Jo Ann Davis

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Child Custody Protection Act, a commonsense piece of legislation that would prohibit unscrupulous third parties from taking minors across State lines for abortions to circumvent parental consent and parent notification laws. Mothers have previously testified before State legislatures and Congress about the horror of finding out that their young daughters had obtained secret abortions and of having to pick up the pieces of the emotional and physical consequences. As a mother of two, it is very disconcerting to me to know that the parent-child relationship could be undermined in such a manner. As pointed out earlier, studies have shown that most school-age mothers are impregnated by adult men, with the median age of the father being 22 years old. Thus, many of the third parties taking minors across State lines are older boyfriends who obviously have a very personal interest in the young girl obtaining an abortion and in keeping it secret from her parents. Congress must ensure that State laws designed to protect the integrity and sanctity of the parent-child relationship are not undermined. I consequently urge my colleagues to support passage of this legislation.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

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

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1374) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Calumet Street in Lake Linden, Michigan, as the ``Philip E. Ruppe Post Office Building''.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1374, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Calumet Street in Lake Linden, Michigan, as the Philip E. Ruppe Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, Philip Ruppe was first elected to the United States House of Representatives from Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 1966 and served with distinction until 1979. Prior to his congressional service, Mr. Ruppe served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Mr. Ruppe, with his long family history in Michigan, has contributed to his community as an active civic leader and respected businessman. He brought this leadership and concern from northern Michigan to the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee where he served as the ranking member. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 1374. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this worthy measure honoring one of our former colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3960) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3719 Highway 4 in Jay, Florida, as the ``Joseph W. Westmoreland Post Office Building''.

