Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I stand today to express my support for House Concurrent Resolution 80, introduced by Congressman Hank Johnson. This is the first action to be taken by the House concerning the continuing conflict in northern Uganda which has claimed so many lives. I am a proud cosponsor of a resolution calling for an unprecedented and historical effort to peacefully resolve the Ugandan conflict and garner international support for an ongoing peace process.

Jan Egeland, former United Nations Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has described the crisis in Uganda as ``the biggest forgotten, neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today.'' Twenty years of conflict has afflicted Uganda's innocent civilians, including women and children, with experiences of torture, displacement, rape, murder and enslavement. The ensuing violence impedes trade, development and democracy, and prevents humanitarian workers from providing much needed assistance to the region. Peace talks last year appeared promising; however, the ceasefire has expired and there is concern about the possibility of a return to armed conflict between the government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).

We live in a global society. This conflict and its aftermath are an international responsibility. Immediate action must be taken to ensure that the peace talks continue in northern Uganda. House Concurrent Resolution 80 calls on the Ugandan government and LRA to recommence peace talks and urges the U.S. and international community to support the peace process. I commend these efforts, endorse this bill, and look forward to a day when armed conflict and human rights violations no longer afflict our world.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to and show appreciation for the Caribbean American Medical and Scientific Association, CAMSA, and to enter into the Record an article from CaribNews entitled ``Saying Thanks and Recognizing the Contribution.''

Health care is an integral component of our Nation's well-being, yet many communities are left without the resources to access that care or receive health services that are not compatible with their cultural needs. CAMSA is on the cutting edge of health care delivery, providing culturally competent research and solutions concerning Caribbeans who have emigrated to the United States. CAMSA is creating significant professional alliances with non-Caribbean American health professionals, developing skills and strategies to better provide resources to their communities in both the United States and Caribbean nations.

I value CAMSA's contribution at a time when policy makers and health professionals are seeking ways to deliver health care and culturally relevant social services to communities that disproportionately bear the burden of disease yet lack the health care they need. CAMSA is improving the delivery of health care, making it more accessible to our Nation's Caribbean population; and I applaud their contribution to the health field.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the H.R. 2366, Small Business Administration (SBA) Veterans' Programs Act of 2007, an act to reauthorize and invest in the veterans entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration.

As a Korean War veteran, I appreciate the sacrifices the brave men and women who defend our country make and how great a challenge it can be to return successfully to civilian life. I can relate to their struggle to obtain employment and start businesses after their service. I am supporting this act not only because it reminds me of the sacrifices of these veterans, but because legislation like this sends America a message that Congress believes in supporting and giving the necessary tools to our veterans to help them in their transition when they return from war. With this act, veterans will have the means and information to compete and participate in our economy. It is imperative that Congress let them know that we care about the sacrifices they have made and hardships that they have endured for this Nation.

Further, this act will benefit healthy veterans, disabled veterans, military units, federal agencies and veterans organizations by providing them the information required through an advertising campaign to promote awareness and education of the services available at the centers. Providing knowledge through the use of technology-assisted online counseling and distance learning technology to overcome impediments that veterans and Armed Forces service members can face enables veterans to access vital information.

Finally, it is up to Congress to do everything it can to ensure the most comprehensive service is given to all our service members. We will be taking one more step to accomplish that by supporting this act. We have the best military in the world. The best soldiers in the world. Let's have the best benefits for our soldiers. They deserve no less. Like General Douglas MacArthur said, ``the soldier who is called upon to offer his life for his country, is the noblest development of mankind.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of African American musicians as we celebrate Black Music Month.

Music has a deep historical significance to African Americans, who are truly the founders and keepers of American music. The roots of gospel and blues can be traced back to the slave plantations. During slavery, African Americans sang songs and clapped hands to communicate with one another and to uplift their spirits. The music helped to sustain enslaved people and provided an outlet to express their hopes and fears. During the Civil Rights Movement, African American musicians offered encouragement and hope for an America in which all people would be treated equally. By creating and popularizing gospel, blues, jazz, funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop, they have inspired and entertained people from all races around the world.

I wish to thank President Carter, who in 1979 initiated the annual celebration of Black Music Month each June. Each succeeding president has continued to proclaim June as Black Music Month.

Among the many talented and gifted African American musicians, who have inspired us in ways that transcended their music, I have introduced legislation in the 110th Congress to honor Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, James Brown, and Ray Charles. Their commitment to uplifting America through song and activism has made them legendary.

