Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a very special lady. Mrs. Olga Sharpe Law of Merry Hill, NC, celebrated her 87th birthday on May 25 and was honored at a birthday celebration by the church family of Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church in Windsor, NC. Mrs. Law, one of four children who was born in Portsmouth, VA, in 1908, has devoted her life to the service of others. After she graduated from Elizabeth City State Teachers College, now Elizabeth City State University, she taught 5 years in Virginia and then remained with the Bertie County school system for 39 years. As a former teacher myself, I can confirm that it takes a great deal of dedication and love to make a 39-year commitment to the children in her community. I can also confirm that Mrs. Law possesses these qualities in abundance. Her joy came in teaching the three R's--reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. However, she got greater joy in teaching her students to respect themselves, and others. Many of her students still approach her to thank her for being a wonderful and inspirational teacher. But teaching for Mrs. Law did not end with the school day. She has and continues to serve as an adult Sunday School teacher, Bible study teacher, a deaconess, and a missionary. In between all of this, she regularly attends three churches pastored by her late husband. Mrs. Law is well known in the community for extending her hand to whomever is in need, and her deeds speak for themselves. Everyone knows that you do not have to call upon her for help, she often offers it. On June 4, 1992, because of her love for the church and its congregation, her soft-spoken voice and firm manner, the Rev. John W. Barnes bestowed her with the honor of ``The Mother'' of Zion Bethlehem Church. Mrs. Law remains very active in the woman's auxiliary to the West Roanoke Association and the Tri-County Minister's Wives and Widows' Association, both of which she has served as President. She has also served as worthy matron of the North Star Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 332 of Merry Hill. Mr. Speaker, all too frequently, we do not take the time out to recognize people who have made significant contributions to our communities until it is too late. However, Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to rise in honor of a woman who has served her community with distinction and tenacity, and also with great humility. Mrs. Law epitomizes the tenet of lifetime service to her community and to others. She often says, ``If I can help somebody--then my living will not be in vain,'' and fortunately for us all, it hasn't.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating an important program in the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey, the Celebrity Read Program. The program asks adults, both famous and not so famous, to come into the school system and read a passage to students about an important historical event involving people of color. The program then asks the participants to share a few of their life experiences with the class. The program this year had 400 adult participants read to over 10,000 youth. In the past, readers have ranged from former New York Giant football players Harry Carson, Joe Morris, and George Martin to Superior Court judges to jazz singer and Broadway star, Carrie Smith. However, one of the most important components of this program is that the definition of celebrity is not limited to the narrow, superficial denotation that most might think; on the contrary, in this program, local business people, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens are considered celebrities. In fact, one of the program's credos is that ``people from all walks of life and at various levels of accomplishment can serve as a source of inspiration to our inner city youth.'' It warms my heart that in the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey there are organizations that are acting on the phrase ``I believe the children are our future'' by doing something to help them become prepared for that future. Thank you to the Celebrity Read Program and to the 400 celebrity readers for taking the time to nurture and cultivate our leaders of tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to share with my colleagues some of the exciting things we are doing in New Jersey to solidify our Nation's future.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of American Legion Post No. 251 of Montclair, NJ. Post No. 251 has been an invaluable resource in its community. For more than 60 years, it has provided services ranging from youth educational opportunities to sports and recreational activities. In addition to these quite laudatory services, Post No. 251 has left an indelible mark with regard to the essential role that Black Americans have played in the American military. In fact, on May 26, 1995 at the Friar Tuck Inn in Cedar Grove, NJ, Post No. 251 will honor the Nation's African-American service people with its Salute to All Black Veterans. This event will be held in commemoration of the numerous Black men and women who have so valiantly served this country. Among those to be honored include Crawford Crews, for whom Post No. 251 is named after. Crews was a member of the illustrious all Black 369th Infantry Regiment of New York. This unit fought in the trenches for 191 consecutive days without losing a foot of ground, a single prisoner, or the battle against the Germans. Additionally, three other Montclair residents Austin Barnes, Alonzo Mills, and Benjamin Smith, who all fought in World War I, will also be honored. While our Nation has been extremely slow to pay the respect and homage to the Nation's Black veterans that they deserve, Post No. 251 has attempted to pick up the slack. For this, we must pay them our deepest thanks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to share with my colleagues of the tremendously beneficial works that American Legion Post No. 251 is contributing to the Essex County community.