Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Congressman Al Green's resolution to honor Black History Month.

As the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the celebration of the many contributions of African Americans to this Nation has evolved from its 1926 inception as Negro History Week, to what we now know as Black History Month. As apparent by the change in titles, the mentality of our nation towards race and race relations has made significant improvements with each generation.

Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of this nation dating hack to at least to the colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books. Prior to Woodson's vehement efforts to write African Americans into the history of the Nation, books largely ignored the African American population except to mention them in the context of slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of African Americans continue to he preserved and taught so that future generations of all Americans will know our abundant heritage.

An ancient proverb states, ``Who has no past. has no future.'' African Americans have made significant contributions to this nation's history, and we continue to build that rich legacy today. Because of the continued efforts of those who educate our schoolchildren, future generations will know about how a race of oppressed people overcame the social and political obstacles of slavery and Jim Crow to become great innovators, scientists, novelists. musicians, philosophers, and political leaders.

The inclusion of African Americans in academic curriculums ensures that children can continue to be inspired by Thurgood Marshall, Malcolm X, Mac Jamison, Benjamin Carson, Richard Wright, and Shirley Chisholm.

Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the achievements of African Americans, but it has paved the way for other nationwide celebrations of the contributions of other races and cultures. Therefore, by supporting Congressman Al Green's Resolution to honor Black History Month. I also support the American idea of diversity and multiculturalism.

I commend Congressman Green for bringing this important resolution to the floor, and I strongly urge my colleagues' support.

Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Johnson-Young amendment to expand higher education opportunities for the children of fallen soldiers.

Since the year 2001, more than 4,400 U.S. servicemembers have died during their deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. Historically, war has cost America the lives of our sons and daughters. However, the soldiers serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan are not just single men; 40 percent of the servicemembers in Iraq are married and 30 percent have children. The soldiers we have lost are not only our sons and daughters, but our husbands and wives and fathers and mothers.

As we reflect on the cost of this war, we must realize that many of these brave young men and women have left families and young children behind. These young men and women include Sergeant Paul Sanchez, a native of Irving, Texas, who was killed last January by an IED in Iraq, leaving behind a wife, a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son; and Second Lieutenant John Craver who was killed in October 2006 in Baghdad. A native of McKinney, Texas, he left behind a wife and three children. As well as Specialist Jessica Cawvey, who was killed in Fallujah in 2004. She was a 21-year-old single mother and left behind a 6-year-old daughter. These are just a few of more than 2,100 children who have lost a parent in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The death of a parent is not only emotionally devastating for a child but often creates financial hardships for their family. The Johnson- Young amendment offers financial assistance and access to higher education for children who lost a parent or guardian as a result of this war. It allows the children who have been left behind to have access to a maximum Pell Grant award. Through this Pell Grant award, we can offer a chance for a bright future for the children of those brave young men and women who gave their lives in the name of service for our country.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman of the full committee and his staff for working with me on these important issues that will help to deliver for the needs of our Nation's students. I thank Mr. Young, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the retirement and celebrate the career of a true community leader, Ms. Bettye Banks. This year will mark 30 years of her outstanding service with Consumer Credit Counseling of Greater Dallas, with whom she has dedicated her professional career to providing financial education to citizens of North Texas.

Ms. Banks began her career as a secretary with Consumer Credit Counseling of Dallas in 1978. Her work ethic, diligence, and intellect allowed her to easily move up through the ranks, serving as office manager and counselor, among other positions.

In 1990, Ms. Banks singlehandedly created the education program, aimed at teaching financial wellness and literacy. Today, Ms. Banks is the senior vice-president for Consumer Counseling of Dallas and responsible for overseeing the financial wellness initiatives of the Education Department. With her vision and leadership, the department has also grown to include 41 individual presentations on money and credit related topics. Ms. Banks has truly been an asset to the department and has left a lasting impression on its growth and impact in the community.

In a true testament to her spirit, while working full time at CCCS Dallas, she completed her bachelor's degree in applied business practice. She has also earned professional certification as a Consumer Credit Counselor, Certified Financial Counseling Executive and Housing Counselor.

Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Banks has authored a series of consumer-finance workbooks and taught over 3,000 seminars and workshops. Her reputation as an expert in the fields has generated contributions in multiple publications, including Today's Dallas Woman and Dallas Family. She has appeared on CBS, NBC and ABC and is sought out as a conference speaker on the topics of financial wellness.

Additionally, Ms. Banks is an active community leader, serving on the boards of the Greater Dallas Rotary Club, the Dallas Legal Roundtable, and Friends of Consumer Freedom, among others. She has been a member of numerous local organizations including the North Texas Affordable Housing Coalition, Family Financial Advisory Council and the Dallas Downtown Rotary.

There is no doubt that Ms. Banks has generated a monumental legacy at CCCS Dallas. Through her drive and fortitude, she has undoubtedly elevated the organization, and her leadership will be missed. At this milestone in her life, I would like to take the time to commend her for her commitment to the community and education. I extend my best wishes for her retirement and thank her for her invaluable friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4140) to designate the Port Angeles Federal Building in Port Angeles, Washington, as the ``Richard B. Anderson Federal Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4140 is a bill to designate the Federal building located at 138 West First Street, Port Angeles, Washington, as the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building.

Private First Class Richard Anderson was born in 1921 in Tacoma, Washington. He joined the Marine Corps on July 6, 1942, and received his Marine Corps training in San Diego, California.

He died at the young age of 22 during World War II and on Roi Island, part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor. His heroism is marked by his actions on Roi Island when he hurled himself on a live grenade in a shell hole to save the lives of many people. He was severely injured and died of his injuries on February 1, 1944. He was buried at sea with full military honors.

In 1945, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson was named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Anderson.

It is both fitting and proper to honor the life and courageous actions of Richard B. Anderson in this designation. I support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time, and I yield back my time and urge passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3913) to amend the International Center Act to authorize the lease or sublease of certain property described in such Act to an entity other than a foreign government or international organization if certain conditions are met.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on

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

I'm pleased to support H.R. 3913, a bill to make a needed technical amendment to the International Center Act, P.L. 90-553.

H.R. 3913 authorizes the Department of State to lease land to Intelsat at the International Center, which is located on Connecticut Avenue at Van Ness Street in northwest Washington.

The amendment clarifies and ensures that Intelsat's long-term lease of the land, on which its headquarters is located, is consistent with the International Center Act.

Intelsat was originally established in the early 1900s as an international organization. In 2000, Congress passed legislation which essentially required Intelsat to become a private company.

Unfortunately, at that time, Congress overlooked a change in the ICA that would be necessary when Intelsat completed its transition to a private company, and this bill corrects that omission.

I support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back my time and urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 832) honoring the Texas Water Development Board on its selection as a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean Water State Revolving Fund Performance and Innovation Award, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H. Res. 832.

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

The Texas Water Development Board was created in 1957 with the mission ``to provide leadership, planning, financial assistance, information and education for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas.'' Additionally, the Texas Water Development Board provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of the State.

The Texas Water Development Board was selected this past November as a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Performance and Innovation in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success Award at the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities annual conference in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, this is extraordinary for Texas because normally we get on the other end of things of this sort. But the Texas Water Development Board provides loans and grants to local governments and entities for various projects.

The financial assistance programs are funded through State-backed bonds, a combination of State bond proceeds and Federal grant funds, or limited appropriated funds.

To date, the Texas Water Development Board has successfully awarded communities approximately $4.3 billion in low-interest loans to finance 472 water infrastructure projects across the State of Texas.

The State of Texas currently administers the second largest Clean Water State Revolving Fund in the Nation, second only to New York. In 2007 alone, the Texas Water Development Board made 32 loan commitments through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, for a total of $692 million.

Of the 32 total commitments made out of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in 2007, approximately 8 percent of the funds were committed to disadvantaged communities, and 10 percent were committed to small communities with populations consisting of less than 10,000 residents.

The Texas Water Development Board is working with the EPA to strengthen the program, including the ability to offer extended term financing up to 30 years to help communities that may need more time to repay the loan. Additionally, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is being proactively marketed to ensure that all Texas communities are aware of the benefits offered by this program. And, Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be able to honor such a vital organization in the State of Texas. It's sometimes a rare occasion.

