Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mr. Maurizio Izzi of Rome, Italy, and in welcoming him as he becomes a fellow American citizen. On May 11, 2005, Mr. Izzi will take the oath of allegiance at Faneuil Hall in Boston. On Saturday, May 14, family and friends will gather to celebrate this milestone in Mr. Izzi's life.

Mr. Izzi follows in the tradition of his great aunt, Maria Valente, who became a citizen in 1961 and now resides in Arlington, Massachusetts. In the year 2000, Mr. Izzi took his first job in the United States at the Empire State Building as a Configuration Management Consultant. On May 20, 2000, he married his lovely and charming wife, the former April Peloquin. They now reside in Hopedale, Massachusetts.

Mr. Speaker, we are all fortunate to live in this land of opportunity, and Mr. Izzi embodies the qualities that have made our nation great: a spirit of perseverance, industriousness, devotion to family and love of country. It is a pleasure to welcome him as a fellow American citizen.

Mr. Speaker, earlier today before returning to Washington, I had the privilege of participating in a remarkable and inspiring event organized by the owners of Hobby's Delicatessen and Restaurant, a proud Newark institution for the past ninety-five years. In a spirit of generosity and patriotism, Michael and Marc Brummer, co-owners of this family-owned and operated establishment, have organized a campaign known as ``Operation Salami Drop'' to provide a culinary piece of home to our troops in Iraq specifically the 42nd Infantry ``Rainbow'' Division based in Tikrit. Initially, Michael sent a care package of hard salami and black and white cookies to his former college roommate, Captain Michael Rothman, who is currently serving our country in Iraq. Upon hearing how well the package was received by Captain Rothman and his fellow soldiers, the Brummer brothers decided to send salami to the entire 42nd Infantry Division stating, ``We had been looking for something we could do for our troops and this was a perfect fit.''

Having patronized Hobby's for many years, I can attest to the fact that this show of community spirit is in keeping with the reputation of this wonderful institution that has served generations of New Jerseyans, New Yorkers and connoisseurs of the deli world. As a young executive at Prudential, I would converse with the older Mr. Brummer, who would engage his customers in lively conversation. When other businesses moved to the suburbs, Hobby's remained a part of our neighborhood, faithfully serving their loyal customers. The business has been owned by Samuel Brummer since 1962, and his sons joined him in the late 1980's. Sam's lovely wife Ronni handles accounts receivables, and his hardworking 94-year-old mother-in-law Helen still handles the bills.

The Newark community has rallied around our troops by participating in ``Operation Salami Drop''. For ten dollars, customers can buy a salami and deli mustard to send to a solider in the 42nd. Customers also have a chance to write a note to the soldier receiving the package, adding a nice personal touch.

The Newark Branch of the United States Postal Service also became involved by providing boxes and assisting in the shipping process. ``It doesn't matter how you feel about the war,'' Marc Brummer said. ``This is a chance to show the troops that you care about them.''

Today Hobby's hosted the ``Departure Ceremony,'' shipping the first two tons of salamis to Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring Hobby's Delicatessen and expressing our gratitude for the contribution they have made to our troops overseas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an outstanding State Department professional, Lawrence Dunham, as he retires after three decades of dedicated government service.

Mr. Dunham served as Assistant Chief of Protocol for Diplomatic Affairs at the State Department and also assumed the position of Acting Chief of Protocol when he was designated to manage the transition from the Clinton to the Bush administration. He is well-respected by Members of Congress from both

sides of the aisle for his expertise, organizational ability, and exceptional diplomatic skills.

