Floor Statements

Thank you very much. And let me thank you, Congresswoman Clarke, a daughter of the Caribbean, for your leadership and for having the vision and the tenacity to put everything aside and go to Haiti this past weekend. And I want to thank you for that presentation because hopefully the rest of the country is watching and will have some sense of the tragedy that is taking place in Haiti. And because of your leadership, Congressman Kendrick Meek, and Congresswoman Donna Edwards, I think this Congress will have a better handle now on what we need to do and what has taken place, which is beyond our imagination. So thank you, again, for stepping up to the plate and for your leadership.

Yes, four tropical storms and hurricanes in 4 weeks, Fay, Hanna, Gustav, and Ike. These storms left Haiti devastated. Also other Caribbean islands have been devastated as well as, of course, the gulf coast in our own Nation. So tonight our thoughts and our prayers, first of all, go out to the families and the residents of all of these communities in all of these countries that have been devastated by these storms.

And I will also just say that we have to do something and we have to do it quickly. And I want to thank Congresswoman Maxine Waters for right away asking that we sign on to making this request of $300 million. And as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I know that all of us are going to work very hard to try to make sure that at least the $300 million is there.

And also thank you, Congresswoman Waters, for your leadership and for tonight, your presentation, putting all of this really in a historical context because we have to remember that Haiti is a vulnerable country and has been for many, many years. And we can't separate out our work now in terms of emergency assistance and relief from the work that we have to do long-term because of many of the issues that we have to address as it relates to infrastructure, job creation, health care, helping to develop water systems. All of those issues that you have been working on for so many years. So thank you very much for reminding us of the long-term work that still remains to be done.

This year, I believe it was in May, Congresswoman Kilpatrick and I led a congressional delegation to Haiti; and we were looking then at the conditions on the ground as it related to the soaring food prices. But our questions and what we wanted to know was what if our worst fears would come true, and that is what if another hurricane hits when the process of rebuilding and developing the agriculture sector and helping the emergency food assistance, while all of this is taking place, we said what if another hurricane hits this summer. And we didn't even want to ask that question because we were worried and we knew that we would have to face now, and the people of Haiti would have to face, the enormous, enormous tragedy now that they have to deal with.

So tonight I think it's important for us to recognize the fact that we have to do more.

Our own country I want to commend for doing everything we can do that we have done. It is remarkable to hear what you all have said you saw down there taking place and what our ambassador has done and what our armed services' young men and women are doing. I know our Peace Corps is engaged. I have a cousin in Haiti, and they're working very hard with the NGO community to develop a response.

But also we have to remember now what you pointed out in terms of the transportation system. We have to be creative in how we help deliver this emergency assistance and this humanitarian assistance because this is a devastating hurricane that is of enormous proportions that will require new ways of doing things, new ways of delivering assistance, new ways of helping to save lives.

Five hundred people. Let's hope it stays at 500 people who have died. Of course our prayers go out to the families of the 500 people. It's hard to imagine what else the--what other deaths have occurred as a result of this, but let's pray it stays at 500, unfortunately. There are 70,000 people in shelter now, 250,000 and more in need of assistance. Many of the cities under water. It's hard for us to imagine.

But thank you for those charts and those photographs tonight because I think now we're coming to grips with the reality of what has happened and what has set in and how we have to redouble our efforts with a sense of urgency.

And we have to work on all fronts. I know Congressman Engel and myself, we're working on a briefing with the ambassadors with the region. Hopefully, the entire congressional body, both Members' staff, both sides of the aisle, will come out for those meetings later on this week.

We've got to provide more than the $20 million. Twenty million, yes. That's a decent amount for relief efforts, but much more will be needed. We've got to have much more than $20 million; $300 million in assistance, which Congresswoman Waters has asked for, may or may not be enough, but thank you again for asking for $300 million. We've got to start somewhere.

And so, again, as the world leader, the United States I think is stepping up to the plate and has to show the rest of the world that we can lead, we can help our neighbors, and we can help not only in the most immediate and necessary emergency assistance that's required, but also with the long-term sustainable development assistance that we must begin to look at and provide for Haiti. So tonight we're sounding the alarm.

Congressman Meek, Congresswomen Clarke and Edwards went to Haiti. They came back. And they didn't have to do this. They could have been in their districts. They could have been doing other things this weekend, but they stopped and took their time so that they could come back and make sure that all of us were on the same page and that all of us heard that alarm. And we may see it on the TV, we may hear it from our friends in the community, but until it's real and it's made real and we have these meetings and discussions and forums here in Washington where the funding, hopefully, will come from, that's where I think this debate needs to be right now in terms of what we can do as Members of Congress.

So I have to thank you again for your leadership and giving us the opportunity to pull together and do something. Because I think to do nothing would really put us on the side of history that we would be ashamed of in the future. I think we all want to be on the right side of history at this moment in terms of how we respond to a country that is vulnerable, that has been under attack, that has been poor forever, that regardless of how poor, has resilient people who continue to be proud, who continue to get up, who continue to want to work, who continue to want a better day. We have to

be on the side of those people of Haiti now and show them that we are their friends and their allies and will continue to work to support their efforts.