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, this weekend a very special ceremony will be held in Newark, NJ to commemorate an event of historic importance, the founding of the first African-American congregation in our State 160 years ago. It was on April 27, 1835, that 37 freed slaves and free-born blacks left the Old First Presbyterian Church and resolved to become the First Colored Presbyterian Church of Newark. In May of that year, the Presbytery of Newark acted upon the resolution and they organized into a Church with the Reverend John Hunt as their pastor. The Church later became the Thirteenth Avenue Presbyterian Church, which merged with Clinton Avenue Presbyterian Church in October of 1967. The establishment of the Church in 1835 by 37 men and women of courage and vision reflected their determination to affirm their own culture and identify in their worship. Now, 160 years later, the pastor and the congregation continue the proud tradition of the founders. In a spirit of love and service, the Church continues its commitment to the community. This weekend, on Memorial Sunday, a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be held. It will include the lighting of 37 candles to honor the founders of the Church; a dramatic presentation by the Youth Group; a wreath laying ceremony in honor of loved ones and friends of Thirteenth Avenue whose names will be recorded in an Annual Memorial Booklet, and the dedication of a Computer Learning Center to provide training for the youth of our community as a commitment to the future and a renewed affirmation of our self-determination. I have asked that during the memorial service a wreath be laid to honor Mr. Marcellus Marble, a long-time member of the church. During my childhood, Mr. Marble and his wife, Jeanette, showed great kindness in including me in special church-related activities. I remember with great fondness the yearly church picnic, held at Eagle Rock Reservation, where youngsters were able to enjoy games and other recreational activities. I will always be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Marble for the guidance they gave me during those years and the positive role they played in my development. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring the pastor of the Clinton Avenue Presbyterian Church, Reverend Dr. Alfred B. Johnson and the entire congregation in wishing them many more years of success, joy and spiritual growth.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Bereuter amendment regarding Southeast Asian refugees. I have visited refugee camps in Thailand and Hong Kong over the last 20 years, most recently just last summer in Hong Kong. It is my observation that while the early refugees were certainly tied in with U.S. interests and support of our war efforts, the present refugees do not reflect this early perception by the American people and veteran organizations. Most of the refugee population in the Hong Kong camps have been through a screening process and have been classified as economic migrants, or to put it explicitly many are northern Vietnamese fishermen who had nothing to do with supporting our war efforts. The United States was a signature to the Comprehensive Plan of Action in 1989 which strengthened the principles of first asylum in Southeast Asia. For [[Page H5536]] example this program enabled the repatriation of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotians back to their country of origin if not classified as a refugee. By this action countries like Thailand that had become weary of holding refugees were able to see the end of the tunnel, and stopped pushing back potential refugees into the sea. We all remember the terrible piracy and raping of women on boats that occurred. This new program helped to reduce such incidents. It also worked out agreements with countries that were the source of the migration like Vietnam to take back these people and encourage them to utilize internationally accepted immigration programs like the Orderly Departure Program that has allowed 500,000 to start new lives in the United States and other countries. While there may be some refugees who have been improperly classified, these cases could be reviewed with U.S. intervention under the flexibility of the present agreement. Moreover, the root cause of the migration is the poor economic conditions in these countries, especially Vietnam. By continuing our agreement we encourage additional cooperation with Vietnam which will lead to increased cooperation on the POW issue and complete the normalization of relationships between our two countries. The Bereuter amendment will also maintain funding to continue the Comprehensive Plan of Action. It will also send a signal that the United States remains a partner in this well-thought-out plan. This will discourage those still detained in the Hong Kong camps from rioting. Over 200 were wounded yesterday in Hong Kong fighting with hand-made metal spears according to this morning's edition of the New York Times. It is downright cruel for us to build expectancies that the United States will take these migrants as refugees. Support the Bereuter amendment and help to stop the bloodshed in Hong Kong.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Hastings amendment to restore the $802 million level for the Development Fund for Africa. In order to put this subject in perspective it would be helpful to look at the three periods in recent Africa history that have bearing on changing the course of events for Africa. First, the independence era in the early 1960's when the continent was freed of their colonial masters, and leaving them without adequate resources and preparation for their new freedom. Second, during the cold war, when Africa was used and abused. Used by both the Soviet Union and the United States to fight hot wars on African soil. The most symbolic were in Angola, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia, and you know there were others. Abused, because we ignored humanitarian principles, and turned our eyes away from corruption and human rights abuses when it seemed in the interest of winning. It now would seem fair that preferential rehabilitation assistance is needed to right the wrongs of the past, even though they may have been justified in winning the cold war. We really were not very good teachers in preparing Africa for our grand plans of multi-party democracies and free markets economies to be operated free of corruption. Measures of the quality of life in Africa have spiralled down in the last two decades, at the same time going up in other parts of the developing world. Many, like Vice President Gore, who read the Kaplan article in Atlantic Monthly were appalled at the condition of Africa, and determined to assist the continent. Unfortunately, others doubted Africa was even salvageable. We are now a few years into the third period, which I would call the post cold war period. Armed conflict continues to afflict sub-Saharan Africa where fighting persists in Sudan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and we have our fingers crossed on Angola, despite the cease fire agreement. The