Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, 100 years ago the village of Harlem changed its name to Forest Park and since that time has functioned as a municipal government in the state of Illinois located in the western portion of Cook county. The village of Forest Park has had a very interesting origin and development. For thousands of years the Potowatomi Indians and their ancestors lived in the area. They buried their dead along the east bank of the Des Plaines River in the area that is now home of the Forest Home Cemetery. Des Plaines Avenue is known to have been an Indian trail. It lies on top of an ancient sandbar that was on the western edge of Lake Chicago, now Lake Michigan. After Illinois entered the Union, most of the land west of Chicago was set aside for veterans of the war of 1812. By 1835, the area was known as Oak Ridge because of the many oak trees. In 1839, a French and Indian trader, Leon Bourassa, received a land grant from President Martin Van Buren of 160 acres along the Des Plaines River north of what is now Roosevelt Road. By this time the Indians had been banished to west of the Mississippi River, but one Indian maiden remained to tend to the grave of her ancestors. According to legend, she married Leon and they settled here on land which is now part of Forest Home Cemetery. The deed for the government land Bourassa purchased was personally signed by President Martin Van Buren and is now kept in the Forest Park Library.

The railroad came in 1856, bringing workers who established the first community settlement. A German immigrant, Ferdinand Husse, purchased land in 1851, mostly from Mr. Bourassa, and built a home styled after the manors of New Orleans that he had seen. When he buried 3 members of his family near the homestead, they became the first white settlers to be interred here. When the Chicago and Galena Union Railroad (now the Northwestern), established a division where Des Plaines Avenue now approaches the track in 1856, it marked the beginning of public transportation in the area. Soon after the railroad arrived, a nearby landowner, John Henry Quick, gave part of the area a new name, after his hometown in New York City (Harlem). In the aftermath of the Chicago fire in 1871, many refugees came to this area to build their homes, and their community continued to grow and develop.

The Altenheim German Old People's Home opened in 1885 and boasts the original victorian building still in use. The building has been popular with Hollywood and it has been used as a location for three movies. In 1973, 20th century film ``Harry and Fonte''. Art Carney, the film star, won an Oscar for his performance and in 1988, scenes were shot there with Gene Hackman in the package. Finally, in 1995, the building was again used for exterior shots for the movie ``The Babe'', starring John Goodman. In the Waldheim Cemetery now merged with Forest Home, are buried Albert Parsons, Adolph Spies, Adolph Fisher and George Engel. These 4 men were executed on November 11, 1887 for their alleged part in the Haymaker Riot. Waldheim, the only Cemetery that would accept the bodies, hosted over 15,000 persons who attended the funeral. Governor John Peter Altgeld later exonerated the men and pardoned 3 others sentenced to life imprisonment. These 7 soon became martyrs in the eyes of the labor movement. Ceremonies are now held at the gravesite each year honoring the fallen labor heroes.

A sausage factory started in 1890 by Karl Lau became the area's first industry, the metropolitan westside ``El'' began electrified rapid transit service in 1895 and because it ran through Garfield Park, it became known as the Garfield Line.

In 1897, the installation of electric lighting for ``whomever desired this service'', was available to those living or doing business on Madison Street, and the telephone came in 1898. In 1898, Nicholas Shank built the very tall multistory building known as the Castle (at Harlem and Madison) which still stands. It was said to be the tallest building between Chicago and St. Louis. By 1904, Henry J. Mohr had served 3 terms as president of Harlem. After the village changed its name to Forest Park in 1907, he served 4 more terms from 1909 through 1912. The office of president was then changed to mayor in 1916 and of course, Mohr was elected to yet another 4 years. This time it became an extended period of 6 years because the election was not held at the proper time. Thus Henry J. Mohr was the last president and the first mayor of Forest Park, serving a record 13 years as head of local government. Of course Forest Park has continued to grow and develop into a city of great

homes, schools, shopping centers, and recreational outlets. It is home to the world renowned Living Word Christian Center Complex Mall under the leadership of Pastor Bill Winston.

Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate mayor Anthony Calderone, trustees, other village officials and all citizens on the 100th anniversary of the village of Forest Park, Illinois.

First of all, I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois, for yielding time, and I also want to commend him for the tremendous leadership that he continues to play, even as a new Member of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 474 and take this opportunity to congratulate all of my colleagues who hold the honor and privilege of fatherhood. It is widely understood and acknowledged that the benefits of an actively involved father in the lives of children not only helps but plays a vital role in the formation of successful youth and in the development of contributing members of society. It should come as no surprise that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse. We know that fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. Just over 41 percent of fatherless families with children are poor, while only 7 percent of children headed by a married couple are considered poor. Furthermore, over two-thirds of mother-only families live twice below the poverty line.