During his distinguished career, Larry--as he is known by his friends--managed relations with foreign embassies in Washington and consulates throughout the United States, handling issues of accreditation, privileges and immunities under international law. As a senior career officer in the bureau, he resolved sensitive cases involving diplomatic immunity, recognition of foreign officials, and establishing and breaking relations. He also organized participation of foreign government representatives in major national events, leading a team which arranged for more than 80 delegations from abroad and 180 ambassadors representing foreign governments to attend the State Funeral of former President Reagan. Mr. Dunham represented the State Department on television and radio broadcasts, in meetings with Congressional staff, journalists, and as an expert witness. He served as a speaker to groups including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of Secretaries of State, Smithsonian Associates, spouses of new foreign ambassadors, and consular corps throughout the United States. Among the awards he received were the Superior Honor Award for outstanding service in upholding international legal principles; Meritorious Honor Awards for initiative and leadership in monetary conservation and improvement in efficiency, and for outstanding managerial skills in restructuring work and improving service; the Secretary's Certificate of Recognition; the Commanders' Cross, Austria; and the Order of Queen Isabella, Spain.

A graduate of George Mason University School of Law, Mr. Dunham and his lovely wife Deborah reside in Annandale, Virginia. He is being honored on Friday, April 22, 2005 at an event at the DACOR-Bacon House in Washington, D.C. which will be attended by a number of ambassadors representing nations which he has assisted during his career.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Larry Dunham on his retirement and in expressing our appreciation for his many years of exemplary service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. John Petillo on his inauguration as the third president of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. UMDNJ has been a vital resource for the people of New Jersey for more than 30 years. Comprised of eight schools on five campuses, a behavioral health network, and Newark's University Hospital, UMDNJ provides world-class education to practicing and future healthcare professionals and scientists, including physicians, dentists, researchers, nurses, and scores of allied and public health professionals. With more than 13,000 employees, UMDNJ is the eighth largest employer in New Jersey. There are nearly 19,000 UMDNJ alumni, the overwhelming majority remains in New Jersey. It is estimated that the University's health care and educational programs touch the lives of two million persons yearly.

Dr. Petillo brings many strengths and talents to this important appointment. He has enjoyed an extensive career in the corporate, nonprofit, academic and theological fields. He has served as the chief executive officer for several national corporations, chancellor for Seton Hall University, and as a member of the board for many nonprofit foundations.

More recently, Dr. Petillo served as the first president and chief executive officer of the Newark Alliance, a nonprofit organization composed of representatives from private and civic groups whose shared goals is to improve the educational opportunities and economic redevelopment in Newark.

Prior to joining the Newark Alliance, Dr. Petillo was chief executive officer at Tribus Companies, Care Advantage, Inc., and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. As president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Dr. Petillo was influential in eliminating the reserve deficit and replacing it with a reserve surplus. During his tenure he advocated legislation requiring all health insurance carriers to underwrite individual policies regardless of medical histories.

In addition to serving leadership roles with corporate organizations, Dr. Petillo has also served as chancellor of Seton Hall University and the Archdiocese of Newark. While chancellor and chief executive officer at Seton Hall, Dr. Petillo was credited with completing the first development campaign in the institution's history and significantly increasing the residential student capacity. He also succeeded in achieving competitive salaries for the full time faculty, expanded institutional research, and with faculty consensus and monitoring instituted merit compensation.

In June 2003, Dr. Petillo was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey by Governor James E. McGreevey. In June 2004, Dr. Petillo assumed the responsibilities of Interim President of UMDNJ. The Board of Trustees named Dr. Petillo University President on November 16th, 2004. Dr. Petillo has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University, an M.A. in Counseling from Seton Hall University and an M.P.A. from Rutgers University.

Under Dr. Petillo's stewardship UMDNJ is embarking on a new chapter in its history--proud of its accomplishments and focused on its future as a leader in health sciences research, education, and healthcare. UMDNJ and the State of New Jersey are fortunate to have the benefit of Dr. Petillo's leadership. I look forward to many more accomplishments made possible through the University's considerable intellectual capacity and fulfillment of its community service mission.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a valued institution in my Congressional district. For the past ninety years, the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson has been dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls as well as the elimination of racism. Founded at a time when women suffered through inhospitable working and living conditions, the YWCA of the USA was founded, in 1858, in order to fight for gender parity. The early pioneers of the organization realized that they could overcome racial and gender discrimination by banding together to form strong alliances of determined women.

