Jo Ann Davis

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, once again, I commend the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for bringing this important resolution to the House. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, as well as the ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for expediting consideration of this resolution.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the sponsor of the bill and our distinguished majority leader.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. House Resolution 254 supports the compassionate goals of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I congratulate the distinguished majority leader for introducing this resolution, which is so important to millions of Americans who have suffered the anguish of a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or the death of a newborn baby. Each year, around 1 million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a newborn baby. This is a great tragedy for the mothers and fathers involved and for those who care for them. As this resolution recognizes, Mr. Speaker, even the shortest lives are valuable; and we must not underestimate or trivialize the grief of those who mourn these lost lives. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will promote education, awareness, and support for grieving parents nationwide and throughout the world. The goal of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is to help families live with their loss and to help others relate to their loss. All too often, families grieve in silence and some are never able to come to terms with their loss. But it does not have to be that way, Mr. Speaker. Observing this day can give validation to those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or other complications; and it will provide all of us with an opportunity to better understand how devastating the loss of an unborn or newborn baby is. Through Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we as individuals, and our communities, can also focus on how to meet the needs of the bereaved parents and their families. It is important for all of us to learn how to comfort those who must come to grips with such a terrible loss, and it would be an opportunity for us to reemphasize the importance of working to prevent these deaths. Mr. Speaker, 43 States have designated October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The House should support the goals of these important efforts. I encourage all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 House Resolution 254.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 254) supporting the goals of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support House Resolution 254, 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 all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 1749.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here today to pay tribute to Mr. Bateman's humble service. I am grateful for his service and am delighted that I could in this small way honor the life of Herb Bateman with this legislation. I urge all Members to support this measure.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1749. This legislation will name the local Post Office at 685 Turnberry Road in Newport News as the ``Herbert H. Bateman Post Office Building,'' after former Representative Herb Bateman, who represented the First Congressional District of Virginia for 9 terms in the United States Congress. Herb Bateman was a true Virginia gentleman and a great American patriot. His loyalty to our Nation and his unyielding efforts to ensure its protection have always been met with great admiration. Considering the current events of the day, his fervent support for our Nation's armed forces takes on an even more significant role. Herb Bateman will always be remembered in the First Congressional District as a loyal public servant of the people, and an honorable and dedicated man. This postal renaming legislation demonstrates our deep respect and gratitude for Herb's tireless service to the betterment of our community, Virginia and our great Nation. The First District will always remember his numerous contributions to the area. The Herbert H. Bateman Post Office is a fitting tribute to our friend. His service to the defense of our country, the betterment of our waterways and infrastructure, and his numerous other accomplishments will not soon be forgotten. I encourage all Members to support H.R. 1749. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2960.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Adoption Information Act which I recently introduced. The act requires that eligible family planning clinics that receive Federal funds provide information listing the adoption agencies in that State to every person who enters these clinics and requests family planning services. Opinion surveys consistently find that the general public views adoption as an attractive option in the case of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy or other situations in which the mother is unable to care for the unexpected child. Yet very few women choose adoption when confronted with an unwanted pregnancy. I believe this is in part because adoption information is not available to them and they often have to search for a provider of adoption services. This bill is a small step in the right direction and provides women with another option. Adoption is a safe, loving choice for both the mother and the child. I urge my colleagues to support the Adoption Information Act.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Chairman, I rise today to speak against this amendment to expand abortion services in overseas military hospitals. Madam Chairman, let us be clear what we are talking about here. We need to put aside all the rhetoric. What this amendment does is allow the use of hard-earned taxpayer money to fund the procurement of abortions in our military hospitals overseas. The other side will throw out all kinds of false arguments and accusations concerning this, but the amendment is fundamentally about how we use our taxpayer dollars. This is not a controversial issue. The overwhelming majority of taxpayers oppose the use of publicly held Federal tax dollars for abortion. This is an amendment that has been rejected five times by this same House. Do the right thing and vote against passage of this amendment again.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise today in strong support of the manager's amendment of the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump). This amendment contains $57.1 million to complete the funding required for the refueling of the U.S.S. Eisenhower and will help to ensure our carrier force is ready for war. Madam Chairman, there is no question that we have underfunded our true defense needs for over 10 years. Now is the time to correct this. Now is the time to fully fund our carriers. Who could have imagined just 2 weeks ago that we would require two carriers in the New York Harbor flying combat air patrols? Who could have imagined that just 2 weeks ago we would require four carriers in just one theater of operation? Madam Chairman, H.R. 2586 is a start toward funding our military at adequate levels, but it is only a start. This manager's amendment will rush critical funding not only to our carriers, but C-5 aircraft modernization. These are two critical areas that need our immediate attention, and the gentleman from Arizona's amendment does just that. In closing, I encourage all Members of the House to vote in support of this critical amendment.