Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I understand that Representative Rob Portman's last day was Friday of last week. President Bush appointed him to be the U.S. Trade Representative, and Rob has gone off to pursue those duties. I want to wish him well.

Rob and I worked closely together, and we introduced something called the Second Chance Reentry Act, to assist inmates coming home from prison to rehabilitate and redeploy and redevelop and reestablish their lives. I have never enjoyed working more with a Member who was dedicated to what he was attempting to do, totally committed, willing to compromise; and we have a bill that we think will go a long way toward assisting these individuals.

And so I trust that in memory of the great work that Rob Portman did, all of us will support the Second Chance Reentry Act and continue the work that Rob was so proud of. Rob, we thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren), the sponsor of this legislation.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) in consideration of H.R. 1082, legislation naming a postal facility in Vinita, Oklahoma after the late Francis C. Goodpaster. This measure, of course, was introduced by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) on March 3, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on April 13, 2005, and it enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Oklahoma delegation.

As we have heard, Mr. Goodpaster was indeed a ``man for all seasons,'' very active in his community, totally committed to his country, and I join with my colleagues in suggesting that there is no better person to name a United States postal facility after than Mr. Francis Goodpaster. So I join with my colleagues in urging swift passage.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1542, legislation naming a postal facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts after Judge George N. Leighton. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) on April 12, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on April 13, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Massachusetts delegation.

George Leighton was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the son of natives of the African coastal Cape Verde Islands. Raised in New Bedford, he worked as a berry picker, dishwasher, and cook. After winning an essay contest, George used the prize money to pay the first semester tuition at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Although not the recipient of a high school education, George went on to graduate from Howard in 1940, magna cum laude. He was accepted into Harvard Law School, graduating after serving 3 years in the infantry in World War II.

In 1947 George Leighton was admitted to the Bar of the State of Illinois. He became active in civic affairs, serving as chairman of the Chicago National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, Political Action Committee and Legal Redress Committee.

Throughout his legal practice, Judge Leighton was involved in cases of national importance for many African Americans. His cases resulted in the desegregation of public schools in Harrisburg, Illinois and the release of a man sentenced to death row.

In 1964 George Leighton was elected a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, and in 1976 President Ford appointed him to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Judge Leighton, the recipient of numerous awards, honors, and honorary degrees, retired from the bench in 1987. Currently, a young man in his 90s, Judge Leighton serves ``Of Counsel'' in the Chicago law firm of Neal & Leroy and teaches as an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School.

He is also a master chess player.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for sponsoring H.R. 1542, and I might note that Judge Leighton was appointed to the Federal bench by President Ford, a Republican. Judge Leighton in Chicago was always known to all of us as a Democrat and was very active in Chicago Democratic politics and political circles. So I think it is

noteworthy that he was appointed by a Republican President. I never knew that he had lived and grown up in Massachusetts, but obviously he did.

Mr. Speaker, I see that we are fortunate, because the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), is just entering the Chamber, and I know that he wanted to be able to make some comments, so he is very timely. I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for honoring and recognizing a person that I always thought was a native of Chicago. I did not know that he was actually a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order and address the House for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the centennial, the 100th anniversary, of the birth of the Chicago Defender, one of America's great, historic institutions which make up the fourth estate, our free press.

The Defender, founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, follows in the tradition of Freedom's Journal founded by Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwarm, and the North Star founded by Frederick Douglass.

Abbott began publishing the Defender out of his kitchen, producing about 300 copies at a quarter each. By 1929, the Defender was selling more than 250,000 copies each week.

From its first days, the Defender has also been a campaigner for freedom, equality and justice under the slogan, ``American race prejudice must be destroyed.'' It has covered stories largely ignored by white-owned press. The Chicago Defender reported the 1919 Chicago riots, the election of Oscar DePriest to Congress, and the opening of the first U.S. bank owned and operated by an African American. The Chicago Defender covered the aftermath of the death of Emmett Till and the career of the honorable Elijah Mohammad.

In its editorial pages, the Defender exposed white oppression and the lynching of African Americans. During World War I, the Defender urged equal treatment of black soldiers. During World War II, the Defender protested the treatment of African American servicemen protecting the Nation and urged the integration of the Armed Forces. The Chicago Defender fearlessly spoke out against lynching, racism and segregation, and aroused the conscience of the Nation.

