Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of ``Little'' Jimmy Scott, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, located in my congressional district, who will be honored on Friday, January 12, 2007, in New York City with the Jazz Masters Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA.

Born in 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, as one of ten children, Jimmy Scott has been delighting audiences with his vocal talents around the country and around the globe since he was a young man. He began by performing throughout Northeast Ohio, sharing the stage with some of the most famous names in jazz.

He began his solo career at Harlem's Baby Grand, impressing the likes of Billie Holiday and well-known songwriter Doc Pomus. Jimmy Scott's friendship with Doc Pomus began during that stint in Harlem and lasted for 45 years and endured despite long periods away from the microphone. In fact, it was not until Jimmy Scott sang at Doc Pomus' funeral in 1991 that he gained international fame and began to tour around the world. His re-emergence as a singer was heralded by his Grammy- nominated album, ``All the Way,'' and he has thrilled fans, both young and old, ever since.

Established in 1982, the National Endowment for the Arts' Jazz Masters Award has recognized numerous jazz artists, ranging from household names to less well-known performers. The 2007 Jazz Masters will be honored with an awards ceremony and concert, a one-time $25,000 fellowship and a 50-state Jazz Masters Tour. NEA Jazz Masters are selected from nominations from the public and reviewed by a panel of jazz experts before being submitted to the National Council on the Arts and the Chairman of the NEA.

Therefore, on behalf of the people of the 11 th Congressional District, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize ``Little'' Jimmy Scott on being selected as a 2007 Jazz Master and to thank him for-- sharing his beautiful voice and boundless talent with fans around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this tax legislation.

H.R. 6111 includes many important provisions for the benefit of the American economy.

Although I would have preferred a longer extension, this bill extends for one year:

The R&D Tax Credit, which is a job creator and important to our domestic manufacturers, keeping them competitive globally;

The Welfare-to-Work and Work-Opportunity Tax Credits, which are incentives for employers that hire economically disadvantaged individuals with significant barriers to employment; and

The New Markets Tax Credit, which is important to the economic revitalization of our urban areas, such as Cleveland, Ohio.

And there are many more important tax provisions that this bill contains, in particular one which I have worked with Congressmen Mike Turner and John Boehner and the Ohio delegation in a bipartisan fashion last year.

It deals with Regional Income Tax Agencies, and it helps municipalities improve their tax collection.

In my home State of Ohio we have the Regional Income Tax Agency (also known as RITA), which provides services to collect income tax for 120 municipalities in the state--including the cities of Shaker Heights, East Cleveland, Beachwood, and others in my district.

However, because their individual populations do not exceed 250,000 people, these cities cannot receive Federal tax information from the IRS in order to better and more accurately collect local taxes.

This legislation will allow municipalities that are members of Regional Income Tax Agencies to receive tax information from the IRS. Ohio RITA has determined that this will have two important economic benefits to Ohio cities:

1. Identification of delinquent taxpayers, which significantly enhance tax revenues to RITA municipalities in Ohio to the extent of a projected $21 million per year, and

2. Streamlining current business processes, thereby reducing costs to member municipalities.

Additional revenues are exactly what cities in Ohio need as local governments face tough decisions to cut critical services such as police and fire protection. These additional funds can now go towards those key social services, as well as our schools.

That is why I am in favor of this legislation and support its passage.

However, let me state that I am greatly disappointed that relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is not in this legislation.

The temporary AMT relief that Congress passed earlier this year expires at the end of this year, and it is not being extended in this legislation. That means that without AMT relief 15 million Americans face a tax increase as they stand to be hit by the AMT next year.

The Republican leadership decided to punt to the Democrats on that issue. But that is okay, as we Democrats have vowed next year to defuse the ticking time bomb that is the AMT.

The American people have placed us, Democrats, in the majority for a reason. They trust us to tackle the important issues that affect American families--and we will deliver.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of Wilbert Black. It seems like Mr. Black has always been a part of my life--not true. I started frequenting his place of business 20 years ago. Back then his chair is where Darryl's chair is now.

At that time you could not make an appointment--it was first come, first served. My sister Barbara would come home from Connecticut and we would race to be first at the salon, sometime as early as 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning.

He was known as ``The Curl King,'' in all of his regalia--tuxedos, three-piece suits, Gator shoes and his hair always in place. He kept an immaculate salon with tasty treats like coffee, cookies, wine, cheese and champagne.

