Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Ghana. On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first country in Africa south of the Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule. The theme for the anniversary is: Championing African Excellence. There are three main objectives for the jubilee celebrations, which are: celebrate and commemorate Ghana's landmark achievement as the first country in Black Africa to attain independence from colonial rule; reflect on the evolution, development, achievements and drawbacks of the country over the past 50 years; and to look forward to the future vision of excellence in all fields of endeavor in the next 50 years towards the centennial anniversary of the nation.

Year-long activities marking the Golden Jubilee have been scheduled, beginning in January 2007 and ending in December 2007, with monthly themes including: Reflection, African Unity, and Heroes of Ghana. April's theme is ``Our Nation, Our People,'' and I would like to enter into the Record this article, regarding another ``first'' for Ghana, reported by BBC News International on April 24, 2007, entitled ``La Scala Brings Beethoven to Ghana.'' It details the recent visit to Ghana by Milan's La Scala orchestra and chorus and speaks about the hopes of expanding the appreciation of classical music to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Republic of Ghana continues to experience economic growth and the government continues to work on improving the energy generating capacity of the country. Recently an Educational Reform Program has been implemented, which primary vision is to align education to national aspirations to develop disciplined, socially conscious and well-rounded Ghanaians who can hold their own as global citizens anywhere. All these efforts promise that Ghana will reach its goal of excellence in all fields as they look towards the centennial anniversary. I urge fellow members to continue to support Ghana's independence by working towards victory over poverty, disease, gender in equality, and lack of education.

La Scala Brings Beethoven to Ghana

(By David Willey)

Italy's famous La Scala orchestra has played in sub-Saharan

Africa for the first time.

The venue: Accra's 1,400 seat ultra-modern National

Theatre.

The occasion: celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of

Ghana's independence.

The cast: Daniel Barenboim and 160 members of the orchestra

and chorus of Milan's La Scala.

The programme: Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the Choral,

whose Ode to Joy has become the official anthem of the

European Union.

electric

The evening began in an unusual way, with the beating of a

traditional tribal drum, a traditional Ghanaian welcome.

It ended with a standing ovation for the prestigious

orchestra and their equally famous conductor.

A member of the Ghanaian organising committee told me he

remembered having music appreciation lessons at school 50

years ago, when Ghana was still a British colony, but he

could not remember any similar event in his lifetime.

Most of the audience were invited to attend, with the few

hundred tickets actually put on sale costing between US $30-

50, well beyond the reach of the pockets of the average

Ghanaian.

In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 per cent of people live on less

than two US dollars per day. So, unsurprisingly, the

auditorium was packed with local officials and diplomats.

A quick trawl around Accra's teeming markets confirmed

earlier suspicions--that the Ghanaian capital completely

lacks CD shops selling classical music.

While African faces on the crowded stage were limited to

two, one the African-American bass-baritone Kevin Deas, and

the other, the soprano Measha Brueggergosman, a Canadian

national.

The impact of the music on those lucky enough to be present

was, however, electric.

Daniel Barenboim, the musicians and the four soloists (who

included La Scala newcomer and rising British star, tenor Ian

Storey) gave their all. They had time for only a single

rehearsal, but their performance was impeccable.

Barenboim told me during rehearsal: ``The problem is, you

cannot articulate the content of music in words. This can

only be expressed through sound. This is what I hope we are

bringing to them.''

This extraordinary event was the result of a casual

invitation to Daniel Barenboim in New York last December by

Ghana's highest-profile international figure, Kofi Annan,

former UN Secretary General and a friend of La Scala's new

``maestro'' conductor.

The president of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, and the Mayor

of Milan, Letizia Moratti, also helped to make Kofi Annan's

dream come true.

spirited rendition

Annan was beaming afterwards at the Ghanaian President's

post-concert party in Accra's State Banqueting Hall.

``In international affairs, you have to learn how to create

pillars and foundations in order to realise dreams,'' he

said.

At the post-concert party some of La Scala's violin players

playfully took over from a local Accra orchestra, giving a

spirited rendition of Guantanamara.

But was it really worth the vast expense ($500,000) to

charter an Airbus and fly this huge and talented company

6,000 miles across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara

desert to Ghana, and back, for a single Beethoven

performance?

Barenboim says emphatically ``yes''. He would like to

return to Africa, either with La Scala or to give a series of

solo piano recitals in various African countries.

The former child prodigy, who has replaced Riccardo Muti as

conductor at La Scala, and who built up the now famous West-

East Divan orchestra of Israeli and Palestinian musicians,

believes music may hold the key to bridging the North-South

cultural, and even economic, divide.

``You have to listen to the other players if you want to

play in an orchestra,'' he said.

But as one of the first violins in the orchestra whispered

to me as we were flying back high over the Sahara desert,

while she had enjoyed this unique experience, she was not so

sure that a charity concert in Milan to raise money for Ghana

might not have been preferable.

