Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a radio institution in my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. The Urban Scene is the first issue-oriented radio talk show in Columbia, and it remains a touchstone in the African American community today.

In 1988, WOIC radio began airing The Urban Scene with host Ben Scott. The next year, Gwen Foushee and Don Frierson took over the hosting duties, and by the end of 1989, Don was flying solo.

The next big change for The Urban Scene was its move from WOIC to WGCV/620 AM in Columbia in 2000. It is a testament to the popularity of the show that its loyal audience followed The Urban Scene, and many new listeners tuned in,

The Urban Scene quickly made its mark as the place to go for an in- depth discussion and debate of the issues of the day. Under Don's guidance, listeners feel comfortable to call in and give their opinions or ask questions, The topics covered on The Urban Scene run the gamut and are always entertaining and informative. Don has featured guests from all walks of life, including actor Danny Glover; House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt; former Miss America Kimberly Aiken; gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones; civil rights pioneer Modjeska Simpkins; and nationally syndicated talk show host Bev Smith. I have been known to make appearances on The Urban Scene from time to time as welL

I don't believe The Urban Scene would have enjoyed its longevity without the leadership of Don Frierson. He has done a tremendous job over the last 19 years in creating a midday talk show that is consistently the talk of the town. As a native of Columbia, Don knows the issues that are important to his listeners. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1983 with a degree in journalism, and continues to work full-time for the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

Don maintains the pulse of the community by being involved in many activities. He has served on the board of Bethlehem Community Center, the Columbia Branch NAACP, and the South Carolina Conference of Branches of NAACP. He has volunteered his time with Big Brothers and Sisters of the Midlands, as a mentor, working with children in Richland School District One, and has assisted non-profit agencies and organizations in the areas of press and publicity. He is a volunteer docent with the South Carolina State Museum and has served as third Vice President of the Columbia Branch NAACP.

Don's many awards include the Living the Legacy Award, presented by the National Council of Negro Women for outstanding work in the field of Journalism; Certificate for Outstanding Community Service in the field of Journalism, from the Omicron Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Community Leader of Excellence Award, from the Cush Fellowship Ministries; Million Man March Appreciation Award, from the Nation of Islam, for work in promoting the Million Man March; Martin Luther King Award for Community Service presented by Zion Baptist Church No.1; Award for Community Service, presented by Masjid AI-Islam; Outstanding Service Award from the Alcorn Middle School Community Task Force; Community Service Award from the Sister Clara Muhammad School; Certificate of Honor from the Columbia Branch NAACP for service; and a commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives for public service.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me today in celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Urban Scene and the outstanding work of its host Don Frierson. The show and its host are synonymous with intelligent and thought-provoking radio. I applaud the tremendous service Don provides on The Urban Scene, and I am proud to call him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome and thank the gentleman and scholar who provided us with today's invocation. Dr. William Lloyd Birch hails from my congressional district. He is an ordained minister in Florence, South Carolina.

Over his illustrious ministerial career, Dr. Birch has served as interim pastor in more than 42 churches. Dr. Birch is the founder of the Sociology Department at Francis Marion University, and chaired it for over 30 years. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Birch was a family therapist, and chaired the South Carolina Board of Licensing.

Dr. Birch is known by many in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina as their professor, as the minister who baptized their children or performed their son's or daughter's weddings, as the interim pastor at their church, or as the counselor who guided them through a family crisis.

Many have also seen him riding his horses, fox hunting or playing the bluegrass music he loves. Many of us are grateful for his work throughout the Pee Dee communities in South Carolina.

He is joined here today by his wife of 57 years, Jean, and I thank both of them for their daughter Lindy's work in my office on behalf of the people of South Carolina and the Nation.

Madam Speaker, due to my attendance at the funerals of two dear friends in my district, I was absent for all twelve recorded votes on Wednesday April 23, 2008 (rollcalls 208-219). I wish to offer the following explanations for how I would have voted.

Had I been present:

On rollcall 208, the motion to adjourn, I would have voted ``nay.''

On rollcall 209, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 210, Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 211, Ordering the Previous Question, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 212, the Rule providing for consideration of SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 213, the Matheson amendment, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 214, the Capito amendment, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 215, the Foster amendment, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 216, motion to recommit, I would have voted ``nay.''