The Texas Water Development Board is recognized as a leader in the State water planning and water-related infrastructure financing. I would like to thank my colleagues from the Texas delegation for joining me in this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I simply want to ask everyone to support the resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alpha Kappa Alpha on the occasion of their centennial anniversary.

As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I would like to welcome the thousands of fine AKA members who have traveled to Howard University this week to celebrate the birth of Alpha Chapter and the nine visionaries who founded the sorority in 1908.

As our Nation's oldest black Greek letter fraternity founded by women, Alpha Kappa Alpha was established in order to provide social and intellectual enrichment through member interactions. Throughout the years, AKA's purpose has expanded as it strives to promote high scholastics and ethical standards, vocational and career guidance, health services and the advancement of human and civil rights. Led by International President Barbara A McKinzie, the women of AKA seek to make a difference in our communities and to be of supreme service to all of mankind.

When you look at AKA's distinguished membership it is easy to see its impact on America. Amongst these women are: Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dr. Mae Jemison--just to name a few.

Today, Alpha Kappa Alpha is a worldwide organization with 200,000 members in 975 chapters all over the globe and on every continent. The century of achievements by AKA women are felt everyday in the progress of our communities, and the work our members are doing today will be felt by generations to come. This centennial celebration is both a reflection upon our history, and a celebration of our future.

I commend Alpha Kappa Alpha on their centennial anniversary and wish them well for their next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. King's legacy and recognize the innumerous Americans who continue along the path he paved towards justice and liberty for all citizens.

It is rare that one person can change the fate of our Nation; however Dr. King was able to do just that. Dr. King relied on his relationship with God and his faith in justice to articulate his vision for America in a way that touched the hearts and minds of the American public.

Dr. King called on all of us to no longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up together as a voice against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to continue that fight even after his death.

Few people would sacrifice time and energy for loved ones, fewer for strangers, yet Dr. King humbled himself to do just that. He ultimately sacrificed his life and his family sacrificed their patriarch for the struggle towards political justice for all Americans. Today we pay homage for their selflessness and publicly thank them for their commitments to humanity.

Dr. King left us with the challenge to courageously fight and secure the civil rights for all, from the impoverished and disenfranchised underclass to the politically and economically endowed. Although his challenge was issued 40 years ago, we still have not fully realized his noble request.

Today's Martin Luther King Day is as much about the past as it is about the future. Dr. King's dream is truly timeless, and I hope that our next generation will find inspiration in his faith and vision.

Madam Speaker, on December 19, 2007, I missed votes because of scheduled eye surgery in Dallas.

Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1183, 1184, 1185 and 1186.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I recognize the life and passing of colleague Congresswoman Julia Carson of Indiana's 7th District. I have known this extraordinary person for a long time. She was a woman of principle who unabashedly championed the issues in which she believed. Her constituents and the Nation have lost a great legislator and an outstanding leader.

Congresswoman Carson made history in 1996 by becoming the first woman and the first African-American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress. And she came to Congress with one mission--to improve the lives of the people of her community. Even as she rose to a position of prominence in this body, she never forgot the people she was sent here to serve. She truly dedicated her career to them--and for that, earned the respect and gratitude of all Americans.

Since her days in the Indiana State Senate, Congresswoman Carson has been committed to helping seniors live with independence and dignity as they age. Throughout her career, she has provided exceptional leadership and devoted service to America's senior citizens.

Congresswoman Carson was also a strong proponent of civil rights movement, scaling the barriers imposed by poverty and sexism. She was a leader in advocating for voting rights, and worked diligently for the health and income needs of people experiencing homelessness and families at risk of homelessness. As a member of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Congresswoman Carson worked to address the most pressing needs of her constituents and this Nation.

In the 108th Congress, Congresswoman Carson was the sponsor of the largest Amtrak reauthorization bill, the National Defense Rail Act, which provided the rail passenger system with over $40 billion in funds to develop high-speed rail corridors and aid in the development of short distance corridors between larger urban centers.