The audience shouted for more after the Accra concert, but

a performance of this quality of Beethoven's Ninth hardly

lends itself to an encore.

Now we shall have to see whether Daniel Barenboim's

ambitious dream of stimulating a demand for classical music

in Africa is going to be fulfilled.

It will require a lot of money, and a lot of politics. The

encore is not yet assured.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to enter into the record an article titled ``. . . And How Are The Children?'' published in Witness for Justice on April 9, 2007.

The article highlights a monumental gathering of over 50 organizations that came together to sponsor the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference in Washington, DC. The theme of the conference was ``. . . And How Are The Children?'' The answer, offered by executive minister M. Linda Jaramillo is ``the children are not doing so well.''

Included in the article are abominable facts that speak to the crisis facing our nation's children. For example, 9 million children are without health care. That is more than the total population of large states like Georgia, Minnesota, and Virginia. Almost 90 percent of these children live in working households, most in two-parent families; a fact which destroys the myth that only those from broken homes are without access to essential resources like health care.

We owe it to our children, to ourselves, and to our country to stop the senseless neglect experienced by far too many of our most precious resource--the future of our nation. The article endorses the call to conscience and action sponsored by the children's defense fund. I too am in support of their efforts and will do all I can to advance this critical issue.

[From Witness for Justice #315, Apr. 9, 2007]

``. . . And How Are the Chilren?''

(By M. Linda Jaramillo)

How are the children? This is an African proverb, but it is

not an uncommon question for us in our culture. We often

greet one another with hello, followed by asking the

question, ``How are you and how are the kids?'' This question

can be directed to a parent, a teacher, a grandparent, an

aunt, an uncle, or anyone who spends time around children. It

doesn't matter if we are actual birth parents because ``the

children'' are really part of all our lives, so it seems that

we should be asking that question to everyone we greet.

However, I wonder if we listen long enough to find out how

the children really are?

A few weeks ago, over 50 organizations jointly sponsored

the annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference in Washington,

DC. This year's theme was ``. . . And How Are the Children?''

Over 800 persons attended, sharing information and stories

about critical justice issues that have serious impact on

children all around the world. As I went through the days of

workshops and discussions asking the question, I have to

answer that `` . . . the children are not doing so well.''

Distinguished theologian, Dietrich Bonheoffer said it best

when he wrote, ``the test of the morality of a society is how

it treats its children.'' I would have to confess that our

nation, the richest nation in the world, has failed this

moral test. We have failed by directing billions of dollars

to engage in war rather than investing in the future of all

children. We can make excuse after excuse about how we spend

our public dollars, but we cannot excuse our disregard for

children. We cannot respond and say that the children are

doing fine.

For example, there is no excuse for 9 million children to

be without health insurance in this country. Almost 90

percent of these children live in working households, most in

two parent-families. Parents are working hard, sometimes

taking on two jobs to provide shelter and food for their

children. These parents often have to make the choice between

feeding their families and taking them to the doctor or to

the dentist. These 9 million children belongto all of us. How

they are is everyone's responsibility.

Nine million children. That is more than the entire

population of states like Georgia, Virginia, Indiana,

Arizona, Minnesota, or New Jersey. That is more than the

total population of almost any single city in this nation.

These 9 million children come from rural, urban, and suburban

communities. These 9 million children represent all races and

are of every age under 18.

``. . . And How are the Children?'' We can do something to

help make them better by joining the Healthy Child Campaign

to cover all children with health insurance this year. Get

involved.

Sign the Call to Conscience and Action at http:// www.childrensdefense.org.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen on March 29, 2007.

The Tuskegee Airmen were welcomed into the Capitol Rotunda to an excited and proud crowd of more than 700 people including family members, friends, press organizations, members of Congress, Colin Powell, and President Bush. As they came in walking and some being escorted in wheelchairs, I could clearly see the happiness on their faces. This was a day they had been anxiously waiting and living for. Finally, they received the honor and recognition that was so long over due. I was overwhelmed with joy and excited to see those in attendance.

Never in the history of Congress has such a large group been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal and I'm extremely proud to have been a part of this historical ceremony. I was overwhelmed with joy to see the excitement of the Tuskegee Airmen and their guests. The Rotunda was absolutely filled to capacity. This clearly demonstrates the value and appreciation people have for the contribution and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Their outstanding service during World War II was legendary. They fought the enemy abroad and racism at home. Despite being discriminated against, they rose to the challenge and broke down racial barriers in the United States Armed Forces. I'm forever grateful for their courage, bravery, and leadership.

I extend special thanks to Senator Levin for his leadership. I also extend thanks to you, Speaker Pelosi, Colin Powell, the United States Mint, and the Smithsonian Institution. My heart was warmed by the salute to the Tuskegee Airmen by President Bush. The entire ceremony was a memorable event and I will never forget it.