Lionel Hampton, an accomplished jazz musician, band leader, U.S. goodwill ambassador, became a musical icon in a career that spanned more than 50 years until his death in 2002. He composed more than 200 pieces and was honored by President Clinton with the National Medal of Arts in 1996. The University of Idaho's music school and annual jazz festival are named in his honor.

The extraordinary Lena Horne was not only a Broadway performer, world renowned singer, and actress, she was a steadfast civil rights activist. Putting her career on the line, she proudly spoke out against racial discrimination. As a result, she was blackballed.

However, her hardship was not in vain because she has been a trailblazer and role model for aspiring African American entertainers. She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989. Her most recent album Seasons Of Life was released in January of 2006. She currently resides in New York and on June 30, 2007, will turn 90 years old.

James Brown, the ``Godfather of Soul,'' who passed away in December of 2006, was a monumental influence on popular music in America and around the world. During the sixties, many of his songs were more than dance hits and became anthems for the Civil Rights Movement. His music instilled pride in African Americans as they were fighting for equality. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and was the recipient of the 34th Annual Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.

The phenomenal Ray Charles overcame blindness and personal problems to become one of America's most inspiring artists. His music advanced the civil rights movement and united Americans. He has been credited with singing the most popular rendition of America the Beautiful. His version of Georgia On My Mind was made an official Georgia state song and he was ranked number ten in 2004 for Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artist of All Times list. In that same year, he passed away. I introduced legislation to award him with a Congressional Gold Medal.

These musical legends and many other African American musicians have contributed to American music and the nation's cultural identity around the world. I urge my colleagues to support legislation to honor them. I also urge my colleagues and people around the world to celebrate, honor, and cherish the contributions of African American musicians, especially during Black Music Month.

The tear that you hear in the voice of the gentleman from Michigan is felt by everybody that knew Guy Vander Jagt. I was with him on Tuesday morning with his beautiful wife Carol, and I would want everybody who knew this man to know that there was a big smile on his face, that wonderful voice of his was resonant, and even though he did not stay lucid for long periods of time, the only thing, the only thing that he talked about was his House of Representatives.

I really sincerely hope that those Members, Republican and Democrats, that had an opportunity to see a true Republican with the compassion and sensitivity and understanding that it takes all of us to make this Congress and this country work, that maybe those of us who knew Guy would make some kind of special effort to be tolerant with each other, which is what he was talking about, in hopes that new Members that never had the opportunity to enjoy that type of camaraderie will move in that direction.

We will miss him, but those who knew him, we have a constant reminder that when things get rough for us on this floor, there was a guy like Guy Vander Jagt, and as strong as a Republican as he was, that he cared enough about this House to care for all us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the historical importance of June 19. This is the day that signifies the initial abolishment of slavery in the United States.

As you are aware, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862 to declare freedom of all slaves in the territories of the Confederate States of America by January 1, 1863. Despite the proclamation being issued in September of 1862, most people did not know about it because the infrastructure of communication at that time was no where near as sophisticated as it is today and slave owners undoubtedly did not want their slaves to know about their freedom. On June 19, 1865, troops descended on Galveston Island in Texas to impose the proclamation. Since then, June 19th has been celebrated and recognized as the day slaves were freed. The name Juneteenth is a compilation of portions of the word June and the 19th day of the month. June 19th is an official holiday in Texas and is recognized in some States including New York as an official holiday.

It is extremely important that we not forget the institution of slavery. It represents a very dark part of our history in the United States. The cost and sacrifices of people who were enslaved are immeasurable. For those who lived long enough to be set free, their strength is awesomely inspiring to me and nothing short of a miracle. When I reflect on slavery and the suffering endured, I am humbled and feel grateful for the steadfastness, courage, and faith of my ancestors. I would not be where I am today, if it were not for them.

On this day, I urge my colleagues and all Americans to remember the injustice of slavery and celebrate the abolishment of it. So much progress has been made in our great country towards the rights the forefathers and other great leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned for all Americans. We shall continue to advance civil and human rights, embrace diversity, and treat each other with dignity and respect.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month. The imprint of Caribbean-Americans on the foundation of the United States is indispensable. This June, we Americans have the opportunity to celebrate the history, accomplishments, culture and global influence of people of Caribbean descent past and present.

Caribbean-Americans have significantly contributed to the ethnic diversity that strengthens and enhances our stature in the international community. From the platform of St. Mark's Church in New York City to the halls of Congress, Caribbean-Americans such as Marcus Garvey and Congresswoman Barbara Lee have effected the civil rights and federal legislation that serve as building blocks in American history.