Our work today and our work in Congress should not only focus on acknowledging fatherhood but it should focus on empowering fathers to have the capabilities and incentives to be more responsible for their children. Barriers to employment, such as a lack of high school or college degree, as well as criminal histories and substance abuse, all contribute to the lack of fathers in the household and the lack of a regular source of income and the ability to contribute to the family. It is not enough to fill this room with words. The only way to improve the ever-increasing number of families without fathers is through targeting the problems that fathers face by going to the source. One way of doing this is through support of the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act. Removing employment barriers for noncustodial parents, which mostly tend to be fathers, would be of tremendous benefit. By funding grants to promote reasonable fatherhood, we are directly promoting the futures of innocent children while concurrently strengthening the family.

Social scientists have for years debated the role of the father in the family. It is consistently among the top interest of psychologists. Leading professionals indicate that fathers provide role models for their sons to learn how to be a man, whereas girls need fathers to learn how to relate to a man in significant ways. Fathers also tend to constrain and correct violent and antisocial behavior better than anyone else, as well as challenge and promote such characteristics as independence, assertiveness, and achievement. But this is not a new phenomenon. George Herbert, the famous medieval poet and orator, understood. He said that one father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. How true that word is today.

I conclude, Mr. Speaker, by remembering the fact that every year I give away scholarships, money that we go out and kind of find for kids to go to college. And on the form, there is an application that says, put down the name of your mother and father, what they do. I must confess that I have been most disheartened, because in some instances children have written on the application form, DNA, meaning that the name of the father does not apply. In some instances they have even written ``unknown.'' Or in other instances they have written ``irrelevant.'' Or ``does not matter.'' If we are to strengthen families, if we are to strengthen our society, then we must find a way to help so many of the individuals who have been out of the picture to cop back in and take on their responsible role of fatherhood.

I thank the gentleman again from Illinois for yielding time. I thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I also use this moment to say thank you to my own father who died 2 years ago, 92 years old. Much of the reason that I stand here today is because of him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that May is Mental Health Month. I would also like to thank those who have dedicated their lives to mental healthcare.

Now more than ever, we must commit ourselves to full mental health parity. An estimated 26 percent of Americans between the ages 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. This means that 57.7 million people currently suffer from a mental disorder. Millions who suffer from serious, debilitating, and life altering mental disorders. Mental disorders such as Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia and Bi-Polar Disorder. Nearly two thirds of all people with diagnosable mental disorders do not seek treatment.

The burden of mental illness on health and productivity amongst society in the United States has been underestimated. A massive study conducted by the World Health Organization, The World Bank, and Harvard University, discovered that mental illness, accounts for over 15 percent of the burden of disease in market economies, such as the United States. This is more than the burden caused by cancers.

I am grateful to the Committee on Education and the Workforce for reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. The Older Americans Act supports the mental health needs of the elderly. Nearly 236 elderly people per 100,000 suffer from a mental illness. The highest suicide rate in America is among those aged 65 and older. Elderly men are the demographic area that is most likely to commit suicide. Specifically, I want to ensure that senior citizens have access to mental health services in their respective communities or wherever they receive primary health care services. I would like to commend the Honorable Patrick Kennedy for his efforts in providing mental health parity in Medicare. I am pleased that we are beginning to make some headway on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2239, to expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I would like to take some of my time to express my deepest appreciation for our Nation's veterans. It is with this that I strongly ask you to expand eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for all of our veterans. Every day, we find more and more of our veterans returning home with severe physical and mental disabilities. This legislation is a step in the right direction and will act as a cornerstone necessity for providing the medical care, services and treatment that all of our country's finest deserve.

This Congress to must ensure that our injured soldiers, sailors, airmen and any other veterans who have returned home with a disability not only receive the basics in terms of medical attention, but also receive proper rehabilitation so that suitable employment in the future can become a viable option. The act of a person once again living independently is the highest goal that this legislation can achieve. Services that provide counseling, education, financial aid, and job assistance are the best tools for our veterans to use in order to get back on their feet and live a life of independence and dignity. Let us not revisit the fatal mistakes made after Vietnam. To quote my good friend and colleague, Dick Durbin, ``We owe our disabled veterans more than speeches, parades and monuments.'' Let's do our best to convey our appreciation for their sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, the United States of America has more of its people in prison per capita than any other developed nation in the world, more than 2 million. The vast majority, 95 percent, of the men and women in our prisons will eventually return to the community. This means that every year more than 650,000 offenders are released from State and Federal prisons and return back to civilian life.