Since 1914, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate of the YWCA has provided the highest quality in health and fitness, recreation, education, child development and social services programming. Over nine decades, it has evolved from offering camping activities to providing childhood development classes to pregnant and parenting teens. Currently, the Essex and West Hudson affiliate serves nearly 200 children in its after-school programs, over 500 children in its summer camps and over 200 birth through 5 year-olds in its early childhood education programs.

In commemoration of 90 years of service, on May 19, 2005, the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson will celebrate the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art building. This facility will house amenities such as a computer learning center and an Aquatics & Fitness Complex.

I salute the YWCA of Essex and West Hudson as they ``celebrate nine decades of excellence'' for their dedication to women, girls and the community at-large. I am proud to have this organization in my district and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in memory of Antoinette Denise Williams-McCeary who was a life long resident of my Congressional district. Mrs. Williams-McCeary, lovingly known by friends and family as ``Toni'', was the third of 10 children and a mother of one.

In 1982, she began work in the financial services field. Unfortunately, that career came to an abrupt halt after developing pulmonary sarcoidosis, a multi-system disorder that currently has no cure. Yet as the saying goes, ``when one door closes another one opens''. Instead of resigning in defeat, she became a champion of the less fortunate through volunteer work.

She served as coordinator of the Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE), a program that is engaged in self-help food distribution systems, economic development, community service and educational programs. Mrs. Williams-McCeary also gave of herself by feeding neighborhood children and assisting her church in various capacities.

Ms. Williams-McCeary passed away on April 9, 2000. Her family created the Antoinette Denise Williams-McCeary Foundation in order to carry on her legacy of giving. The organization's primary focus is to provide financial assistance to the National Sarcoidosis Resource Center which conducts research in hopes of finding a cure.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring Antoinette Denise Williams- McCeary, who in life and death continues to help others in need. I am proud to have had her in my Congressional district and wish her foundation never-ending success in its future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to acknowledge the Sacred Heart Parish of Jersey City, New Jersey on the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Sacred Heart's role in serving the community began before the parish was approved and continues to this day with the St. Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen.

The Parish consists of a campus of buildings that include the Dominican Priory, the Church, the School and the Parish Hall. While those buildings define the physical presence of the parish in the neighborhood and Jersey City community, the most important and lasting features of the parish are the people of Sacred Heart.

Sacred Heart Parish was approved by Bishop O'Connor on February 14, 1905. The Church building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram who was guided in the Dominican tradition by Father McNicholas, O.P. and Spanish Gothic was the basis for the church design.

The long history of Sacred Heart School is a story of deeply rooted faith, passionate work and a belief that the spirit inspires all undertakings. It encompasses the response of a parish, the Sisters of Charity, dedicated teachers and volunteers. It is a story of children educated in knowledge and values. And, it is a story of a good seed planted and sown and brought to fruition.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that the Parish of Sacred Heart and the surrounding community have every right to be

proud of the lasting contributions that Sacred Heart has made to the residents of Jersey City. I am pleased to congratulate Sacred Heart on its first 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those who would commemorate Earth Day 2005 by pledging our efforts to ensure that our childrens children may enjoy the same Earth we celebrate today.

And it is those children who will pay the price if we do not.

Children are usually at greatest risk of suffering environment- related health problems, with race and poverty playing a disproportionate role, especially minority children from families living below the poverty line, according to EPA reports.

Concern that minority populations and low-income populations bear a disproportionate amount of those adverse health and environmental effects led President Clinton to issue Executive Order 12898 in 1994, in order to focus Federal agency attention on these issues, leading to the establishment of the office of Environmental Justice Strategy at the EPA.

The EPA defines Environmental Justice as the ``fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.''

This has long been a concern of the environmental community, especially among minority and low-income communities who have come together to organize and fight for equal protection under the law.