There's a slogan that we use, I know, in my district in our community when we talk about Haiti. We say, ``Let Haiti live.'' Let Haiti live. Now we're talking about let Haiti survive. I think Congresswoman Waters and Edwards and Clarke talked about how vulnerable and fragile Haiti is right now. So before Haiti can live, it's got to survive.

So tonight we're saying let Haiti survive; let's find the will and the way and the means to do everything we can do to make sure that the people of Haiti receive the type of humanitarian and emergency assistance, but also the type of long-term assistance that they deserve and that we definitely intend to provide.

Thank you again.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and contributions of Mr. Carl Dickerson as his family and friends join together to celebrate the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday. An innovative entrepreneur, community advocate, and tireless champion for civil rights and equality, Mr. Dickerson has contributed immensely to our society.

Carl Dickerson was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on September 12, 1938. Born into a loving family, Carl established a deep value system centered on hard work and close relationships which he has carried with him through his many lifetime accomplishments.

After graduating from high school, Carl served his country and pursued his education with an endless voracity and thirst for knowledge. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army College of Emergency Administrative Analysis in Battlecreek, Michigan, as well as of the U.S. Army Staff College of Nuclear Science in Sheeps Head Bay, New York. In 1960, Mr. Dickerson received his degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and went on to complete graduate work at Temple University.

Carl Dickerson's life has been filled with groundbreaking business ventures, community contributions, and accomplishments both as a recognized leader and astute businessman. For four years, Mr. Dickerson served our young people as a dedicated educator, teaching at West Philadelphia High School in Pennsylvania and at the University of California, San Francisco. In the business world, he served as the president of Echo911 and the Principal at IGP Tech.

Carl has always been relentlessly devoted to his community, and has spent the majority of his life donating his time and efforts to countless professional affiliations where he has served in numerous capacities and board positions. Just a small example of his many commitments includes being a member of both the National and California Associations of Health Underwriters, founding member of the Academic Council of Insurance Planners, and Associate of the Black MBA Association. He has held myriad board positions for such community benefit organizations as the Los Angeles Community Lending Corporation, the Los Angeles Urban League, the Black Business Association, and the Center for Non Profit Management.

In light of all of these impressive accomplishments, however, Carl's most notable contribution has been as the creative and supportive president of Dickerson Employee Benefits, which he founded in 1965. As a result of Carl's activities, both political and civic, Dickerson Employee Benefits has maintained strong roots in minority communities throughout Southern California. The mission statement of Carl's business closely emulates the mission of Carl's life, which he lives up to everyday: ``the belief that all people should have equal access to affordable healthcare.''

Carl Dickerson is a successful entrepreneur who has never forgotten his roots, has always fought on behalf of those most in need in his community, and has remained acutely aware that equal opportunity and equal access for people of color is a cause still very much alive and in need of leaders like him. Most importantly, Carl has used his personal success to bring others up behind him.

Fortunately, I have had the honor of witnessing this man at work many times. His positive outlook, energetic spirit, and warm humor are always present no matter what task he has before him. Carl is constantly coming up with creative new ideas and inspiring people to soar to new heights and attempt things they never thought they would be able to do. Carl Dickerson is a man who can produce a sense of self- confidence and adventure in others which they would never find within themselves without his encouragement and guidance. In this way, not only is he a talented and successful person himself, but he has the incredibly rare ability to drive others to realize their full potential.

On behalf of the 9th Congressional District, it is my great pleasure to join Carl Dickerson's mother, wife, children, grandchildren, in- laws, and a host of loving family and friends as we celebrate the 70th birthday of this great man. Congratulations, and I wish you all the best in the coming years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and contributions to the United States of Jack Hunter O'Dell, and to acknowledge his 85th birthday, August 11, 2008. Jack Hunter O'Dell was born August 11, 1923 in Detroit, MI. Like other Americans who worked hard during the Great Depression, Jack devoted much time and energy to selling newspapers as a youngster and playing a strong role in his extended family. At an early age Jack developed an intense curiosity toward the world and a love of reading.

At the onset of World War II Jack joined the Merchant Marine, one of the most risky and important forces in the U.S. war effort. The Merchant Marine hauled supplies for U.S. troops in unarmed ships, often being attacked by Nazi submarines. Jack joined the National Maritime Union and advocated for the rights of workers on the ships and docks. During this time Jack developed an understanding of the struggles of peoples of other nations, an understanding that helped form his consciousness and dedication to creating peace and strengthening democracy.

After the war, Jack organized tenants in the Southern States and later in New York City. He worked with Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. as an organizer in New York and throughout the South as the Director of Voter Education for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He wrote and became an editor for the dynamic and unifying magazine, Freedom Ways. He taught at Antioch College and has lectured and taught throughout the United States. He is truly the common person's intellectual, holding forth the proposition that intellectual activity, creativity and wisdom stem from all the people.