These men and women deserve a second chance. Their families, spouses, and children deserve a second chance. And their communities deserve a second chance. A second chance means an opportunity to turn a life around, a chance to break the grip of a drug habit; a chance to support a family, to pay taxes, to be self-sufficient.

Today, few of those who return to their communities are prepared for their release or receive any supportive service. When the prison door swings open, an ex-offender may receive a bus ticket and spending money for a day or two. Many leave prison to return to the same environment which saw them offend in the first place. But as they return, they often face additional barriers to reentry: serious physical and mental health problems, no place to stay, and lack of education or qualifications to hold a job. As a result, two out of three will be rearrested for new crimes within the first 3 years after their release. Youthful offenders are even more likely to reoffend.

One-third of all correction departments provide no services to released offenders, and most departments do not offer a transitional program, placing a heavy burden on families and communities. Considering the cost of incarceration, as much as $40,000 per year, and all the social and economic costs of crime to the community, it is just plain common sense to help ex-offenders successfully reenter our communities and reduce recidivism.

That is why I have sponsored the bipartisan Second Chance Act of 2007, H.R. 1593, along with Representatives Cannon, Conyers, Coble, Scott of Virginia, Smith of Texas, Jones of Ohio, Forbes, Schiff, Sensenbrenner, Chabot, Jackson-Lee of Texas, Cummings, Johnson of Georgia, Clarke, and 75 other Members of Congress.

A companion bill, S. 1060, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Biden, Durbin, Specter, Brownback, Leahy, Obama, and 10 others.

The Second Chance Act will provide transitional assistance to assist ex-offenders in coping with the challenges of reentry. It will reduce recidivism. It will help reunite families and protect communities. It will enhance public safety and save taxpayer dollars. It is the humane thing to do. It is the responsible thing to do. And, of course, it is the right thing to do.

The Judiciary Committee held hearings on the bill last month and quickly voted to send the bill to the full House. I fully expect it to pass soon. The bill has the support of more than 200 criminal justice, service provider, faith-based, housing, governmental, disability, and civil rights organizations. President Bush has signaled his support of the legislation as well.

No single piece of legislation is going to solve the reentry crisis we are facing, but the Second Chance Act is a good start. I hope that with passage of this bill, we will begin a new era in criminal justice.

Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that any serious effort to facilitate the reentry of men and women with criminal records to civil society must be prepared to do two things. First, we must be prepared to help with drug treatment on demand for everyone who requests it. Second, we need to find work for ex-offenders. Programs don't supply jobs. After ex- offenders have undergone rehabilitation and received appropriate training, employers will have to open their hearts and put these men and women back into the workforce. They do not belong in prison.

Many of them don't need prison, but they do need a second chance. Congress can give them that. And we should

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1722) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton, Florida, as the ``Leonard W. Herman Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 1722, which names the postal facility in Boca Raton, Florida, after Leonard W. Herman.

H.R. 1722, which was introduced by Representative Robert Wexler on March 27, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. This measure, which has been cosponsored by 24 Members, has the support of the entire Florida congressional delegation.

Mr. Leonard Herman was a bombardier in the United States Army, and he flew numerous missions over Germany during World War II. He displayed heroic actions and earned high honors and several distinguished medals for his bravery.

Perhaps one of Mr. Herman's greatest achievements was his contribution in seeking to save the lives of thousands of ``survivors'' of German concentration camps who were dying because of the lack of adequate food, clothing and medical supplies. According to accounts by Professor Robert L. Hilliard, ``Leonard Herman took it upon himself to advise and seek help from many of our government leaders regarding the plight of the survivors. His efforts were instrumental in President Truman's learning about displaced persons' situations in the U.S.- occupied Germany. The President changed U.S. policy and issued orders to provide the assistance and materials needed by the Holocaust survivors. Lieutenant Herman played an important role in saving thousands of these lives.''

And so, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Robert Wexler from Florida, for introducing this legislation, and I urge swift passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, to close, I want to commend the gentleman from Florida for introducing this resolution. We have no further speakers, and I would yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2078) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14536 State Route 136 in Cherry Fork, Ohio, as the ``Staff Sergeant Omer `O.T.' Hawkins Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 2078, which names the postal facility in Cherry Fork, Ohio, after Omer T. ``O.T.'' Hawkins.

