Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor a native of Como, Mississippi who celebrates her centennial birthday today. In 1902, the year Mrs. Rogers was born, Theodore Roosevelt was our nation's twenty-sixth President. Throughout his tenure as President, he prided himself as a ``steward of the people''. Mrs. Virginia Strickland Rogers, whether consciously or not, has lived and continues to live by this motto as well. She has been a public servant and a distinguished member of her community for most of her lifetime. She is an active member of her church, the Cistern Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she sits on the church's Board of Mothers and February Club. When she is not in church, Mrs. Rogers, who is a retired food service worker, drives the elderly in the community to their doctors' appointments and escorts them on shopping excursions. The latter of these tasks she does not mind though, because she reportedly is an ``avid shopper''. Also, in her spare time, Mrs. Rogers loves to show off her ``green thumb''. She enjoys gardening and is known to tinker around in her garden for hours at a time. I cannot even begin to imagine the volumes of historically significant events Mrs. Virginia Rogers has witnessed with her own eyes over her lifetime. The town of Como is lucky to have such a resident who is so involved and committed to community. I hope that other members follow her example as well. Among the celebrants at Mrs. Rogers' ``centennial bash'' will be her friends in the community and also her 10 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 35 great great grandchildren. Happy one-hundredth birthday Mrs. Rogers! I wish you the best on your day and hope you see many more.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, for more than 60 years, the Federal government has fostered rural development through farm credit and other programs that are vital to small farms. Small, minority, women and beginning farmers have often had no other access to credit than USDA and Farmers Home Administration. The Conyers amendment preserves this traditional role as the ``lender of last resort'', maintaining open entry for a new generation of farmers by restoring the direct lending role that would otherwise end in five years. The programs and services of the Federal government should be freely accessible and open to all who are eligible to receive them. Local participation has been one of the high-points of USDA programs for years. To make this goal a reality, Mr. Conyers has worked with the Majority to reinstate the direct lending provisions of H.R. 2646. However, some farmers have been excluded who do not meet some local idea of eligible farmers. Minority farm loss in previous decades has skyrocketed at a rate more than three times that of other farmers. Between 1987 and 1997, an additional 20% of African-American farms were lost. The lack of clear data on how many minority and women producers are on the land and participating in USDA programs is a critical barrier to any efforts to seek fairness. To address this problem, it is my understanding that the majority has agreed to hold full committee hearings on the subject of equitable participation in the FSA county committee system. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I expect that we will be able to recommend that target participation rates be computed for each county and state based on the total number of socially-disadvantaged residents in a county in proportion to the number of residents as a whole. This data would then be posted for each USDA program by county, state, and nationally on all USDA websites. We want to ensure equitable participation by all farmers in county committee elections and to provide public information and oversight of elections. To accomplish these goals, the responsible course of action is to require the opening of all ballots be open to the public. Election results would be posted to the Internet and the Secretary would have authority to intervene when adequate representation is not achieved. Mr. Chairman, the success of our smallest farmers depends largely the willingness of the Federal government to ensure a fair process. I submit that the Conyers amendment seeks to level a playing field that has operated to their disadvantage for some time. I urge my colleagues to support the Conyers amendment and vote for its passage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the Stump/Skelton amendment to H.R. 2586, the National Defense Authorization Act. The transfer of $400 million from missile defense to intelligence and anti-terrorism initiatives is just the beginning of what actions Congress should take to defend our nation against future threats of terrorism. In light of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, it is evident that our nation must reevaluate its priorities to address a list of a broader range of threats to our national security. Developing and implementing premature technology to defend this nation from a foreign missile attack is not at the top of that list. Instead, we need to start focusing our attention on the threat of and preparation for chemical or biological warfare. It would not only be fiscally irresponsible to appropriate the full amount, of some $8 billion plus dollars originally requested by the committee for this sole purpose, but it would also be detrimental to our country's role in the international community and open the United States to even more threats. Limited Ballistic Missile Defense is an ambitious program that will require the commitment of enormous resources in order for it to be even remotely successful. This ill-conceived initiative, from all projected estimates, will