Mr. Black not only was my hairstylist, he was my friend. He was never too busy for me. He always made himself available, offering constructive criticism and encouraging words. He was my political ally. He had a wall in his shop dedicated to me and my accomplishments. Everyone knew how much he respected and adored me and how much I loved him.

He loved the city of East Cleveland. From Euclid Avenue to Hayden Road to Noble Road, he was involved in every political campaign for candidates and issues. He worked the polls and did whatever it took to ensure that the people of East Cleveland exercised their right to vote.

Once President Bill Clinton came to Cleveland and Mr. Black agreed to drive a van as part of the President's caravan. He enjoyed it so much and talked about it constantly. My only regret was that the photo taken by the official photographer never reached Mr. Black though I tried my darndest to get it.

Sometimes getting my hair done was an all day experience! People used to say, ``. . . what do you do all day, or what does Mr. Black do to your hair that takes all day?'' Well let me take you through the day. You arrived and you were greeted with a huge smile and a big hug. He would ask about my family and then we would discuss current events in the city, the country and around the world. Then he would seat me in the main chair. There he would check my hair for any new growth and its condition. Then he would ask, ``. . . when was your last service,'' ``. . . what are we going to do today,'' or ``. . . do you want to do something different?'' Then it was on to the sink for a vigorous washing and conditioning. Then he would have me sit under the dryer for about 20 minutes. Then it was back to the main chair for styling.

I was so looking forward to my visit to Mr. Black's salon on November 8th the day after the election. I was scheduled for a trim, wash and condition. But more importantly I was looking forward to our discussions of the elections. Mr. Black wanted the Democrats to be in the majority in the House and Senate as much as I did. He wanted Strickland to beat Blackwell, wanted gaming in Ohio, wanted the minimum wage increased, wanted our children to have a better education, wanted business, particularly in black communities to thrive, and wanted the best for his city, the city of East Cleveland.

I can just hear him saying, ``Miss Jones, Miss Jones, what about these Democrats . . . Miss Jones, Miss Jones I am so glad Rumsfeld is gone . . . Miss Jones, President Bush is in trouble now!'' His television was always on CNN, and I can remember vividly having spirited political conversations in his salon with him and Mrs. Black, and Darryl.

The Black Family was a strong one. Often when I arrived at the salon they would show me their pictures from their numerous trips across the country. I especially remember the ones from the fights in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. We did attend one fight together in Atlantic City. That photo now hangs on my wall of fame in the salon.

I always wanted to travel with him, but I was afraid that my wardrobe could not compete with Mr. Black's impeccable sense of style. When the expression ``sharp as a tack'' was coined, they must have been talking about Mr. Black. He was always immaculately dressed--suit, shirts, shoes, tie, cuff links, all meticulously selected. Each hair on his head would be in place. He was often known to do hair in his tuxedo! He took great pride in his appearance and I always admired that.

I had the privilege of nominating Mr. Black for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Unsung Heroes award. I remember him being so proud receiving his award. We had a wonderful time that day. He is truly an unsung hero. With more than 30 years in business, he is an institution, an icon, a beacon on the comer of Noble Road.

He was a wonderful husband. He and Odessa were a model of success in marriage, friendship, business and parenting. Nothing was more fun that to hear them go back and forth with each other. They were a couple who loved each, their profession and their children and grandchildren. His sons Darryl and Petey could not have had a better role model. He set the example for his sons and shared his knowledge with them.

We at Bethany Baptist Church were happy when the Black family joined our church, but no more happy than his sister Charlotte Blue one of our longtime members.

When Mr. Black found out he had cancer he got ready to fight. He handled his illness with such dignity. He kept going and going. I recall I tried to cancel my last appointment but he would not let me. He insisted that he would do my hair. He took his time and I refused to rush him. I wanted more than anything to just say ``Rest, Mr. Black,'' but he would not hear it. He was going to finish no matter what.

Mr. Black, I am sure you are in heaven with the rest of your family, probably doing hair in your salon. I can imagine the immaculate decorations, the flowers, the seating, the stations, the cheerful greeting, and the broad smile. Rest well, my friend, my ally, my hero extraordinaire.

Madam Speaker, I join the people of Illinois and the people of this country in celebrating the tremendous service of my dear colleague and friend Congressman Lane Evans.