Madam Speaker, I rise to enter into the Congressional Record remarks on the life and work of the Honorable Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. Congresswoman Millender-McDonald served seven terms for the 37th Congressional District as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She died of cancer on April 22, 2007 at age 68.

Mrs. Millender-McDonald was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 7, 1938. She always placed education and women's rights in the forefront of her issues and values; after graduating from the University of Redlands with an undergraduate degree, she became a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. When she attained her Master's Degree from California State University at Los Angeles, she gave up her job as a teacher to be an editor and writer for the school district. Her lifelong fight for women's rights emerged when she became the manuscript editor for Images, a textbook designed to enhance the self-esteem of young women.

Before running for local office, she was named the Director of Gender Equity Programs for the Los Angeles school district. In 1990, she was elected the first African American woman to the Carson City Council, and in 1992 the first woman to represent the 55th Assembly District in the California State Legislature in 1992. In both roles she attacked the congestion and transportation problems of California infrastructure. As an assemblywoman, she helped push the Alameda Corridor, a $1.8 billion public works project to lay new tracks and build trenches and bridges. Her concern with transportation continued in her national office.

As a member of the House, she was appointed to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and its Subcommittees on Aviation and Surface Transportation. She also served on the Committee on Small Business and as one of the ranking members on the Subcommittee on Tax, Finance, and Exports. After two years in the House, she was named the Region One Democratic Whip, and was honored with the Watts Walk of Fame for her work on behalf of the 37th District. In 2006, the Congresswoman became the first African American chair of the House Administration Committee.

For her entire life, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald has fought for social justice. She was a leader in election reform, women's rights, and transportation solutions; she was a credit to her district and to all the people she served as a Representative of the United States. Her husband, five adult children and five grandchildren survive her. I commend her and her life's work, and ask my colleagues to recognize her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my strong support ``The Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007'' as included in the Conference Report to H.R. 1591. I am glad that both chambers of Congress, in passing this Conference Report, have spoken to the fact that an increase in the Federal minimum wage enjoys broad bipartisan, bicameral support, as does the approximately $5 billion in small business tax relief also included in the agreement.

Passage of the Conference Report is an important step in achieving an important goal--ensuring an increase in the Federal minimum wage for hardworking American taxpayers. The minimum wage has not increased in more than nine years--the longest period in the history of the law. During that time, Members of Congress have received a $31,600 pay raise. More astounding is the fact that an average CEO earns more before lunchtime in one day than a minimum wage earner earns all year.

Raising the minimum wage to from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years would benefit 13 million Americans including 7.7 million women, 3.4 million parents, and 4.7 million people of color, and provide an additional $4,400/year for a family of three, equaling 15 months of groceries, or over two years of health care. It is wrong to have millions of Americans working full-time and still living in poverty, and at $5.15 an hour, a full-time minimum wage worker makes $6,000 less than the poverty level for a family of three.

Americans overwhelmingly support increasing the Federal minimum wage. An Associated Press poll conducted in January showed almost 80% of those polled supported the $2.10 increase. In fact, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supports increasing the minimum wage, and passed H.R. 2 with 315 votes in favor. The President has also been supportive of the increase. I hope that combining the tax provisions of this bill with a Federal minimum wage increase will encourage the President's quick action on signing these provisions into law without further delay.

The ``Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007'' as included in the Conference Report to H.R. 1591 expands and extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which serves as an incentive to encourage employers to hire individuals from targeted groups which typically experience barriers to work. The WOTC provision in the Conference Report offers additional incentives to hire disabled veterans. The Conference Report also extends and expands the increased expensing amounts for small businesses, allowing them to invest in new technology and equipment. And as a complement to the minimum wage increase, the tax provisions of the Conference Report allow restaurants to continue claiming the full tip credit despite any increase in the Federal minimum wage. Finally, the Conference Report provides a permanent waiver of the individual and corporate AMT limitations to ensure that small businesses are fully able to claim the WOTC and the credit for Social Security taxes paid with respect to cash tips.

The Conference Report contains provisions that continue the Federal government's commitment to the still-recovering areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. It would extend the placed-in-service date as applies to special credits designed to encourage development of low-income housing. The extension of this deadline helps accelerate the use of the credits by eliminating the reallocation process that otherwise would be used. The Conference Report also modifies a tax-exempt bond financing program to allow funds to be used to refinance existing mortgages on homes that were damaged by the hurricanes in the area.