The Defender led a remarkable campaign which brought thousands of southerners to the north from 1915 to 1925. Known in the history books as the Great Migration, over 1 million African Americans read vivid descriptions about options to life in the south in the pages of the Defender and migrated to the north in that short period.

The Defender has been home to many of our Nation's great writers and artists, including novelist Willard Motley, poet Gwendolyn Brooks, and writer Langston Hughes, culturist Margaret Burroughs, women's page editor Marian Campfield and editorial page cartoonist Oliver Harrington. Outstanding scholars and reporters such as W.E.B. DuBois, Vernon Jarrett and Lu Palmer appeared in the ages of the Defender.

In 1923, the Chicago Defender introduced the first newspaper section written for children, the Bud Billiken page. Since 1929, the Chicago Defender along with the Defender Charities has sponsored the world famous Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic, the largest event of its kind, with more than 1 million people attending and viewing.

The Defender reported the campaign and election of Harold Washington, Chicago's first black mayor.

After the departure of Robert Abbott, the mission of the Defender was carried on with undying spirit and integrity by long-time publisher and driving force John Sengstacke who died at the helm of age 84 in 1997. Today, the chairman of the board, Thomas Picou, president and CEO Clarence Nixon, Junior, and Chicago Defender Executive Editor Roland S. Martin are leading a campaign to rebuild the circulation and infrastructure of this unique and irreplaceable institution.

The Defender reported the elections of Carol Mosley-Braun and Barack Obama, two of only three African Americans elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction.

Mr. Speaker, the centenary of the Chicago Defender is a milestone in the history of our Nation and cause for celebration for the entire country. The history of the Defender is a proud page of our free press. The history reported by the Defender is a chapter of our collective history which without this great paper would have been forever lost.

So, Mr. Speaker, it is indeed my honor and privilege to bring to the attention of this House this milestone in the evolution of our democracy. I congratulate the leadership of the Chicago Defender and wish them success in their next 100 years, which are yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill I introduced expressing the need for further study of the neurological disorder dystonia. Dystonia is characterized by powerful and painful muscle spasms that cause the body to pull into distorted postures. It is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson's disease and Tremor. Dystonia affects more people than better known and more thoroughly researched diseases such as Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig's disease. Three hundred thousand Americans suffer from dystonia, and it affects all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.

Currently there is no cure for dystonia, which means only the symptoms can be treated. Led by the National Institutes of Health which recently announced a program entitled ``Studies into the Causes and Mechanisms of Dystonia'', I ask that Congress act to support increased funding and research for this debilitating disease.

To personalize the importance of research pertaining to dystonia, let me tell a short story about Art Kessler, a man from the 7th District of Illinois, who was diagnosed at age 12 with early-onset dystonia. He and his wife, Wendy, decided to remain childless to prevent another life from being burdened with dystonia. However, due to recent technological advances and a ground breaking procedure called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), Mr. Kessler and his wife are the proud parents of a dystonia-free child. Benjamin is the first child ever to be born using

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Teacher's Day, which is taking place today. This week (May 1- May 7) is Teacher Appreciation Week, and as we continually work to improve the American education system, we should take time to honor the hardworking, patient, passionate and understanding people who are the backbone of this system.

National Teacher's Day began due to the persistence of Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte who wrote to politicians and education leaders starting in 1944 pushing for a national day to honor teachers. Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim such a day in 1953. In March 1985, the National Education Association, NEA, and the National Parent-Teacher Association, PTA, established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May, with the first Tuesday remaining as National Teacher's Day.

As a former educator, I can attest to the great responsibility that falls on the shoulders of teachers. This responsibility is accepted with aplomb by energetic, passionate and caring teachers who are dedicated to bettering the lives of their students. Teachers are a guiding force in the lives of our youth, just as they were for us when we were children. As Dan Rather once explained, ``The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau. . . .''

Children are the key to the future of the United States, and we entrust them to the incredible corps of teachers who give everything they have, each day they enter the classroom. Today, let us remember the teacher's who pushed us to greatness and let us show our appreciation for these teachers and the teacher's of today's children, who through their intense dedication leave lasting contributions on our society as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, in my community, there is an old saying that goes: After all is said and done, much more is said than done.

Now, we have heard a great deal about what some people have called the do-nothing, the empty-promises Small Business Bill of Rights. The gentleman from Florida asked the question, if you vote against this, what are you really voting against? What you are voting against is the gamesmanship of playing games with the needs of small businesses.

