Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Lyda Lee Williams Saunders Whyte or Lady Lyda, the title bestowed on her by the pastors of the Brooklyn's Bridge Street A.M.E. Church, is a valiant community and church leader.

I was disturbed by recent reports that there has been renewed violence against Christians in India.

We should take tough measures to ensure that India learns to respect basic human rights.

Davis-Bacon artificially inflates construction costs through a series of costly work rules and requirements.

The Davis-Bacon Act drives up the cost of federal construction costs by as much as 50 percent.

I, therefore, urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act of 1999.

The resulting disparities in employment create a demand for affirmative action, another ill-suited and ill-advised big government program.

The most compelling reason to repeal Davis-Bacon is to benefit to the American taxpayer.

I rise today to introduce the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act of 1999.

For more than sixty years, this congressionally-created monstrosity has penalized taxpayers and the most efficient companies while crushing the dreams of the most willing workers.

Americans pay a huge price in lost jobs, lost opportunities and tax-boosting cost overruns on federal construction projects every day Congress allows Davis-Bacon to remain on the books.

Most small construction firms cannot afford to operate under Davis-Bacon's rigid job classifications or hire the staff of lawyers and accountants needed to fill out the extensive paperwork required to bid on a federal contract.

This kind of religious oppression does not deserve American support.

When her daughter, a professional musician, performed she was adorned in her mother's creations.

She is a woman whose passion filled life serves as an example to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Leotta Gittens Howell, who on February 14, 1999 will be 100 years old.

Mr. Speaker, I would like you and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in a standing ovation for Ms. Leotta Howell Gittens.

Leotta exhibited a true entrepreneurial spirit by continuing her seamstress business, while working full time during the day.