Even in times of war, Caribbean-Americans support our efforts at home and abroad by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, thousands of Caribbean-Americans are fighting to achieve stability in Iraq.

In a wide variety of fields, people of Caribbean descent have transformed the Nation we live in today. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H. Con. Res. 148, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Madam Speaker, today I rise, on behalf of myself and Ways and Means Ranking Member Jim McCrery, to recognize Webster Phillips, a distinguished executive at the Social Security Administration. Mr. Phillips

is Associate Commissioner for Legislative Development. On July 3, he will retire after a career of public service spanning more than 30 years.

Mr. Phillips began his public service as a member of the United States Army. After his military service, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam, he began his career in the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative in the local office in Alton, IL. He was promoted to the Operations Supervisor in the Rock Island, IL Social Security office in 1980. In 1983, Web was selected as a management intern and completed a series of developmental assignments in the Chicago Regional Office and in SSA Headquarters in Baltimore. In 1987, Web moved to Baltimore and joined the staff of the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Since 1995, Web has been assigned to SSA's Legislative Affairs Office in Washington. He was selected to serve in his current position as Associate Commissioner of Legislative Development in February 1999.

Ways and Means Committee Members and staff of both parties have had the pleasure of working with Web on many issues relating to Social Security during his tenure at SSA. The Subcommittee on Social Security, in particular, has benefited greatly from Web's in-depth knowledge of all aspects of Social Security policy and operations. Web has been unfailingly responsive and professional, and always provides Members and Committee staff with timely, accurate, and thorough information and analysis. Of special note is his contribution to the development of the legislation, enacted by Congress in 1994, that established the Social Security Administration as an independent agency.

It is important that we in Congress recognize the men and women who devote their working lives to improving the lives of others. Career civil servants usually do their work in quiet anonymity behind the scenes, but provide vital service to the Congress and the American people. Webster Phillips is one of those people. His record of leadership at the Social Security Administration and his commitment to providing the American people with effective and compassionate service is a record of which he can be justly proud.

We wish Web all the best in his retirement from the Social Security Administration and thank him for his many years of dedicated federal service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Americans of Caribbean descent during the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month. I also recognize the special ties between the nations of the Caribbean and the United States, a relationship that will be manifest and renewed later this month in a dialogue between Heads of Government of the Caribbean and our own national leadership, led by President Bush and including members of his cabinet and the Congressional leadership as well, on June 19-21 in Washington, DC.

While the significance of Caribbean Americans to the building and advancement of America cannot be fully expressed, I will acknowledge several contributions they have made to the very fabric of our Nation.

People from the English speaking Caribbean have helped shape this great land as the earliest and largest source of Black immigrants to the United States. Caribbean Americans such as Virgin Islander Edward Blyden, along with West Indian Americans George Padmore, Marcus Garvey and Claude McKay influenced the course of civil rights in America. The contributions of these individuals alone comprise over one hundred years of writing, empowering, and engaging the policies and values that serve as the cornerstones of this country.

The founder of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, was born in Haiti, and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, is also of Caribbean ancestry. Colin Powell, the first African-American Secretary of State, is of Jamaican heritage.

Today, Caribbean Americans continue to serve as catalysts for change by serving in local, State and Federal Government, among which include Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who introduced the legislation in the House to recognize Caribbean American Heritage Month and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who served as the first Director of Business Development for the Bronx Empowerment Zone.

Caribbean-Americans have fought to protect and defend our Nation during times of war. In the struggle for American Independence, over 500 Haitians joined colonial troops against the British at the Siege of Savannah. In response to President George W. Bush's current efforts to assist a young and fragile democracy, hundreds of Caribbean-Americans fight in the U.S. Armed Forces to bring stability in Iraq.

In business, education, law enforcement, entertainment, sports, religion, and public service, the force of Caribbean-Americans has energized the Nation to achieve superiority in the international community. I invite my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the contributions of people of Caribbean descent and in support of H. Res. 418 commending the Caribbean Community (CARlCOM) for holding the Conference on the Caribbean in Washington, DC, from June 19 to 21.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the transatlantic voyage of the Freedom Schooner Amistad vessel, which is scheduled this month in commemoration of the bicentennial abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom and the United States and to enter into the Record an article from Carib News entitled ``Amistad To Sail in Bid To Build Understanding and Unity.''