potential for renewed outbreaks in Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia is high, and other countries like Zaire and Nigeria are at risk. Human rights problems have been accelerated due to overpopulation and lack of sustainable development. However, all is not gloom and doom. There have been historic advances. In South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, and other countries we could name. I would also like to relate the historic Congressional Black Caucus efforts to reverse the inequalities of the past lead by former Congressmen Diggs, Dymally, and Gray, not to mention the contribution of Ron Dellums in sponsoring the Anti-Apartheid Act which mobilized Americans against racial discrimination in South Africa. And, remember the late Mickey Leland, who gave his very life in pursuit of increasing the awareness of all Americans to the plight of our Africa. I do not feel aid to Africa should be considered a partisan issue. Both the Republicans and Democrats have been most cooperative in preserving the Subcommittee on Africa when Congress was requested to scale down the number of committees. Africa, which usually comes last, was considered important by both parties. Members like former Chairman Hamilton, Chairman Gilman, Speaker Gingrich, and Henry Hyde were most helpful. There are many Republicans on the Senate side like Nancy Kassebaum, Chair of the Senate Africa Affairs Committee, James Jeffords, Paul Just think, Africa has almost 60 countries with a population over 600 million. If we do not adopt the Hastings Amendment this will leave us providing less than $1 per person in the neediest of all continents. In closing I would like to quote Tony Lake, the President's national security advisor in a recent speech he made on May 3. He said: If the United States cuts aid to Russia, the pace of economic reform will be slowed and important American interests will be harmed. If the United States cuts Aid to Africa, while our interests are less effected, people will die. I ask you--is an African life not worth the investment of a few more pennies per person to come back to the $802 million level for the Development Fund for Africa. Support the Hastings amendment and save African children.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, at a time when domestic sending is being cut, no group understands the sacrifice to continue foreign aid more than the Congressional Black Caucus. We know the plight of the poor on the streets of America. Yet, we are motivated to fight back at the inhumane cuts to the world's needy for two reasons. First, the cuts do not represent good business judgment. Our investment in education and development assistance in Asia after World War II paid off. Today, these Asian countries are among our strongest economic powers--look at South Korea and Taiwan. Africa with its rich mineral resources now represents the new potential for America's growing markets. Also investments in education and development can save the continent from the human disasters like we have witnessed in Rwanda. The conflict in Rwanda was more about who could own the limited, over populated land, than it was about Hutu against Tutu. Poverty breeds conflicts and terrorism. A small dollar investment now will save much larger sums later. Our second reason is that America has not been as generous to countries in need as our Republican leaders would have us believe. In the last 10 years, our international costs have been reduced 47 percent while our total national budget has increased 5.5 percent. Less than 1 percent of our national budget goes to foreign aid while the poles tell us the American public feels it should be at least 5 percent. Japan has now replaced us as the largest donor, and we rank 21st or dead last in per capita giving among developed nations like Western Europe. Republicans argue that the voluntary giving in America makes up for our poor performance. But I can tell you from personal experience that other donor countries also have their Save the Childrens, Oxfams, YMCA's, and churches giving. They also give generously and in many cases more generously than their U.S. counterparts. Help us continue Martin Luther King's plea that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Save the children of Africa and Bosnia by supporting us in restoring the cuts to Africa and peacekeeping. Vote against H.R. 1561.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens], in support of the Congressional Black Caucus' alternative budget. (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens] and ask unanimous consent that the gentleman be allowed to yield said time.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to join my colleague Major Owens in bringing before the House of Representatives a sound, responsible budget plan. While members of the Caucus are committed to fiscal responsibility, we do question the strict, inflexible 7-year forced to abide by in order to bring this resolution to the floor. Most families in America could not balance their budgets if they were banned from getting mortgages and had to pay cash up front for their house, or their car, or their children's braces. Ours is a blueprint which reflects our belief in the United States of America as a land of opportunity, not just for the affluent, but for all of us. We call our plan the Caring Majority Alternative Budget, because we believe in this country as a place where the majority of people care about their neighbors, care about our older people who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today, care about the children and young people who want and deserve a chance to succeed. Our budget recognizes the crucial link between education and success. We recognize that no nation can build a strong economy when we have 40 million illiterate Americans, when children are going to schools with leaking roofs and outdated books, when college costs increased and student aid decreases. To reinvest in America, our budget increases funding for education and job training by 25 percent. We continue highly successful programs like Head Start, which has given valuable early learning experiences to youngsters from low-income families. Our budget reflects our concern for the quality of education our children are able to enjoy and the job skills they are able to develop. We continue President Clinton's successful National Service program, which has given young people a renewed sense of community spirit as well as an opportunity to succeed. We support school-to-work programs and one-stop career centers to help prepare young people for