Congressman Evans was a native of Rock Island, IL. Drawing on his first-hand experience a U.S. Marine Veteran in Vietnam, Congressman Evans has fought hard to bring to light the experience for our veterans in the Persian Gulf War. His experience served him well on the Armed Services Committee. He worked to increase funding and to expand and build new veteran clinics across America. Before coming to Congress, Evans fought as a lawyer for working families and the poor in Rock Island. In Congress, in addition to fighting for veterans he also fought for the Environment. In fact, he was named an ``Environmental Hero'' by the League of Conservation Voters and he was awarded the Conservationist of the Year in 1995 by the Illinois Sierra Club.

My most fond memories of Rep. Evans were when Lane invited me to participate in the Homecourt Basketball Tournament. Homecourt Charity Basketball Game features members of Congress playing against the Georgetown Law School Faculty to raise money for the Homeless Legal Center. In 2000, Mervyn L. Jones II, my son, age 16, began playing on our team. He has played in every game since 2000. Mervyn and Lane have gotten to know each other well and he and I will miss our annual games under the leadership of Lane Evans. Lane was the manager and former Rep. Carrie Meek and I were the coaches. Upon Rep. Meek's retirement I took on the coaching responsibilities. I am committed to keeping the Lane Evans Homecourt Basketball tradition alive.

I will truly miss my friend and colleague, Lane Evans' presence on the hill and on the Basketball Court. I pray that God will continue to bless Lane Evans and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th Birthday of my Godfather, Riley Moore. Riley Moore exemplifies all the qualities one would want or expect from a Godfather.

I am 57 years old and Riley Moore and his wife of 56 years, Mattie, have not missed a birthday, a graduation, a Christmas, an election victory, the birth of my son, my marriage, the celebration of the life of my mother, or any other significant or insignificant event in my life. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful for the love and instruction I have received from Riley and Mattie Moore.

Riley and my father, Andrew Tubbs, worked together as skycaps for United Airlines for almost forty years. My mother, Mary Tubbs, and Mattie Moore were born on the same day. They were both members of the Wives Club, an organization composed of wives of skycaps. The Wives Club hosted picnics, parties and other events in support of their husbands.

Riley introduced my father to the game of golf more than fifty years ago. He and my father have since golfed all over the world. Their circle of friends in golf includes Charles Sifford, who was recently inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in Scotland. It also includes Renee Powell, one of only three African-American women to ever play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) tour, and her father, William Powell, who was the first African American to design, construct, own and operate a golf course. This golf course is located not far from my district, in Canton, Ohio. At age 90, Riley is still an avid golfer.

Although Riley and Mattie have moved from Cleveland to Centerville, Tennessee, they have yet to miss an opportunity to celebrate an event in my life. In addition, they call my 86-year-old father every Sunday. Although he is homebound, he eagerly looks forward to these weekly phone calls from his friend.

Mr. Speaker, I wish that everyone could have a godfather like my godfather, Riley Moore.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a constituent of the 11th Congressional of Ohio, the starting quarterback for the Ohio State University football team, Mr. Troy Smith. Mr. Smith is currently a senior majoring in communications. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Smith attended Glenville High School, which he led to the state playoffs. After a strong senior year at Glenville, Smith was invited as one of eleven of the top high school quarterbacks at the elite 11 competition where he earned great praise. Following his performance, Ohio State recruited Smith late in the recruiting process.

As a freshman, Smith played sparingly as a running back and kick returner. As a sophomore, Smith was a backup quarterback but took over as starter when starter Justin Zwick was injured halfway through the season. Smith won four of five games as a starter, including a victory over archrival Michigan. Soon after, Coach Jim Tressel decided to make Smith the sole starting quarterback.

Smith was named the Offensive MVP of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl after leading the Buckeyes in a victory over the University of Notre Dame. Smith was recently honored as one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the top senior college quarterback. In three games against Michigan, Smith has a total of 1,151 yards of total offense, two rushing touchdowns, and seven passing touchdowns. Smith is the first Ohio State starting quarterback to win three straight games against Michigan. Additionally, Troy

Smith is the frontrunner for the 2006 Heisman Trophy award. As his Congresswoman, I am confident that he will receive this honor.