On rollcall 217, passage of SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 218, ordering the previous question, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall 219, the rule providing for consideration of Coast Guard Authorization Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

I thank my friend, Mr. Berman, for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 322, recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, when the world was still struggling with the aftermath of the Holocaust, Israel declared itself a Nation. Eleven minutes later, President Harry Truman made the bold decision to make the United States of America the first country in the world to recognize Israel as a sovereign state. That was the start of a strong allegiance between the United States and Israel, a close friendship that has grown and strengthened over the years, one that will never be broken.

As the only true democracy in the Middle East, we recognize Israel's struggle to protect its people, maintain peace with its neighbors, and defend the freedoms of a democratic society. As we join our friend and partner in celebration of this important milestone, we reaffirm the bonds of close friendship and cooperation that have been forged between our nations over these six decades.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 125th anniversary of The National Crittenton Foundation and its 23 member agencies. Among its distinguished agencies, is one that I particularly wish to honor, Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina.

South Carolina's Crittenton movement began when founder Charles Crittenton visited Charleston, South Carolina in 1897. Along with the pioneering female pediatrician, Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, Mr. Crittenton served as an early advocate of services for young, unmarried, and pregnant women.

Based in Charleston, Florence Crittenton Programs was the first historically-documented agency to respond to the needs of young women. Its establishment was spurred by local concern following the suicide of a young pregnant woman. In the early 1900s, the South Carolina movement consisted almost solely of volunteers who took these young women into their homes in order to keep mothers and children together.

In 1934, the first residential home to serve girls and young women was built in Charleston. Today, the building still serves as the core of the multifaceted agencies of the Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina.

Through its tireless work, Florence Crittenton helped to develop positive social change in the attitudes toward pregnant and parenting young women. The agency also focused on the specific social needs of the young women.

As such, in 1975, the agency hired master's level staff to develop a sophisticated clinical program to respond to the mental health needs of the young women.

In the 1980s, the agency's name was changed from the Florence Crittenton Home to Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina. The change reflected the growing development of multiple professional programs and r services such as day programs for local clients and community education in local county schools.

Additionally, a family development program was created to provide off-site housing for mothers and children. The family development program was also created to provide educational instruction to help young mothers cultivate nurturing relationships with their children.

Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina is truly a beacon of light and hope to young, unmalTied mothers. Its service to the community of South Carolina has offered tremendous help and given even greater guidance to the young women it serves.

Madam Speaker, this organization is located in my District and I am proud to represent them in this August body, and ask that you and my colleagues join me in commending them for 125 years of national leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great statesman, a tremendous public servant and a good friend. Senator John W. Drummond will retire this year after serving in the South Carolina General Assembly since 1965. His leadership will certainly be missed.

John W. Drummond was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, on September 29, 1919, to mill worker parents. He was the fourth of seven children growing up a deeply religious, working-class family, whose values shaped the man John was to become.

As a young man, John's family moved to the town of Ninety Six, where he attended school until he graduated in 1937. With few options available to him, John decided to join the military. He joined the 263rd South Carolina Coast Artillery Regiment, the equivalent of today's National Guard, and was stationed in Charleston. By early 1941, John earned the rank of Sergeant and he enjoyed military life. Everything changed with the bombing of Pearl Harbor later that year.

John's regiment was federalized, and he was eager to see action in the war. He took a paratroopers exam at the Citadel, hoping to change his military assignment and get closer to the action. John scored so well, he was encouraged to become a pilot and was sent to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio for training. The skills he demonstrated in flight training school led instructors to send John to Tallahassee to become a bomber pilot. After training, he was inducted into the 405th Bomber Group Unit of the 510th Fighter Squadron. His skill as a bomber pilot earned him the nickname ``Ace.'' In September 1943, John's squadron was transferred from Florida back to his home State of South Carolina and an air base in Walterboro.

His return home got John into some hot water. While out on a training mission, John buzzed his hometown of Ninety Six. This forbidden practice earned him a demotion in rank to 2nd Lieutenant and a winter of sleeping out in a pup tent.