the work force. We include innovative ideas such as providing access to computers and the information superhighway at local libraries to ensure that no one is left behind as we race towards the 21st century. Our budget protects Medicare and Medicaid, two crucial programs to safeguard the health of older Americans and low-income families. Efforts to reform the health care system of our Nation were met with vigorous opposition by special interests fearful of losing profits, yet we have seen no workable alternative plan. Health care should not be a luxury. Too many Americans are only one paycheck or retirement check away from losing everything in the event of a major illness or accident. Our plan also responds to the new global realties and the end of the cold war. We recognize that we can provide for a sound national defense without pouring huge amounts of money into weapons we don't need and for which there is no justification or rationale. Funneling valuable resources away from our most pressing needs threatens to make our Nation weaker, not stronger. As a superpower, the United States must also exert moral leadership. Our budget provides humanitarian, education, and development assistance for struggling nations, some of which have been plagued with starvation and other life-threatening crises. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the great Allied victory in World War II, our budget keeps our promise to our Nation's veterans by maintaining their benefits. Our budget keeps our promise with Federal workers and retirees. In the wake of the tragedy at Oklahoma City, we recognize the contributions of our public servants. We refuse to go along with the Republican plan to single out Federal workers for a tax increase and a pension cut. Instead of punishing our own workers, we have sought to raise revenue by requiring corporations to pay their fair share of the tax burden. We protect small farmers, who work so hard to supply our Nation with an abundance of food. We protect the rural areas of our Nation, which were neglected for too long. Whether everyone wants to admit it or not, we all know what happened to the Federal budget deficit the last time we tried trickle down economics. In the 1980's, when the Republican Party controlled the White House, the Senate, and was able to put together a working budget coalition in the House, the deficit began growing at an alarming rate. It grew in leaps and bounds. It has finally begun to fall and our economy has gotten back on track under President Clinton's leadership. The Congressional Black Caucus plan produces a balanced budget in a fair and responsible manner. I urge my colleagues to support the Congressional Black Caucus Caring Majority Budget.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on March 31, 1995, a distinguished public servant, Mr. Allen C. Martin, retired from his position as undersheriff in the Union County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Martin, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth, had a 37-year career in law enforcement which was distinguished by his decency, commitment to the principles of justice, and his concern for his community. Mr. Martin began his law enforcement career in 1953 when he joined the Elizabeth Police Department, where he was assigned to the Elizabeth Port area. In 1962, Mr. Martin joined the New Jersey Department of Corrections as a corrections officer. In 1968 he transferred to the Union County Sheriff's Office where he served as a sheriff's officer assigned to the warrant squad. In 1978, Ralph Froehlich, a man who has since distinguished himself with his service and commitment to the ideals of justice, was elected sheriff of Union County. Sheriff Froehlich appointed Mr. Martin as undersheriff and placed him in charge of the process unit and warrant squad. Undersheriff Martin computerized the office and increased its capacity. wife, and he continued to be active in his church and several social and political organizations, including the N.A.A.C.P. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join with me in paying tribute to a fine American, a family man, and a devoted public servant, Mr. Allen C. Martin.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honored to inform my colleagues of a special event that was held this past weekend. It was the recognition of a woman who has touched the lives of generations of residents of the greater Newark, NJ community. This genteel woman is Dr. E. Alma Flagg. Dr. E. Alma Williams Flagg was born in City Point, VA, to the late Hannibal Greene Williams and Caroline Moody Williams. She and her family, which included a sister and three brothers, later settled in Newark, NJ. The traditional family has always been a source of support and it was no different in Dr. Flagg's family. Her widowed mother provided the love, support, encouragement and inspiration that enabled Dr. Flagg to excel. Dr. Flagg is a graduate of Newark's East Side High School where she became a member of the National Honor Society, served as class poet and was voted most likely to succeed. She continued her education at Newark State College. She earned her master's degree at Montclair State College and the doctor's degree from Columbia University. Her full-time teaching career began in Washington, DC but she returned to Newark, NJ in 1943 and taught and served as a school administrator in all wards of the city. Throughout her career she has been a trail blazer. In 1964 she was appointed principal of the integrated Hawkins Street School. She became the first African-American woman to hold that distinction. Her appointment as assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum services in 1967 was also a milestone. In 1985 a new elementary school was dedicated and named for her. Dr. E. Alma Flagg's life is filled with acts that prove she has made a difference. Although retired, she continues to give of herself. Her days are filled with church, community, and various committee work. Her love for life and its participants is evident in her poetry. She and her late husband, Dr. J. Thomas Flagg, have raised two outstanding children--Dr. Thomas L. Flagg, a professor of psychology at Eastern Michigan University, and Luisa Flagg Foley, a Spanish teacher at Cherry Hill High School. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would have joined me as I gave my best wishes to an outstanding human being and consummate role model, Dr. E. Alma Flagg.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and pleasure that I bring to the attention of my colleagues an event taking place this evening, here in Washington. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is holding its annual Honor Roll Award dinner. The Washington Center is an independent, nonprofit, educational organization founded 20 years ago. It has served over 20,000 college and university students while fulfilling its mission to utilize the resources of the Nation's capital to provide participatory learning experiences in order to enhance students' academic, civic, and professional development. As the Washington Center celebrates its twentieth anniversary this evening, it is also paying tribute to an outstanding member of our society and an extremely fine New Jerseyan--Thomas J. Stanton, Jr. If any one word could be used to describe Tom Stanton it would be consistent. Tom Stanton is consistent in working toward a better society. Over the years he has utilized his resources, expertise, and talent for the benefit of many. And he has done this in no small measure. When Tom Stanton commits to something you can count on him becoming personally involved. At the Washington Center he is vice chairman of the board on which he has served since 1985. He has used his expertise as a banker to contribute to the growth and stability of the program. He has generously given his time to the Washington Center's interns by making numerous presentations and sharing his experiences and knowledge of corporate America and the importance of public service. His philanthropic benevolence is well documented. Mr. Speaker, Tom Stanton retired several years ago but I am sure he is more active now. Ever consistent in his goal to make a difference, he has undertaken a new project. He has agreed to serve as co-chairman of the New Jersey Scholarship Fund. This fund is being established to enable qualified, deserving college and university students from New Jersey to spend a semester in Washington, DC as an intern in the Nation's capital. Over the years, I have been able to provide intern opportunities to several of the Washington Center's New Jersey students. These internships have been pleasant experiences for my office and the students. I would like to encourage other Members to share in the experience. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me as I congratulate and thank Thomas J. Stanton, Jr. for promoting the development of our future leadership in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors of our society.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of a talented and dedicated professional, Mary Crews Kornegay, who is retiring after many years of outstanding public service to the city of Newark, NJ. Ms. Kornegay, embarked on her career with the city on November 22, 1960, during the administration of Mayor Leo P. Carlin, when she assumed the position of clerk stenographer. Her ability was quickly recognized, resulting in a series of promotions to other positions: Principal stenographer, deputy municipal court clerk; private secretary to the corporation counsel, chief clerk, office supervisor; and her present position, executive assistant, law department. In addition, she serves as the secretary to the city of Newark Insurance Fund Commission. Ms. Kornegay has served as chairwoman on the City's Employees Recognition Awards Committee since its inception. In addition, she serves on the Safety Committee, the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee and the Fleet Safety Board. In addition, Ms. Kornegay continues her appointment to the New Jersey Supreme Court's Attorney Ethics Committee, as well as her elected position as secretary to the New Jersey Risk Management Association and serves on its executive board. She is also a member of the board of trustees of the Ensemble Theatre Company. A graduate of Rutgers University, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with high honors in political science and urban studies. A member of the alumni association of Rutgers University College and Alpha Sigma Lamba-Beta Zeta Chapter Honor Society, she remains actively involved with Rutgers Alumni projects. She has the distinction of being the first student at Rutgers to receive a certificate in public Administration. She received her certification from the certified manager's program through the New Jersey Department of Personnel and Rutgers University. She also completed the associate in risk management courses at Seton Hall University. A lifetime resident of Newark, Ms. Kornegay has two children, Janine and Michael. I know that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ms. Kornegay and wishing her all the best as she moves on to the next phase of her life. May she enjoy new pursuits in the many fulfilling and happy years ahead.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Mink substitute. Mr. Chairman, today I rise in support of H.R. 1250, the Family Stability and Work Act because the Personal Responsibility Act is an all-out assault on America's children, on America's elderly, on America's poor, on our most vulnerable populations. My colleagues claim that they are not out to get women and children, that the Personal Responsibility Act does not punish poor people, that we need to have an honest discussion about this proposal. I don't know that we can have an honest discussion about legislation that was built on distortions and misperceptions. The truth is that kids are hurt. The Family Stability and Work Act does not set arbitrary time limits on poverty, because there is no cut off of benefits for those who make a concerted effort to find work. There is no pandering to assumptions that poor people have no work ethic. It protects children because it does not include a requirement to deny benefits to teenage mothers or children who are born to families already on AFDC. H.R. 1250, helps families in the critical transition from welfare to work because it retains crucial support systems that allow families to keep health, child care, housing, and food stamps for up to 2 years, until they accrue the security to do it themselves. Three weeks ago, I offered an amendment during Economic and Educational Opportunities deliberations on welfare reform that would protect our Nation's children. My amendment would allow children, whose family income fall under 130 percent of poverty, to continue to receive free meals at school. This program was eliminated in H.R. 999, the Welfare Reform Consolidation Act. My amendment was unilaterally defeated by the supporters of the so-called contract. And since under this rule, I am not permitted to offer the amendment during this process, I have introduced the measure as a House resolution. So what if we go into another recession? We can't meet existing need. There is no fail-safe approach for American children in the Contract With America. Are young people, who have no agenda, no vote, any less important because they don't vote? If the Personal Responsibility Act, becomes law, States or school districts will decide whether or not to provide any free meals at all; States will not be required to serve meals to children who cannot afford to pay for them. As a former teacher, I know that you cannot teach a hungry child, because hunger impairs their ability to learn. I remember the deep conviction of the American people and their compassion for the less fortunate. I urge my colleagues to continue that tradition by supporting the Family Stability and Work Act.