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of these attacks on American soil, the United States of America must retaliate with force. Yesterday's acts of cowardice signify an act of war, and we will fight this war to win. Adversity does not divide America; it strengthens us and propels us into unprecedented unity. These cowards have failed. Mr. Speaker, our America is much more than the buildings and monuments that grace our soil. America is a nation of great people, joined by the love of country and the belief in freedom and liberty. This can never be extinguished. The loss of life is devastating and has impacted all walks of American life. Our rescue workers, including police and firefighters, have suffered great loss. They are heroes, and have bravely sacrificed their lives to save those suffering from these cowardly acts committed by these evil individuals. This tragic event has mobilized America like never before. Our patriotic spirit has been resurrected, and this will be prove to our enemy's demise. God bless America.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to welcome Pastor Greg Cox as our guest chaplain this morning. Pastor Cox is the Senior Pastor of Warwick Assembly of God Church in Hampton, Virginia. Pastor Cox serves as Presbyter of the Tidewater North Section of the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God, and also serves on the board of directors for Youth Challenge and Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge. Both of these organizations are dedicated to liberating teens and young adults from drug and alcohol addiction and other life-controlling problems. Pastor Cox also holds a seat on the Ministry Cabinet of the National Clergy Council, a consortium of thousands of pastors from across the Nation dedicated to liberty and the sanctity of human life. In 2001, Pastor Cox directed the National Day of Prayer activities in Hampton, Virginia, and has served his denomination in State and national committees. Pastor Cox, a devoted husband and father of three, is a man of stellar reputation and high ideals. It is an honor to have such a man of integrity and faith represent my district today.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I again commend the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) for introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for expediting consideration of this resolution. It is impossible for this House to lessen the loss suffered by the families of these four firefighters. We can only hope that our action today will help comfort those families by symbolizing our Nation's gratitude for their loved ones' bravery and the debt we owe to them all. I urge all Members to support this resolution.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt).

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 36 proposing a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States flag. The American flag is a revered symbol of our country and of the principles of freedom and liberty we hold dear. I know for America's war veterans the flag is valued as a symbol of the sacrifices they and their fellow servicemen made to defend our land. Indeed, hundreds of thousands of servicemen gave their lives defending our country, and we must never forget the price they paid for the freedoms we enjoy. As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, it is our priority to restore our military's readiness and strength and also ensure that our veterans are treated with the respect and gratitude that is due them. That includes standing with them to defend the honor due to our national colors. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 172, and I commend its sponsor, the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for introducing it. This resolution honors three fighters, John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, who lost their lives fighting a fire in Queens, New York, earlier this month. The resolution also expresses the deepest sympathies of this House for their families. Finally, Mr. Speaker, it pledges that the House will continue to support and work for all American firefighters who risk their lives every day to keep us all safe. On June 17, Mr. Speaker, these three men were among the 350 firefighters and numerous police officers who responded to a fire and explosion at the Long Island General Supply Company. As the resolution notes, this disaster reduced a 128-year-old two-story building to a heap of broken bricks, twisted metal, and shattered glass. Two civilians and dozens of firefighters were injured by the blaze, including two firefighters who were severely injured. The three firefighters who died were veteran firefighters. Mr. Downing had served for 11 years; Mr. Fahey for 14 years; Mr. Ford for 27. They left behind grieving families. Mr. Downing was a husband and father of two. Mr. Fahey is survived by his wife and three children. Mr. Ford was a husband and father of three. Nothing this House can say or do, Mr. Speaker, will lessen the losses these families have experienced. At best, we can hope that they will be somewhat comforted by our recognition and appreciation for their loved ones' bravery. As the House considers this resolution, I also ask my colleagues to remember the dangers and risks that firefighters voluntarily assume every day across the country. By honoring these firefighters, we will also honor the sacrifices of all those firefighters who lay their lives on the line day in and day out to protect their neighbors. On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I will add that I am the wife of a retired city fire chief. I am personally acquainted with the dangers and challenges that firefighters encounter and extend my sympathies to these families that have lost their fathers and husbands. Those of us whose family members have served as firefighters without suffering serious injuries can count our blessings and can empathize with the loss they must feel. I encourage all Members to support this resolution. 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 thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci) for introducing this resolution. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization; as well as the ranking members of the full committee and subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for expediting consideration for this resolution. I urge all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon). (Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. King).