To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2127 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the "Jim Richardson Post Office".

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As ranking member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I join my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) in the consideration of H.R. 1505, a bill which names a U.S. postal facility located at 2127 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina after Jim Richardson. This bill was introduced by our friend and colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), on March 27, 2003.

For the benefit of my colleagues, H.R. 1505 has met the committee cosponsorship requirement and has the support and sponsorship of the entire North Carolina State congressional delegation.

Mr. James Franklin Richardson, Sr., was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1926. After attending elementary and high school in Charlotte, Mr. Richardson went on to join the United States Navy and fought in World War II. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Richardson attended and graduated from Johnson C. Smith University with a bachelor of science degree in physical education and general science. Upon graduation, Mr. Richardson began a 33-year career with the United States Postal Service.

During his tenure with the Postal Service, Jim Richardson served as a service clerk and a postal supervisor. He spent his last 8 years with the Postal Service as postmaster in Mount Holly, North Carolina. Before he retired, Jim Richardson had received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Service, in ``Recognition of Exceptional Performance in the Interest of Improved Postal Service.''

In 1985, Jim was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives where he served one 2-year term before being elected to the North Carolina Senate. He served 4 terms in the Senate before he retired and was elected to the Mecklenburg County Commission where he served for 6 years.

During his years in public service, Jim Richardson was known for operating in a bipartisan manner and working hard to improve and promote his community. He always held true to his convictions and continued to fight the good fight. This fight continues today as Jim battles against cancer.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny Davis), the ranking member of the Postal Task Force, for getting this bill to the House Floor. I also commend my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) for seeking to honor the incredible contributions made by Jim Richardson to his community, and I urge the swift passage of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1505) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2127 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the ``Jim Richardson Post Office''.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505 has been introduced by our esteemed colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), and it designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2127 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina as the ``Jim Richardson Post Office Building.''

Mr. Speaker, State Senator Jim Richardson of Charlotte, North Carolina was a venerable public servant who deserves acknowledgment by this House. Mr. Richardson earned one term as a State representative, followed by 4 terms in the Senate of the Tarheel State. His time serving in the North Carolina State legislature followed a distinguished 33-year career with the United States Postal Service. He reached the rank of postmaster in Mount Holly, North Carolina, and was recognized with a Postal Service Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding career. By all accounts, Jim Richardson was one of the most friendly and most wonderful men one would ever meet.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, I understand that Mr. Richardson was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago and he is conducting a brave fight. I know I speak for all Members when I say that the thoughts and prayers of this entire House are with Mr. Richardson and his family.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H.R. 1505. I want to thank our colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), for introducing this meaningful measure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Governmental Affairs Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1505 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, that the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record.