Finally in March 1944, the 510th received its orders to report to Christchurch, England, to begin its service on the war front. By May, John was flying reconnaissance and combat missions over the German- occupied Normandy area of France. He rose to the rank of Captain and was a fighter commander. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, John was in the midst of the invasion protecting the ships that were attacking the beaches of Normandy.

On July 29, 1944, John's plane was shot down by German anti-aircraft fire, and he managed to escape the burning plane, although his parachute didn't open fully due to his close proximity to the ground. Although injured, John rolled into the bushes, but was soon captured by German soldiers. He became a POW and was sent to a camp in Germany where he remained in horrid conditions until May 13, 1945.

When he returned to the United States after his liberation, John spent time recovering in a military hospital from severe malnutrition and other ailments related to his time in the POW camp. Upon his return to Ninety Six, John made good on a promise he had made to himself to woo and marry an acquaintance, Holly Self, affectionately known as Ms. Holly. The two married on June 12, 1947, and had three sons.

In 1946, John was officially discharged from the Air Force. He decided to go into business for himself, and opened a donut shop--the Golden Ring Bakery. He owned, managed and did all the work himself with the help of just one employee until 1954. John then accepted an offer from his father-in-law to become a manager at Greenwood Petroleum Company. He showed a real talent for the oil business, growing and expanding its operations. Later he inherited Greenwood Petroleum and began Drummond Oil Company, making both very successful businesses.

On June 6, 1964, John announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives. He won his first election, and took his seat in the General Assembly in January 1965. He immediately caught the attention of the very powerful Speaker of the House, Sol Blatt, and he became one of ``Sol's boys,'' which provided him invaluable tutelage and political opportunities.

Just two years later, John challenged the incumbent Senator from Greenwood over the issue of who should provide power to their rural county. He, with the help of his ally Duke Power, won that contest, and in January 1967, John became a South Carolina State Senator representing Greenwood.

Senator Drummond came into office with high ideals and a mind to shake up the status quo. His first effort was an attempt to eliminate the seniority system which controlled the Senate. His bold move was quickly thwarted by the Senate President Pro Tempore Edgar Brown.

During his 43 years in the General Assembly, Senator Drummond made education his top priority. He was a staunch supporter of the Education Finance Act of 1977, the Education Improvement Act of 1984, and the Education Accountability Act of 1998. He was also a strong advocate for the Home Rule Act of 1976, which allowed counties and municipalities more autonomy.

Senator Drummond has always been a proponent of more transparency in government. It was appropriate that his first committee chairmanship was of the Senate Ethics Committee. Under his leadership, the Senate passed the South Carolina Ethics Act of 1975, which established the State Ethics Commission with oversight over financial disclosure, campaign disclosure and conduct of elected officials. He was also a leading voice to expand the Commission's authority with the passage of the Ethics Reform Act of 1991, following the Operation Lost Trust scandal.

Senator Drummond was also a key player in the restructuring of State government. He served on the Commission on Government Restructuring, which made numerous recommendations that were enacted into law in 1993. In order to ensure passage of these reforms, Senator Drummond used his role as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to threaten to withhold the budget until the government restructuring package was approved. His political maneuvering paid off, and the Restructuring Act of 1993 passed with bipartisan support.

In 1996, Senator Drummond became the Senate President Pro Tempore, a title which he earned through the seniority system he had sought to dismantle as a young, independent-minded Freshman Senator. Although his rogue tendencies mellowed over time, Senator Drummond's effectiveness grew. In 2001, he became President Pro Tempore Emeritus when the Republicans took control of the Senate, but he didn't succumb to the pressure to switch parties as so many of his colleagues had.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me today in celebrating the extraordinary career and life of South Carolina Senator John Drummond, who I am proud to call one of my best friends in South Carolina politics and government. He is a true public servant, from his courageous service in World War II to his uncompromising representation in the South Carolina General Assembly. He has always remained true to the values instilled him growing up in the small community of Ninety Six. His tremendous legacy is one that honors his humble beginnings and speaks highly of his personal integrity. I commend John Drummond for his statesmanship and his numerous contributions to South Carolina and the Nation. I am proud to call him a friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark 40 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In doing so, I would like to submit for the Record a statement from Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. The Joint Center is one of the nation's premier research and public policy institutions and the only one whose work focuses primarily on issues of particular concern to African Americans and other people of color.