Yes, small businesses need some things. They need access to capital, money, cash. They need venture capital, money, cash to expand and grow their businesses. They need protection from the inopportunity to do business. They need the big contracts broken up, unbundled, so that they can compete. So they need assistance. They do not need rhetorical commentary, they do not need advice, they need help.

I am afraid that my colleagues have been correct. This legislation is full of empty promises. As my colleague from North Carolina said, sound and fury signify nothing.

We all love small businesses, but we want them to know the truth. The Bible says, ``Know ye the truth, and the truth will set you free.''

The truth is, this administration has not been supportive of small businesses.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) by stating my strong support for H. Con. Res. 41, recognizing the second century of Big Brothers Big Sisters and supporting the mission and goals of that organization.

Mr. Speaker, 2004 marked the 100th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of the Nation's greatest civic programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth-mentoring organization in the United States. As of last year, the organization served an astounding 225,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 18 in 5,000 communities across the country.

Research has demonstrated that mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many obstacles they face in their lives. Youths in the program, or ``Littles'' as they are called, are less likely to use illegal drugs, consume alcohol, skip school, or engage in acts of violence.

I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) for introducing this important legislation. Big Brothers Big Sisters has made a positive impact on the lives of impoverished young people, especially, and others throughout the Nation. We all owe them a great debt of gratitude, and I trust they will have success as they continue in their work.

On a very personal note, Mr. Speaker, I had the good fortune to serve as a Big Brother to a little brother of mine, who then went on to become a staff person and work for the Mayor, Sharon Pratt, of Washington, D.C., and then went on to work for Vice President Al Gore, eventually becoming, and he is now, the minister and pastor of a church out in Maryland. So I know that the Big Brothers program is a good program; that it does work, because Reverend Courtney Miller is a prime example of that. And I certainly wish Courtney well as we wish the continuation of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1236, legislation designating the postal facility in Sparks, Nevada, after the late Tony Armstrong, mayor of Sparks. This measure, which was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) on March 2005, enjoys the support and co-sponsorship of the entire Nevada State delegation.

Tony Armstrong grew up in Sparks, Nevada, and after serving in the Nevada Air National Guard and opening a general contracting business, he was elected in 1989 to the Sparks City Council, representing Ward Three. Ten years later, in 1999, he was elected mayor of Sparks. During his tenure as mayor, he worked hard to promote the image of his city. Sadly, he passed away on January 29, 2005. Mayor Armstrong left behind his wife, two sons, and a daughter.

Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this bill and note that it is definitely a way to honor the work of the mayor of Sparks, Nevada.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join in the consideration of H.R. 1524, legislation designating a postal facility in Overland Park, Kansas, after Mayor Ed Eilert. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) on April 6, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Kansas State delegation.

Ed Eilert was first elected in 1981. As mayor of Overland Park for 24 years, he worked hard to improve the condition of his city. The population has doubled, the number of projects tripled, and the number of hotels has increased dramatically. Business and opportunities have also grown. A convention center is now home to Overland Park, and more hospitals have been added. Overland Park is now Kansas' second largest city.

The growth occurred under the leadership and vision of Mayor Eilert. This week Mayor Eilert steps down from his position, and what a wonderful way to honor the achievements of Ed Eilert. I join my colleagues in honoring Mayor Ed Eilert and urge the swift passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we acknowledge from time to time our individual histories and what makes us unique. I believe that it is our differences that make our Nation strong. Therefore, I am very happy to join the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the distinguished chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform, in support of H. Res. 227, recognizing and honoring the contributions of Indian Americans to economic innovation and to society generally.

According to a 2000 census, the Indian American population stands at over 1.6 million. This represents a 106 percent increase over the 1990 census figures. In fact, Indian Americans are the largest-growing Asian American community in the United States.

In addition to being a growing community within our society, the Indian American population also is a wonderful contributor to our Nation's well-being. The Indian American median family income is $60,093, which is significantly higher than the national median family income of $38,885. This high-income level is not only an example of their determination and hard work, but it is also a testament to the strong regard they hold for education. More than 87 percent of Indian Americans have completed high school, while at least 62 percent have completed some college. The value that members of the Indian American community place on education allows them and helps them to succeed in this country and to become positive role models and economic forces for all of us.