Jack has consulted on two U.S. presidential campaigns. He has served Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition as the Director of International Affairs. In that capacity he assisted in developing ties of understanding, friendship and solidarity with many peoples around the world. His international work helped free political prisoners, it helped bring unification to warring factions in various nations and helped leaders from all walks of life in the United States understand the world and America's role in providing, by example, a true commitment to fair play and magnanimity.

Mr. O'Dell has been a bold yet humble servant to the interests of the American people. He recognized the necessity for working people to have access to reliable and first-rate media. He became Board Chair of one of the most popular, independent radio networks and news services. His commitment to peace and

a more safe and secure world expressed itself in years of service to peace efforts, including serving on the board of SANE FREEZE.

Jack has traveled around the globe representing the best in what it means to be an American citizen. He has represented the United States as a worker, as a representative of organizations advocating equality and justice, and as a brother to all in struggle. His experiences, intense study, love of country and his warmth and humor have provided tens of thousands with a deeper sense of joy and optimism for the future of humanity. Jack understands a better world is possible. His life, his writings and his example provide a bright light to all of us attempting to bring a better world into being.

Thank you, Jack Hunter O'Dell, for your selfless service to our Nation. It is an honor to know you and to have benefited by your talents and dedication. Best of luck to you as you continue your noble work helping to inspire all Americans to take the high road toward peace, community, and a stronger democracy.

Madam Speaker, due to personal matters, today I missed rollcall vote No. 576 on ordering the previous questions to provide for consideration of H.R. 3667, rollcall vote No. 577 on passage of H. Res. 1419 to provide for consideration of H.R. 3667, rollcall vote No. 578 on final passage of H.R. 1527, rollcall vote No. 579 on final passage of S. 2617. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 580, on the motion that the Committee rise, rollcall vote No. 581, on agreeing to the Grijalva amendment to H.R. 3667, and rollcall vote No. 583, on final passage of H.R. 3667, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 581, on agreeing to the Grijalva Amendment to H.R. 3667, and rollcall vote No. 584, on final passage of H.R. 4081, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, due to personal matters, today I missed rollcall vote No. 570 on final passage of H. Con. Res. 344, rollcall vote No. 571 on final passage of H. Res. 937, rollcall vote No. 572 on final passage of H. Res. 1069, rollcall No. 573 on final passage of H. Res. 1307, rollcall vote No. 574 on final passage of H.R. 6168, and rollcall vote No. 575 on final passage of H.R. 6630, Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of these rollcall votes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and great sadness. On August 10, 2008, our Nation lost one of its greatest artists, composers, and actors. Mr. Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., was a bright light who inspired many and contributed immensely to the fabric of our society. Although his energy and love for life will be sorely missed, there is no doubt that his legacy will continue far into the future and motivate generations of people from all walks of life for years to come.

Mr. Hayes was born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, TN. An acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, producer, composer, and actor, he was admired and loved by all who knew him. Mr. Hayes was a self-taught musician who, at the age of 22, was hired by Stax Records of Memphis to play backup piano and saxophone for the legendary Otis Redding. Isaac literally helped bring southern soul music into the 20th century, writing such hits as ``Hold On, I'm Coming'' and ``Soul Man'' with his partner, Mr. David Porter. His recording success continued with such timeless albums as Hot Buttered Soul and Black Moses. His 1971 ``Theme from Shaft'' won the Oscar for Best Original Song, making him the first African-American singer-songwriter to win this coveted award. He also won several Grammy Awards for his work.

By the early 1970s, Mr. Hayes was working with chart-topper Barry White. As an actor,

Hayes played the title character in the 1974 action film Hot Truck Turner and he had a recurring role in the 1970s TV police drama The Rockford Files. Most recently, he appeared in the 2005 film Hustle & Flow. In 2002 Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Isaac was talented beyond belief, however this was only one of his monumental attributes. At his core, Isaac Hayes was a humanitarian, activist, and tireless advocate for what is good and right in the world. He was a man of deep convictions and even deeper compassion for those most in need. In 1992, he was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's Ada District as a token of thanks for his humanitarian work in the region. His limitless contributions to African-American society and the diverse populations of the continent of Africa simply can not be overestimated.

With the sad loss of Isaac Hayes, today the world has a little less soul. His work as head of the Isaac Hayes Foundation serves as an inspiration to us all. Those who knew him personally will forever be grateful for having Isaac in our lives.

I met Isaac in the early 1990's during a visit to Ghana. We became close friends and had many discussions about our love for and connections to our motherland. He shared with me his excitement about the many things he was doing for his village in Ghana and his deep commitment to making life better for the people there, especially the children of his village. Later, Isaac became a dedicated supporter of my efforts in Congress and for that I am deeply grateful. The world has lost a wonderful, brilliant warrior and many have lost a genuine friend. I know that his legacy and his memory will live on through the lives that he touched.