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened today to inform my colleagues of the passing of Leon Day. Mr. Day, a veteran baseball player, died on Monday, March 13, at the age of 78. Mr. Speaker, Leon Day was a man of great poise and dignity. Over the years he patiently waited for his election into the Baseball Hall of Fame. On March 7, 1995, he was elected to that place. Leon Day played in the Negro Leagues in the 1930's and 1940's. I am proud to let my colleagues know that Mr. Day played for the Newark Eagles, a team from my hometown, for 9 years between 1936 and 1949. He was one of the most dedicated and versatile players known to the game of baseball. Considered one of the league's best pitchers, known for his no-windup delivery, he also played outfield and second base. During one game, he was starting pitcher, relieved the regular center fielder and replaced an injured in-fielder. During his years with the Negro League he appeared in a record seven all-star games and once struck out 18 batters in a single game. In the 1950's, Mr. Day played in the Latin American Leagues and the Canadian Leagues. Physically, he won't be with us in October during the 1995 Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies but I am sure his spirit will be front and center. Leon Day's immense contribution to baseball history will live forever. His enthusiasm for the game and his appreciation of life have left an indelible mark on all of his fans. Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will join me in celebrating the memory of this remarkable sportsman.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Georgia, the Honorable Representative Lewis, who over 30 years ago led the Nation in the march on bloody Sunday. It was in fact the same date as tonight when he led the march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, when Sheriff Jim Clark and his posse, with the Alabama State troopers, stood there and treated people as brutally as any act in this Nation. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I take great pride in drawing attention to a very important piece of legislation that resulted from that action. After years of judicial and administrative wars, which were highlighted with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, this country just recently began to get women and minority officials elected in significant numbers. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its extension in 1970 and 1975 had a profound effect on the black political participation in the South. The percentage of voting age blacks registered in the South in March, 1965 was only 35.5 percent, compared with 73.4 percent of the white population. The percentage of blacks registered was especially low in States targeted by the special provisions of this act, and it was in the area of the South that the act had the most direct and important impact. By the end of 1965, Federal examiners, working in 32 counties in the covered States, had listed the names of 79,000 African-Americans to be added to the voting registration rolls. By the end of 1967, more than half a million new black voters were listed in the States covered by the Voting Rights Act. Since 1970, changes in black registration rates have been more erratic, but have generally moved upward. Moreover, the substantial increase in the number of black registered voters has been accompanied by a significant rise in the number of black elected officials. So I share this history with you to emphasize how important this bill really is to African-Americans and to our communities. More importantly, I believe these statistics are even more remarkable when one considers that as late as 1940, 95 percent of adult blacks residing in the States in the South were deterred from voting. Many people had been beaten, lynched and harassed so that African-Americans could have the right to vote. The barriers at the time were numerous to them. They included all-white primaries, poll taxes, literacy taxes and economic intimidation. Within a generation, these barriers were largely dismantled; however, some still exist. By far the biggest increase in black registration occurred in the late 1060s in the southern States covered by the Voting Rights Act. And let me say that it is interesting to note that it was not only in the South where we have had problems, but when we look at Black History Month, which just passed, we found that following the Civil War, it was the passage of the Reconstruction Act of 1867 that gave blacks the right to vote. Blacks were elected to Congress. Hiram Revels of Mississippi became the first black to serve in Congress, when he took his seat in the U.S. Senate on February 25, 1870. Joseph Rainey of South Carolina became the first black Member of the House of Representatives when he took his oath of office on December 12, 1870. In fact, in the first Presidential election open to African-American voters, the blacks gave the deciding vote. Ulysses S. Grant defeated Horatio Seymour by a margin of 300,000 votes. It was estimated that Unfortunately, in my home State of New Jersey, African-Americans were shut out of the political system for a very long time. In fact, in 1807 the State legislature restricted voting rights to only white males, eliminating privileges that our State's 1776 Constitution had existed for both African-Americans and women. Despite immediate opposition to the 1807 restrictions, the State's 1844 Constitution continued to limit the franchise to white men. In an effort to gain a right to vote, the first statewide black convention was convened at Trenton's Zion AME Church in 1849. The convention petitioned the legislature to put aside prejudice and allow all citizens to vote. Their effort was unsuccessful. The reality is that New Jersey in the 1800s was sometimes