Tom Davis

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the former chairman of the full committee and a leader in postal reform.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) who has been the former chairman of the Subcommittee on the Postal Service and one of the real experts on this issue to address this issue and put his stamp of approval.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 380, the Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003, is a bipartisan bill in the Senate. Its House counterpart is sponsored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), myself and others. It reforms the way the Postal Service funds its obligations to the Civil Service Retirement System. It prevents the Postal Service from overfunding its obligations to CSRS and postpones a rate increase for the American people and postal ratepayers. Last year the Office of Personnel Management, at the request of GAO, reviewed the status of the Postal Service's funding of its CSRS benefits. OPM found that based on payments currently required by law, the Postal Service would overfund its CSRS benefits by more than $70 billion. OPM proposed a legislative solution modeling the Postal Service's payments to CSRS after its payments to the current Federal Employee Retirement System. This would result in a reduction in the Postal Service's annual obligation to CSRS, allowing the Postal Service to delay its next rate increase beyond 2004 to at least fiscal year 2006. The bill we are considering today, S. 380, differs from OPM's proposal in that it places tight restrictions on how the Postal Service uses the savings. The bill requires the Postal Service to work with the Department of the Treasury to apply the funds saved to pay down its debt to Treasury in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 and directs the Postal Service to use the savings in 2005 to delay an anticipated rate increase. Subsequently, the Postal Service and OPM are to calculate the difference between the cost to fund CSRS under the bill and under the current law. The Postal Service will develop a proposal for the use of the funds. Without congressional action on the Postal Service proposal, the funds would be placed in escrow. This legislation will also require the Postal Service to fund the portion of retirement benefits attributable to the prior military service of postal employees which, again, models the Postal Service's payments to CSRS after the current Federal Employee Retirement System, or FERS. I think this is an issue that demands further study because no other agency in the Federal Government that I am aware of funds its CSRS military obligations within the department. It may ultimately be unfair to make postal customers and ratepayers fund military retirement benefits. Working with the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), my ranking member, I prepared an amendment to the House version of the bill, H.R. 735, requiring the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Postal Service to develop proposals on this issue. So this is an issue that will be revisited. The Committee on Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Government Affairs will look at those proposals and revisit the issue. This amendment was incorporated in S. 380, so we do not need to offer it today. I also understand the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) will be offering and withdrawing an amendment on this subject in a few moments in order to further highlight its importance, and I thank and congratulate him for his leadership in highlighting this issue and pledge to him that we will continue to work on this; and this is, in my judgment, not the end of the matter. Many people do not know this, but the Postal industry, including ancillary businesses, represents approximately 9 percent of the gross domestic product, the GDP. The industry has been hit hard in the last several years, first by the economic slowdown and then by events of September 11, 2001 and subsequent anthrax attacks. During this same period, postal rates increased three times within 18 months. The Postal industry needs relief. The Postal Service will be able to hold off on a rate increase if this legislation passes. This gives money back to the Postal customer and allows us all to hold on to our 37-cent stamps for 2 more years. It also stabilizes the Postal Service financially, securing the jobs of nearly 9 million people in the postal industry. Postal consumers have implored us to address this problem before it is too late. The United States Postal Service, all four postal unions, the postal management associations, and a very broad coalition of postal customers support this bill. I hope that we can pass it expeditiously and put off the next rate increase until at least 2006. Mr. Speaker I urge adoption of S. 380. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the Senate bill under consideration.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of April 7, 2003, I call up the Senate bill (S. 380) to amend chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, to reform the funding of benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System for employees of the United States Postal Service, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fairfax County's Healthy Families program on their recognition by the National Association of Counties as a 2003 Counties Care for Kids Award recipient. Healthy Families Fairfax was launched in 1992 under the parent organization Healthy Families America, and has now been working to improve childcare in Fairfax for over a decade. This Counties Care for Kids Award recognizes the program as an innovative and model county government effort that has demonstrated measurable outcomes for children and their families. Healthy Families Fairfax works directly with first-time parents to promote child health. A public-health nurse and family support worker provide educational and therapeutic support to the family at home, from prenatal through age four of the child. Studies have shown the immense impact of early childhood care on child development, but unfortunately many children are neglected and even abused during their pivotal formative years. By assisting parents with parenting, health, nutrition, problem-solving, and stress management, Healthy Families Fairfax gives children and families the opportunity to grow up together in a healthy environment. While similar programs do exist, most do not approach the comprehensive approach of Healthy Families Fairfax, whose support teams not only address parenting issues, but also assist families with family problems not directly related to the new baby. This inclusive method affords homes a viable chance to succeed in raising their baby and building a life together. This worthy project is a voluntary prevention program of the Department of Family Services, in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Health, Northern Virginia Family Service, UCM Community Solutions, and Reston Interfaith. Only eight programs nationwide have been chosen as 2003 Counties Care for Kids Award recipients, and Healthy Families Fairfax certainly exemplifies the positive impact that county-wide programs hope to achieve. Mr. Speaker, in closing, it is an honor to extend my warm congratulations to Healthy Families Fairfax for all of their achievements. The recognition by the National Association of Counties is well deserved. I call upon my colleagues to join me in wishing the Healthy Families Fairfax future success.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

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

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my colleague from California for adding to the legacy of Norm Shumway. He was known for effectively representing the business community in the House where he rose as ranking member of the Committee on Banking Finance and Urban Affairs' Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization. He was a soft-spoken Member who often communicated to his constituents and the public by writing articles for selected journals, newspapers, and other publications. He has continued, as has been noted, to altruistically work for public interests even leaving this body, serving on the Public Utilities Commission for the State of California as a commissioner for 4 years. Subsequently, the Governor appointed him to the Narcotic Addict Evaluation Authority where he worked for another year. He now lives with his wife in Bountiful, Utah, where he valiantly tries to keep tabs on his 30 grandchildren. I know I speak for all Members when I say the House wishes him well. We honor him today, and I urge all Members to honor him by supporting the passage of H.R. 1368. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) for introducing this important measure. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) for being here and carrying on his legacy. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier). (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle).