A family man, Isaac had many loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind innumerable friends and loved- ones, including his wife, Adjowa, and his two-year old son, Nana Kwadjo Hayes. My thoughts and prayers are with Isaac's family. I know how much he loved his family and words can not express my sympathy over this tremendous loss. On behalf of California's Ninth Congressional District, we salute this great talent and spirit by honoring his legacy. Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr., will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of longtime Richmond City Councilmember Richard Griffin. A tireless public servant and proud resident of the East Bay, Mr. Griffin passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008. He was 74 years old.

Richard Griffin was born in 1934. He lived in the city of Richmond for 37 years, and served in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Griffin served as a public school teacher and principal in Oakland before embarking on a formal political career. As an educator, he was an active union member in the United Administrators of Oakland Schools, Local 83.

Richard was a strong believer in the importance of good mentors for our young people, and an unwavering advocate for the right to a quality education for all. Richard was an excellent role model for our youth, especially African-Americans. He never tired of working to level the playing field so that the bright, young, talented students whom he taught would have the best opportunities to pursue fulfilling and successful lives.

Mr. Griffin held degrees in both chemistry and biology biology from San Francisco State University. He later earned a master's degree in Education. In addition to teaching, his career included diverse experiences, such as working as a microbiologist for Schlitz Brewery and as chief chemist for General Dynamics Corporation. An expert in his field, Richard was awarded three National Science Foundation Scholarships.

He later went on to spend more than two decades tirelessly serving the residents of Richmond as an esteemed member of their city council. He was appointed to his position on the city council in 1981 to fill a vacancy. His last term ended in 2006, when he decided not to seek re- election. During his tenure on the city council, he also served as vice-mayor.

His colleagues on the Richmond City Council remember him as extremely affable, charismatic, and passionate about the needs of the constituency he represented. Residents and city employees have described him as one of the most accessible elected officials, always available to listen and reach out to residents and city agencies and interested in addressing complex issues in a hands-on and collaborative fashion.

Mr. Griffin was widely known as a champion for the rights of senior citizens and was a strong advocate of redevelopment projects which would improve access for those with special mobility needs. He was also keenly involved in the development of Richmond's crime-prevention programs. Richard understood, however, that being ``tough on crime'' was not enough. He aimed, instead, to protect the populace and encourage the healthy development of city neighborhoods. During the early 1980s, his support helped firmly establish the police commission, which investigates allegations of police brutality and works to ensure that every person, even those who have been accused of committing a crime, are treated humanly and with dignity.

A man of faith, Richard was a dedicated member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. He always made time for community service and, in addition to contributing to the good work of his church, also served as the director of both the Richmond Girls Club and the Greater Richmond Social Service Corporation, respectively.

Richard was a man of great wisdom. He provided tremendous support to me when I ran for the State Senate in 1996. I am deeply grateful for his counsel, his assistance, and his friendship.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. Richard Griffin. Our deepest condolences go out to his loving wife, two sons, three grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues. We thank his family for sharing this exuberant and compassionate spirit with us. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the wonderful life of Reverend Charles Belcher. His vibrant spirit, insatiable commitment to service, and his unwavering compassion for the human family will be sorely missed by all those who had the honor of knowing him and coming in contact with his ministry. We lost this exceptional community leader and dedicated man of God on August 9, 2008.

Reverend Charles Belcher was born on January 17, 1939, in Schaal, Arkansas, to his loving mother, Lottie Belcher, and her husband, the late Reverend Jim Belcher. At the young age of 5, Charles' family moved to California. Although this was in some way the adopted home of his family, the contributions Reverend Belcher and his parents made to the Greater Bay Area are humbling in their sincerity and magnitude.

Education and personal growth were always extremely important values to Reverend Belcher, which he fostered throughout his life and promoted among the many young people that looked up to him. Charles Belcher graduated with honors from El Cerrito High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and later received a master's degree in divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He would go on to earn a prestigious PhD from Ashland Theological Seminary. Reverend Belcher married Ms. Ethel Scott with whom he had a daughter, Kimberly, and a son, Charles II. At age 57, he married Ms. Doris Denson, and his loving family grew with the addition of Doris' children Bonita, Tony, Dana, and Sheila.

Reverend Belcher was widely known as a spiritual leader with great integrity and honor. In the Bay Area he served at numerous churches, including the St. Peter CME Church in El Cerrito, the Bee Bee Memorial CME Cathedral in Oakland, and most recently the Resurrection AME Church of Richmond.