The environmental justice movement really got its start in Warren County, North Carolina where a PCB landfill ignited protests and resulted in more than 500 arrests. These protests prompted a U.S. General Accounting Office study, Siting of Hazardous Waste Landfills and Their Correlation with Racial and Economic Status of Surrounding Communities, which found that three out of four of the off-site, commercial hazardous waste landfills in Region 4 (comprising eight States in the South) happened to be located in predominantly African- American communities, although African-Americans made up only 20 percent of the region's population. More important, the protesters put ``environmental racism'' on the map.

Since that time, attention to the impact of environmental pollution on particular segments of our society has been steadily growing in the form of the Environmental Justice Movement. This movement contends that poor and minority populations are burdened with more than their share of toxic waste, pesticide runoff and other hazardous byproducts of our modern economic life.

The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice Strategy was created to address these issues, but thus far has done little to improve the situation for minority and low-income communities.

In fact, an EPA Evaluation Report released last year found that 10 years after its issuance, the EPA ``has not fully implemented Executive Order 12898 nor consistently integrated environmental justice into its day-to-day operations. EPA has not identified minority and low-income, nor identified populations addressed in the Executive Order, and has neither defined nor developed criteria for determining disproportionately impacted.'' It goes on to say that when the Agency restated its commitment to environmental justice in 2001, they did not emphasize minority and low-income populations, which was the intent of the Executive Order.

The report found that even after 10 years after its implementation, the EPA had not developed ``a clear vision or a comprehensive

strategic plan, and has not established values, goals, expectations, and performance measurements.''

We must continue to bring attention to the documented environmental health disparities suffered by low-income and minority communities throughout the country, raising awareness so that together we might seek solutions. I call upon the Office of Environmental Justice Strategy to make this issue a priority as it was designed to do more than 10 years ago.

This is a very real threat for my constituents. The EPA has announced that the entire State of New Jersey is officially designated as out of compliance with the agency's health-based standard for ozone. The entire State is out of attainment for smog, and all counties that are monitored for soot levels are also out of attainment.

Studies have shown that New Jersey's air pollution levels cause 2,000 premature deaths every year. At this rate, pollution ranks as the 3rd most serious public health threat in my State. Only smoking and obesity kill more New Jerseyans each year.

In addition, child asthma rates are on the rise--especially in our cities--and the threat of mercury pollution puts all of us at risk, but most especially infants, children, and pregnant women.

The Bush Administration's efforts to weaken protections established under the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts have compromised the long fought-for protections we have won since the Inaugural Earth Day back in 1970. We must stand firm in our objections to environmental policy that favors industry at the expense of nature and public health, and we must oppose irresponsible legislation, such as Clear Skies, that claim to protect the environment even while it is attempting to degrade it.

As we celebrate Earth Day, I hope that all of us can pledge to do more than just talk about these issues and to commit to act in support of those things which we speak about so passionately today. We must dedicate ourselves to full enforcement of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. We must rid our lakes, rivers, and streams of dangerous mercury pollution to ensure the safety of all Americans. We must oppose any more delays and restore full funding to the clean-up of toxic waste sites that threaten the health and safety of our Nations children. We must take seriously the threat of pollution to public health and act to alleviate the suffering of the urban minority and low-income populations, as well as the 5 million American children who now suffer from asthma.

These are big goals, but the stakes could not be higher. We must protect our precious natural resources and the health and safety of all Americans, especially urban, minority, and low-income populations who bear the brunt of our failure to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 256 because the bill does not protect disabled veterans from creditors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ernest W. Aschermann on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Mr. Aschermann, who was born of German immigrant parents who passed through Ellis Island

at the turn of the century, turns 85 on April 18th. We honor Mr. Aschermann for having been a great football star at Ossining High School in Ossining, New York, earning him a full scholarship to Syracuse University. Upon graduation, Aschermann returned to his alma mater to teach, coach, and be a mentor to many over 37 years. Aschermann still holds the distinction for having the only undefeated baseball team in Ossining history.