I have been a Troy Smith booster for many years. I have personally known Troy since 1999, when he and my son Mervin attended St. Edwards High School together. I have known Troy's father, Irvin, since kindergarten, when we attended Mile Standish Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio. We have maintained a friendship throughout the years. I am so proud of Troy Smith's accomplishments and pray that God continue to bless him, keep him healthy, and give him the wisdom to make good decisions.

It is thus my pleasure, on behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District, to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of Ohio State University football player Troy Smith, one of our own.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Professors Mark Lewine and Ormond Brathwaite, both of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) located in my congressional district, who will be honored on Thursday, November 16, 2006 here in Washington, DC for their excellence in undergraduate teaching as part of the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program.

For more than 20 years Dr. Mark Lewine has remained committed to undergraduate education. During his tenure at Cuyahoga Community College, he has done much to support the teaching and learning environment. He founded and directed the Center for Community Research at the college and was active in promoting the Society for Anthropology in Community Colleges. He is active with the American Anthropological Association, serving on its Advisory Committee. Dr. Lewine regularly gives informative and passionate presentation about undergraduate teaching and the importance of providing opportunities to non- traditional students. For his work, Tri-C has awarded him with the College's Besse Award recognizing the energy, creativity, discipline and high expectations he brings to his teaching.

Dr. Ormond Brathwaite has consistently demonstrated effective teaching both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Brathwaite holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the City University of New York. He began his career at Cuyahoga Community College in 1994 as an assistant professor in chemistry and biology. Dr. Brathwaite is committed to student learning and student success. He serves as a faculty mentor to Bridges to Success in the Sciences students and has been very instrumental in the success of the program. Additionally, Dr. Brathwaite was a recipient of the NISOD Excellence Award in 2004 and received the National Role Model Mentor Award in 2003.

Therefore it is my pleasure, on behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District to recognize Professors Mark Lewine and Ormond Brathwaite--two gifted educators whose commitment to providing quality education to all is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the life of Gerald Levert. On November 10, 2006, beloved entertainer, father, son, brother, and friend Gerald Levert departed this life at the age of 40. Gerald was

one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Known for his silky- smooth vocals and electrifying showmanship, Gerald was adored the world over and will truly be missed. He was a son of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio.

Born in Philadelphia on July 13, 1966 and raised in Cleveland, Gerald is the son of legendary singer Eddie Levert of The O'Jays and Martha Levert. Gerald was exposed to music at an early age, traveling with his father's band regularly. While attending Shaker Heights High School, Gerald formed the group LeVert along with his brother Sean and friend Mark Gordon. The group would go on to record seven albums, four of which were certified platinum. The albums yielded such memorable hits as ``Pop, Pop Goes My Mind,'' ``Casanova,'' and ``ABC-123.''

In 1991, Gerald launched his solo career with the album Private Line which went on to be #1 on the R&B charts. It was during this time that he began writing and producing songs for other artists including Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Teddy Pendergrass, and even The O'Jays. Gerald earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Barry White's 1995 hit ``Practice What You Preach,'' and helped launch the careers of many Cleveland-area R&B groups including Men At Large and the Rude Boyz.

Some of Gerald's most memorable works were his collaborations with his father Eddie Levert. In 1992 they recorded the #1 R&B single ``Baby Hold On To Me'' and later in 1995 recorded the album Father & Son which topped the R&B charts. Gerald and Eddie allowed the old school generation and the hip-hop generation to have a meeting of the minds that ultimately produced beautiful music for all to enjoy.

Affectionately known as the ``teddy bear'' of the music industry, Gerald carried himself with a gentle kindness. He always would greet you with a smile and was a friend to all he encountered. News reports of Gerald's death talked about his recent trip to South Africa with his father. They reported that he and his father were well received throughout the country and treated like kings. Gerald was our king and his legacy of love and zest for life will forever live in our hearts.

On behalf of the Congress of the United States and the citizens of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Levert. On a personal note, I cherish the times I was in cities when he was on the road and Gerald recognized me as his Congresswoman and gave me my own teddy bear. I also will never forget the last time we spent together in New York during the induction of The O'Jays into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a great civic leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

On October 8, 2006, Rev. Jesse Jackson will celebrate his 65th Birthday. Today, we the Congressional Black Caucus, pause to recognize this great leader in the area of civil rights.

Once an aide to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson has been a political activist and public figure since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Jackson, a Baptist minister, is the founder of the non- profit organization Rainbow/PUSH.