compared to the South. New Jersey was a slave holding State and it was reluctant to change. References to New Jersey as the land of slavery are found in historical letters of pre-Civil War era. New Jersey was the last northern State to approve laws abolishing slavery. It was in 1804 when a bill was passed establishing a gradual system of the practice of ending slavery, but the bill actually allowed slavery to continue until after the Emancipation Proclamation to the end of the Civil War. So as I conclude, it is important that we do know about history, that we do know that New Jersey questioned President Abraham Lincoln's authority to free the slaves. It was also the only northern State that failed to ratify the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution. And so as we look around, we have seen a great deal of improvement. As we look around, we see that the importance of this bill is important. As we look around, we see that we have seen a great deal of progress in the course of history as African-Americans. We have seen many move into elective offices. Today there are over 8,000 elected African-Americans as compared to 280 in 1965, and so as I conclude, I once again want to congratulate the gentleman from Georgia for this very important event tonight and I thought that it was important, as we celebrate Black History Month, that we hear a bit about the history of African-Americans throughout this country and thank you, Mr. Lewis, for this opportunity.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to commend the gentlewoman from North Carolina for the special order. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise in support of America's children because the Contract With America is an all-out assault on America's children. Last week, in this Chamber's Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities, the former Education and Labor Committee, I offered two key amendments which will would have protected the most vulnerable members of our society. One of my amendments would continue to guarantee free meals to children who are under 130 percent of poverty which was repealed in H.R. 999, the Welfare Reform Consolidation Act. My amendment was unilaterally defeated by the Republican supporters of the so-called ``contract''. Restoring free meals for children at or below 130 percent of poverty would have continued a policy set in 1974 to help protect the health and well-being of low-income children. The Republican plan as detailed in H.R. 999 will curtail access to the main source of nutrition for some youngsters. Overall funding for the school-based block grant will be capped at a 4.5 percent rate of increase per year. Under the current law, the rate of increase for fiscal year 1996 would be 5.2 percent, which is still not enough to meet current needs. It is unbelievable that we would risk letting children go hungry in this country under the cloak of fiscal responsibility. And I do not think that most Americans want to shred a critical safety net for children and infants. If this proposal becomes law, it will be left up to the States or school district to decide whether or not to provide any free meals at all; States will not be required to serve meals to children who cannot afford to pay for them we know that hungry children cannot learn, because hunger impairs their ability to learn. At a time when much lip service is given to improving education through the use of high-technology learning along the information superhighway, it seems very contradictory to take away such basics as the school lunch program. I think every American should have deep concerns about what the termination of funding for feeding programs for children says about the direction this Nation is heading. These are children who did not choose or ask to be born into a situation of poverty. These are children who cannot approach the legislators and legislatures, to let the folks who are making the decisions know that these policies are harmful and damaging to them. And these policies punish them for circumstances over which they have no control. Americans have always been proud of our spirit of concern for one another and compassion for people who are less fortunate than we are. Has that been wiped out by the Contract With America? Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina [Mrs. Clayton].

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues a tribute that was paid to one of America's great educators, the late Ms. Mabel Gertrude Holmes. On Friday, the city of Elizabeth, NJ, recognized the achievements of Ms. Holmes. Born in Virginia, Ms. Holmes first moved to Elizabeth in 1906. During an era when most African-Americans were denied opportunity, she earned a B.S. in elementary education from the Newark Normal School in 1921 and went on to receive an M.S. in education from New York University. Ms. Holmes put her education to great use, she taught second graders at Continental School No. 3 for 28 years. Elizabeth is fortunate to have had this dedicated educator and concerned citizen as one of its leading residents for so many years. In 1949, Ms. Holmes became the first African-American to serve as the principal of a school in the city of Elizabeth. She served in an exemplary manner in that position for 14 years. Ms. Holmes also served as a member of the Elizabeth Board of Education from 1966-69. In Elizabeth, the name Mabel Gertrude Holmes will always be synonymous with education. She served her community well and for a very long period of time. Many lives were touched and improved by this kind and compassionate woman from Smedley, VA. Mabel G. Holmes is an excellent role model for our young people and it is appropriate that she is being remembered during Black History Month. An educator and humanitarian, her life of service to her community is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join with me in recognition of a truly special woman, the late Mabel Gertrude Holmes.