Mrs. JO ANN 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 H.R. 3960, the bill under consideration.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3960, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jeff Miller) designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3719 Highway 4 in Jay, Florida, as the Joseph W. Westmoreland Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, Joseph Westmoreland was appointed as postmaster at the Jay, Florida, post office in 1948, where he served for 41 years until his retirement in September 1989. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Westmoreland also served in our Nation's military during World War II as a member of the Army Air Corps. Throughout his life, Mr. Westmoreland distinguished himself as a community leader, constantly working for what was best for northwest Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 3960. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jeff Miller), the distinguished sponsor of the bill.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I urge the adoption of this measure honoring an exemplary civil servant. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of King William County in Virginia's First Congressional District. Nestled between the beautifully extraordinary waters of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers lies the 286 square miles of rolling farmland and scenic timberland that embodies King William County. This unique county enjoys many notable attributes that distinguish King William within Virginia. Home to the only native American Indian reservations in the Commonwealth, to the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the United States, and to Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, King William County is deeply rooted with historical significance. An April 11 birthday ceremony inaugurates King William County's Tricentennial Celebration that continues with numerous activities throughout 2002. Marking the county's 300 year milestone, this celebration is an important commemoration of the county's dual heritage of colonial and Native American roots. I am proud to recognize the rich treasure of King William's past and much prosperity in the future.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN 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 H.R. 3789.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3789) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2829 Commercial Way in Rock Springs, Wyoming, as the ``Teno Roncalio Post Office Building''.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3789, introduced by my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin), designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2829 Commercial Way in Rock Springs, Wyoming, as the Teno Roncalio Post Office Building. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Roncalio was a native of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and has been a distinguished public servant for the majority of his life. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served as an infantryman in Europe, Sicily, and North Africa. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, he practiced law in Cheyenne. Mr. Roncalio represented Wyoming in this House from 1965 until 1967 and from 1971 until 1979, and I urge adoption of H.R. 3789. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin), the distinguished sponsor of H.R. 3789.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 335) recognizing the significance of Black History Month and the contributions of black Americans as a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 335 expresses the sense of Congress that the contributions of black Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States and that the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and acknowledgment of Black History Month, a great tradition honoring and celebrating black Americans. This 74-year tradition seeks to broaden our vision of the world, the legacy of black Americans in our Nation's history, and their role in our Nation's future. I commend the distinguished gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for introducing this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, the first black Americans were brought to these shores as early as the 17th century. These black Americans and subsequent generations were enslaved and brought to America against their free will. Despite this setback, early black Americans made their mark in the economic, educational, political, artistic, literary, scientific, and technological advancement of the United States. Black Americans have also contributed to protecting the Nation's security and freedom through service in the Armed Forces. In addition, they have built many of the Nation's strongest faith-based institutions which serve the Nation's poorest citizens, strengthen the Nation's moral code, and uplift its spirits. Mr. Speaker, it is important that we stand today and recognize the achievements of black Americans. Their heritage and history are invaluable learning tools to the people of our great Nation. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN 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 H. Con. Res. 335.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, last session I was joined by my colleagues in honoring those who lost their lives or are still missing as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks upon America by reading their names on the House floor and having them entered into the Congressional Record. Today I would like to again take up the effort to pay tribute and honor the fallen who perished as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. This list of over 3,000 names is comprised of many of the victims of the recent horrific attacks on our Nation, including firefighters and policemen who willingly gave their lives in an attempt to rescue others. I intend to read these names for as many days as it takes to bring honor and recognition to those individuals who lost their lives or are still missing. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to call my office to obtain the alphabetical list we are utilizing for this effort, and to join me in this worthy cause. Mark Petrocelli, Matthew Petterno; Philip S. Petti; Glen K. Pettit; Dominick A. Pezzulo; Kaleen E. Pezzuti; Kevin Pfeifer; Tu-Anh Pham; Kenneth Phelan; Eugenia Piantieri; Ludwig J. Picarro; Matthew Picerno; Joseph Pick; Christopher Pickford; Dennis Pierce; Bernard T. Pietronico; Nicholas P. Pietrunti; Susan Elizabeth Pinto; Joseph Piskadlo; Christopher Todd Pitman; Josh Piver; Robert R. Ploger; Zandra Ploger; Joseph Plumitallo; John M. Pocher; William H. Pohlmann; Laurence M. Polatsch; Thomas H. Polhemus; Steve Pollicino; Susan Pollio; Darin Howard Pontell; Eric Thomas Popiteau; Joshua Poptean; Giovanna Porras; Anthony Portillo; James Edward Potorti; Daphne Pouletsos; Richard Poulos; Stephen E. Poulos; Shawn Edward Powell; Scott Powell; Brandon Jerome Powell; Tony Pratt; Gregory M. Preziose; Wanda Astol Prince; Vincent Princiotta; Kevin M. Prior; Everett Martin ``Marty'' Proctor, III; Carrie B. Progen; David Lee Pruim; Richard Prunty; John F. Puckett; Robert D. Pugliese; Edward F. Pullis; Patricia Ann Puma; Jack Punches; Sonia Morales Puopolo; Joseph John Pycior, Jr.; Edward Richard Pykon; Christopher Quackenbush. Mr. Speaker, I ask again that the families forgive me if I have mispronounced any of the names, but we do this to honor those who gave their lives. Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in this worthy endeavor.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished constituent and public servant whose more than 30 years of service will come to a close at the end of this month. Ferris Belman of Stafford County, one of the jurisdictions within the 1st District of Virginia, is a retired businessman who has devoted much of his adult life to serving the people of both the city of Fredericksburg and Stafford County. For 13 years he was a member of the Fredericksburg City Council and has served as a member of the Stafford Board of Supervisors for 18 years, twice as a board chairman. He was also just recently the President of the Virginia Association of Counties. Mr. Belman has served on numerous committees and commissions over the years and played a leading role in promoting economic growth and development in both in the city and county. Ferris is a man of great honesty and character who has worked diligently on behalf of the people of Virginia. As Stafford County Administrator C.M. Williams notes, Ferris Belman helped insure that Ferry Farm in Stafford, the boyhood home of George Washington, would be preserved intact. He was also largely responsible for the county's acquisition of Government Island, the site of quarries that provided the stone for construction of the United States Capitol building and the White House. Ferris Belman will leave office with the grateful appreciation of the thousands of people whose lives he has touched through his service. He will be remembered as a public official who always found time to listen to the concerns of his constituents, and went the extra mile to do all he could for those he represented. Ferris, who once owned several grocery stores, always said he thought of himself not as a politician but ``an apple peddler working for the people.'' I would like to thank Ferris Belman for a job well done. His selflessness and devotion to his constituents and Virginia are to be commended, and his service will be missed.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN 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 S. 1714.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Senate 1714, sponsored by Senator Mitch McConnell, would install a plague to honor Dr. James Harvey Early in the Williamsburg, Kentucky, Post Office. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1432) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3698 Inner Perimeter Road in Valdosta, Georgia, as the ``Major Lyn McIntosh Post Office Building''.