I am pleased know that on June 21, 2007, the Freedom Schooner Amistad vessel, a replica of the original ship in which Africans that were kidnapped upstaged a revolt, will set sail from New Haven, Connecticut, on an 18 month transatlantic journey called the Atlantic Freedom Tour to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolishment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom and United States. College students from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Atlantic Basin countries will partake in this historic voyage that will duplicate the notorious slave route while studying maritime issues, environmental issues, and the slave trade. These students will also serve as crew members.

This commemorative voyage offers an excellent opportunity for people all over the world to learn about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its profound impact then and now on those who survived the high seas and the countries in the Western Hemisphere where they were enslaved. Awareness and acknowledgement of the immeasurable sacrifices and suffering endured should never be forgotten. Although the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a dark part of world history, its abolishment symbolizes the initial key steps towards growth and progress in race relations and human rights globally.

I introduced a resolution to commemorate the abolishment of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the United Kingdom. Thus, I applaud and appreciate the Amistad America organization for sponsoring this project. I further applaud my colleague, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, for supporting this effort by serving as Honorary Chairman of the Atlantic Freedom Tour.

I urge my colleagues to consider participating in commemoration activities that will occur in the United States next year when our own great country celebrates the bicentennial of legislation abolishing the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Amistad To Sail in Bid To Build Understanding and Unity

New Haven, Conn., June 5.--AMISTAD America Chairman William

Minter recently announced the Freedom Schooner Amistad will

be departing its home port of New Haven on June 21st for its

2007-2008 Atlantic Freedom Tour. This historic transatlantic

voyage--an epic 18-month journey commemorating the 200th

anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the United

Kingdom and next year in the United States--will promote the

values of understanding and unity represented by Amistad

itself. The Freedom Schooner Amistad, the vessel for change,

is a replica of the original ship that was commandeered by

Africans who had been captured in 1839. Attending the

Farewell Ceremonies being held in New Haven on June 21st will

be dignitaries from the countries being visited by Amistad

during its historic tour. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd,

Honorary Chairman of the Atlantic Freedom Tour will also

welcome U.S. luminaries.

``We are pleased that the international community has

embraced Amistad's Atlantic Freedom Tour,'' stated Chairman

Minter. ``This Tour represents an opportunity to share the

values of Amistad--freedom, collaboration, and justice--with

communities around the Atlantic Basin with a particular

outreach to linking students of all ages.'' Ten college

students from the UK and the U.S. will augment the initial

crew of the Amistad when it sets sail on its voyage to

retrace the infamous slave trade route. In addition to

sailing duties, students will be responsible for class study

on maritime and environmental studies, as well as the social

and economic history of port cities and the legacy of the

slave trade. A total of 50 students from countries around the

Atlantic Basin will participate as Amistad student/crew

during the voyage.

From its first stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Amistad

will travel to England, arriving in London in early August in

commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Abolition Act

passed by England's Parliament. The Amistad will then join in

the Liverpool National Museum's public opening of the

International Slavery Museum on August 23rd, the UNESCO

designated Slavery Remembrance Day. The ship travels on to

Bristol before continuing its voyage to Portugal and the West

Coast of Africa, marking major points in the history of the

slave trade.

In December the Amistad will sail into the harbor of

Freetown, Sierra Leone, the original West African homeland of

many of the Amistad captives. This symbolic ``homecoming''

will be a capstone event of the Atlantic Freedom Tour. The

Amistad will return to the United States via the Caribbean

and Bermuda in Spring of 2008 and travel to multiple ports

coming up the East Coast as the U.S. commemorates the

bicentenary of legislation to ban the importation of slaves.

To find out more about the Amistad Atlantic Freedom Tour,

visit http://www.amistadamerica.org.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to acknowledge the significance of Lorraine C. Miller's appointment as Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 110th Congress. Her accomplishment as the first African American and the first woman of color to serve as Clerk of the House is unprecedented. As a member who has admired her work, respected her professionalism and considers her a friend, I am honored to acknowledge her historic appointment.

Although Ms. Miller has served the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, her passion for public service began long before she came to the Hill. After graduating from Texas State University in 1975 with a Bachelor's degree in political science, Ms. Miller returned to her home town in Fort Worth, Texas to work in the public school system as a high school teacher. While Ms. Miller appreciated the value in her position as an educator, she possessed a strong desire to work in government. For 10 years she consistently sent written requests to work in Congressman Jim Wright's office. Her persistence availed and she worked with Congressman Wright for over a decade, gradually working her way to being his executive assistant when he became Speaker of the House. Ms. Miller has also worked as a facilitator with House Speaker Tom Foley; as senior advisor to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi for the past 6 years; and with various federal agencies and initiatives. She is also an active member in her church and has been President of the Washington Branch of the NAACP since 2004.