He has several times been an unofficial U.S. envoy in diplomatic missions; in 1999 he helped secure the release of three American military prisoners from Yugoslavia. He has been a candidate twice for the Presidency of the United States and while unsuccessful made a tremendous impact on American politics, opening doors for many minorities to run for elected office.

Reverend Jackson is a role model who has touched the lives of many and his legacy will live forever. It is because of you, Reverend Jackson, that we can say ``I am Somebody!'' In this celebration of your life may you bask in the pride, love, and admiration of your family and friends, as well as give thanks for your happiness.

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

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank my colleagues for support of H. Res. 295. I rise in support of this bipartisan resolution introduced to establish

September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

I want to commend my colleague, my cosponsor, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), for all of the work he has been doing in this area. Many of you recognize that Mr. Weldon has long been involved in fire safety law enforcement and with firefighter issues during his career.

This legislation encourages administrators and municipalities across the country to provide educational programs to all students during September and throughout the school year.

Additionally, the resolution calls for evaluation of the level of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing and taking the necessary steps to ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education.

It encourages installation of fire suppression and detection systems and the development and enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety.

My colleague in the Senate, Mr. Mike DeWine, introduced companion legislation to this resolution in the Senate.

My colleagues have already talked about 89 people having been killed in student housing since January of 2000. Almost 80 percent of the fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus occupancies such as rented houses and apartments. Common factors in a number of these fires include lack of automatic sprinklers, disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials and alcohol consumption.

According to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, April and May, followed by August and September, are the two most dangerous periods of time for student housing fire fatalities. Last year, September was designated as National Campus Fire Safety Month. Currently, 27 States have issued proclamations declaring September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

H. Res. 295 is supported by the Center for Campus Fire Safety, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Firefighters, the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the International Code Council, Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the International Fire Marshals.

It is also supported by many colleges fraternities and sororities across this country, and they have been advocates on our behalf.

For the past few Congresses, I have introduced H. Res. 128, known as the College Fire and Prevention Act.

This legislation would establish a demonstration incentive program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing or dormitories, and for other purposes. The Congressional Fire Services Institute and others have endorsed this fire prevention legislation.

Fire safety and prevention is an issue that needs to be addressed across the country. Over these few years we have seen many tragedies involving fires at colleges, places of business, entertainment venues, and places of residence. We must begin to put in place our fire suppression measures against fires and increase support and resources for our firefighters to ensure that no more lives are lost to fires that could have been prevented.

I thank all of my colleagues for supporting this resolution, and I know that students across this country, and particularly their parents, will be very happy that we have begun the process of instituting this legislation.

I encourage all of my colleagues to pass this legislation so that we can increase awareness about this problem that affects us all.

And besides that I want to thank my staff, one of them on the floor tonight, Steve Abbott, and others who have worked so very hard with me in order to get this legislation passed.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Oberlin College and its distinguished African American alumni during the October 6-8, 2006 reunion of the Oberlin College Alumni Association's affiliate group, the Oberlin Alumni Association of African Ancestry. The reunion entitled, ``And We Rise! . . . Celebrating over 170 years of the Black Presence at Oberlin College,'' acknowledges the historic and present contributions of Oberlin College and its illustrious African American alumni toward the establishment of a world and a nation based upon the principles of social and economic justice.

We commend Oberlin College for its remarkable role in fostering higher education among African Americans and we encourage Oberlin's African American alumni to keep engaged with their alma mater to ensure that future generations will have educational access to develop the skills needed to address the complex challenges that face our people and our Nation in the days ahead.

I absolutely agree with you, my colleague. And I want to thank you for your leadership on this issue, and I thought I would give you a moment to take a break.

The real reality is that in Cleveland we have suffered so greatly since 2001. Since 2001, in the city of Cleveland alone we have lost 60,000 jobs, and those 60,000 jobs were high-paying jobs. These were jobs of steel workers; these were jobs of people in the auto manufacturing area. And when you start talking about unemployment, the discussion always is that these folks have gone back to work. They have gone back to work, but what kind of money are they making? They are making $5, $6, $7, $8 an hour instead of the $20 that they were making. So they move from being part of the middle class to part of the working poor, where they are working every day, they are getting paid wages, and they are still very poor.