``While the 40th anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. evokes deeply troubling memories, it also serves as an important milestone in assessing the progress this nation has made and how far we must yet go to transform America in the way that Dr. King envisioned.

For many people, the passing of four decades has not diminished the memory of how difficult and uncertain those times were. In my hometown of Orangeburg, South Carolina, the tragic and untimely death of Dr. King intensified the sense of despair and unease that many of us already felt after the February 8, 1968, shooting by law enforcement officers of three unarmed students, including my high school classmate Delano Middleton, during a protest at South Carolina State College against a segregated bowling alley. This became known as the Orangeburg Massacre.

In those dark days we wondered, how would the dream survive without Dr. King to lead us toward the Promised Land?

But history records that sadness and anxiety gave way to determination and action. Dr. King's spirit continued to guide the movement as African Americans began to concentrate on the everyday task of translating hard won rights into representation and influence in our system of governance in order to secure justice under the law, greater opportunity and an America that lives up to its historic promise.

The Joint Center was founded for this purpose and played a critical role in the ensuing progress. Today, we honor Dr. King for his bequest of a legacy and a dream that did not die with him, but rather has served as a lodestar for all that has been accomplished since the tragic day of his assassination.

We also recognize there is much to be done--just as Dr. King did when, in the wake of historic gains in civil and voting rights, he sought to direct our attention to the need for fundamental changes in the political and economic life of the nation, so that justice could truly prevail and opportunity could flow to every American. On this day and in his memory, let us commemorate Dr. King's vision and, at the same time, invigorate ourselves with resolve and forbearance to make his dream a reality from sea to shining sea.''

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join Ralph B. Everett, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and me in honoring the great legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we celebrate the life of Dr. King, I hope that we will be reminded to never be silent in the face

of injustices and inequities. I hope we will stand, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood, for what is right, and just for all.

Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

I rise in strong support of the amendment offered by Mr. Carson. Congressman Carson's amendment rightfully recognizes that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is proliferating at an alarming rate around the globe, particularly in Africa.

This amendment establishes a cooperative framework in which AIDS researchers in Africa can collaborate with American medical experts, including researchers at historically black colleges and universities, on the best ways to treat and prevent the spread of this devastating infectious disease.

I commend and thank the gentleman from Indiana for offering this worthwhile amendment. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Ethel M. Henderson Taylor, on the occasion of her retirement after 58 years in broadcasting. Ethel Taylor's 58 years in broadcasting, 51 years in public education and a lifetime of community service is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her personal belief that service to others is the key to happiness in life.

Dr. Ethel Taylor is the first female African-American radio announcer in South Carolina. Her voice was the first one heard on Columbia's heritage radio station WOIC--where she served in multiple capacities for 44 years. Mrs. Taylor then joined the staff of Glory Communications' WFMV/95.3 where she has hosted Golden Gospel Memories for the past 14 years.

Ethel Taylor used her barrier breaking achievement with WOIC in the 1950s, to connect WOIC with its African-American listeners and the community at large. She quickly made headway in the African American community with her weekly Saturday morning show A Date with Ethel. The program drew hundreds of listeners through its skillful mix of soulful music, highlights of community events, and its warm down-home feel that listeners could connect to throughout the midlands. Throughout her career, Dr. Taylor received numerous awards for her broadcast and community accomplishments.

A native of Laurens, SC, Ethel Taylor brings great pride to my home state. She is a 1946 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Benedict College, taught english in the Richland County Public School system for 30 years, earned her masters of education degree in english from the University of South Carolina, and now serves as assistant professor of english at Benedict College. Throughout these years, she served on numerous faculty and community boards in many roles of leadership.