Finally, the tax provisions of the ``Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act'' as included in the Conference Report to H.R. 1591 are fiscally responsible and fully offset in a revenue-neutral package. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus and I have asked the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation to make available to the public a technical explanation of the bill. The technical explanation expresses the Committee's understanding and legislative intent behind this important legislation. It is available on the Joint Committee's website at www.house.gov/jct.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of David J. Johns, a Congressional Black Caucus Fellow, currently working in my office, who convened an important policy discussion on the subject of African-American high school Underachievement and the No Child Left Behind Act on Monday, April 16, 2007. I am also entering into the record an article titled ``America Has Lost A Generation of Black Boys,'' written by Phillip Jackson for the CaribNews on the week ending April 17, 2007. Both address the importance of recognizing and tackling the significant challenges faced by young African-American males both in and outside the classroom.

In inner cities, more than half of all African-American males do not finish high school. One third of male youth of color are unemployed or not seeking employment; and 1 in every 3 African-American men between the ages of 20 and 29 is under correctional supervision. In many school districts throughout the United States, African-American males are more likely than any other group to be expelled from

school, a practice that begins as early as kindergarten. African- American males are more likely to be classified as mentally retarded or suffering from a learning disability, more likely to be placed in special education and more likely to be absent from advance placement and honors courses than any other student group. These statistics are distressing and inexcusable.

Sadly, the dismal state of African-American males, by far the most vulnerable and neglected population, has become all too familiar. Frequently, the severity of these statistics and the ways African- American men cope with tremendous barriers and challenges are brushed over or ignored altogether. Sometimes we blame the males themselves, insisting they subscribe to a culture of deviancy or refuse to ``act white'' by doing well in school. Other times we acknowledge that there are grave inequalities but fail to provide resources to adjust for gaps.

The policy forum, which featured experts including: Jeffrey Robinson, Principal, Baltimore Talent Development High School; Robert Balfanz of the Center for Social Organization of Schools at Johns Hopkins; James Forman, Jr., professor at Georgetown University Law Center; Amy Wilkins of The Education Trust; and Governor Bob Wise of the Alliance for Excellent Education moved past simply highlighting the litany of issues facing African-American male youth to make recommendations designed to instigate lasting and relevant positive change now. Among these recommendations were increased funding and support for mentor programs; uniform calculations of graduation rates, calling for States to equalize funding by leveraging Federal dollars, and expanding the length of the school day. Many of these themes are reinforced by Mr. Jackson's article, which insists we teach all Black boys to read at grade level by third grade and to embrace education, provide positive role models, and investing as much money in educating black boys as we do incarcerating them.

I applaud and support the efforts of both David J. Johns and Phillip Jackson who have contributed greatly to a much needed conversation about the state of African-American males in America today.

America Has Lost A Generation of Black Boys

(By Phillip Jackson)

There is no longer a need for dire predictions, hand-

wringing, or apprehension about losing a generation of Black

boys. It is too late. In education, employment, economics,

incarceration, health, housing, and parenting, we have lost a

generation of young Black men. The question that remains is

will we lose the next two or three generations, or possibly

every generation of Black boys hereafter to the streets,

negative media, gangs, drugs, poor education, unemployment,

father absence, crime, violence and death.

Most young Black men in the United States don't graduate

from high school. Only 35% of Black male students graduated

from high school in Chicago and only 26% in New York City,

according to a 2006 report by The Schott Foundation for

Public Education. Only a few Black boys who finish high

school actually attend college, and of those few Black boys

who enter college, nationally, only 22% of them finish

college.

Young Black male students have the worst grades, the lowest

test scores, and the highest dropout rates of all students in

the country. When these young Black men don't succeed in

school, they are much more likely to succeed in the nation's

criminal justice and penitentiary system. And it was

discovered recently that even when a young Black man

graduates from a U.S. college, there is a good chance that he

is from Africa, the Caribbean or Europe, and not the United

States.

Black men in prison in America have become as American as

apple pie. There are more Black men in prisons and jails in

the United States (about 1.1 million) than there are Black

men incarcerated in the rest of the world combined. This

criminalization process now starts in elementary schools with

Black male children as young as six and seven years old being

arrested in staggering numbers according to a 2005 report,

Education on Lockdown by the Advancement Project.

The rest of the world is watching and following the lead of

America. Other countries including England, Canada, Jamaica,

Brazil and South Africa are adopting American social policies

that encourage the incarceration and destruction of young

Black men. This is leading to a world-wide catastrophe. But

still, there is no adequate response from the American or

global Black community.

Worst of all is the passivity, neglect and disengagement of

the Black community concerning the future of our Black boys.

We do little while the future lives of Black boys are being

destroyed in record numbers. The schools that Black boys

attend prepare them with skills that will make them obsolete

before, and if, they graduate. In a strange and perverse way,

the Black community, itself, has started to wage a kind of

war against young Black men and has become part of this

destructive process.

Who are young Black women going to marry? Who is going to

build and maintain the economies of Black communities? Who is

going to anchor strong families in the Black community? Who

will young Black boys emulate as they grow into men? Where is

the outrage of the Black community at the destruction of its

Black boys? Where are the plans and the supportive actions to

change this? Is this the beginning of the end of the Black

people in America?