Ms. Miller has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public service and leadership in legislative responsibilities. While her recent appointment as Clerk of House is an addition to her many accomplishments, it is truly a monumental and historic occasion. Since the inception of the Office of the Clerk in 1789, no African American or woman of color has ever possessed its title and responsibilities. Under Congresswoman's Pelosi's recommendation, Ms. Miller has broken through barriers and has set new standards for women and people of color. It is a privilege for me to recognize her achievement.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to show support of and solidarity with Congresswoman Barbara Lee's House Resolution 422 introduced on May 21, 2007 calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to ``use its unique influence and economic leverage to stop genocide and violence in Darfur.'' The atrocities of Darfur have carried on way too long and it is necessary for us to broaden our efforts.

The issuance of Executive Order 13067 by President Clinton in 1997; its renewal and expanded scope through President Bush; as well as the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 all indicate the commitment of this Nation to ending the ongoing and escalating human rights violations in Sudan. While the unilateral economic sanctions imposed by the United States are important, it is not enough: U.S. sanctions alone have been unable to discourage or discontinue the rape, killing or displacement of millions of civilians. It has become increasingly clear that multilateral targeted sanctions enforced by the international community have the potential to pressure the Sudanese government into action to end the conflict in Darfur.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, investor in Sudan's infrastructure and oil industries, and supplier of Sudan's weapons, the People's Republic of China possesses an enormous amount of power to pressure Sudan to end the genocide and comply with the initiatives of the United Nations. Their support is integral in an international effort to end the Darfur conflict.

House Resolution 422 brings overdue attention to the People's Republic of China's longstanding economic and military ties to Sudan and urges China to effectively use these ties to compel Sudan to take steps to stop the attacks on civilians and comply with United Nations Security Council Resolutions. As hosts of the Olympic Summer Games of 2008, with a slogan of ``One World One Dream,'' it is only fitting for the People's Republic of China to join the international community in our effort to bring stability to the nation. I applaud Congresswoman Lee's efforts to engage international support to end this conflict.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Minority Cancer Awareness Week. This week of awareness gave us the opportunity to highlight the issues and concerns that minority cancer patients and their families face on a daily basis. It is important that we acknowledge the challenges present for minorities who suffer with cancer so that we can take the necessary steps to alleviate these barriers.

Cancer patients endure chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical operations and other forms of medical treatment to fight the numerous types of cancer. The medical community continues to conduct research to find cures for cancer and develop more effective ways to treat individuals struggling with the disease. Unfortunately these medical advances are out of reach for many minorities dealing with cancer. The American Cancer Society has documented that the advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment has evaded minority groups:

Minority populations often face numerous obstacles receiving equal access to prevention, early detection, and quality treatment and tend to receive lower quality health care than white patients even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable.

Racial and ethnic minorities may lack health insurance, earn lower incomes, and experience language barriers, racial bias, and stereotyping which can affect interactions between patients and physicians and contribute to miscommunication or delivery of substandard care.

Eighteen percent of African Americans and 35 percent of Hispanic/ Latinos are uninsured, while only 12 percent of whites lack health insurance.

I applaud the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for bringing national awareness to the issues faced by minority cancer patients and for their efforts in celebrating National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to bestow praise to Lt. Governor David Paterson of the great state of New York for his commitment to empowering Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE). His initiative to start this dialogue has shown the lack of contracts that MWBEs receive from the major agencies and authorities in the state. Lt. Governor Paterson's leadership in this initiative will help to improve procurement practices in New York State by ensuring that MWBEs receive contracts that they are fully capable of performing.

Lt. Governor David Paterson's commitment to MWBEs will benefit businesses throughout the state just as the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone has done for business development, jobs, educational and health programs, and social services in Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. Today I enter into the Record an article published by the New York CaribNews highlighting the efforts of Lt. Governor Paterson for the advancement of MWBEs in New York State.

[From the New York CaribNews, May 15, 2007]

Lt. Governor Pushes Agenda To Benefit Minority & Women-Owned Businesses

Albany, NY.--Taking an important step in fulfilling a

campaign pledge to usher in a new era of accountability in

the area of state government utilization of Minority and

Women Owned Businesses, Lt. Governor David Paterson convened

a meeting of executives from the state's major agencies and

authorities. This historic gathering of state decision makers

was part of a mandate issued in an Executive Order signed by

Governor Eliot Spitzer on February 18th which, among other

things, establishes an executive Leadership Council to

examine state procurement practices and increase the

utilization of qualified MWBE's.