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo).

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1368) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7554 Pacific Avenue in Stockton, California, as the ``Norman Shumway Post Office Building,'' as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

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

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) has put it very eloquently. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the State of California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished sponsor of this legislation. (Mr. DREEIR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 127, introduced by my distinguished colleague, chairman of the Committee on Rules from the State of California (Mr. Dreier), recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of a Financial Literacy for Youth Month. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the distinguished chairman for introducing this measure. Personal financial management is one of the most important skills for any American citizen to acquire, yet not enough emphasis seems to be put in our society on teaching these abilities to our Nation's young people. Establishing a personal budget, managing credit and debt, tracking purchases, and balancing checking, savings, and retirement accounts are tasks as difficult as they are essential. But the individual security that comes with being financially literate and responsible is invaluable for everyone. That is why it should be a goal of all Americans to work to teach our Nation's youth the basic financial literacy skills they will need to live a life of financial security. That is why I am pleased that this House is considering this important resolution at a time when economic confidence is such a relevant value. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 127, as amended; and again I congratulate my colleague from California for introducing this important measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration, House Resolution 127, as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 127) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a month should be designated as ``Financial Literacy for Youth Month,'' as amended.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the 20th Anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc. The Foundation's mission is pure and simple--to give children facing illnesses such as cancer, pediatric AIDS, and heart disease something positive to think about instead of doctors visits, medicines, or hospitals, by granting them their greatest wish. Whether a wish is to meet a sports hero or movie star, or to receive a home computer, the Foundation dedicates itself to making each child feel special. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc. has served more than 3,800 children that reside in the D.C. Metropolitan Area and Delaware. The organization is one of seventy-seven chapters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Thanks to the work of thousands of Northern Virginia residents, the Foundation has been able to make these children's wishes come true. I would like to take a moment to recognize several Northern Virginia residents who serve the Foundation as Board Members. They include John Elmes, Jeffrey Gabardi, Patty Gioia, David Joubran, Nancy Kfoury, Dr. Damon Moore, Norma Ramsey, Elizabeth Reinhardt, Jay Tompkins, and Foundation President and C.E.O. Ralph Nappi, Jr. It is the dedication of these people, along with numerous other D.C. Metropolitan residents who help to make wishes come true for these special children. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage my colleagues and others to learn more about this wonderful organization. The joy and hope that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic has brought to children for the past 20 years is a shining example of the American spirit. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Foundation continued success and in applauding their accomplishments.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jerry A. Stanphill, the recipient of the 2002 GEICO Public Service Award for Physical Rehabilitation. The GEICO Public Service Awards were established 23 years ago to honor active and retired federal employees for their selfless and generous contributions in the fields of substance abuse prevention and treatment, fire prevention and safety, physical rehabilitation, and traffic safety and accident prevention. Mr. Stanphill was chosen as the absolute best from an outstanding field of federal employees nominated in the field of Physical Rehabilitation. Jerry Stanphill is a physical security specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), where he provides leadership and guidance to the DLA field activities on law enforcement and security issues. One of his many duties is to conduct antiterrorism vulnerability assessments for many DLA activities in order to safeguard DLA personnel, equipment and facilities. In the post 9/11 world, there is no more vital responsibility. Not only has Mr. Stanphill achieved many career accomplishments, he has also dedicated much of his time and energy to the Special Olympics. He has served as a volunteer coach, program coordinator, referee, and chaperone with the Special Olympics in communities all over America. Fortunately, Northern Virginia is now the recipient of this man's service. Over the past 11 years he has helped coach over 400 Special Olympic athletes with the emphasis on their motto: ``Let me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt.'' Mr. Speaker, in closing, it gives me great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr. Stanphill on his 2002 GEICO Public Service Award. Northern Virginia is proud to have such a distinguished citizen in the community. Mr. Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding this remarkable citizen.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia

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

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman from South Carolina for introducing this. It is an important recognition, and I think he very lucidly laid out for the House his reasons for doing it. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and while I have no further requests for time, I would like to ensure that the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) has the opportunity to place his statement, when it comes in, at the appropriate point in the Record. It is he and his office that have called this bill to our attention, and we are very happy to move it very quickly to honor the memory of this very great South Carolinian. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1055, introduced by my distinguished colleague from the State of South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1901 West Evans Street in Florence, South Carolina, as the Dr. Roswell N. Beck Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, the great State of South Carolina and indeed all of America lost a wonderful humanitarian when Dr. Roswell Nathaniel Beck, Sr., sadly passed away in January. Dr. Beck, who was not only a caring man, but in fact, a practicing physician, was probably best known as an ambitious community organizer and political activist in the Florence area. I understand he was one of the most influential and beloved personalities in South Carolina's 6th District, which the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) represents. More importantly, Dr. Beck was a wonderful family man, as well as a friend to countless South Carolina residents, who looked up to him. I assure Dr. Beck's family, especially his wife, Barbara and their children, Janice, Celeste, and Dr. Roswell Beck, Jr., and friends that the thoughts and prayers of all Members in this House are with them. Mr. Speaker, it is very appropriate that this House recognize Dr. Roswell N. Beck by naming a post office building after him in his hometown of Florence, South Carolina. Therefore, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 1055. I thank my colleague from South Carolina for introducing this important measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.