The list of those who have failed young Black men includes

our government, our foundations, our schools, our media, our

Black churches, our Black leaders, and even our parents.

Ironically, experts say that the solutions to the problems of

young Black men are simple and relatively inexpensive, but

they may not be easy, practical or popular. It is not that we

lack solutions as much as it is that we lack the will to

implement these solutions to save Black boys.

It seems that government is willing to pay billions of

dollars to lock up young Black men, rather than the millions

it would take to prepare them to become viable contributors

and valued members of our society.

Please consider these simple goals that can lead to

solutions for fixing the problems of young Black men:

Short term--(1) Teach all Black boys to read at grade level

by the third grade and to embrace education; (2) Provide

positive role models for Black boys; (3) Create a stable home

environment for Black boys that includes contact with their

fathers; (4) Ensure that Black boys have a strong spiritual

base; (5) Control the negative media influences on Black

boys; and (6) Teach Black boys to respect all girls and

women.

Long term--(1) Invest as much money in educating Black boys

as in locking up Black men; (2) Help connect Black boys to a

positive vision of themselves in the future; (3) Create high

expectations and help Black boys live into those high

expectations; (4) Build a positive peer culture for Black

boys (5) Teach Black boys self-discipline, culture and

history; and (6) Teach Black boys and the communities in

which they live to embrace education and life-long learning.

NOTE: As the Executive Director of The Black Star Project,

Phillip Jackson has become a national leader advocating for

community involvement in education and the importance of

parental development to ensure that children are properly

educated.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to enter into the Record an article titled ``Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Joins New York City in Promoting Minority and Women Owned Businesses,'' published in CaribNews on the week ending April 3, 2007.

The article celebrates the partnership between the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the great City of New York and efforts to increase the number of and provide necessary support to minority and women owned businesses. The partnership has been forged in an effort to help minority and women owned businesses become certified to provide goods and services to the City of New York. According to the article, ``companies that become certified obtain greater access to and information about contracting opportunities, receive technical assistance to better compete for those opportunities, and benefit from inclusion in the City's Online Directory of Certified Firms.'' Each of these benefits is essential to the success of minority and women owned businesses, many of whom face considerable challenges in starting and sustaining their operations.

I applaud the partnership between the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the great City of New York and look forward to the continued growth of minority and women owned businesses in New York City.

Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Joins New York City in Promoting

Minority and Women Owned Business

Harlem, USA--The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC)

has joined with the NYC Department of Small Business Services

in a partnership to help Minority and Women Owned Businesses

become certified to provide goods and services to the City of

New York. The New York City Minority- and Women-Owned

Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program certifies, promotes, and

fosters the growth of the City's minority and women-owned

businesses. Companies that become certified obtain greater

access to and information about contracting opportunities,

receive technical assistance to better compete for those

opportunities, and benefit from inclusion in the City's

Online Directory of Certified Firms.

GHCC began actively promoting this initiative in the Fall

of 2006. Early outreach activities included the Miller Urban

Entrepreneur Series at Terrace In The Sky Restaurant on

December 9, 2006 and the End of Year Reception at Pier 2110

Restaurant on December 20, 2006.

On February 20th the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce

hosted a special workshop on the importance of M/WBE's being

certified with the city at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on

Broadway and 45th Street prior to its Quarterly Membership

meeting. That workshop was the first in a series of seminars

and individual training sessions that will take place through

June 2007 in an effort to get more Minority and Women Owned

Businesses to be certified with the city and make it possible

for more minority companies of all kinds to do business with

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Jackie Robinson, a sports trailblazer, civil rights activist, veteran, and great American and to enter into the record an article from the New York Daily News by Lisa Olson entitled ``Barriers Still Need Breaking-- Up to us to complete Robinson's great work.''

Long before Jackie Robinson stood up to racism and smashed through the barriers of segregation in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947, he was fighting for equality. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. In July of 1944, he refused to sit in the back of a segregated military bus and although a court martial was issued for insubordination, he was found not guilty and honorably discharged in November of that same year. The courage displayed during this incident, as well as his commitment to the Army, helped prepare him for the battlefield of discrimination he would encounter on the baseball diamond.

Despite the hostility of opponents and even teammates, on April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson had the courage to join the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first Black man to play in baseball's major leagues. He knew that excellence was the calling and he proved his skill and talent on the baseball field. With tremendous pressure and opposition from fans and even some teammates, he handled himself with grace on and off the field. Because of his commitment and determination to be the best in the face of prejudice, African American and other minority athletes have been afforded the opportunity to compete in professional sports today.

Jackie Robinson received numerous awards and honors during his extraordinary career, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His legacy and outstanding contribution to Major League Baseball and America is representative of what America is all about. This country is about opportunity, diversity, and humility. I applaud Jackie Robinson for leaving a legacy of excellence, breaking down segregation, and inspiring people to strive for the best.