As our Nation struggles to teach the value of education to our young, I strongly believe that we should hold in high regard the Indian American community's commitment to higher education. It is indeed inspirational. So once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his leadership on this issue and reiterate my strong support for H. Res. 227.

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

Mr. Speaker, during the recess, I was privileged to visit the country of Sri Lanka where there exists tension and sometimes open warfare between the government and the Tamilians.

Fortunately, partially as a result of the tsunami, there is a cease fire. I trust that the cease fire will continue, that a peaceful accord will be reached. But in the meantime, I would urge that we do everything within our power to make sure that relief resources are equally and fairly deployed throughout all areas of the country that were, in fact, affected. There is a tremendous resolve to try and arrive at peace. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that we will help.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she might consume to the gentlewoman from California, (Ms. Watson) who is the author of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume to close for our side.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 504, legislation naming a postal facility in Los Angeles, California, after the legendary Ray Charles.

H.R. 504 was introduced by my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), on February 1, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on April 13, 2005.

The bill enjoys the support of the entire California delegation. As we have already heard, Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia, on September 23, 1930, and moved with his family to Greenville, Florida.

And like later in his life, Charles's childhood was one marked by tragedy and hardship. At age 5, he watched helplessly as his brother drowned to death in the family bathtub. That same year he became inflicted with glaucoma and lost his sight altogether by the age of 7.

By age 15, both of his parents had died. Displaying courage far beyond his years, Ray Charles persevered during this time of unimaginable hardship. Determined to make something of his life, Ray Charles turned to music. After playing in local clubs, Charles decided that Florida was not the place for his budding music career.

So at age 17 he decided to move to Seattle and sing in a band playing Nat King Cole-style music at area nightclubs. In Seattle, Ray Charles's unparalleled skill drew rave reviews, and he had his first hit at age 19 with the rhythm and blues hit, ``Confession Blues.''

In all, Ray Charles would win an astounding 12 Grammy Awards, including three in 3 consecutive years for ``Hit the Road Jack,'' ``I Can't Stop Loving You,'' and ``Busted.''

Once when Ray Charles was asked if he ever considered taking it easy following all of the success he had had, Charles quickly responded, for what? Music is like a part of me. It is not something I do on the side. It is like my blood line, like my breathing apparatus.

Tragically, Ray Charles did not live long enough to witness the success of the movie hit ``Ray'' that told the story of his life. He died on June 10, last year, shortly before the movie's release. Jamie Foxx did an exemplary job portraying Ray Charles.

The story of Mr. Charles's life is so compelling that it is hard to imagine the American public not becoming engrossed in the story of his life. Ray Charles was truly a man for all seasons, and an incredible gospel, jazz, blues and big band artist, all rolled in one.

He has his own star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame. He is the recipient of a bronze medallion presented by the French Republic. His version of Hoagy Carmichael's ``Georgia on My Mind,'' was named the Georgia State song, and he was one of the original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) for introducing this legislation. Ray Charles was and will always be an American hero and icon. He has given the American people and the entire world the everlasting gift of his beautiful music.

I commend my colleague for seeking to honor the legacy of Ray Charles in this manner. Mr. Speaker, I know that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), as well as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano) who are both great patrons of the arts and tremendous lovers of music had intended to be here to make some comments.

Unfortunately, they could not. So I would urge swift passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of the H.R. 1001, legislation naming a U.S. postal facility in Pflugerville, Texas, after Sergeant Byron Norwood.

H.R. 1001 was introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) on March 1, 2005 and unanimously reported by our committee on April 13, 2005. The bill enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Texas delegation.

Sergeant Byron W. Norwood died on November 13, 2004, as a result of enemy action in Fallujah. Sergeant Norwood was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in Camp Pendleton in California before being deployed to Iraq.

Sergeant Norwood was recognized by the President posthumously during his State of the Union address for his bravery and sacrifice to our country. The President also recognized Sergeant Norwood's parents, Janet and Bill, for the tremendous grace they displayed in the wake of their son's death.

A native of Texas, Byron was well liked by his fellow soldiers because not only was he an exemplary soldier, but he was also a terrific person. He was described by members of his regiment as a person who was not afraid to show his emotions, and was always there to listen and lend support to his friends during difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that during times of war we take time to remember its human cost, that people as loving and caring as Sergeant Byron Norwood are sacrificing their lives to protect ours.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) for introducing this legislation. It is a wonderful tribute to a great man and an extraordinary soldier. I urge swift adoption of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.