Madam Speaker, Indiana has lost a powerful legislator. The Nation has lost a great leader. The Congress will mourn Julia Carson for her enormous intellectual ability and her huge heart. I will miss an irreplaceable colleague and friend.

And yet, I know that while her loss will be deeply felt, the memory of her kindness and the recollection of her good deeds will transcend into future generations.

Mr. Speaker, on December 18, 2007, I missed nine votes because of scheduled eye surgery in Dallas.

Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181 and 1182.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, I have an appointment for eye surgery, which cannot be rescheduled.

Were I able to attend today's session in the House of Representatives, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 1163, 1164, 1165, 1166, 1167, 1168, 1169, 1170, 1171, 1172 and 1173.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable gentleman, Reverend Dr. Sammie Davis in the celebration of his 80th birthday on November 27, 2007.

A pastor for over 52 years and the only preacher at Fellowship Baptist Church for 44 years, Reverend Davis is a true pillar of the Dallas community.

A graduate of Dallas Independent School District, Reverend Davis continued to pursue his educational goals, attending Bishop College, Southern Methodist University, UCLA and earning a doctorate from the University of Asawan in Egypt.

Extending his love of family beyond his own fifteen children, Reverend Davis has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and youth in his community. Whether shelter, food or simple guidance was needed, Reverend Davis could always be counted on to extend a helping hand. As Founder and Executive Director of Fellowship War on Drugs Program in Dallas, he also fought to redirect the lives of those affected by drug abuse in southern Dallas.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Reverend Sammie Davis on reaching the milestone year of 80, and I wish him many future years of happiness and enjoyment in his personal and professional endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I recognize the life and passing of R.C. Hickman of Oak Cliff, Texas. Mr. Hickman was a very prominent and well-respected photographer not only in the State of Texas, but also throughout the entire nation. As his family mourns their loss, I would like to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of R.C. Hickman before this body of Congress and this nation.

Born in Mineola, Texas and raised in the Dallas, Hickman's exemplary photography career started during the World War II. After the war's end, he continued his professional career as a photographer at the Dallas Star Post and freelance photographer for Jet magazine.

His dreams led him to capture the likenesses of entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr., activists Thurgood Marshall and Dr. King, and countless others whose work for civil rights. His professionalism and keen eye ignited his passion for recognizable images. Several of his photos are now housed at the Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Hickman later compiled many of his pictures in the book Behold the People: R.C. Hickman's Photographs of Black Dallas, 1949-1961.

Madam Speaker, it is in earnest respect that I recognize the memory of Mr. R.C. Hickman before this body of Congress and this nation for the irreplaceable contributions he made to the community of Dallas and the State of Texas. My sincere condolences go out to his nieces Patricia Tuck, Royetta Tuck Potts of Los Angeles and Nelwyn Vaughn of Mineola. While his loss will be deeply felt, the memory of his kindness and the recollection of his good deeds will transcend into future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church, located in the 30th district of Texas, that has faithfully served the community for over 50 years.

Founded in 1854 by Reverend Alphonso Lopez, the church originally formed as small prayer groups meeting in the homes of its members. From this humble beginning, True Purpose Missionary Church remodeled and transformed a local tavern into a sanctuary that continues to house the congregation today. From here, they have worked tirelessly to transform the neighborhood and serve the people of the Dallas metroplex.

In particular, two of the first leaders of the church, Pastor A.L. Wilburn and Pastor James D. Parker, deserve a special honor for their service.

Pastor A.L. Wilburn served as the first pastor of True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church until his death in 1985. His leadership during his tenure brought great hope and inspiration to his congregation. A member of the Baptist General Convention, Baptist Ministers Union, Interdenominational Ministers Alliance and the Rising Star District Association, he is best remembered for his kind spirit and love of church, family and friends.

Following in his predecessor's footprints, Pastor James D. Parker served as a beacon of strength and guidance for the church. Internationally recognized as a motivational speaker, he traveled throughout the world sharing his expertise and assisting numerous organizations across the globe. Pastor Parker was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He served the church faithfully until his death in 1989.

Thanks to the strong leadership of these two men, True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church today continues to provide a nurturing environment for its members and visitors. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring True Purpose Missionary Baptist Church for their contributions to the Dallas community.