Reverend Belcher was a man of great faith and energy. He enthusiastically embraced every opportunity to serve congregations and communities throughout our Nation, bringing with him a keen empathy for the local community. His service extended to churches throughout the country including CMEs in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and Cleveland. Under the leadership of Bishop Vernon Byrd, Reverend Belcher became an Itinerate Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Bethel AME in San Francisco in 1997. Reverend Belcher served as the organizing pastor at two churches in California, the Upper Room Christian Church in Los Angeles and the Resurrection AME Church in Richmond. Reverend Belcher dedicated every day of his adult life to his passion for God and community development. At the time of his passing, the Reverend was serving as pastor of St. John AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

Reverend Belcher fought for justice and equality for African Americans, low-income families, and communities of color, and he worked tirelessly to make this a better world. His dedication to public service throughout the Bay Area is both diverse in its capacities and remarkable in its scope. In 2001, he was elected to the Richmond City Council where he served a 4-year term. In addition to serving the city of Richmond, Reverend Belcher worked as an administrative assistant to Oakland Mayor Lionel Wilson. He was a member of the Peralta Community College District board and served on the board of the NAACP's Richmond branch.

I met Reverend Belcher while a student at Mills College in the early 1970s. I attended a class he taught and was amazed by his keen intellect, his deep insight, and his determination to teach and speak the truth.

The contributions Reverend Belcher made to his community throughout his life are innumerable. He was a true inspiration, and an exceptional role model, especially for young men and women of color striving to build up their communities, contribute to their neighborhoods, and improve their opportunities so that they may pursue productive and full lives. His legacy will surely live on through the lasting impact he made on so many lives.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Reverend Charles Belcher. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, especially his mother, Ms. Lottie M. Belcher, his wife, Ms. Doris Denson-Belcher, his children Kimberly and Charles II, his step-children Bonita, Tony, Dana, and Sheila, his grandchildren, and the many special members of his close and devoted family as well as his countless friends. May his soul rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the most inspiring and compassionate individuals in the rich and vibrant history of Oakland, California. On Sunday, August 17, 2008, Willa Dellums, the mother of my dear friend and predecessor in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Honorable Ronald V. Dellums, passed away at the age of 89. Although Willa lived a full and beautiful life, this is a tremendous loss to our community. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Willa Mae Terry was born December 11, 1918 to the union of Willie Terry and Estelle Poole in Houston, Texas. Willa was the youngest of three children born to this union, including siblings Bessie Blount and James Terry, who preceded her in death. At the age of 5, her parents moved west to California in search of a better life.

Willa lived in Oakland for 85 years, where she was known for her independence, ease of making friends, and unlimited kindness. Her compassion was one of strength, however, and she became equally known for her bravery and steadfast resiliency.

Willa Dellums was the first African American to be hired at the J.C. Penney store in downtown Oakland, California. Full of determination and resolute, Willa eventually became a clerk in Oakland's central government offices. Daily, Willa was faced with the incredible challenges of being a woman of color at a time when the glass ceilings of racism and sexism were blatant and unapologetic. Rather than cower in the face of harrowing prejudice, Willa used every challenge as an opportunity to reinforce her strong character, morals, and humanity toward others.

Willa, who was unable to attend college, was an unwavering advocate of the importance of education. She closely mentored her children throughout their school age years, and was a constant advocate for their continued learning and growth, even when they were well into their careers and were successful leaders in their own right. Throughout their lives, her children continuously credited Willa with instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in them. Many other members of our community, including myself, were also able to look up to Willa to solidify these values within our lives--in this way, we were all members of her family.

Mrs. Dellums was my friend and confidant for many years. She guided me through many troubling moments in my life. I will always remember her as a kind and brilliant woman who was non judgmental, yet totally honest with her feedback and insights. We talked for hours on the telephone and I was always amazed at her energy and clarity.

I have many personal wonderful memories of Mrs. D. She knew I needed more exercise and invited me to walk with her on many occasions. Those walks were invigorating. She walked very fast and I could hardly keep up with her. After our walks we'd go eat, and my last meal with her was at a sandwich shop on Lakeshore Boulevard. We both had half a sandwich and a cup of soup.

One day we went to the farmer's market at Jack London Square and then drove around West Oakland. I drove by her former home on Wood Street where she raised her son Ron and daughter Theresa. I told her that I thought this house should be designated as an historic site and she was excited about the idea.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the wonderful life of Mr. Will G. Bass, Jr. of Oakland, CA. We lost this exceptional community leader and dedicated leader and dedicated man of God on July 19, 2008.

Will G. Bass, Jr. was born on May 25, 1939 in Gilbert, LA. His parents were the late Will and Ivory Cameron Bass, and he was baptized under the leadership of Reverend R.N. Teats in the Cuba Baptist Church at a very early age. He remained an active member of this congregation until moving to California as an adult.

Education and personal growth were important values to Mr. Bass, which he fostered throughout his life and promoted among the many young people that looked up to him. As a young man in Louisiana, Will attended and graduated from Franklin Parish Training School. He later graduated with a degree in Business from Grambling University before moving to California where he met and married Ms. Betty J. Dobson on August 6, 1960. Theirs was a loving union which spanned almost five decades and produced two children, DiLeen and Nelda. A family man, Will honored and cherished these three women, and it was very clear to his friends and community that his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, which continued to grow in size and compassion throughout the years.