Let me give you an example. President Bush talks about economic change that has occurred since he has been in this administration. But the reality is that economic change has not hit those of us who go to work every day.

Let's take a look at this chart here. If you look, the minimum wage has not increased any in 9 years, but whole milk, the cost of whole milk has increased 24 percent. How many families end up having to purchase gallons of milk, gallons of milk to take care of their babies and their kids and their high school students? Let's look at bread. Bread costs have increased 25 percent. Minimum wage still at zero.

Let's look at a 4-year public college education, increased 77 percent, and minimum wage is still at the same. Let's look at health insurance, increased almost 100 percent, 97 percent; and minimum wage is still a zero increase. And then let's take a look at regular gasoline, increased 136 percent.

Now, right now, the gas is going down, and we don't want people to be fooled that gas is going down in reality, because this election is about to come up, and they don't want to be accused of having high gas prices very close to the election. But don't be fooled. Minimum wage still has not gone up, bread has not gone down, milk has not gone down, college education has not gone down, health insurance has not gone down. In fact, there are people who are in bankruptcy as a result of not being able to afford health insurance. And as a result of the cost of their health insurance, they are in bankruptcy losing their house because they have to pay the cost of health insurance.

Absolutely. And it is a security crisis for us to have people who are going to work that are unhealthy. How many of you have ever gone to work and get to work and somebody has the flu, or they have something, and you get to work and you have the flu and people start coughing on one another and the whole office needs to go home because that one person couldn't go somewhere and get taken care of? It is a terrible situation for us to be in currently.

I have got one more chart, and then I am going to leave it to the 30- something Group. I am 30-something-plus, but I am going to leave it to the 30-somethings when I get done.

Let's look at another increase, congressional salary increase versus minimum wage increase. I am a Member of Congress. I voted for a congressional salary increase. But I have always voted and screamed and hollered for a minimum wage increase, and I can't seem to get it to happen.

In 1998, the congressional salary increase was $3,100; minimum wage, a big fat zero. In 2000, the congressional salary increase was $4,600; minimum wage increase, zero. 2001, $3,800; minimum wage increase, zero. 2002, $4,900; minimum wage increase, zero. And the chart goes on. And as recent as this year, 2006, the congressional wage increase was $3,100. And you know what? Minimum wage was zero.

Now, there are some of my colleagues who won't vote for a congressional salary increase. And you know why they won't vote for it? Because they think their constituents will say, why should you get an increase? But they won't vote for a congressional increase and they won't vote to increase the minimum wage. It is unfair; it is outrageous. And if we are going to be a competitive country, working people, people at the bottom of the rung, the working poor who go to work every day, who work hard to take care of their families ought to get paid.

I am so glad to join the 30-something Group here. My colleague, Kendrick Meek, I want you to know how proud I am of you, of the work that you are doing in your area and on the national scene.

These two young men have shown strong leadership. When the Democrats take control of the House, we are going to be in great shape. We have got a farm team operating right here.

And the beautiful thing about it is, and maybe I misstated when I said that we haven't voted for a minimum wage increase, we haven't voted for a stand-alone minimum wage increase.

You know how they did that? What they did is, Okay, working folk, we are going to take care of you. We will say we will give you a minimum wage increase, but it will be included in a package where we give the top 1 percent, a few families, $1 trillion in tax cuts. Outrageous. It doesn't make any sense.

And know when the Democratic leadership takes over, we are going to take care of the working people, and they won't have to worry about anything else. They want to couch us as being tax-and-spend Democrats and not concerned about security, but we are going to take care of the working people, and they will know that we will be there for them.

Gentlemen, thank you very much. On that, I am going to see you later.

Mr. Speaker, President Bush and the congressional Republicans refuse to face reality when it comes to the economic conditions the American middle class and working poor now face. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, President Bush continues to contend that things are good for American workers.

Just what numbers is he looking at? Surely, it cannot be the economic numbers that show average workers today are making $3,000 less than they did 5 years ago, if you adjust for inflation.

The President must also be ignoring numbers showing that wages and salaries now make up the lowest proportion of the economy since the government began taking records back in 1947. While wages have been stagnant, corporate profits have climbed to their highest levels since the 1960s.

Mr. Speaker, that last fact must be the one that the President is referring to when he touts the economy. It may be working well for the President's wealthy special-interest friends who are forcing their workers to be more productive without allowing them to share in the profits. Is this really fair?