[From the Daily News]

Barriers Still Need Breaking--Up To Us To Complete Robinson's Great

Work

(By Lisa Olson)

They don't have to dress in the broom closet. They can

drink from the same water fountains, eat at the same buffet,

stay in the same ritzy hotels, swim in the same pools.

It's almost incomprehensible to imagine the America that

greeted and jeered Jackie Robinson 60 years ago yesterday,

when he bounded out of the dugout at Ebbets Field and became

the first African-American Major League Baseball player of

the modem era.

There were racial slurs and despicable letters, flying

cleats and death threats, opponents who turned their back on

him and Brooklyn Dodger teammates who wouldn't sit near him.

We blithely toss around the words ``courage'' and ``hero''

far too often these days, but they can't be used enough to

describe Jackie Robinson. MLB retired his No. 42 on April 15,

1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson's major league debut,

and temporarily suspended it yesterday, a serendipitous

gesture that coincided with yet another hit to the American

conscience.

Ken Griffey Jr. was the first contemporary player to push

for the movement, to ask commissioner Bud Selig for

permission to honor Robinson by wearing No. 42. Griffey, who

donned six different jerseys in the Reds' game against the

Cubs, told reporters, ``I think a lot of people wouldn't be

in this locker room if it wasn't for what he did.''

More than 200 players and managers joined the tribute, and

there was No. 42 on the back of every Dodger last night, and

on the Cardinals' Albert Pujols as he tipped his cap,

Robinson-style, while crossing the plate after belting a home

run, and on Arizona's Tony Clark as he swatted two of his

own, and on Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia as he struck out 10

White Sox and then talked about how he wanted to make sure he

represented Robinson's legacy with grace and class.

There was Dontrelle Willis, an All-Star, a 20-game winner,

saying wearing No. 42 was ``the highest honor I've ever

received in my life.'' There was Chris Young, Padre starter

and Princeton graduate, recalling how he wrote his senior

thesis on Robinson while sitting in the back of the bus as

his Class A team, the Hickory Crawdads, traveled the South

Atlantic League roads.

Young took America's pulse by analyzing newspaper reports,

both before Robinson broke the color barrier and after. ``I

observed there was significant improvement in the attitude of

the media toward African-Americans. Not from negative to

positive so much as negative to neutral,'' Young told ESPN

The Magazine. ``I excluded sports, but prior to Robinson

breaking the color line, you'd see reporters frequently using

expressions like `a Negro hoodlum' in their stories. I

noticed coverage that was much more neutral after the

integration of baseball.''

And there was the Twins' Torii Hunter, pulling his black

socks high and dropping into a curling slide as he safely

nailed home on the same day his op-ed piece appeared in the

Pioneer Press. ``You don't have to be African-American to

know what (Robinson) went through. You've just got to be a

smart person or a person who knows what pain is like,''

Hunter wrote. ``For the past 10 years, I've been called the

N-word, like, 20 times. Not in Minnesota. In Kansas City. In

Boston.''

Clearly we haven't yet demolished the racial barrier, or

wiped out negative language. Sixty years after Robinson

authored the most seminal moment in American sports history,

Hunter is still called the N-word, and the Rutgers women's

basketball team gets bombarded with hateful E-mails simply

because it had the misfortune of being caught in the

maelstrom created by Don Imus' nasty mouth.

In August 1945, in a conversation now cemented in American

lore, Dodger president Branch Rickey told Robinson, ``I know

you're a good ballplayer. What I don't know is whether you

have the guts.''

``Mr. Rickey,'' Robinson asked, ``are you looking for a

Negro who is afraid to fight back?''

``Robinson, I'm looking for a ballplayer with enough guts

not to fight back,'' Rickey said, and thus an unspoken pact

was sealed.

Robinson altered the complexion of our pastime and forced

Americans to understand blacks could be equal with whites.

How shocking, how depressing, that 60 years later, not

everyone seems to get it.

``The course of history probably would have changed had he

quit because he was the smartest of the Negro League

players,'' Hunter wrote. ``This was a guy who went to UCLA

and played four sports in college. He had an education. If he

had quit--the guy who was supposed to be the strongest of the

Negro League and the smartest of the Negro League--why go get

the others? They wouldn't be able to handle it if he couldn't

handle it.''

They took No. 42 out of retirement and put it on their

backs yesterday, black and white and Latino and Asian players

proudly wearing the digits. In clubhouses and stadium seats

all across the land, stories were repeated about how Pee Wee

Reese, a white shortstop from Louisville, once draped an arm

over Robinson's shoulder in a silent show of support. It

ought to be Jackie Robinson Day every day.

Mr. Speaker, these words that I speak today do not come easily. They flow forth from a deep reservoir of sorrowful emotions that compel me to take this podium.

What we witnessed on the campus of Virginia Tech was too much. Too much for anyone to bear. Too much for a nation to bear. America weeps, Mr. Speaker.