A dedicated advocate for the prosperous development of his adopted community in California, Will was widely known as an astute businessman. He was the Founder and President of the Integrated Technology Group (ITG), which provides services as an information technology and business assistance firm, as well as a land consultant. As a result of Will's ingenuity, creativity, and personal drive, ITG was involved in some of the major and historic development projects in the Greater Bay Area. This included the 1 billion dollar Hunters Point Shipyard Development Project and the 1.3 billion dollar Oakland Airport Expansion Project.

Will Bass was a man of many talents and accomplishments, reflective of the great diversity and innovation present in the East Bay, where the 9th Congressional District lies. Among one of Will's many great personal attributes was his astute ability to think globally, while acting locally. He was able to foresee major international trends in a way that pushed opportunities for Oakland to the forefront and developed new frontiers for my constituency. An example of this was his pioneering accomplishment as the first African American businessman in the Bay Area to be substantially involved in trade with Russia, China, and South Africa. When my esteemed colleague in the Senate, the Honorable Dianne Feinstein, was Mayor of San Francisco, Mr. Bass accompanied her to Abidjan, Cote d' Ivoire, west Africa to establish the San Francisco-Abidjan Sister City Committee. This was the first time an African city had been engaged in a sister city endeavor with San Francisco.

Will Bass was a Founding Member and Past President of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc. He served on the Board of Trustees of Allen Temple Baptist Church, and was a Founding Member, Treasurer and Board Member of the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce. Will was also a Founding Member of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the boards of the American Institute of Ethics, the Westside Health Center, and a host of other organizations.

The contributions Will made to his community throughout his life are endless. He was a true inspiration, and an exceptional role model, especially for young men and women of color striving to build up their communities. Thanks to his inspiration, they now contribute to their neighborhoods and work to improve their opportunities so that they may pursue productive and full lives. His legacy will surely live on through the lasting impact he made on so many lives.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors Mr. Will G. Bass, Jr. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, especially his wife, Mrs. Betty Bass, his daughters, DiLeen Dean and Nelda Jacobs, his sisters, Bernice Bass and Estelle Bass Harnage, his brother, Lannie Bass, his aunts, Pearl Shaw, Neicie Scott, and Roberta Cameron. He is also survived by his grandchildren Quianna, Annaque, Kameron, Niah and Savana Dean, and Trenton Jacobs, and his nieces and nephews, Ivory Bass, Yyanisha Gregory, Jamie Harnage, Marcus Bass, Chonsae Bass, and Jason Harnage. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, due to personal matters, today I missed rollcall vote No. 567 on final passage of S. 2403, rollcall vote No. 568 on final passage of S. 2837, and rollcall vote No. 569 on final passage of S. 2135. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of these rollcall votes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Representative Pete Stark, to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. John Gregory Roveda of Alameda, California. A lifelong Bay Area resident and significant leader in our community, John passed away in his home on June 4, 2008.

Mr. Roveda was born February 19, 1938 in Richmond, California. He graduated from the esteemed St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley in 1955, and then went on to attend the University of San Francisco (USF). There he became a founding member of the Gamma Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, International Business Fraternity. John was also involved in the Army ROTC program at USF. In 1961, John graduated with a degree in Business Administration and went on to attend the New York Institute of Finance, where he completed coursework in stock exchange and brokerage office procedure, and worked as a stockbroker.

Upon returning to the Bay Area, John joined his family's business, United Beverage Distributors, Inc., located in Oakland, California. His grandfather, Joseph Roveda, founded the company in 1933, making John the third generation Roveda to become president of the family business.

In 1990 John was admitted to the California State Bar and began to practice law in Alameda. He periodically served as Judge Pro Tempore, and in 1997 was qualified as an attorney and counselor of the United States Supreme Court. In addition, he was a member of the Italian American Bar Association.

Mr. Roveda was extremely dedicated to his community, and to the successful growth of the Greater Bay Area.

He served as president of the Athenian-Nile Club as well as the Alameda Boys and Girls Club. He was a member of the Design Review Board and Planning Board for the city of Alameda and a committee member of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Roveda's involvement spans a long list of other organizations including the One-Hundred Club, Alameda Elks Lodge, the Rotary Club of Alameda, the Porsche Club of America, UNICO, and the Oakland Council of the Navy League.

A true Bay Area resident, Mr. Roveda had a lifelong love of the ocean and sailed in the Trans Pacific Yacht Race in 1975. He served as commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club and was a member of the Encinal Yacht Club. Mr. Roveda also participated in the Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race annually.

An energetic attorney, businessman, and family man, Mr. Roveda had an inexhaustible spirit and was widely known for his humor and joy for life in our community. Mr. Roveda will be sorely missed. However, we are thankful for the opportunities he gave us to come together and celebrate the hope and love in our lives.