cost this nation $60 to $120 billion over the next 20 years, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to intercept an incoming missile. Before any defense system implementation takes place, much more research needs to be done to develop a total or layered missile defense system that can intercept a missile in all phases of flight. The Bush administration has been adamant in its willingness to go forward, even if unilaterally, with implementation of a limited missile defense system, but I ask: ``Why risk violating the 1974 Anti- Ballistic Missile Treaty and triggering a new arms race to implement a system that is not even failsafe?'' An arms race this time around would not only include the traditional player, of Russia, but also China and North Korea. After years of brokering disarmament and nuclear reduction treaties, like SALT and START, we would once again start to witness the dramatic proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons. This proliferation would make it much easier for rogue nations or terrorist organizations wanting to do harm to the United States to get their hands on weapons to commit acts of terrorism and instill fear into American citizens.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to Mr. Thomas Cheatham, Jr., a native of Bentonia, MS. After a long and distinguished career of public service, Mr. Cheatham announced his retirement on June 30, 2001. Mr. Cheatham was a dedicated employee of the State of Mississippi for 27 years with tenures at both the Department of Public Safety, Motor Vehicles Division and as a tax collector with the Mississippi State Tax Commission. Prior to this, Mr. Cheatham served in the military for 28 years with the Mississippi National Guard, where the qualities of dedication and punctuality were instilled into him. These traits followed him throughout his career, evidence in the fact that he was always on time for work. Although Mr. Cheatham enjoyed his time with the State his real passion was coaching little league baseball. He spent 37 years coaching the Grove Park Royals, an eight to twelve age team, in Jackson, MS. As leader of the team, Mr. Cheatham enjoyed many successful seasons, this past year going 19 and 1. He was instrumental in the development of many young individuals on and off the field. He has also been fortunate enough to see several of his players eventually go on to play Major League Baseball. Mr. Cheatham will be missed by a lot of people at work, but if anyone is more deserving of retirement it is him. He should be commended because he is truly a modern day ``role model,'' displaying the characteristics of integrity and commitment for all to admire.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American Literary Figure, the late Eudora Alice Welty. This well known author was born and educated in Jackson, Mississippi. She received her Bachelor of Arts at University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1929 and in 1931 attended Columbia University School for Advertising, New York. In 1946, she published her first full-length novel, Delta Wedding, which depicts The Mississippi Delta's structure and society of the family with mythical parallels. Her work put into words the everyday life struggles of Mississippians. In 1950, Welty won a Guggenheim Fellowship and was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1987, Welty was knighted a Cavalier by the French Government. Welty received the 1996 Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian honor. She has received the Pulitzer prize, 1973; Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1980; National Endowment for the Arts Award, 1989 and Charles Frankel prize, 1992. Some of her numerous honors are Bread Loaf Writers Conference fellowship (1940), O'Henry fellowship (1942, 1943, 1968), Howells Medal (1955) and gold medal (1972), and Bobst award, 1984. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Eudora Welty, is proudly recognized by the state of Mississippi and the United States of America as a visionary for all people. On behalf of the people of the 2nd Congressional district, I salute her.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, after weeks of deliberation, I am pleased to announce Lionel D. Brown, of Bolivar County, Mississippi, as the winner of ``Artistic Discovery 2001''. This annual art competition is a real opportunity for our students all over Mississippi's Second Congressional District, which encompasses twenty- four counties, to showcase their talents. I was not surprised to see that we have a lot of young talented artist in the district. Lionel's magnificent block print painting, titled ``A Long Journey Ahead'' edged out the stiff competition to win this years contest. This year we had seventy-four entries from worthy participants. I am sure the judges had a tough job choosing just one. I am proud of Lionel and I will take great pleasure in displaying his artwork in the Capitol subway for all to see. Lionel spent several months in preparation and effort in order to complete his piece. He is to be commended, not only on his winning piece, but on his success in life to date. Lionel is a recent graduate of East Side High School and plans to attend a college somewhere in the State next year. I urge him to apply and hopefully attend my alma mater Tougaloo College in Central Mississippi. He would be a welcomed addition. Lionel is not only a talented artist, he is also a superb baseball player. He plans to pursue both of these endeavors in the future, where ever he goes. I wish Lionel the best and I am confident that he will do well in his ``Long Journey Ahead''.