Along the way, Mrs. Taylor and her deceased husband, John B. Taylor, raised nine children. She is a grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother to 4. Mrs. Taylor celebrates her 85th birthday on March 27, 2008.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring the great lifetime achievements of Mrs. Taylor. Today. her retirement from broadcasting only means that Dr. Ethel M. Henderson Taylor is poised to write another chapter in her phenomenal story of service to God, her family and community. I wish her continued success and Godspeed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, a dedicated staff member and a tremendous South Carolinian, Isaac W. ``Ike'' Williams, Sr. Ike passed away February 15, 2008, and this significant loss has been felt deeply by his family, his friends, his community and his State.

Ike was born in the Union Heights neighborhood of Charleston, the son of the late Reverend Willie Williams and Inez Williams Brown. He grew up in a large family with ten brothers and sisters, and attended Charleston County public schools.

In 1967, Ike received a bachelor's degree in professional biology from South Carolina State College. During his senior year at S.C. State, he was a leader in organizing student protests, which ultimately led to the removal and replacement of the president of the university and improved overall conditions at the school. After graduating he was commissioned through the Army ROTC in Army Air Defense in 1967, and served on active duty in the United States and Korea from 1967-1969. He was active as a youth in the N.A.A.C.P. and was president of the South Carolina Conference Youth Division from 1963-1967. Ike also served as chairman of the N.A.A.C.P. National Youth Work Committee from 1966 to 1976.

As a student leader, Ike led efforts in Charleston, Orangeburg and statewide to open public accommodations to African Americans. He actively participated in sit-ins, kneel-ins, walk-ins, and pray-ins, and was subsequently jailed over 17 times. He also organized communities all over South Carolina during voter registration efforts prior to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

In 1969, Ike was hired as Field Director of the South Carolina N.A.A.C.P., a position he held until 1983. He is noted for accomplishing several landmark achievements during this period. He filed reapportionment lawsuits to eliminate multi-member districts in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate, organized the first efforts to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a legal holiday in South Carolina, and he drew public attention to inadequate, low- income housing in South Carolina. Ike also facilitated investigations to end police use of excessive force, as well as mobilized citizens in Bowman and St. Matthews to improve their local educational systems and gain election to their local school boards.

In addition, Ike expanded the fundraising ability of the South Carolina Conference of Branches N.A.A.C.P. by creating the Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, a vehicle that raises several hundred thousand dollars annually. During this time, he also became one of the founders and organizers of the South Carolina United Citizens Party. Ike always credited his civil rights involvement to his sister, Mildred, his father, Mrs. Mary Lee Davis and Reverend I. DeQuincy Newman.

From 1983-1992, Mr. Williams worked as a consultant to many businesses and corporations in South Carolina, and served as an Associate Publisher for the South Carolinian, a monthly news magazine. He also worked as an advertising consultant for the South Carolina Black Media group.

In 1992, Ike and William DeLoach spearheaded my successful campaign to become the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina since post-Reconstruction. He joined my Congressional staff after the campaign and served as District Aide for 15 years.

For his lifetime of service, Ike received numerous awards from the N.A.A.C.P., many social and civic organizations, and was named to Who's Who in America. He was dedicated to community service and served on the I. DeQuincy Newman Foundation at the University of South Carolina. He was Chairman of the E.A.R. Montgomery Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Richland Primary Healthcare Association, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Trio Program at the University of South Carolina.

Ike was a member of First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He was a Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Ike leaves a host of friends and relatives to mourn his memory, including his wife the former Evelyn Tobin of Columbia, and three children: Dechancela Evette, Isaac, Jr. and Shelley Nicole.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Ike Williams. He was a man of deep faith, who always lived by the admonition in the Book of James that it is not enough to tell those in need to go in faith. Ike was a man that black, white, young, old, weak and strong sought out in their time of need, and he tried to never leave anyone wanting. Although his presence will be sorely missed, his legacy lives on the countless people he touched over the years, and I am thankful to be counted in that number.

Thank you for yielding me the time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Chairman Miller and his staff are to be commended for putting together a bill that will aid thousands of needy students.

Mr. Chairman, this legislation will ease the financial burdens being placed on working families paying high costs for post-secondary education. Passage of this bill will make post-secondary education more attainable and affordable for all Americans.

H.R. 4137 allows students to receive Pell Grants year-round. This bill also provides incentives to those colleges and universities that work to limit their tuition increases.