In my life, I've seen the horrors of war. It is something I wish upon no one. To have battlefield casualties on an American college campus, is something I never thought I would see.

33 lives . . . 33 young, bright lives on the cusp of experiencing the greatness that life has to offer.

We must be mindful of everything we do. We must ask ourselves what we are doing that has created a world where this could happen. As much as it hurts we must reexamine what kind of society we want to be.

I cannot even begin to comprehend how such a terrible tragedy like this came to pass. It would be too easy to say that this horrific incident calls for some type of action by this body.

That may become necessary, but that is for another day. Today is a day for us to look within ourselves. To examine who we are as a people and never forget what happened on April 16, 2007.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the birth of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. For nearly half a century, Dorothy Height has served as a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights. Living by example, her life's work has and will remain a testament to her vision for a just and equitable world for all people.

Born in Richmond, Virginia on March 24, 1912 she moved to Ranklin, Pennsylvania, with her parents, at the age of four. Dr. Height demonstrated her intelligence, focus and astonishing oratorical skills early on, winning scholarships and competitions that would aid her in the pursuit of both a bachelors and masters degree, which she completed in four years, at New York University.

Dr. Height's career as an activist began when she joined the National Council for Negro Women in 1937. At the time Dr. Height was working as a caseworker for the welfare department in New York. She would go on to join the national staff of the YWCA, serve as national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated from 1946-1957. Throughout her tenure in these capacities Dr. Height developed leadership training programs, interracial and ecumenical educational programs, and a series of programs--like ``Wednesdays in Mississippi''--designed to bring together people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds to create a dialogue of understanding.

Beyond championing a vision of equality and justice for the United States, Dr. Height is renowned for her extensive international and developmental work in education. In her illustrious career she has worked as a national leader, served on numerous appointed committees, and received numerous awards and accolades.

It is with great personal joy that I recognize and celebrate the birth anniversary of Dorothy Irene Height, a living legend and a treasure to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the bicentennial of the British abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

On March 25, 1807, the British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Acknowledging this day 200 years later is extremely important because it represents a key event to the abolishment of slavery in Great Britain and the United States. Great Britain will begin to participate in various commemorative activities. Today, here in the United States, the United Nations is also observing the bicentennial by convening a special General Assembly session where speakers from around the globe will discuss their viewpoints about slavery. Rex Nettleford, a historian, will deliver the keynote. I applaud and thank the United Nations and Great Britain for recognizing the historic importance of the passage of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

There is a need for people in the United States and around the world to remember and be reminded of the institution of slavery and its impact on the world during times other than Black History Month. The immeasurable sacrifices endured by enslaved people are too significant to be forgotten. I appreciate the work done by so many people and organizations that provide education on slavery and events that led to freedom of slaves in the United States and other countries. Educating people about slavery and the struggle for freedom provides an excellent opportunity to improve race relations, cultural understanding, and diversity.

I have introduced a resolution commemorating the British Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. One year from now, the United States will participate in activities related to the abolishment of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. I look forward to those activities next year.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1562) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and expand certain rules with respect to housing in the GO Zones, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, once again I find myself thanking Mr. McCrery, the ranking member, and members of the minority on the Ways and Means Committee for moving forward to a piece of legislation, agreeing that it go to the suspension calendar and, more importantly, working with us in bringing about changes in order to make certain that we have a pay-for that is appreciated by the House.

This is important legislation. The Nation suffered a tremendous natural setback with Katrina. Thousands of people in Mississippi and Louisiana felt the pain. And somehow we are sluggishly moving towards some type of solution of this real problem.

One of the major problems, of course, is housing, people not being able to come back. We on the Ways and Means Committee can play some small part in putting together tax incentives to move forward, to make certain that these people have a place to stay and go back to their home.

More important, I am so pleased that John Lewis will be managing this bill, a man of compassion, a man of understanding, a man that understands the real pain that people have felt and continue to feel. I don't think there is any Member in the House that I would rather see associated with a bill that brings some type of relief to people who have felt so much pain.

So, Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I would like to ask Mr. Lewis from the sovereign State of Georgia, an outstanding Member of Congress, to

manage the remainder of this time and to distribute it as he sees fit.

Madam Speaker, the Center for an Urban Future recently released a report titled, ``A World of Opportunity.'' The ``report reiterates the fact that immigrant entrepreneurs are key engines of growth for many cities in the United States. Every census taken from 1880 to 1990 has revealed that immigrants were self-employed significantly more than American-born natives. The number of immigrant entrepreneurs in 2005 was 350 out of 100,000, compared to 280 of 100,000 for those born in the United States. Research maintains that immigrant entrepreneurs have made positive contributions to the U.S. economy for more than a century.

