities, especially those in African-American and Native-American communities. Thus, subsidized guardianship is an important path to permanency for many abused and neglected children. The current Federal guidelines also create financial disincentives to guardianship. Almost 19% of kinship care providers live in poverty, and 30% to 40% of children in foster care have chronic medical problems. Subsidized guardianship, like the federal adoption assistance program, provides needed support to these kinship caregivers to afford appropriate care for these vulnerable children. Terminating support to families once guardianship is established presents overwhelming hardships for these children and families that discourage them from leaving foster care. The limited federal support for guardianship is a critical roadblock to permanency for thousands of children, resulting in their remaining in the foster care longer than necessary and possibly aging out of the system without a legal family of their own. With 10 years of experience under our belts, Illinois shows that subsidized guardianship works. Unfortunately, the subsidized guardianship waiver program expired in 2006. This means that no new states can benefit from the program, and, when the existing waivers for 15 states--including 10 Illinois--expire in the next few years, our children and thousands of children others will be denied this vital permanency option if new subsidized guardianship legislation is not passed. So, the Kinship Caregiver Support Act allows states the option to provide guardianship assistance to relatives without a waiver. It also implements additional supports for kinship caregivers, such as establishing informational navigator programs to assist grandparents and relatives in accessing appropriate services and supports. Further, it allows states to establish separate licensing standards for relative foster parents and non-relative foster parents and requires state agencies to provide prompt notice to all adult relatives when children are removed from parental custody. The bill also extends innovative Illinois programs to the national level. For example, it expands eligibility for the Foster Care Independence Program so that education and training vouchers as well as independent living services are available to young people who exit foster care after age 14 to guardianship or adoption. It includes as eligible children who live in relative homes determined by the courts and State agency as meeting all applicable State safety standards other than licensure as well. Subsidized guardianship is a bipartisan issue. Indeed, our bill is a companion bill to that introduced in the other chamber by Senators Hillary Clinton and Olympia Snowe. Further, as you may recall, the reconciliation bill from the Republican-controlled 109th Congress would have extended authority for these waivers and removed the limit on the number of states eligible, providing further testament to the bipartisan nature of this issue. As Forest Witcraft said, ``A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child. . . .'' As policy makers, we have the ability and responsibility to make a difference in the lives of foster children. We must use that ability to make sure the downtrodden and neglected of today are the achievers and leaders of tomorrow. I encourage my colleagues to join me and Representative Johnson in supporting this critical bill.

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. 105) supporting the goals and ideals of a National Suffragists Day to promote awareness of the importance of the women suffragists who worked for the right of women to vote in the United States.

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 the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be permitted to file a supplemental report on the bill (H.R. 1873) to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small Business Administration relating to procurement, and for other purposes. The supplemental report contains the estimate on the bill prepared by the Congressional Budget Office.

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. 117) commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown.

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. Mr. 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. Con. Res. 117, a bill that commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement. H. Con. Res. 117, which has 77 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Jo Ann Davis of Virginia on April 18, 2007. H. Con. Res. 117 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. On May 14, 1607, Indians of the Powhatan tribe of Virginia saw three English sailing ships approaching their land. The 214 people on board of the Susan Constant, the Discovery, and the Godspeed had departed from London 5 months earlier. They would establish on the banks of the James River what would become America's first English settlement in the new world. While disease, famine, and continuing attacks from neighboring Indians took a tremendous toll on the settlers, only 60 of the original settlers survived just 2 years after arriving in America, England sent another three ships that arrived with supplies and new settlers to help stabilize the colony. Jamestown survived because the colonists worked together to cultivate the swamp-like land of the Virginia island and made it suitable for the growing of tobacco. By 1620 Jamestown had shipped almost 50,000 pounds of tobacco to England. Fifty years later Virginia and Maryland would ship 15 million pounds. Jamestown depended upon its agricultural products and trade to flourish as a new colony in America. Last Friday, on May 4, Queen Elizabeth II visited a tourist village at Jamestown to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of America's first English settlement. The Queen's last visit to Jamestown was 50 years ago. Jamestown represented a government that reflected many of our Nation's democratic ideals and institutions, including the rule of law and free enterprise. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for seeking to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown and urge swift passage of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia, Representative Bobby Scott.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that I would hope to be one of those millions who visit Jamestown this year to celebrate its 400th anniversary. I commend Representative Jo Ann Davis for introducing this legislation, and I urge its passage.

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. 307) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through 13, 2007.

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 would yield myself such time as I might consume. H. Res. 307 commends public servants for their outstanding contributions to this great Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 through May 13, 2007. This resolution salutes their unyielding dedication and spirit of public service. On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, I introduced this legislation in conjunction with Senator Akaka, who introduced S. Res. 150 to honor and celebrate the commitment of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public. Over 18 million individuals in cities, counties and States in America and abroad serve our government and the American people. They perform essential services that the Nation relies upon every day. Federal employees from agencies like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Food and Drug Administration are committed to promoting health, advances in research, regulating industries, and ensuring the well-being and safety of our citizens. The men and women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States as well as the skilled trade and craft employees who support their efforts contribute greatly to the security of our country and to the world. We cannot thank our public servants enough for the work that they do for their fellow citizens day in and day out. Governments at all levels simply cannot function properly without good employees who are committed to public service. We should be reminded of their contributions, not just in May, but when we are setting their pay and benefits, and by ensuring that they have the resources they need to do their jobs. Last Wednesday, the Senate passed Senate Resolution 150, the companion bill to H. Res. 307, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentlelady for her comments, and I appreciate her support of this resolution.

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. 291) supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

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. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of House Resolution 291, which honors our fallen law enforcement officers. H. Res. 291, which has 72 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Ted Poe of Texas on March 29, 2007. H. Res. 291 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. Historically, America has been blessed with citizens of courage and character who have dedicated their lives to keeping peace in our communities. Five years after the creation of the U.S. Marshals Service in 1789, U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth was shot and killed in the line of duty. He was the first of more than 14,000 law enforcement personnel since that time to give his or her life to uphold the law. Last year, 143 officers gave their lives in the line of duty. For these heroes, the safety of their fellow citizens was their purpose and passion. They made the ultimate sacrifice to fulfill their duty and service to humanity. Each year, the President issues a proclamation naming May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Our Nation owes a lasting debt and gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives each day to protect and serve the citizens of this Nation. Every American should honor peace officers, not only in words and ceremony but in their commitment to promote justice, fairness and peace in their homes, communities, schools and businesses. Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Poe for seeking to honor our fallen heroes, and I urge swift passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson- Lee).

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I reserve my time.

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

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Texas for introducing this very meaningful and worthwhile legislation. I think all of us owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our law enforcement officers and personnel throughout the country. I urge passage of this resolution.

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