Lt. Governor Paterson, who is leading the state's efforts

to improve its MWBE program told Executive Leadership Council

members, ``Last year the state spent over $11 billion in

discretionary expenditures and MWBEs only received 3% of

state contracts. This administration will reserve the

negative inertia of the past 12 years and push to build the

capacity of MWBE firms and increase the utilization of

qualified MWBEs.''

After laying out the vision for the new MWBE initiative,

MWBE Development Executive Director Michael Jones-Bey

explained the purpose of the Executive Leadership Council

sating that, ``This will be a forum to discuss best practices

for implementation of procurement policies. It is also a

means to hold agency executives accountable for compliance

with state MWBE procurement laws.''

For many in attendance the highlight of the meeting was

where agency executives made their presentations. Each

executive delivered a PowerPoint presentation reporting their

agency's previous quarterly utilization of MWBEs for

expenditures in the areas of construction, construction

consulting, commodities, and services. This was followed by a

presentation of their goals. This unprecedented public airing

of MWBE agency performance was followed by a general group

discussion of ways to tackle some of the common problems

encountered by agency executives.

Madam Speaker, criminal justice issues continue to plague our communities to the point that they threaten our national security. In this Congress we should make a commitment to address the issue of illegal guns distribution, recidivism, crack-cocaine sentencing disparities and systemic disenfranchisement of ex-offenders. We owe this to the many, primarily minority, families that are destroyed every year because of these devastating social ills that can be prevented.

First, the use of illegal guns is a serious problem across America. Everyday illegal guns are used to commit violent crimes, particularly in urban communities. The loss of life as a result of use of an illegal gun has ruined families and communities. We can no longer stand and watch as criminals illegally obtaining guns and use them to cause havoc. I serve as co-chair on the Congressional Task Force on Illegal Guns. Our focus is to address the Tiahrt Amendments, a series of ``riders'' in recent Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriation bills that limits local law enforcement access to data on gun tracing. These amendments which have become increasingly restrictive since Fiscal Year 2003 deny local law enforcement agencies the ability to identify illegal gun traffickers.

National security encompasses addressing issues that lead to poverty and hopelessness, for these feelings of despair threaten the safety of all Americans. Preventing individuals who have served their time in jail from obtaining employment, education and health care only leads to the unfortunate alternative; resort to careers in crime. Almost all states have in place a system of expunging records or providing a meaningful chance for ex-offenders to rebuild their life. The federal government has no such system. Therefore, I introduced H.R. 623, the Second Chance Act of 2007, which provides that federal ex-offenders have the same second chance as many state offenders. Federal first time ex-offenders who prove that they have fulfilled all requirements of their sentence, parole and supervised released have been completed; they have obtained a high school or GED equivalency degrees; they have remained free of drug and alcohol dependency; and they have completed a full year of community service can qualify for re-entry into society and have their records expunged.

In addition, the rate at which blacks and whites are sent to prison for drug offenses continues to be grossly disparate and raises a clear warning flag concerning the fairness and equity of drug law enforcement across the country. We need to continue to build momentum to eliminate the sentencing disparity that keeps defendants convicted of trafficking crack in jail far longer than those convicted for powdered cocaine. Under the existing law, a defendant convicted of trafficking five grams of crack cocaine receives the same five-year mandatory penalty as a defendant convicted of trafficking 500 grams of powder cocaine. In addition, a mandatory minimum penalty of five years is automatically imposed for possession of five grams of crack cocaine, whereas simple possession of any quantity of any other substance--including powder cocaine--is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a maximum of one year in prison. To begin to address this, I introduced H.R. 460, the Crack Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act, moves us one step closer to eliminating the disparity in sentencing for crack and powder cocaine offenses.

Finally, deprivation of the right to vote is not an inherent or necessary aspect of criminal punishment nor does it promote the reintegration of offenders into lawful society. Nationally, an estimated 5.3 million Americans are denied the right to vote because of laws that prohibit voting by people with felony convictions. This fundamental obstacle to participation in democratic life is exacerbated by racial disparities in the criminal justice system, resulting in an estimated 13 percent of Black men unable to vote. The impact on the political power of the minority communities is nothing short of devastating. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support legislation that will help address the criminal justice issues that have been left unattended for far too long.