As a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, a historically black university in South Carolina, Orangeburg, I am pleased to see that this legislation enhances the HBCU Capital Financing Program's lending and eligibility criteria.

And in light of the hardships suffered by those students who had their schools destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this legislation establishes a program to help schools rebuild in the event of a natural disaster. This education package also helps colleges implement enhanced campus safety and disaster readiness plans.

Our Nation's continued prosperity is dependent upon the investment that we make in securing the futures of our children and grandchildren. This legislation will help to maintain America's strong global standing by providing our students the tools and resources they need to be competitive in a transnational economy.

I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Thank you very much, Mr. Rangel, for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this economic stimulus package, and I commend the House leadership on both sides of the aisle for their efforts in quickly getting this important legislation to the floor. And while the deal may not be perfect--very few, if any, are--it will go a long way towards stimulating our economy while helping many Americans struggling to make ends meet.

Mr. Speaker, these are turbulent times for many working families: unemployment numbers are up, and the housing market is down; energy costs are rising, and stock values are falling.

In short, Mr. Speaker, our economy is underperforming, and the American people are looking to us for leadership.

This measure seeks to stimulate growth by helping businesses and workers. It extends tax rebates to 117 million families and offers write-offs to small businesses to assist them in the creation of much- needed jobs. This legislation serves as an important first step towards moving our economy in a new direction.

I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. The American people are looking for a new direction, and this legislation provides just that.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3963, the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Madam Speaker, hardworking American families are struggling and in dire need of assistance. I can think of no better way to help them than by providing health insurance coverage for their precious young ones. I find it shameful and downright neglectful for President Bush and congressional Republicans to turn their backs on hardworking American families by refusing to support this reauthorization bill.

As we speak, the Governor of South Carolina is proposing to cut the Children's Health Insurance Program in spite of the fact that last year the legislature overrode his veto of similar legislation. He wants to deny health care coverage to an additional 70,000 low- and middle- income children in order to cut the State's income tax on a few of South Carolina's wealthiest families.

We all know, Madam Speaker, that when children are uninsured minor health problems can become serious and chronic health problems. Those children often end up in emergency rooms, and that means that State residents with insurance ultimately will pay in higher medical costs, higher deductibles, and higher co-pays for their own care. This contributes to a less efficient, more expensive health care system for all.

I implore my colleagues to do as my State's legislators have done in a bipartisan way and override this veto. In doing so, you are taking a stand for our children and the preservation of our public health systems.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of South Carolina's own, Sylvia Pressley Woods, affectionately known as the ``Queen of Soul Food.'' In August of 1962, Sylvia put her charismatic personality to the test and purchased the restaurant, which then was only a small luncheonette, from her own boss.

Almost 50 years later, Sylvia's has become the landmark of 126th St. and Lenox Avenue and the one place where everyone knows they can get a taste of authentic Southern Soul food. The restaurant also serves to remind the community's residents that hard work, determination, and love of family can lead to success.

Sylvia's Restaurant, a Harlem soul-food landmark, attracts busloads of tourists from all over the United States and around the world. Sylvia's is a frequent stop for celebrities and politicians. With the launch of a line of prepared supermarket foods, the empire of restaurateur Sylvia Woods has expanded to touch the culinary lives of people all over the country.

Woods herself has a remarkable story that encapsulates much of 20th- century African-American history. She was born Sylvia Pressley in Hemingway, South Carolina, on February 2, 1926. Her father, Van Pressley, died three days after she was born from the after effects of chemical-weapons injuries he sustained while fighting in World War I. When she was three her mother departed for New York City in search of a chance to make money that would put her family on a solid financial footing.

Woods recalled with affection the warmth and closeness of her rural southern community. Nevertheless, she has painful memories. ``I didn't like any part of farm life,'' she told Nation's Restaurant News. ``I didn't understand why people would not let me drink out of the same water fountain, but they would trust me to cook for them and to take care of their dearest things, their babies.'' Her grandfather was hanged after being wrongly accused of participating in a grocery-store robbery when her mother was just an infant.