John was a dedicated father, husband, and friend to many. Today, California's 9th and 13th Congressional Districts salute and honor Mr. John Gregory Roveda. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, especially his wife of 28 years, Judith, his four children, Christine, Michelle, Jay, and John, his sons-in-law Matthew and Andrew, his nephew Stephen, and his granddaughters Hayley and Evelyn. His legacy will surely carry on through the lives of his loving family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

First let me thank Chairman Miller for his leadership and for being such a strong supporter of pay equity and women's rights, not only today or last year, but throughout his life. Thank you, Chairman Miller.

Also, I just have to say to my colleague, Congresswoman DeLauro, sometimes, oftentimes a lone voice in the wilderness, but today we pay tribute to the women of America, thanks to Rosa DeLauro. Thank you so much, Congresswoman DeLauro. You have been a champion for women and working families since before your career here in Congress began. So we salute you.

In 1963, and I know these statistics have been repeated earlier, but I have to say them again because it is so important to remember where we were, where we are and where we need to go, and that is what today is about. In 1963, women who worked full time made about 59 cents on average for every dollar earned by men. For every dollar earned by men in 2006, women earned about 77 cents. The wage gap has narrowed by less than half a cent per year. Clearly we have a long way to go.

The wage gap is most severe for women of color. It is absolutely inexcusable that women, and especially minority women, earn a fraction of what men earn from the same job. African American women earn just 63 cents on the dollar, and Latinos earn far worse at 57 cents. In my own State of California, black women working full time year-round earn only 61 percent and Latinos 42 percent of the wages of white men. This is outrageous.

The wide disparity begins at the start of a woman's work life and grows wider as women age. In the long term, combined with a decrease in pension income and Social Security benefits, which is what happens, many women are at risk of falling into poverty as they get older, because this disparity began when they first started working.

H.R. 1338 takes immediate steps to close the wage gap for all women by amending and strengthening the Equal Pay Act so that it will be a more effective tool in combating gender-based discrimination.

So let's help close that gap today. Let's stand up by making the Paycheck Fairness Act the law of the land. This should have been the law of the land many years ago. Many of us remember when we first started working and how that male counterpart in our job was making twice as much as we were making. I remember those days, and, as result of that, many women now will have less in their Social Security and their pensions.

Thank you, Congresswoman DeLauro; thank you, Chairman Miller, for today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 194, a resolution apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African Americans. I thank Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Conyers, and Congressman Cohen for their efforts to bring this resolution to the floor and affording the House of Representatives the opportunity to apologize for America's Original Sin.

Mr. Speaker, slavery in America resembled no other form of involuntary servitude known in history, as millions of Africans were captured and sold at auction like inanimate objects or animals during the 246 years between 1619 and 1865. The Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and stripped of their names, heritage, and dignity. Enslaved families were torn apart at the whim of their owners and sold as chattel.

Mr. Speaker, slavery was officially abolished with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 and for the next 12 years African-Americans made fleeting political, social, and economic gains during Reconstruction, nearly all of which vanished under the system of de jure racial segregation known as `Jim Crow,' which thrived in certain parts of the Nation for nearly the next hundred years.

Under the system of de jure segregation, African Americans could not vote, could not give evidence in court against a white person, were prohibited from marrying outside of their race, could not enter certain professions, could not serve on juries, and enjoyed few, if any, rights that whites were bound to respect. That is what the Supreme Court had decreed 27 years before in the Dred Scott decision in 1850.

Mr. Speaker, the end of Reconstruction in 1877 ushered in a period of oppression and terror for African Americans. The withdrawal of the Federal Government's protection, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the proliferation of the ``Black Codes,'' and the Supreme Court's infamous decision in Plessy v. Ferguson combined to ensure that African Americans would treated as second-class citizens forced to lead separate and unequal lives for four more generations.

Mr. Speaker, it is difficult for many today to understand just how oppressive it was for African Americans to live under the regime of Jim Crow. For those who couldn't understand why African Americans were so impatient to overcome segregation, Dr. King explained why ``we can't wait'' in his Letter from Birmingham Jail:

``[W]hen you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging

signs reading ``white'' and ``colored''; when your first name

becomes ``nigger,'' your middle name becomes ``boy'' (however

old you are) and your last name becomes ``John,'' and your

wife and mother are never given the respected title ``Mrs.'';

when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact

that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance,

never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with

inner fears and outer resentments; when you are forever

fighting a degenerating sense of ``nobodiness'' then you will

understand why we find it difficult to wait.''

America has made great strides in overcoming its Original Sin thanks to the modern Civil Rights Movement, which ushered in the Second American Revolution led by giants like Thurgood Marshall and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

But we still have some distance to go before we will have fully perfected our Union. Even today there remain the badges and vestiges of slavery. African-Americans continue to suffer the consequences of the damage they suffered, both tangible and intangible, to human dignity, including the loss of life, the deprivations of liberty, the long-term loss of income, and denial of opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, just because we can never fully repay the debt owed to those enslaved and their descendants does not mean that we cannot acknowledge this tragic period in our nation's history and try to atone for it. That is the least we can do.