H.R. 2078 was introduced by Representative Jean Schmidt on April 30, 2007, and was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by voice vote. This measure, which has been cosponsored by 16 Members, has the support of the entire Ohio congressional delegation.

Staff Sergeant Omer T., better known as ``O.T.,'' Hawkins, died on Thursday, October 14, 2004, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb. He was assigned to the 44th Engineer Battalion based in Camp Howze, Korea. His Army colleagues have described him as ``a tremendous warrior coupled with compassion'' and said that ``his skill as a superb non-commissioned officer who could influence any soldier defined his life and the principles he defended.''

Staff Sergeant Hawkins graduated from North Adams High School on a Friday in 1991, and that following Monday he enlisted in the Army. Miss Cherry Frederick, his sister, said, and I quote, ``The only thing that he ever wanted to do was go into the military.'' Family and friends will forever remember Staff Sergeant Hawkins' dedication and service to his country.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Schmidt from Ohio, for introducing this legislation. I urge swift passage of this bill.

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

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

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

Just to close, let me just indicate there are heroes and sheroes all around us. Many of them are indeed giants who give of themselves in such a way that others pay little note to. And so when we take the time to name a Federal installation after a soldier who gave his or her life, in essence we are taking some of the dirt from around, taking the person out of the hole, and elevating them to the status of giant that they really are and have been.

So I commend my colleague from Ohio for introducing this legislation, and I urge its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1425) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4551 East 52nd Street in Odessa, Texas, as the ``Staff Sergeant Marvin `Rex' Young Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1425, which names a postal facility in Odessa, Texas, after Marvin ``Rex'' Young.

H.R. 1425, which was introduced by Representative Michael Conaway on March 9, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on March 29, 2007, by voice vote. This measure, which has been cosponsored by 31 Members, has the support of the entire Texas congressional delegation.

On August 21, 1968, Staff Sergeant Marvin Young was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry. He was leading a patrol when the 25th Infantry Division came under attack by a large force of North Vietnamese. The squad leader was killed, and Staff Sergeant Young assumed command and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to help his men. Despite orders to pull back, he remained behind to assist several of his men who were unable to withdraw. With critical injuries to his body, he continued to fight to cover the withdrawal of his troops. The enemy engulfed his position, and he was killed.

Staff Sergeant Young's parents were presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on April 7, 1970, by President Richard Nixon.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Michael Conaway from Texas for introducing this legislation and urge swift passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, to close, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for his introduction of this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Conaway for his passionate description of the life of one of our heroes. I would certainly concur and urge that we pass this resolution. I am very pleased to support it, and I urge passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2077) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20805 State Route 125 in Blue Creek, Ohio, as the ``George B. Lewis Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 2077, which names the postal facility in Blue Creek, Ohio, after George B. Lewis.

H.R. 2077 was introduced by Representative Jean Schmidt on April 30, 2007, and was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote.

This measure, which has been cosponsored by 16 Members, has the support of the entire Ohio congressional delegation.

George Lewis began his career in public service with the Federal Government on February 1, 1946, when he enlisted in the United States Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, George returned from Adams County to work on the family cattle farm until September 1, 1950, when he was drafted by the Army and sent to Korea. He rose in the ranks quickly, earning the rank of tank sergeant. He was honorably discharged from the Army on June 12, 1952.

George was hired as the Blue Creek Postmaster on November 5, 1955, where he served ably until his retirement on September 27, 1992.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Jean Schmidt from Ohio, for introducing this legislation, and I urge its passage.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 53) recognizing the life of Lamar Hunt and his outstanding contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs, the National Football League, and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kansas City, Missouri, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 53, which honors the life of Lamar Hunt and his outstanding contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs, the National Football League and the United States of America.

H. Res. 53, which has 52 cosponsors, was introduced by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver) on January 11, 2007. H. Res. 53 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, as already has been indicated, America lost a great sportsman and businessman when the Kansas City Chiefs football team owner, Mr. Lamar Hunt, passed away on December 13, 2006, at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 74.

Mr. William Sullivan, the late Patriots football team owner, said, ``Before there was a player, coach or a general manager in the league, there was Lamar Hunt. Hunt was the cornerstone, the integrity of the league. Without him, there would have been no American Football League.''