He was the husband of Vivian Bernice Ottaviano and the father to Ernest and Kurt. At a celebration in Ossining on April 9th, over 40 family members will travel from across the country to celebrate this great American's birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Mr. Aschermann as he achieves this momentous milestone, and I invite my colleagues to join me in extending our most sincere best wishes for many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a highly valued citizen of my home city of Newark, New Jersey. Mother Ann Parrott celebrates her 80th Birthday on May 6, 2005. She is the mother to six wonderful children and grandmother to fourteen. She has dedicated her life, for almost five decades, to the social and spiritual improvement of her community.

Active in her church, she wears a myriad of hats ranging from Sunday school teacher to choir member. One of her most honorable contributions, however, has been the establishment of the Lighthouse Temple Community Services in Newark, New Jersey.

Founded in 1989 as an addition to the Lighthouse Temple, Community Services modestly

began as a soup kitchen where she served homemade soup and cornbread to the homeless in Newark. It now functions as one of the great providers of comprehensive care to the homeless and less fortunate in the state of New Jersey by offering emergency shelter, food, clothing and job placement to many in the Newark area.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in the House of Representatives would join me in honoring Mother Ann Parrott, who becomes 80 years young on May 6, 2005, for her tireless work for the Newark community. She is a paragon of true virtue through her selfless dedication to the betterment of others. I am proud to have her in my Congressional district and wish her never-ending success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to congratulate Reverend Lucius Williams on his 25 years as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Belleville, New Jersey. Second Baptist is indeed fortunate to have the dynamic and creative energy Pastor Williams offers to his congregation. Likewise, Pastor Williams is blessed to have a membership that honors and respects him enough to celebrate this significant milestone with him.

Reverend Williams was installed as pastor of Second Baptist Church in February, 1980. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in theology from United Bible College in Orlando, Florida. His ministry is filled with love for his congregation and he works tirelessly toward enhancing his members' theocratic experience. Under his pastoral watch, several ministries have been established. They include:

The Sisters Sharing Ministry, a ministry focusing on the needs of women and children; the Eliza B. Goldston Scholarship Foundation, a ministry that raises the awareness and importance of education through scholarship; the Valley Community Development Corporation, a ministry that incorporates community development and neighborhood beautification along with a tutorial program and English as a second language; SBC Praise Ministry, a ministry that lifts the name of Jesus in song; Hosanna Praise Dance Ministry, a ministry that lifts the name of Jesus in dance; the Christian Education Ministry, a ministry that focuses on Christian walk through education and mentorship; the Prison Ministry, a ministry that focuses on the needs of men and women in the penal system.

Pastor Williams' commitment to his church and the surrounding area are evident in his other activities. Along with his wife, the former Patricia Gabriel, the Crossroads of Life Christian Bookstore was established in June, 1976. He has received numerous awards for his outstanding love and passion to the work of the church, business and community.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in letting Pastor Williams' family, friends and congregation know that his 25 years of service are greatly appreciated. I also wish him well in continuing his leadership to both Second Baptist and the community.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to recognize Worshipful Master R.W. William J. Ewing for his leadership of Jephthah Lodge No. 56 in Montclair, New Jersey. Under Worshipful Master Ewing's leadership, overall membership increased and acknowledgments of community initiatives improved. His unwavering dedication and passion have inspired the brothers of Jephthah Lodge No. 56 to increase their own commitments to do more within their designated communities.

Worshipful Master Ewing performed his duties as caretaker of the East, not only by word, but more importantly, through his deeds. He has made in-kind donations by extending the use of his business office, including his office manager and staff, consistently throughout his tenure. He has also made substantial financial contributions to assist the lodge. These unselfish acts have contributed significantly to the success of the lodge.