Sylvia Woods worked in a Queens hat factory for a time, as well, but a turning point came in 1954 when a cousin told Woods that she planned to quit her job at a lunch counter at 126th Street and Lenox Avenue, around the corner from the famed Apollo Theater and within walking distance of the Woods's 131st Street apartment. Woods, who had rarely even seen the inside of a restaurant, took the job with trepidation and without any thought of ever running one herself. But she impressed the owner, a fellow South Carolinian, with her energy. When he ran into financial trouble with an investment in a black resort in upstate New York, he offered to sell her the restaurant. After her mother took out a $20,000 loan backed by her family farm, Sylvia Woods became the owner of Johnson's Luncheonette in 1962.

With four children, Van, Bedelia, Kenneth, and Crizette, born between 1949 and 1967, Woods had little time to think of expansion, but Sylvia's became known far and wide for its fried chicken, collard greens, peach pies, and other soul-food standards. The restaurant moved two doors down from its original location in 1968 and gradually grew to occupy most of the Harlem block on which it rests. Sylvia's now can seat 450 and boasts a next-door catering operation.

Diners suggested that Sylvia's open new branches in other cities, but Woods and her son, Van decided on a different course--one inspired by the customers who would come in at holiday time with empty jars and ask whether they could buy Sylvia's barbecue sauce.

Launched in 1992 and featuring a picture of Woods herself on the label, the Sylvia's Queen of Soul Food line of canned and bottled foods impressed Pathmark supermarket CEO Jim Donald. He told Crain's New York Business that ``Sylvia and Van Woods run their company with their heart and soul.'' Sylvia's hot sauces, candied yams, mustard greens, kidney beans, and 13 other items are available in supermarkets nationwide.

Sylvia's Soul Food cookbook was also published in 1992. It was followed in 1999 by the more extensive Sylvia's Family Soul Food Cookbook, which included Woods's personal reminiscences and numerous family photographs along with recipes gathered in a giant South Carolina family cook-off.

The good reputation of the ``Sylvia's'' name has put Sylvia Woods's cookery on a path to growth, with the restaurant's many admirers hoping to get in on the action. Additional full-service restaurants are planned for the future, increasing the Sylvia's stable of 200 employees and bringing the soul-food creations of Hemingway, South Carolina, to even more American diners. With all four Woods children involved with the business, it represents a family tradition of the best--and tastiest--kind.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring South Carolina's own, mother, restaurateur and enterprising businesswoman, Mrs. Sylvia Woods.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South Carolina's own, Sylvia Pressley Woods, affectionately known as the ``Queen of Soul Food.'' In August of 1962, Sylvia put her charismatic personality to the test by purchasing a restaurant, which at the time was only a small luncheonette, from her boss.

Almost 50 years later, Sylvia's, as she named it, has become a landmark at 126th Street and Lenox Avenue, and a place where everyone knows they can get a taste of authentic southern soul food cuisine. The restaurant also serves to remind the community's residents that hard work, determination, and love of family can lead to success.

Madam Speaker, Woods herself has a remarkable story that encapsulates much of the 20th century African-American history. She was born Sylvia Pressley on February 2, 1926, in Hemingway, South Carolina, a small rural town which I proudly represent in this august body. On December 22, next week, many of her friends will gather at Sanders Point near Santee, South Carolina, to celebrate the holidays with Sylvia. Tonight, I am being joined by members of the New York delegation in honoring a loving mother, an astute restaurateur, an enterprising businesswoman, and an outstanding South Carolinian, Mrs. Sylvia Pressley Woods.

With that, Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the dean of the New York delegation, the Honorable Charles Rangel.

Madam Speaker, I would like to now yield to one who has lost his way and will refind it tonight, the Honorable Gregory Meeks from the Sixth District of New York.

Thank you, Mr. Meeks.

Let me close my 5 minutes, Madam Speaker, by reiterating something that I think all of us ought to think about. Sylvia Pressley Woods' father died when she was 3 days old. He died from the effects of chemical weapons that he had encountered in World War I. Her grandfather was hanged when her mother was a little child. But all of that experience helped to toughen her and make her the outstanding entrepreneur that she is today. On February 2, she turns 82 years old, but she gets up every morning and still goes to that restaurant. She is a great woman.