In the 1950s, Mr. Hunt on several occasions approached the National Football League to buy a franchise for his hometown of Dallas, Texas, but he was repeatedly denied. Frustrated by this, he decided to organize a rival pro football circuit, the American Football League, in 1960. Mr. Hunt was the owner of the Dallas Texans, one of the eight original teams that formed the AFL. Mr. Hunt's Dallas Texans won the championship in 1962. Soon after, he moved the team to Kansas City in 1963. He renamed them the Kansas City Chiefs. The team won the AFL championship in 1966, and the Super Bowl IV title in 1969.

I want to commend my colleague Mr. Cleaver not only for introduction of this legislation, but his passionate indication of what the life of Lamar Hunt was, for his personal experiences and contributions not only to the game of football, but to the game of life.

Listening to Representative Cleaver it becomes clear that not only was Mr. Hunt a giant of a football man, but he was a giant of a humanitarian, a giant of a man who could take ideas and convey those in such a way that others would buy into them, while at the same time continuing to live out the thoughts that Kipling had: If you can talk with kings and queens and not lose the common touch; if all men count with you, but none too much; and if you can fill the unforgiving moment with 60 seconds' worth of distance run, yours will be the world and all that is in it. And what is more, you will be a man, my son.

Lamar Hunt was indeed a giant of a man. I urge passage of this legislation.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1124) to extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1124, the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999, will reauthorize funding for the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant, the DCTAG program, which will help promote higher education for high school graduates in the District of Columbia.

DCTAG provides grants for District high school students to attend public colleges and universities nationwide at in-state tuition rates. Additionally, the bill provides smaller grants for District students to attend private institutions in the D.C. metropolitan area and to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide.

The impact of this legislation on the community and in the lives of the students who receive the grants cannot be minimized. DCTAG reaches students and communities where there is no hope of being able to obtain a college education. This is particularly true for many of the students that participate in DCTAG. Fifty-eight percent of the students who participate in the program come from low-income households.

Furthermore, students that participate are attending educational institutions that are known to nurture students of color. Five of the top 10 schools these students attend are HBCUs: Hampton University, Morehouse College, Virginia Union University, St. Augustine's College, and Bennett College.

While students from all races participate in the program and attend over 270 institutions in 47 States, including nationally recognized public institutions like the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the University of Illinois, the University of California-Berkeley, and Ohio State University, this program serves a community that is lacking resources for students of color from low-income households.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the ranking minority member, Representative Tom Davis, and, of course, the distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for introducing and championing this legislation.

I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she may consume to the author of this legislation, the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Mr. Speaker, simply to close, let me just suggest that with more than 500,000 individuals who live in the District of Columbia, and they've only got one public institution of higher education, the University of the District of Columbia, one could really say that this program provides a level of equity that is a level playing field, and somwhat equal opportunity given the fact that it is not

a State. For the young people who live in the District, it is an excellent program. I would urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of it.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 223) supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 223, which supports the goals of a National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

H. Res. 223, which has 59 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative John Shadegg from Arizona on March 7, 2007. H. Res. 223 was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007 by a voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, in 2005, there were 16,692 murders and nine negligent manslaughters reported in our Nation. This is obviously too many murders. And so I support the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims and recognize all organizations that provide services, such as support, guidance and counseling, to the loved ones and friends of murder victims.

It is important that this day is not just a remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives, but a call to action. While some of us have not experienced acts of violence, we share responsibility to people who have lost their loved ones to murder. We should always reflect the moral virtues of respect and caring and sharing with one another, regardless of one's race, creed and national origin.

Of course, we remember the recent incidents that have just occurred at the university in Virginia. I also remember in my own neighborhood, where just last week a young man was killed on a bus. He turned out to be an absolute hero because he actually put himself in front of another student who was about to be shot. And of course that community and that family still grieves. So I urge that we all remember murder victims and their families by getting involved in our homes, communities, schools and businesses to prevent violence.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Shadegg from Arizona, for seeking to honor the memories of murder victims and recognize the impact on surviving family members.

I urge swift passage of this bill.

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

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

To close, Mr. Speaker, let me just commend the gentleman from Arizona once again for his introduction of this resolution and his passionate statement in favor of its passage. I would certainly concur with everything that he has said and urge passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1260) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6301 Highway 58 in Harrison, Tennessee, as the ``Claude Ramsey Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1260, which names a postal facility in Harrison, Tennessee, after Claude Ramsey.

H.R. 1260, which was introduced by Representative Zach Wamp on March 1, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. This measure has been cosponsored by the entire Tennessee congressional delegation.