In addition to his lodge activities, Worshipful Master Ewing is a good citizen, a former Assistant Prosecutor, an attorney and an excellent role model. He is a dedicated family man, a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montclair and a life member of the NAACP. As a former student, he is also supportive of keeping the legacy of the Bordentown Boarding School alive. Worshipful Master Ewing is an ardent traveler and is a dedicated annual Super Bowl participant.

Mr. Speaker, as Jephthah Lodge No. 56 celebrates its annual event on Friday, February 11, 2005 at the Ridgefield Regency in Verona, New Jersey, I urge my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Worshipful Master Ewing for his dedicated service. As he concludes his term in office, his ongoing commitment to Jephthah Lodge No. 56, its brothers and Prince Hall Masonry in general is truly worthy of recognition and acclaim.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the distinguished career of Marie Rust as she retires from the National Park Service. Ms. Rust will be retiring after spending 31 years as caretaker of the National Park System in 13 northeast states. Early in her National Park Service Career, as Director of Personnel, she was personally charged with forming the North Atlantic Region, of which my home state of New Jersey is a member.

She has been a tireless advocate for the National Parks of New Jersey, including Edison National Historic Site, Morristown National Historical Park, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.

In my own Congressional District, Ms. Rust was instrumental in facilitating the development of the public/private partnership between the National Park Service, the Edison Preservation Foundation, and the Friends of Edison National Historic Site. Both groups are devoted to the preservation of the Edison legacy and the Historic Site on Main Street in West Orange, as well as the Edison home in Llewellyn Park. The fund raising efforts of these groups, combined with the federal appropriations we were able to secure, have been instrumental in saving the site's historic structures and improving the condition of the artifacts the buildings contain. Her leadership has made possible the current rehabilitation effort at the Site, which will provide accessibility to all visitors, broaden the Edison story with new exhibits and tours, and preserve the buildings for future generations of visitors.

Close to my own heart, she has been active on the International front as a founding member of the International Coalition of Historic Sites of Conscience, working to preserve historic sites that are connected to social issues. She has safeguarded the history of these places and used them to foster public dialogue, reminding us always that our past can and should shape the way we speak about the contemporary issues of our day.

I am grateful for Marie Rust's leadership in my community and for her three decade long fight for the protection of our national treasures.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending my thanks to Ms. Rust for her many years of environmental stewardship and preservation, and I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing her a rewarding retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring the life and accomplishments of a monumental figure in our history.

Ossie Davis was one of our most prominent and active civil rights leaders. He was a voice of freedom. A voice that would not falter in the face of danger. A voice that could not be silenced in a time of injustice. He stood with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for equality and participated in the March on Washington in 1963. He was even blacklisted from Hollywood in 1950s for his political beliefs.

I had the honor of meeting Ossie Davis and his wife Ruby Dee last year at a 25th anniversary gala for Crossroads Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ossie and Ruby were being honored for their long-time support of the historic African-American theater. They generously donated their time to participate in fundraisers for the theater and played a key role in helping Crossroads thrive.

During the 87 years of his life, Ossie Davis demonstrated the true definition of a role model. He graduated in the top 5 percent of his class in high school. On a quest for higher knowledge and education, Ossie hitch hiked from his home in Cogdell, Georgia all the way to Washington, DC to attend Howard University. Ossie also dutifully served his country for 4 years in World War II as a surgical technician.

Ossie Davis was a man who frequently chose the path less traveled and broke down barriers, especially on Broadway and in the entertainment industry. Using the arts, he capitalized on every opportunity to build awareness about the racial injustices occurring in this country. He wrote several screen plays, including the critically acclaimed ``Purlie Victorious'' and ``Cotton Comes to Harlem''. Ossie even had a radio show with his wife, ``The Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee Story Hour,'' which ran on 65 stations for four years in the mid-1970s. Ossie has received numerous honors for his work including being inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1994 and being among the artists to receive the Kennedy Center honors in 2004.

Ossie Davis will always be remembered as one our most cherished civil rights leaders. In celebration of his life and accomplishments, I strongly urge that we pass this resolution.