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Bonior for organizing a special order on labor and the labor force in our country. Rather than wait until the first Monday in September, I, too, appreciate the role of labor and organized in our economy. In my District, which is largely the Mississippi Delta, I've witnessed the transition from agriculture to gaming. Ten years ago, there were no casinos in the State of Mississippi. Today, more than twenty-two casinos operate in my Congressional District. The Second District of Mississippi is one of the more rural areas in the country. While we grow cotton and soybeans and farm-raise 85% of the nation's catfish, we can sometimes lose sight of the men and women who make it all possible. When we adjourn in the House, most times you can find me headed to Mississippi. When I get home, I hear all the concerns of hard-working folk who just want to make a better way of life for their families. No, they don't complain about how they can't contribute as much as they want to a campaign or how the estate tax is threatening to take away their farm. My constituents just want to be treated fairly and thought of as men and women. Time after time, we see corporate executives pitted against common folk who want to know that they are not being mistreated. Just like all of us here in the Congress, our workforce wants to enjoy life. There's nothing wrong with paying hard-working people a decent wage. There's nothing wrong with providing a safe working environment. There's nothing wrong with environmental standards. There's nothing wrong with health insurance for the working poor--folks who are too rich for Medicaid but too poor for the HMO's. There's nothing wrong with forming credit unions and providing other benefits to assist our workforce, many of whom are turned away by traditional lending institutions. Mr. Speaker, these comforts are taken for granted by some here in the Congress. In closing, I ask ``What's wrong with an honest day's pay for an honest day's work?'' As we carry out our duties in this House, let us not forget the men and women who have made our economy what it is.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Attorney Constance Slaughter-Harvey. Attorney Harvey is a persistent trail blazer in a world of challenges. For 31 years, she has dedicated her life to legal and public service. Attorney Harvey, a native of Scott County, received her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics from Tougaloo College in 1967. In 1970, she became the first African American female to receive a law degree from the University of Mississippi. Upon graduation she was staff attorney for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, executive director of Southern Legal Rights and director of East Mississippi Legal Services. Among her other outstanding achievements, attorney Slaughter-Harvey is the first African American female to serve as Student Government President at Tougaloo College (1967); to be appointed to serve as judge in Mississippi (1976); to be the president (first female) of the National Association of State Elections Directors (1991); Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Human Development (1980-1984); and to serve as Assistant Secretary of State for Elections, Public Lands and General Counsel for the State of Mississippi (1984-1995). Attorney Slaughter-Harvey is the first African American female to receive the 2001 Outstanding Woman Lawyer Award given by the Mississippi Women Lawyers' Association. Among her honors is the Constance Slaughter Harvey Endowed Chair in Political Science/Pre-Law at Tougaloo College. The University of Mississippi named the Black Law Student Association in her honor in 1998. She was 1 of 8 founders (the only female) of the National Black Law Student Association in 1969 at Rutgers in New Jersey. In 1970, she successfully argued Morrow v. Crisler, which led to the desegregation of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. She filed a 3.8 million dollar lawsuit in 1970, Myrtle Green Burton v. John Bell Williams, against the state of Mississippi and other defendants for wrongful deaths of Jackson State student, Phillip Gibbs and Jim Hill student, James Earl Green. Presently she is engaged in private practice in Scott County. She is president of Elections, Inc, the Scott County Bar Association, the Magnolia Bar Association and the W.L. and Olivia Slaughter Memorial Foundation. The W.L. and Olivia Slaughter Memorial Foundation is a tribute to the legacy of her parents who lived in Forest and the legacy includes a foundation, library, residential subdivision and office building complex where her law office is located. She has been an adjunct professor at Tougaloo College or 31 years. Mr. Speaker, Attorney Harvey is proudly recognized by the state of Mississippi and the United States of America as a visionary for all people. On behalf of the people of the 2nd Congressional district, I salute her.