Mr. Claude Ramsey is currently serving his third term as mayor of Hamilton County, Tennessee. Prior to becoming county mayor, he was the assessor of property, served on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, and was a member of the Tennessee State Legislature.

Mr. Ramsey's career as a public servant exemplifies diligence, hard work, and dedication to the people of Hamilton County.

Mr. Ramsey plays a pivotal role in the economic progress of Hamilton County. As a manager and leader, he has distinguished himself with his openness and availability to both the business community and the public. He has been honored with numerous awards and offices that reflect his dedication and service to his community. As a fiscal conservative, Mr. Ramsey encourages progress in Hamilton County through responsible investments in the growth of business and industry.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Zach Wamp for introducing this legislation and urge swift passage of this bill.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1617) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 561 Kingsland Avenue in University City, Missouri, as the ``Harriett F. Woods Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, Representative Russ Carnahan from the State of Missouri.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join with my colleague in consideration of H.R. 1617, which names a postal facility in University City, Missouri, after Harriett F. Woods.

H.R. 1617, which was introduced by Representative Russ Carnahan on March 21, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. This measure has been cosponsored by 74 Members and has the entire support of the Missouri delegation.

Ms. Harriett F. Woods was elected from the 13th District of Missouri in St. Louis County to the Missouri State Senate in November of 1976. She was reelected for a second term in November of 1980. She was the first woman to win statewide offices in Missouri, becoming Lieutenant Governor in 1984. She ran for the U.S. Senate twice in the 1980s, and while both attempts failed, it inspired other women to run for and win political office. Ms. Woods was an activist who promoted women politicians. She served two terms as President of the National Women's Political Caucus and led the Clinton administration's Coalition for Women Appointments in 1993.

Before becoming an elected official, Ms. Woods was an independent film producer and served 10 years as the Public Affairs Director at KPLR-TV in St. Louis. At KPLR, she produced many noted documentaries, among them the award-winning film on child abuse, ``Broken Children,'' ``Don't Go to Jail in Missouri'' and ``Piedmont UFO.''

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Russ Carnahan for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I simply join with my colleague from Georgia in urging passage of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2025) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11033 South State Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Willye B. White Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the distinguished gentleman from the Second Congressional District of Illinois, Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 2025, which names a postal facility in Chicago, Illinois, after Willye B. White.

H.R. 2025, which was introduced by Representative Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., on April 25, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on May 1, 2007, by a voice vote. This measure, which has been cosponsored by 18 Members, has the support of the entire Illinois congressional delegation.

Ms. Willye White was born December 31, 1939, in Money, Mississippi, and raised by her grandparents. At 16 she competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and became the first woman representing the United States to win a medal in the long jump, earning silver behind Elizabeth Krzeszinska of Poland. Ms. White competed in every Olympics from 1956 through 1972, and only an injury kept her off the 1976 team.

She was America's best female long jumper for almost two decades, with a career best of 21 feet and 6 inches. She won nine consecutive United States outdoor championships, set seven American records and competed in more than 150 nations. Ms. White is the first and only track and field athlete to compete in five Olympics for the United States.

Ms. White moved to Chicago in 1960 and lived there for 46 years. She worked as a nurse and then as a public administrator. She mentored hundreds of young women living in Chicago's public housing projects through the Willye White Foundation.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, recognized her humanitarian efforts by awarding her the Pierre de Coubertin International Fair Play trophy, named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games.

Ms. White died on February 6, 2007, of pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Jackson for introducing this legislation.

Ms. White happened to be someone that I have known practically all of my life. As a matter of fact, she did grow up and finish high school in Greenwood, Mississippi, where my grandfather lived, and we knew of her exploits. As a matter of fact, we were close to the same age so we were attending high school at the same time. Then, of course, she went on to Tennessee State, that famous institution with the Tigerbelles, and at the same time I was attending another HBCU university, and we would compete with Tennessee State. They always won. Occasionally, we may have an opportunity but not often.

Then I actually worked closely with Ms. White up until the time that she died. Every year, I would look forward to contributing to her foundation for the programs that she had, especially in the Robert Taylor and the Henry Horner homes, but especially Robert Taylor housing projects which is also a part of my congressional district.

As a matter of fact, she even ran for public office. Although she was not elected, she kept running and did, in fact, run.

I commend my colleague Representative Jackson again for seeking to honor this great lady by naming a post office in her honor. I would urge passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, urge

passage of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.