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. I thank the gentleman for giving me an opportunity to address this very, very important issue, an issue that we in the Black Caucus feel is the No. 1 issue facing us at this present time, because it strikes at the very heart of what made this country great. The Congressional Black Caucus has formed a task force, as we have done in the past, on issues that we feel are very important to the caucus and to African-Americans in this Nation, and the Nation as a whole. We have a task force which is chaired by the gentleman from Maryland, Kweisi Mfume, and co-chaired by the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. Clyburn] and the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Waters]. The caucus will be coming up with a position. We will be looking at the issue of affirmative action, we will be talking about and studying and coming up with our position. We would hope that the President will stand firm, as he said he would, as he is reviewing this. We were very pleased, I think, at the review that Senator Dole called for that showed that affirmative action was basically a move toward a more perfect Union. As a matter of fact, in our Constitution we talk about we are moving toward and hoping to have a more perfect Union. Affirmative action is a program that attempts to move people toward a more perfect Union. Therefore, we will certainly be engaging the Nation in a debate. Let me just say a few other things that I would like to say. We have seen in recent weeks a great deal that has been put in the news media about affirmative action. It has been a topic that appears that the Republicans will try to turn into an all-out assault on people of color and women and minorities in this Nation. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am outraged by the efforts of the Republican majority to try to repeal affirmative action programs and attempt to turn the clock back on progress that had been made throughout the years. Mr. Speaker, let me share some basic facts very quickly about affirmative action. Affirmative action, as you know, is defined in broad terms as any measure adopted to correct or compensate for past or present discrimination, or to prevent discrimination from recurring in the future. It does not mean quotas, which are rigid requirements mandating that employers hire fixed percentages of members of a specific group, regardless of the qualifications. Affirmative action programs have incorporated goals and timetables, and have clear objectives. Goals and timetables are merely used to help employers establish targets and time frames for achieving the targets. Employers are encouraged to make good faith efforts, but there are no legal penalties if they do not make their goals, if in fact they are making a good faith effort. There has been a lot of distortion about this whole question of affirmative action. The history of affirmative action has revealed strong bipartisan support, as the gentleman from South Carolina recently said. Current standards were initiated throughout the years, and in the 1960s several large corporations said we should move this along, and President Nixon endorsed it. Since then, eight successive Presidents have supported affirmative action. Other groups, like the Business Round Table and the National Association for Manufacturers, have stated that affirmative action is good business. In fact, studies have confirmed these statements time and time again. As I conclude, Mr. Speaker, let me say that most employers believe that their productivity has not suffered by affirmative action at all, but has been enhanced. A report from Fortune Magazine found that many business leaders believe affirmative action is necessary to allow them to compete domestically and internationally. They believe it produces a work force that reflects the diversity of markets they serve. In an all perfect world it would be nice to say that we live in a color-blind society. However, discrimination today is alive and well and still exists. Therefore, as long as there is discrimination based on race and gender, we must develop remedies that will take these factors into account. Our country has a long and sad history of discrimination. Now more than ever our society needs to tear down barriers to prosperity and achievement, and enable every American equal access to education, decent housing, health care, job training, so that everyone is able to participate in this society. Let me just say, Mr. Speaker, really in conclusion that this is nothing new to countries around the world. They have affirmative action programs in Fiji. They have affirmative action programs in Malaysia. The ethnic Malays were not getting opportunities, and they have a very specific, even much more rigid program than the affirmative action program we have here. In Nigeria there was an attempt, because of the domination of one ethnic group over the total country, for affirmative action. In Northern Ireland, they are talking about the McBride principles as they are trying to integrate and make equal the arguments and the discrimination between the Protestants and the Catholics. This is absolutely nothing new around the world. This is something that countries have struggled for to make their societies better, and once again, I commend the gentleman and gentlewomen who are here trying to educate this Nation about the positiveness of affirmative action.

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey

Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor of acknowledging the law firm of McCarter & English during its sesquicentennial celebration. Originally founded in 1845, and headquartered in my congressional district in the city of Newark since 1865, McCarter & English has the unique distinction as the State of New Jersey's oldest and largest law firm. McCarter & English has a distinguished past that is synonymous with the legal and business activities of the State. A majority of the attorneys with the firm have played a role in the civic life of the State or have been appointed to State and Federal benches. McCarter & English has had several famous clients including Annie Oakley and the great inventor, Thomas A. Edison. I am pleased that I was able, with the help of my colleagues, to secure an appropriation from Congress to preserve the endangered Thomas Edison Historic Site in West Orange, NJ, which houses important papers and artifacts. McCarter & English has always supported charitable, educational, cultural, and civic organizations including area hospitals, universities, and theaters. Many of the firm's partners have taught at area law schools and provided pro-bono services for many of my constituents. In closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating McCarter & English on its 150th anniversary. The firm has never wavered in its commitment to the city of Newark, despite the difficult challenges the city has experienced in the last 25 years. McCarter & English has played an important role in the revitalization of downtown Newark. The firm has made donations to the new arts center in Newark as well as several other projects. I wish McCarter & English continued success and prosperity for another 150 years to come.