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Dr. Betty Ward Fletcher. Dr. Fletcher is a trail blazer, a persistent advocate, a remarkable woman and outstanding leader. She has proven time and time again that one person can make a difference. Dr. Fletcher, a native of Rankin County, received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Tougaloo College. She received her master and doctoral in Social Work from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. From 1975 through 2000, Dr. Fletcher dedicated her life to providing information and ideas on behaviors of societies to Jackson State University. She was the founding director of the Student Intervention and Information Program of Interdisciplinary Alcohol/Drug Studies Center. She has worked in various scholarly positions such as Associate Director of Graduate Program in Alcohol/Drug Studies, Instructor, Associate Professor, Acting Director, Acting Graduate Dean and Vice President for Research and Development of Sociology Department. In addition, she excelled her instructional focus on research and evaluation of sociology by serving as an adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, School of Social Work. Dr. Fletcher's research focus has been the study of social and behavioral correlation of substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. She has generated over $17.5 million in externally funded initiatives, while simultaneously fulfilling her administrative duties. In 1999, Dr. Fletcher was Jackson State's first-ever Vice President for Research and Development. During her leadership, the University garnered a $2 million donation and a $12.9 million research award. This award was to serve as the coordination center for the Jackson Heart Study, the largest study of cardiovascular disease ever undertaken in the nation. In 1999, Dr. Fletcher was named Interim President of Jackson State University by unanimous consent of the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning. She was then labeled a ``charismatic, courageous and visionary leader'' for her success in launching the School of Engineering and building a strong support base with the business community for the University. In 2000, she was appointed as Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and had oversight for a $438 million budget and 4,168 employees. Dr. Fletcher made a positive difference and a goal was to build cooperative working relationships with other state agencies. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Fletcher is proudly recognized by the state of Mississippi and the United States of America as a visionary for all people. On behalf of the people of the 2nd Congressional district, I salute her.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young Mississippi student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community, Jazmyn Smith of Greenville, Mississippi has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2001 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Ms. Smith is being recognized for the creation of a youth service club that gives teens a safe and healthy social outlet while providing valuable volunteer service to the community. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more about how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Ms. Smith are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past six years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 100,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Ms. Smith should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Ms. Smith for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact he has had on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Her actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in saluting a great young role model, Ms. Jazmyn Smith.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young Mississippi student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Queeneice Ganison of Greenville, Mississippi has just been named one of my state's top honorees in The 2001 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ms. Ganison is being recognized for coordinating a project to combat underage drinking, which included developing and presenting workshops and slide shows to area middle school and high school students. In light of numerous statistics that indicate Americans today are less involved in their communities than they once were, it's vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contribution this young citizen has made. People of all ages need to think more abut how we, as individual citizens, can work together at the local level to ensure the health and vitality of our towns and neighborhoods. Young volunteers like Ms. Ganison are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past six years, the program has become the nation's largest young recognition effort based solely on community service, with nearly 100,000 youngsters participating since its inception. Ms. Ganison should be extremely proud to have been singled out from such a large group of dedicated volunteers. I heartily applaud Ms. Ganison for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has had on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Her actions show that young Americans can-and do-play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in saluting a great young role model, Ms. Queeneice Ganison.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina very much for yielding. Like my colleague from Texas, I am concerned about the plight of the farmer here in America. Under the Republican plan, there is no contingency plan for the $27 billion that we have had to earmark for emergency funding. In addition to that, the Republican budget resolution eliminates field offices for the Department of Agriculture. Those of us who live in rural America understand that our people need to be able to go to the offices within a reasonable period of time in a reasonable area. Also the water and infrastructure needs. Many of us represent areas that do not have running water and sewer. Under this Republican budget, the problem of water and sewer in our rural areas is not adequately addressed. So we encourage Members to look at the Democratic alternative and support that for the people of America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, although death is a part of life, often times it becomes difficult to accept. Last week, Ms. Reaber Lucas, a dear friend of mine, passed away. Ms. Lucas was born on July 4th, 1946 in Amite County, MS to Willie, Sr. and Ora Lee Wesley Harden Lucas, who both preceded her in death. Reaber graduated from Bettye Mae Jack High School in Morton, MS and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College where she studied Social Work. Later she attended Jackson State University majoring in Accounting. Utilizing her background in Accounting and Social Work, Reaber served as Branch Director, Division of Community Services for the State of Mississippi Department of Human Services, until her retirement in 1997. Reaber thoroughly enjoyed serving as a community activist as an active member of the Hinds County Federation of Democratic Women and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Reaber devoted her life to Christ at an early age, and joined Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Meadville, MS. After the family moved to Morton, MS, she joined Christian Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. While Reaber lived in Milwaukee, WI, she became a member of St. Matthews Methodist Church. After relocating to Jackson, MS, she continued to be faithful to God and became a member of New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Jerry Young, where she continued to serve until her death. One of the many attributes Reaber possessed, was her ability to empower and organize. Reaber's energetic work ethic and responsibility to her community was the primary reason for many of the African- American elected officials, myself included, currently representing Jackson, Mississippi. Reaber believed that African-Americans should have a voice and the only way to insure that was to help them exercise their right to vote. Mr. Speaker, it's only fitting that I recognized Ms. Lucas during Black History Month. Without her assistance, I can't be certain that I would be here today as a Member of Congress. Reaber was an asset to her family, community, city and state. She will be truly missed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Julian C. Dixon. Julian was a steady force in the Congress for more than twenty years. Before entering the House in 1979, Julian served six years in the California State Assembly. While there, he won the favor of his colleagues and was Chairman of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. I became aware of Julian through his efforts to secure federal funds for the people of California. For example, he was instrumental in federal efforts to mitigate the impact of the 1992 civil disturbance by introducing a dire emergency supplemental appropriations bill to help businesses and families hurt by the riots. Seeking to better serve his constituents, Julian served four two-year terms on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Of particular interest to his constituents, Julian focused attention on the CIA-crack cocaine connection. He was the highest ranking Democrat. While a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Julian advocated programs important to the defense/aerospace industrial base in California. In addition, he secured years of funding for educational programs, including a mathematics and technology enrichment program. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in saluting a great American, a great Congressman and a great human being--Julian C. Dixon.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, first let me compliment the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood), my colleague, for his leadership in helping shepherd this bill to the floor this evening for consideration. I would also like to recognize the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), who also cosponsored this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to come before you in support of S. 1880, the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000. Nearly 1 year ago, on November 8, 1999, I introduced H.R. 3250, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health of minority individuals. I thank Senator Edward Kennedy for introducing S. 1880, and I am extremely proud to see this bill come to the floor for consideration. Mr. Speaker, the statistics are alarming when comparing the disparity between whites and minorities, alarming when we speak of infant mortality rates, alarming when we speak of heart disease death rates, alarming when we speak of prostate cancer and breast cancer, and most alarming of all, HIV/AIDS infection and death rates for African Americans. Mr. Speaker, I say for all of us now to come forward in a bipartisan manner and pass this bill and take the first step toward correcting these alarming disparities for African Americans and all other underserved communities. Let us have a quality health care system for everyone in the 21st century.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 29,300 students that graduate from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) each year. I come to this floor as a proud 1968 graduate of Tougaloo College and a 1972 graduate of Jackson State University. I am also proud to say that, located in my congressional district is the nation's oldest historically Black land-grant institution--Alcorn State University. In the year 2000, we find that nearly 40% of Black undergraduates at HBCUs are first-generation college students. While we applaud the services that these institutions provide, we must also show support for HBCUs by increasing funding for them, developing programs to make federal dollars more accessible and encouraging private investments. In my home state of Mississippi, public HBCUs have been faced with the challenge of achieving funding levels equal to those of traditionally White institutions. For 25 years, Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State and Alcorn have been engaged in a legal battle for equal funding. This fact emphasizes the need for increased public and private support. In spite of the circumstances, we find that HBCUs are continuing to fulfill their missions as institutions of higher learning and the first outlet for Blacks who desire to attend college. Yes, Mr. Speaker, HBCUs have stood the test of time. Today, more than 25% of Blacks earning bachelors degrees received them from HBCUs. As President Clinton has designated this week as Nationally Historic Black Colleges and Universities Week, let us commit to improve upon the past successes of schools like Tougaloo College, Rust College, Alcorn State University and Jackson State University. I thank Representatives Hoyer, Cummings, Lewis and Wynn for their leadership on bringing this issue to the floor. God bless our HBCUs and their supporters.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand before you to commemorate the memory of the late Tommie J. Robinson. Robinson was one of Bolton, Mississippi's oldest residents. Robinson, a homemaker, died of heart failure on June 23, 2000. She was 106 years old. To many, Robinson was the town historian. People from all around would come to her and say, ``What was life like in Mississippi 50 years ago?'' A devoted wife and mother, Robinson worked very hard to make her community a better place for future generations. Formerly a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Robinson later became a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church until her death. Robinson was an advocate for education in the black community. She encouraged black youth to seek higher education, and promoted the importance of reading. Robinson was very well known for her acute spelling ability. Many of her neighbors and friends would rely on her keen spelling abilities and challenge her to test her knowledge. She always proved triumphant. Mr. Speaker, Tommie J. Robinson has touched the lives of many people. She will be missed, and she will always be remembered by the people of Bolton as one who loved the state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I show of friendship and support for the African continent. During the December recess, I visited the West African nation of the Gambia with several of my colleagues and discovered a country full of hope and motivation for advancing their country's welfare and future potential. In light of this body's efforts to pass legislation that would increase and better our economic relationship with the African continent, I was deeply impressed and my hope for Africa buoyed by the dynamism I saw in Gambia's duty-free import zone and its booming tourist industry. In this regard, I would like to submit into the record a recent Editorial in The Journal of Commerce newspaper by Viola Herms Drath ``Emphasis should be on Africa's role models'' that praises Gambia, as one of a handful of African nations, that is developing systems for its own internal development seeking trade and not aid. While much work remains to be done in terms of ameliorating the country's transportation and technological infrastructure, the Gambia is well on its way toward developing constructive partnerships that will enable them to sustain and increase their development potential. I am happy to draw attention to the Gambia's very positive achievements and look forward to lending them this chamber's continued support and encouragement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Jackson-Lee, Thompson, Clayton amendment to H.R. 4461, Agriculture Appropriations for FY 2001. Mr. Chairman, my congressional district is the home of Alcorn State University, the oldest Historically Black Land-Grant College in the country. For years Alcorn, along with other 1890 Historically Black Land Grant Colleges and Universities, have faced an uphill battle in acquiring adequate funding to provide research, technical assistance in environmental sciences, improve the production and preservation of safe food supplies, and train new generations of scientists in mathematics, engineering, food and agricultural sciences. Although these schools have traditionally functioned with the status quo, over the past few years they have received less of the minimum amount of the federal and state funds they usually receive. Many of the 1890 HBCU's across the country are equipped with the experience to carry out the necessary research that is granted to larger 1862 Colleges and Universities, if given the financial support by the federal government. The Jackson-Lee, Clayton and Thompson amendment will address this loss in federal support for 1890 universities. Specifically, this amendment will increase by $6.8 million the formula funds (i.e., Evans Allen Research & Extension Activities for the 1890 Land Grant Institutions) for the 1890 land grant institutions. The amendment will increase research activities by four million and extension activities by $2.8 million for the 1890's land grant institutions. This $6.8 million increase will be deducted from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) funding included in the bill. The bill currently includes $889.7 million for ARS related activities. Mr. Chairman, lets work together to provide a lift for our 1890 Historically Black Land Grant Colleges and Universities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand before you and recognize the accomplishments and success of one of Mississippi's finest civil servants. For many years, Lindsey Roberts, Jr., has worked diligently to ensure the continued growth and development of Mississippi for future generations. Since 1988, Roberts has served the people of Montgomery County as a member and past president of the Board of Supervisors. During the past year, Roberts has been instrumental in bringing more than $2.5 million in grant funds to Montgomery County for road and other infrastructure improvements. Roberts has brought a tremendous amount of recognition to Montgomery County through his election as president of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors (MAS) Minority Caucus and as the recipient of the 1999 MAS Presidential Award. In addition, for his outstanding efforts to obtain grant funding for Montgomery County and the recognition he has brought to the community through his involvement on the state and national levels, he was presented with the Government Award for the year 2000. Mr. Speaker, Lindsey Roberts, Jr., should be an inspiration to us all. His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed by the people of Montgomery County. He is sure to be a positive force within the state of Mississippi for many years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand before you and recognize the outstanding sportsmanship and accomplishments of one of the top 400-meter high school runners that Mississippi has ever produced. Otis Harris Jr., has showcased his talents to the people in Mississippi, and is now on his way to impress the world. Harris is a recent graduate of Hinds Agricultural High School. During his high school career, he participated in some of the nation's most prestigious track events. He won the Class 2A 100, 200, and 400 meter races as a junior and continued his success as a senior by winning the 200, and the 400 meter races. To add to his accomplishments, Harris helped his high school win three consecutive Class 2A titles. He was also named to the All-State track and field team. Harris' performances over the years have landed him an invitation to compete in the U.S. Junior Nationals located in Denton, Texas. There, he will be competing against the best high school and college freshman runners from around the country for a spot on the National Junior Olympic world team. Mr. Speaker, Otis Harris Jr. exemplifies the strength and determination of America's youth. His track records show that he has what it takes to excel at all of his endeavors. He is sure to represent the State of Mississippi well for a long time to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, let me from the outset associate myself with my colleague's comments in opposition to this sense of Congress resolution. This sense of Congress resolution produces a cruel hoax on African American farmers in this country. Those of us who have labored very diligently trying to get relief, to no avail under the last two Congresses, really got to the point of having to go to court rather than an administrative remedy. But as I look at House Concurrent Resolution 296, it provides no relief, no direction, nothing other than some comfort or cover for Members of Congress when they have not done the representative acts that they should in their respective districts. The 2501 program, which was a program specifically designed for outreach for African American farmers, languishes in the administration's budget and it is constantly opposed by members of the other side on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations. I challenge the supporters of this amendment to provide the necessary monies so that outreach and other things can be complemented rather than curtailed. If we look at the Department of Agriculture and its historic discrimination against African American farmers, this sense of Congress resolution addresses none of those past discriminations. The last plantation is still the last plantation. Employees of the Department of Agriculture continue to pose a problem for many borrowers of color. This resolution is a hollow effort to try to correct some political missteps made by my colleague from Arkansas. This is not the way to do it. The way to do it is to provide in appropriation language monies necessary to assist these black farmers who have proven the historic discrimination. In addition to this, John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Union, said that should kill this resolution. It did not and will not do anything for African American farmers. Mr. Speaker, the other issue that I want to bring before my colleagues today is the notion that the Congressional Black Caucus labored long and hard trying to get support from this body on behalf of African American farmers. It was only with the help of the President and some Members on the Republican side, not the sponsors of this sense of Congress resolution that we were able to get language inserted in the last two appropriation bills allowing for lawsuits to be brought on behalf of black farmers. It was only because we were able to get the language inserted that we were able to bring suit and the farmers, through the help of Judge Friedman, received some support. But it is still very difficult, Mr. Speaker. Sure, there are problems associated with the lawsuit, but it is because of a cumbersome government, a government that continues to only work for those who have when it should work for those who have not. This sense of Congress resolution does not get at the heart of the problem at the Department of Agriculture. We still have 14,000 employees who work for the Department of Agriculture who are paid by Federal dollars yet they are not Federal employees. We have three personnel systems operating within the Department of Agriculture. So, clearly, we have a problem with the Department of Agriculture that no sense of Congress resolution can correct. We need legislation making sure that all the employees who