Nowhere are the contributions of self-employed immigrants, to urban economies, more visible than in New York City, where people migrate from almost every part of the world. Despite ethnic differences, New York City immigrants often arrive with an entrepreneurial determination. Over the past 10 to 15 years, immigrant entrepreneurs have fueled much of the overall growth in new businesses across the City and have triggered dramatic turnarounds in neighborhoods. Communities such as Sunset Park, Flushing, Richmond Hill and Washington Heights have all reaped from the seeds of growth powered by immigrant owned businesses. There is no doubt that Immigrants will continue to make significant contributions to the City's economic growth in the future.

There are several reasons why immigrants start their own businesses and in such record numbers. The risk of a business venture appears comparatively minimal to the surmountable risk immigrants have already taken when packing up their homes and moving to a country where the majority of the people do not speak their native language. Another motivation for immigrants to open up their own businesses is the recognition that they can offer a variety of products and services that many other entrepreneurs cannot. Similarly, many immigrants prefer the solace that comes with owning a business instead of having to deal with the numerous struggles and frustrations of participating in the large business work force where immigrants are often discriminated against, paid unfairly and required to work uncommon hours.

The stereotype that immigrant businesses represent small ``mom-and- pop shops'' such as restaurants and local grocery stores no longer holds true. Immigrant entrepreneurs have a growing presence in several vital sectors of the New York City's economy such as: biotechnology, construction, food manufacturing, mass transportation, telecommunications and restaurant equipment sales. Every year, Inc. Magazine publishes what they call the ``Inc. 500,'' a list of America's fastest growing privately owned businesses. In 2005, 55 of Inc. Magazine's 500 business owners were immigrants. Collectively their companies employed more than 14,000 individuals and contributed almost $1.4 billion to the U.S. economy.

At a time in which outsourcing and corporate mergers are on the rise, it is likely that small, home-grown businesses will only become more integral to New York City's future economic success. However, while celebrating these successes and contributions it is important to remember that many immigrants face considerable challenges when deciding to open a business. New York's regulatory environment can be daunting to any entrepreneur. The addition of language and cultural barriers, in many cases, exacerbate this process. Nonetheless, there are numerous organizations dedicated to educating entrepreneurs about how to start a business and overcome obstacles to growth, such as Seedco and the Economic Development Corporation, which offer classes on how to start a business, in Spanish and Chinese.

I commend all of those who have migrated to the United States in search of the American dream, pursuing happiness by establishing their own businesses and contributing positively to the fabric of our country's economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. I join my other colleagues from both sides of the aisle, animal rights organizations, and local law enforcement agencies to address the inhumane treatment of animals.

This bill has received widespread support for several reasons. First, animal fighting is terribly wrong. It is simply inappropriate and unacceptable for animals to be trained to attack and kill each other for the sole purpose of entertainment and illegal gambling. Use of animals in this manner is not only inhumane, but downright primitive and ugly. People who participate in these unlawful activities should be caught and punished.

Second, this bill will help to deter animal fighting by strengthening the penalties for those who are involved in the various aspects of animal fights. For too long the punishment has been too lenient. It is important to send a message that these cruel acts against animals will not be tolerated.

Third, the State laws will be in alignment with Federal laws. Progress has been made since the enactment of federal animal fighting laws in 1976. Currently, dog fighting is a felony in 48 States and cockfighting a felony in 33 states. Laws are needed at both the State and local levels to ensure decreases in dog fighting and animal cruelty.

I urge other colleagues to support this bill. I applaud the work done by animal rights organizations and law enforcement agencies to assist with protecting animals from inhumane treatment.

Madam Speaker, I wish to express my full support for a National Medal of Honor Day to be reserved every March 25th as called for by H. Con. Res 47.

Reserving March 25th as National Medal of Honor Day, is a significant way to reemphasize the immeasurable sacrifices of veterans who have already been honored by receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration. Too often, especially in times of peace, the sacrifices of veterans are not valued and remembered. It is particularly important to continuously acknowledge the blood, sweat, and tears they shed so that all Americans could live in a section of the world where freedom reigns. It has been quoted, ``Freedom is not free.'' We all know that is true.

This measure would offer a good opportunity to educate young people about the importance to strive for excellence, the value of hard work, and the sacrifices of veterans.

This is dear to me not only because I'm a veteran, but because very soon the Tuskegee Airmen will be presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. I am extremely proud to say that I sponsored a bill that was passed by this great body and signed by the President to bestow this honor on them. The Tuskegee Airmen will go down in history for being a part of a select and distinguished group of African American veterans to receive this honor. I'm grateful for their service and to this body for acknowledging their bravery and heroism. At this time, I would also like to pay homage to all other veterans who have been in receipt of this highly esteemed award.

While there are men and women on the battlefield as I speak, I urge my colleagues to take this opportunity to join me in supporting a National Medal of Honor Day, which will recognize past, present, and future outstanding veterans in receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor.