H2198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 6, 2007 As a historically black college and 125th anniversary. This resolution hon- b 1500 university, or HBCU, Virginia State ors Virginia State University’s contin- University is one of a diverse commu- ued resolve to provide an excellence in AUTHORIZING USE OF ROTUNDA nity of institutions. Historically black education since March 6, 1882. FOR CEREMONY TO AWARD CON- colleges and universities include 2- and Mr. Speaker, today we just pause and GRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR 4-year institutions, public and private we say to all of the current students of TO THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN institutions, as well as single-sex and Virginia State University, to the alum- coed institutions. To be designated a Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. ni, to the faculty and to the adminis- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules historically black college or univer- tration, thank you for a job well done sity, an institution must have been es- and concur in the Senate concurrent in the pursuit of excellence that you tablished prior to 1964 with a primary resolution (S. Con. Res. 15) authorizing have done for these last 125 years. mission of educating African Ameri- the Rotunda of the Capitol to be used cans. As you may know and you have heard on March 29, 2007, for a ceremony to Mr. Speaker, HBCUs have a long, mentioned today, Mr. Speaker, Vir- award the Congressional Gold Medal to proud and well-established heritage. ginia State University is located in my the Tuskegee Airmen. These institutions have been educating district in Chesterfield County, and it The Clerk read as follows: the students of this Nation for over 100 is warmly embraced by the neighboring S. CON. RES. 15 years. While comprising fewer than 3 city of Petersburg. It was the first uni- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- percent of the country’s 2-and 4-year versity to be fully funded by the Com- resentatives concurring), That the Rotunda of institutions, HBCUs are responsible for monwealth of Virginia as an institu- the Capitol is authorized to be used on producing a significant number of all tion of higher learning for African March 29, 2007, for a ceremony to award a bachelor’s, master’s and professional Americans. Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the Tuskegee Airmen in accordance with Public degrees earned by African Americans. Currently, Virginia State University Law 109–213. Physical preparations for the Congress has repeatedly recognized offers 45 baccalaureate and master’s de- ceremony shall be carried out in accordance the importance of the historically gree programs and introduced their with such conditions as the Architect of the black colleges and universities. Be- first doctoral program in 2003. This Capitol may prescribe. tween 1995 and 2006, congressional fund- campus includes 236 acres and an addi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing for the Strengthening Historically tional 416-acre agriculture research fa- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Black Colleges and Universities Pro- cility. They host nearly 5,000 students California (Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD) gram rose from $109 million to $238 mil- and continue to grow. and the gentleman from California (Mr. lion, a 118 percent increase. What is It fills me with pride to stand on the MCCARTHY) each will control 20 min- more, funding for the HBCU Grad Pro- utes. gram increased from $19.6 million to House floor today to present this reso- lution. We have had a long-standing re- The Chair recognizes the gentle- $57.9 million, an increase of 195 percent. woman from California. Virginia State University, located in lationship with Virginia State Univer- Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Petersburg, VA, was originally founded sity and look forward to continuing Speaker, I yield myself such time as I on March 6, 1882, as the Virginia Nor- this through the years to come. may consume. mal and Collegiate Institute and was Mr. Speaker, this resolution comes Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of Sen- the first fully State-supported 4-year before the House floor cosponsored by ate Concurrent Resolution 15, which institution of higher education for Af- the entire Virginia congressional dele- would authorize the use of the Capitol rican Americans and one of Virginia’s gation. Though I cannot speak for my rotunda on March 29, 2007, to present a two land-grant institutions. VSU’s colleagues, I believe I can say we are Congressional Gold Medal to members first president, John Mercer Langston, proud of the progress Virginia State of the Tuskegee Airmen. went on to become the first African University has provided through its 125 With the passage of the Civilian Pilot American Member of Congress from years of service to the students in Vir- the Commonwealth of Virginia. Training Act of 1939, Tuskegee Univer- ginia and beyond. This anniversary sity, along with various civil rights This school offers 43 undergraduate represents a significant milestone in degree programs and 15 graduate de- groups and the black press, began an the Commonwealth of Virginia’s his- gree programs. The campus is com- effort to transform Federal Govern- tory. posed of more than 50 buildings, which ment policies and procedures that ex- include a 416-acre agricultural research The university is more than worthy cluded African Americans from pilot facility. Since its founding, VSU has of this distinguished recognition for training programs. grown from a small HBCU to an insti- the impressive advancements and ac- In this initial phase, Tuskegee Insti- tution that enrolls just over 5,000 stu- complishments in their 125-year his- tute, which had a proven civilian pilot dents, 96 percent of whom are African tory, and we are honored to acknowl- training program and had a history of American. edge their achievements today. producing graduates with the highest of flight aptitude exam scores, was Mr. Speaker, it is for all of these rea- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back awarded a contract by the U.S. Army sons and more that I urge my col- the balance of my time. leagues to honor the 125th anniversary Air Corps to help train America’s first of Virginia State University and sup- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, black military aviators. port H. Res. 182. 125 years ago, Virginia State Univer- Between 1940 and 1946, nearly 1,000 Mr. Speaker, I now yield as much sity was founded. I want to thank my black pilots were trained at Tuskegee time as he needs to my colleague from colleague from Virginia for his leader- University. This undertaking produced Virginia (Mr. FORBES). ship in introducing this resolution, and the unrivaled Tuskegee Airmen, who Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I would I yield back the balance of my time. are credited with not losing a single like to begin by thanking Chairman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bomber to enemy fire in more than 200 MILLER and Ranking Member MCKEON question is on the motion offered by combat missions as air escorts, a for their work in getting this resolu- the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. record unmatched by any other fighter tion to the floor. I also want to thank SCOTT) that the House suspend the group. my friend and colleague, Congressman rules and agree to the resolution, H. The Tuskegee Airmen destroyed SCOTT, for his hard work and the work Res. 182, as amended. some 260 enemy aircraft. These brave of his staff in getting the bill here and men accumulated a total of 850 medals The question was taken; and (two- also Congresswoman FOXX for her ef- for their service and valor. Tuskegee forts and her staff in helping to get H. thirds being in the affirmative) the University continues its legacy of lead- Res. 182 on the floor today. rules were suspended and the resolu- ership in aeronautics. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as do my tion, as amended, was agreed to. Today, it is the first and only His- colleagues, to commend Virginia State A motion to reconsider was laid on torically Black College or University University on the celebration of their the table. to offer a degree in aerospace science

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:33 Mar 07, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06MR7.056 H06MRPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC60 with HOUSE March 6, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2199 engineering. Since 1983, it has produced as an experiment of the U.S. military Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. On the largest number of black aerospace to test the combat readiness of the all- March 29 of this year, this Nation will engineers of any institution in Amer- black fighting squadron. Sadly, there give to its Americans, rightfully, the ica. were some at the time who expected or Congressional Gold Medal that they de- In spite of the adversity and limited perhaps even hoped that the experi- serve. opportunities, African Americans have ment would fail. Instead, the Tuskegee Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, played a significant role in the U.S. Airmen became one of the most highly I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. Navy and military history. The regarded units of the war, fighting 78, which authorizes the use of the Capitol Tuskegee Airmen overcame segrega- bravely with distinction. Rotunda for a ceremony to award the Con- tion and prejudice to become one of the Among the honors bestowed upon gressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Air- most highly respected fighter groups of them, they were awarded 150 Distin- men. I strongly support the resolution because World War II. guished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, it is an appropriate and fitting tribute to one of So on March 29, 2007, the President of 14 Bronze Stars, and 8 Purple Hearts. I the greatest groups of the Greatest Genera- the United States will present the Con- proudly support authorization of the tion. gressional Gold Medal to the survivors use of the Capitol rotunda where they On July 19, 1941, the American Air Force expected to attend the ceremony, after will be recognized once more for their created an all black flight training program at which the medal will be given to the bravery and for blazing a trail, not the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The Smithsonian Institution and will be only in the sky, but in the history as Tuskegee Airmen were not only unique in their displayed in the future as appropriate. well. military record, but they inspired revolutionary Last year, the House and Senate Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of reform in the Armed Forces, paving the way unanimously passed legislation my time. for integration of the Armed Services in the brought to the floor by the Financial Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. U.S. Services Committee to authorize the Speaker, I reserve the balance of my The first class of cadets began in July of Congressional Gold Medal, which be- time. 1941 with 13 men, all of whom had college Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. came Public Law 109–213. The bill had degrees, some with PhDs and all had pilot’s li- Speaker, I yield as much time as he 310 cosponsors in the House and 77 in censes. From all accounts, the training of the may consume to the gentleman from the Senate. Our colleague, the Honor- Tuskegee Airmen was an experiment estab- the great State of California (Mr. DAN- able CHARLIE RANGEL of New York, has lished to prove that ‘‘coloreds’’ were incapable IEL E. LUNGREN). worked tirelessly as the lead House of operating expensive and complex combat Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- aircraft. Stationed in the segregated South, the sponsor of this legislation, and he has fornia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of been the catalyst to ensure that these black cadets were denied rifles. this resolution authorizing the use of The Tuskegee Airmen were credited with men got their rightful spot in history. the rotunda of the Capitol for the cere- Since the House Administration 261 aircraft destroyed, 148 aircraft damaged, mony honoring the Tuskegee Airmen 15,553 combat sorties and 1,578 missions Committee has jurisdiction over mat- with the Congressional Gold Medal. I over Italy and North Africa. They destroyed or ters relating to the Smithsonian Insti- am pleased that S. Con. Res. 15 is cur- damaged over 950 units of ground transpor- tution, I am especially pleased that rently under consideration. tation and escorted more than 200 bombing language was able to be worked out in As we all know, the Tuskegee Airmen missions. ‘‘We proved that the antidote to rac- the bill which would allow the Smith- were young men who enlisted to be- ism is excellence in performance,’’ said retired sonian to accept this historic medal on come America’s first black military LTC Herbert Carter, who started his military behalf of the American people and to airmen at a time where, sadly in this career as a pilot and maintenance officer with display it as appropriate, including a country, there were many people who the Tuskegee Airmen’s 99th Fighter Squadron. location associated with the Tuskegee argued that black men lacked the nec- Clearly, the experiment, as it was called, was Airmen. essary skills or ability to be part of an an unqualified success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of effective military force. Well, the The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded 3 my time. Tuskegee Airmen effectively dispelled Presidential Unit Citations, 150 Distinguished Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. that notion that in any way African Flying Crosses and Legions of Merit, along Speaker, I yield myself as much time Americans were second-class citizens. with The Red Star of Yugoslavia, 9 Purple as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, although the term Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars and more than 700 Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ‘‘hero’’ is perhaps overused in today’s Air Medals and clusters. On February 28, of S. Con. Res. 15, which authorizes the discourse, there is no better descrip- 2006, the House passed H. Con. Res. 1259, use of the rotunda of the Capitol for tion of the Tuskegee Airmen. Not only authorizing the award of a Congressional Gold the ceremony to award the Congres- were they the first black airmen to Medal on behalf of the Tuskegee Airmen. The sional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Air- perform as they did, but they put their President signed the legislation and it became men. lives on the line for all Americans, re- Public Law 109–213 on April 11, 2006. The I would like to thank the distin- gardless of color. concurrent resolution before us authorizes the guished chairman from New York (Mr. For that, we are all eternally grate- use of the Capitol Rotunda on March 29, RANGEL) for sponsoring the House ful and eternally in their debt; and it is 2007, for the award ceremony. version of this resolution. I would also not only appropriate, but fitting, for us I would like to thank Congressman RANGEL like to thank my Chair of House Ad- to take this step today. As one in his for his tenacity in seeing to it that the contribu- ministration for her work as well. younger years who had an opportunity tions of Tuskegee Airmen are fully recognized All of our men and women of the to meet some of these Tuskegee Air- and acknowledged by the people of the United armed services deserve our praise and men, I can tell you that they carried States. I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- recognition for the contributions they themselves with a great deal of pride in porting the resolution. have made in defense of our country. It the contribution they had made to this Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. is notable that in the case of the Nation, and any conversations I had Speaker, I yield back the balance of Tuskegee Airmen they were fighting with such airmen, that is what they my time. not one but two battles. As they brave- stressed, their contribution to this Na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ly flew and maintained combat aircraft tion. question is on the motion offered by in World War II, these men also fought So it is fitting that we take the time, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. against the notion that somehow the as a thankful Nation, to give them this MILLENDER-MCDONALD) that the House color of their skin would affect their respect and honor them in this singular suspend the rules and concur in the ability to courageously protect our Na- way with a Congressional Gold Medal Senate concurrent resolution, S. Con. tion. and to have this done here at the cen- Res. 15. In 1941, the formation of the all Afri- ter, at the heart of our democracy, the The question was taken; and (two- can American squadron based in rotunda of the United States Capitol. thirds being in the affirmative) the Tuskegee, Alabama, a group that Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Mr. rules were suspended and the Senate would come to be known as the Speaker, I yield back the balance of concurrent resolution was concurred Tuskegee Airmen, was largely regarded my time. in.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:33 Mar 07, 2007 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06MR7.060 H06MRPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC60 with HOUSE H2200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 6, 2007 A motion to reconsider was laid on tional League, became the first African him to form the Negro National Base- the table. American to play in the American League in ball League. Mr. Foster is known by July 1947, was an All-Star 9 times in the f many people to be the father of the Negro Leagues and Major League , Negro Baseball League. GENERAL LEAVE and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame; For his efforts and contributions to Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD. Mr. Whereas John Jordan ‘‘Buck’’ O’Neil was a baseball, he was inducted into the Na- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that player and of the Kansas City Mon- tional Baseball Hall of Fame in Coop- all Members may have 5 legislative archs of the , became erstown, New York. Since 1920, many days to revise and extend their re- the first African American coach in the teams were formed to expand the Negro Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1962, marks in the RECORD on Senate Con- Baseball Leagues. He produced many served on the of the Na- current Resolution 15. extraordinary players like Satchel tional Baseball Hall of Fame, chaired the Paige, ‘‘Cool Papa’’ Bell, ‘‘Double- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Board of objection to the request of the gentle- Directors, and worked tirelessly to promote Duty’’ Radcliffe, ‘‘Groundhog’’ Thomp- woman from California? the history of the Negro Leagues; son and many others. There was no objection. Whereas the talents of such players as Presently, there are 278 members of James Thomas ‘‘Cool Papa’’ Bell and Oscar the National Baseball Hall of Fame, 18 f Charleston earned them recognition in the whom had played in the Negro League. RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- Baseball Hall of Fame as well as the Sport- These greats include and TIONS OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL ing News List of Baseball’s Greatest Players, , who first played in but were all denied admission to the Major the Negro Leagues and then entered LEAGUES AND THEIR PLAYERS Leagues due to the color of their skin; . Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to Whereas Minnie Min˜ oso played in the Indeed, the players in the Negro suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Negro Leagues for several years before being Leagues were of such high caliber that lution (H. Res. 162) recognizing the con- allowed to play in the Major League and was many of them later moved to other tributions of the Negro Baseball denied admission to the Hall of Fame, be- cause during his prime years, he was a vic- major leagues and enjoyed better sta- Leagues and their players, as amended. tim of racial discrimination; tistics playing there than they did in The Clerk read as follows: Whereas Autozone Park in Memphis, Ten- the Negro Leagues. H. RES. 162 nessee, has been designated to host on March The opening of the doors of the major Whereas even though African Americans 31, 2007, the inaugural Civil Rights Game be- tween World Series champions, the St. Louis leagues to Negro League players often were excluded from playing in the major is attributed to , who leagues of their time with their white coun- Cardinals and the Cleveland Indians in com- terparts, the desire of many African Ameri- memoration of the Civil Rights Movement; made a bold decision to sign Jackie cans to play baseball could not be repressed; and Robinson to play for the Brooklyn Whereas Major League Baseball did not Whereas by achieving success on the base- Dodgers in 1947. Unfortunately, many fully integrate its leagues until July 1959; ball field, African American baseball players owners of Negro baseball teams could Whereas African Americans began orga- helped break down color barriers and inte- not compete in the recruitment and fi- nizing their own professional baseball teams grate African Americans into all aspects of nancial compensation for African in 1885; society in the United States: Now, therefore, be it American players, which later caused Whereas the skills and abilities of Negro many African American teams to fold League players eventually made Major Resolved, That the House of Representa- League Baseball realize the need to integrate tives— in the early 1960s. the sport; (1) recognizes the teams and players of the Some people shake their heads and Whereas six separate baseball leagues, Negro Baseball Leagues for their achieve- say that the Negro Leagues’ players known collectively as the ‘‘Negro Baseball ments, dedication, sacrifices, and contribu- came along too early. I think ‘‘Cool Leagues’’, were organized by African Ameri- tions to both baseball and our Nation; and Papa’’ Bell had it right when he said cans between 1920 and 1960; (2) requests that the President issue a ‘‘they opened the door, just too late.’’ Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues in- proclamation recognizing ‘‘Negro Leaguers Recognition Day’’. But then it is never too late to right cluded exceptionally talented players who what has been a wrong, to create equal played the game at its highest level; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- opportunity and to open the doors for Whereas on May 20, 1920, the Negro Na- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from tional League, the first successful Negro the Luke Easters, the Minnie Minosos, California (Ms. WATSON) and the gen- the Kirby Picketts, the Barry Bondses, League, played its first game; tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Whereas Andrew ‘‘Rube’’ Foster, on Feb- the Frank Thomases, and countless FOXX) each will control 20 minutes. ruary 13, 1920, at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas others who have thrilled and delighted The Chair recognizes the gentle- City, Missouri, founded the Negro National us with their skills. League and also managed and played for the woman from California. The achievement and success of Afri- , and later was in- GENERAL LEAVE can American baseball players on the ducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame; Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask baseball field have helped break down Whereas Leroy ‘‘Satchel’’ Paige, who unanimous consent that all Members color barriers and integrate African began his long career in the Negro Leagues may have 5 legislative days to revise and did not make his Major League debut Americans into all aspects of society. and extend their remarks. until the age of 42, is considered one of the b 1515 greatest pitchers the game has ever seen, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and during his long career thrilled millions objection to the request of the gentle- This bill recognizes the teams and of baseball fans with his skill and legendary woman from California? the players of the Negro Baseball showboating, and was later inducted into the There was no objection. Leagues for their achievements, their Baseball Hall of Fame; Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, in 1872, sacrifices, their dedication, and their Whereas , who was the greatest Bud Fowler became the first African contributions to baseball and the Na- slugger of the Negro Leagues, tragically died American to enter organized baseball. tion. I commend the gentleman from months before the integration of baseball, At the time, Sporting Life magazine OHEN and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall Tennessee (Mr. C ) for introducing of Fame; called him ‘‘one of the best general the bill, and I urge its swift passage. Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career players in the country. If he had had a Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of began with the of the white face,’’ they said, ‘‘he would be my time. Negro American League, became the first Af- playing with the best of them.’’ There Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- rican American to play in the Major Leagues were only a handful of black players self as much time as I may consume. in April 1947, was named Major League Base- during that time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ball Rookie of the Year in 1947, subsequently By the end of the 1800s, the door to of H. Res. 162, which honors the Negro led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 National organized baseball was slammed shut Baseball League. League pennants and a World Series cham- pionship, and was later inducted into the to African Americans, and as a result, Those of us who love baseball relish Baseball Hall of Fame; in 1920, Andrew ‘‘Rube’’ Foster man- the comparisons between players of dif- Whereas , whose career began aged a Negro baseball team and orga- ferent eras that our rich statistical with the Newark Eagles of the Negro Na- nized seven other team owners to join records permit. Nobody who witnessed

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