Democrats believe we need to take our economy in a new direction, one that looks out for all Americans, not just the privileged few.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Millender-McDonald for yielding me time and her leadership on the issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4844. It is a shame that this Congress, who just months earlier joined together in a bipartisan effort to renew the Voting Rights Act, would now propose such a divisive piece of legislation that has the potential to disenfranchise millions of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I witnessed firsthand in my home State, Ohio, the great lengths that people have gone to in order to suppress votes. Now Congress is trying to implement its own brand of voter suppression. I have heard them argue that funds will be provided to allow people to get ID cards. Funds were provided in HAVA to allow the Secretary of State to educate voters, but instead our Secretary of State took $2.5 million, put his own face on TV in order to lead his own gubernatorial race.

Similar legislation was enacted in Ohio. On September 1, Judge Kathleen O'Malley granted a preliminary injunction that prohibits the enforcement of parts of that Ohio bill that would have allowed poll workers to inquire if a voter is a naturalized citizen and ask for proof. In her ruling, Judge O'Malley stated it was inconsistent with and undermined the purpose of the National Voting Rights Act. I ask each of my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues today to recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities during this newly established National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, September 10 through September 16. I share September 10 with them because September 10 was my birthday.

This year's theme, ``The Tradition Continues: New Successes and Challenges,'' speaks to how important HBCUs have been to the education of African Americans and minorities in this country and how we must continue to preserve these unique institutions of higher learning.

Though I did not attend an historically black university, I understand the importance these schools played in African American history and African American heritage. Many HBCUs were formed during Reconstruction following the Civil War to educate freed slaves and sharecroppers. H. Patrick Swygert, the President of Howard University, noted the significance of HBCUs in a speech in which he stated ``HBCUs provided the avenue for the descendants of sharecroppers to get an education in an environment that was sensitive to their special circumstances and one where their humanity would not be questioned. This

has always been, and continues to be, a defining feature of these colleges and universities in a society that in many ways remains hostile to people of color.''

It is important to note that the founders of these institutions recognized the importance of educating African Americans long before the Supreme Court ruled on the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education. Additionally, many of those who were part of the legal team that won that case were educated and trained at Howard University right here in our Nation's capital.

Were it not for HBCUs, many of the great black minds of our time would not have had access to higher education. And some of the famous graduates include orator Booker T. Washington; civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King; Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; world renowned opera singer Leontyne Price; entertainer Oprah Winfrey; and former Members of Congress that have already been noted, Kweisi Mfume and Parren Mitchell.

The great State of Ohio boasts two HBCUs, Wilberforce University and Central State University. Named in honor of the great abolitionist William Wilberforce, Wilberforce University was founded prior to the end of slavery in 1856 and is the Nation's oldest private African American university. Former Congressman Floyd Flake is currently its President. Central State evolved from what was once a State-funded department of Wilberforce University known as the Combined Normal and Industrial Department. In 1941 the department expanded from a 2- to a 4-year program, and in 1947 it legally split from Wilberforce, becoming the College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce. The name was changed in 1951 to Central State College, and in 1965 the institution achieved its university status. I am the proud owner of an honorary doctorate degree from Central State University.

I am proud to have strong connections to HBCUs. Many of my family members attended, including my late mother, Mary Looney Tubbs, a graduate of Alabama State University; my late sister, Mattie Browder Still, a graduate of Alabama State University; and my sister Barbara Walker, who attended Morris Brown College. Additionally, my cousin Essie Baldwin attended Alabama State and my cousin Joan Wilson attended Morris Brown. Four of my staffers attended HBCUs. District Director Betty Pinkney and my health liaison are proud graduates of Central State. My Communications Director, Nicole Williams, a proud graduate of Spelman College; and my Scheduler, Lalla King, a proud graduate of Morgan State University.

As we continue to celebrate our HBCUs this week, it is my hope that we will begin to look at ways in which we can increase funding and resources for these historic institutions. Sadly, many of the HBCUs remain underfunded in comparison to their predominantly white counterparts. Today I call upon both the Federal and State governments to increase funding to HBCUs so that they can remain competitive and continue to educate the leaders of tomorrow. They are not only part of African American history, they are part of American history, and the treasures they hold should be preserved for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I celebrate Eddie Bernice Johnson for her leadership in bringing this bill to the floor.