The resolution before us is an excellent start and I strongly support it.

Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank Chairman Berman for your leadership and for your commitment to addressing this very devastating public health crisis, humanitarian crisis, and national security crisis.

I also want to thank Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman Payne, Ranking Member Smith, Chairman Waxman, and Congresswoman Donna Christensen for working together to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor.

Our Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has been such a leader early on in addressing the HIV and AIDS crisis, and without her support, we would not have such an important bill before us today.

As an original coauthor of both the initial legislation establishing PEPFAR and of this new bill reauthorizing PEPFAR, I am pleased that today we will complete action on this important initiative and send it to the President for his signature.

Each of us has witnessed, as Mr. Berman indicated earlier, the devastation that AIDS has caused in Africa and in the developing world, and we've seen the very dramatic impact of our AIDS programs over the last 5 years in actually saving lives. And this bill will save millions more in terms of life-saving drugs and treatment and care.

And, yes, to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), I believe that spending $50 billion to address a global health emergency makes more sense than spending over 600-700 billion dollars on a war, quite frankly, that did not have to be fought.

Quite simply, by enacting this bill, we will help change the lives of millions of people around the world for the better.

This bill is a model of compromise and stands as a testament to what true bipartisanship can accomplish.

Let me remind this body that it is the latest in a long string of initiatives on HIV and AIDS that have been born out of a willingness to work together and put the United States on the right side of history when it comes to this global pandemic.

First, in 2000, we passed and President Clinton signed into law the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act. This important bill provided the founding contribution and framework for the Global Trust Fund. It was inspired, really, by my colleague, my predecessor, Congressman Ron Dellums, now-Mayor Ron Dellums of Oakland, California, and supported by former Chairman Jim Leach of Iowa.

In 2001, working with both former Chairman Hyde and Chairman Lantos, we drafted H.R. 2069, the Global Access to HIV/AIDS Prevention, Awareness, Education and Treatment Act. This was the first bill that dared to provide a large scale antiretroviral therapy to people living in the developing world. Unfortunately, it wasn't enacted because we couldn't reach a conference agreement with the Senate.

At the end of 2002, the Congressional Black Caucus, along with practically every advocacy group in the United States, sent a letter to President Bush urging him to create a presidential initiative to fight AIDS in Africa.

In January of 2003, the President stepped up to the plate and promised $15 billion to fight AIDS during his State of the Union address.

Within 5 months, working with Chairman Hyde and Chairman Lantos, we passed H.R. 1298, the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, which created PEPFAR.

In 2005, we took yet another step forward when we passed H.R. 1409, the Assistance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act, again with Chairman Hyde and Chairman Lantos and Chairman Berman and Chairman Payne. This bill fine-tuned our programs to meet the needs of children orphaned and made vulnerable by AIDS.

So, Mr. Speaker, I lay out some of the history of our work on this very important issue because it speaks volumes about what is possible when we come together in the spirit of bipartisan compromise.

It is that bipartisan spirit that is again on display today as we honor the legacy of both Chairman Lantos and Chairman Hyde through this legislation. I'm saddened that both of them are not with us, like all of us are, to witness this moment, but I know that they would have been very, very pleased.

As I have said, this bill is a compromise. And as in all compromises, each side did not get everything it wanted, but that's what compromise is about.

I want to mention just a few important items that I worked on which have been included in this bill. First, it takes language from H.R. 1713, the PATHWAY Act, to strike the 33 percent abstinence-until- marriage and helps address the needs of women and girls in a comprehensive fashion--abstinence, be faithful, use condoms. Comprehensive.

It includes language taken from H.R. 3812, the African Health Capacity and Investment Act, to build health capacity by recruiting, training and retaining health professionals and strengthening health care systems.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, very much.

I am also very grateful that the Senate added language that I originally authored in H.R. 3337, the HIV Nondiscrimination in Travel and Immigration Act, to remove this, quite frankly, unjust and discriminatory statutory ban on travel and immigration for people living with HIV/AIDS. I'm especially pleased that we are lifting this statutory ban just prior to this year's International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. As a delegate to the last four conferences, I look forward to bringing this good news to Mexico City.

While I support the underlying compromise, there are many, many items that I wish had been included: Eliminating the prostitution pledge loyalty oath, recognizing the public health benefits of linking our HIV/AIDS programs with family services, recognizing the need to engage with communities that are at the forefront of this pandemic, such as men who have sex with men, and injection drug users, and clearly committing to provide lifesaving AIDS drugs to no less than 3 million people. So let me just thank you again, Chairman Berman.

I want to thank our staff, especially Christos Tsentas of my office. And I would like to insert for the the Record all of our staff members' names who worked on this bill.

List of Staff Who Worked on PEPFAR