work for the Department of Agriculture are, in fact, in one personnel system, unlike the three personnel systems that we have now. We also need legislation, Mr. Speaker, that will also look at the discrimination that has gone on historically. We need to fully fund the civil rights division of the Department of Agriculture. As my colleagues know, this division was dismantled for a number of years and it was only because the Congressional Black Caucus fought that we did put monies back into the Department of Civil Rights in the Department of Agriculture. There are a number of other problems associated with this resolution, Mr. Speaker. It is called too little, too late. It cannot be decided, after people have lost their land, some have even, because of stress associated with land loss, died, now provide a sense of Congress resolution that is really a Band-Aid on a cancer. What we need is comprehensive legislation to address the black land loss issues in this country, to look at the systemic discrimination continuing to exist in the Department of Agriculture, and the full funding of the outreach programs necessary for African American farmers in this country to be viable. So, Mr. Speaker, this is not in the best interest of African American farmers. All of us are interested in making sure that all Americans benefit from the goodness of this country, but to now decide at this late juncture, when the gates are open, when all the livestock has been gone, the land is sold, to decide to come here with a sense of Congress resolution is not where we should be. I challenge my colleagues who are supporting this sense of Congress resolution to help join the Congressional Black Caucus in fashioning comprehensive legislation that will really provide long-term relief for the African American farmers in this country and not a Band-Aid just to get by this election cycle.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, there are a million reasons why the Confederate Flag should not be flying over any state capitol, comprise a part of any state flag, or be displayed in any place of honor or distinction. From its racist past to its polemic present, the one thing that can be stated unequivocally, is that today, the flag has become shrouded in an over-simplified, revisionist version of American history.'' ``Claims that the flag represents a benign segment of Southern history, ruled by some sort of gentile charm and virtuous code of conduct, are patently offensive to every American whose ancestors were brutalized by the stinging pains of slavery or ostracized by its illegitimate progency, Jim Crow.'' ``This legislation is intended to set the record straight. The Leaders of the Confederate States of America were traitors. Had they been allowed to succeed in their ultimate act of betrayal, they would have destroyed all of the principles and freedoms we hold dear as Americans. It is impossible to celebrate the Confederate Flag and simultaneously profess one's love of democracy. It is self-delusional to attribute equality, freedom and opportunity to the Confederacy when its treasonous acts would have destroyed all of these values--these American values.'' ``As our nation tries to deal with rise in conspicuous acts of racial violence and hate, the one glaring fact with which we are frequently confronted is that we have not adequately and honestly dealt with our past. Once again, this resolution will be a constructive first step in starting that dialogue. I challenge one person who presently supports the flying of the Confederate flag to read the words contained in this legislation and say that the beliefs of the Confederacy, articulated in this bill, do not stand direct conflict with the principles we enjoy as one nation united and indivisible under God.'' ``At the end of the day, this bill is about the true history of the flag flying over the Capitol building in South Carolina. It clarifies the symbolism connected with the battle flag contained in the Mississippi and Georgia state flags. At the end of the day, this legislation begs the question, `Will we, as Americans, united and God- fearing, allow ourselves to posthumously give the Confederacy the divided nation they so desperately fought to create, or will we embrace the fundamental principles which presently govern the moral conscience of our nation and work toward a day when the actions of our shared, Americans heroes overshadow the treasonous acts of a group of traitors whose actions would have destroyed our nation.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today is a very special day for me. Today we will vote on the passage of H.R. 1279, a bill to rename the Federal Building and Post Office in Clarksdale, Mississippi, after one of Mississippi's most notable pioneers in the civil rights movement, Dr. Aaron E Henry. I might add that I have known Dr. Henry all of my adult life. Until his untimely death, Dr. Henry served as a role model for all of us in the State of Mississippi and the country as a whole for those who believed in fair play and justice. Dr. Henry's role in the civil rights movement is well documented. His role in the political arena in the State of Mississippi is well documented. His legacy lives on. Many of us could not, as early public officials, go on TV locally. Dr. Henry, through his efforts, challenged the license of local stations in order for African-Americans to buy time on TV. His legacy is one that we all are proud of. Mr. Speaker, as the sponsor of this legislation and also the Representative of Clarksdale, Mississippi, I am happy to see this legislation move forward. I am happy to see the bipartisan support that it has received. I look forward to the passage of this bill.