[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 86 (Tuesday, June 25, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H3902-H3905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FRANK SINATRA POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3034) to redesignate the facility of the United States 
Postal Service located at 89 River Street in Hoboken, New Jersey, as 
the ``Frank Sinatra Post Office Building.''
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3034

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FRANK SINATRA POST OFFICE BUILDING.

       (a) Redesignation.--The facility of the United States 
     Postal Service located at 89 River Street in Hoboken, New 
     Jersey, and known as the Hoboken Main Post Office, shall be 
     known and designated as the ``Frank Sinatra Post Office 
     Building''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the Frank Sinatra Post Office Building.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H.R. 3034 now being considered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oklahoma?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3034, introduced by our distinguished colleague 
from New Jersey, designates the Post Office located in Hoboken, New 
Jersey, as the

[[Page H3903]]

Frank Sinatra Post Office Building. Members of the entire House 
delegation from the State of New Jersey are cosponsors of this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill that honors 
Frank Sinatra. It is appropriate that we name the Post Office in 
Hoboken, the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, after him. Born in Hoboken in 
1915, Sinatra quickly became one of America's favorite entertainers. 
Not only is Sinatra known for his timeless classics like ``Love and 
Marriage,'' ``The Lady Is a Tramp,'' and ``Strangers in the Night,'' to 
name a few, he also has had a successful film career, appearing on the 
big screen over 60 times.
  In 1994, Sinatra was awarded the Grammy ``Legend Award'' which was a 
culmination of a career that saw him win nine Grammy awards.
  I would be remiss if I did not mention his timeless classic ``New 
York, New York.'' His words about New York and the York City area have 
taken on a new meaning in the past year as we saw our fellow Americans 
from the New York area fight back in the face of terrorism. It is 
appropriate that we honor a man who embodied that spirit in his music 
and we name a Post Office in Hoboken, New Jersey, after him.
  Even in his death, Frank Sinatra's music continues to entertain and 
inspire all Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of H.R. 3034.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House Committee on Government Reform, 
I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan) in 
support of this resolution. I rise in support of H.R. 3034, legislation 
naming the Post Office after the legendary Frank Sinatra.
  H.R. 3034, which was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Menendez) on October 4, 2001, has met the committee policy and enjoys 
the support and cosponsorship of the entire New Jersey delegation.
  Frank Sinatra was an Academy and Grammy Award winning singer and 
actor from Hoboken, New Jersey. He was born in 1915 and died in 1998. 
He cut his first record in 1939 and went on to make more than 1,800 
recordings in his lifetime. Who could ever forget Frank Sinatra singing 
``My Way,'' ``The Lady Is a Tramp,'' ``Strangers in the Night,'' ``Nice 
and Easy,'' ``New York, New York,'' ``Nancy,'' ``Three Coins and a 
Fountain,'' or ``Chicago, Chicago, My Kind of Town? ``
  The man who read lyrics with great clarity and emotion practically 
brought the house down every time he performed. He garnered nine 
Grammies and was heralded by fans as the most preeminent singer of the 
century.
  Frank Sinatra's distinguished and versatile acting career included 
appearing in at least 60 films. He will always be remembered for such 
greats as ``The Man With the Golden Arm,'' ``The Manchurian 
Candidate,'' ``Ocean's Eleven,'' ``The House I Live in,'' ``From Here 
to Eternity,'' and many others.
  Sinatra, nicknamed ``Old Blue Eyes'' and ``Chairman of the Board,'' 
was famous for the good times he had with his ``Rat Pack'' friends, 
which included Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. He was also remembered 
for sticking up for his friends and for sticking by his pals in times 
of need. He helped open the doors for his friend, Sammy Davis, Jr., and 
fought Hollywood's blacklist in the 1950s, often putting unemployed 
actors and friends on his payroll. He was also known as a 
philanthropist, often sending money to people in need and donating 
generously to charities.
  In 1983, Frank Sinatra was honored by the Kennedy Center; and in 1985 
he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, I certainly join with all of those who would urge 
adoption of this measure.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he might consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. 
Menendez), the originator and sponsor of this bill.
  (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks and include extraneous material.)
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished 
gentleman, the ranking Democrat, for helping us bring this to the floor 
and for yielding me this time; and I thank the chairman of the 
committee as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3034, legislation that 
I authored to honor Hoboken, New Jersey's favorite son, a superstar, an 
icon, and a legend, the late Frank Sinatra. The bill will rename 
Hoboken's main Post Office as the ``Frank Sinatra Post Office 
Building,'' bringing a much-deserved and much-awaited fitting tribute 
home to the birthplace of the most famous ``Chairman of the Board.'' I 
appreciate my colleagues from the New Jersey delegation joining 
unanimously in this effort.
  Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 12, 1915, Frances Albert 
Sinatra was one of the preeminent entertainers of the 20th century. 
Whether wooing us with soulful melodies or his cinematic charisma, 
Frank Sinatra always managed to attract and entertain large and diverse 
audiences with a unique and innate style.

                              {time}  1600

  Epitomizing the essence of coolness and class, Sinatra used his charm 
and harmonious voice to become an idol of both young starstruck 
admirers and older professionals. This musical mastermind mesmerized 
crowds with ageless classics such as ``New York, New York,'' ``My 
Way,'' ``Night and Day,'' ``Witchcraft,'' ``Love and Marriage,'' 
``Strangers in the Night,'' ``September of My Years,'' ``The Lady is a 
Tramp,'' along with countless others.
  Ol' Blue Eyes utilized his dynamic talents and culturally-acute 
instincts to do more than simply entertain. He used music and theater 
as mediums to carry a socially-conscious message to fans and admirers 
around the world. In films such as the ``Manchurian Candidate'' and 
``Von Ryan's Express,'' Sinatra the actor educates us on the heroic and 
selfless sacrifice of America's World War II and Korean War veterans 
who vigorously defended the cherished principles of freedom and 
democracy.
  During his critically acclaimed performance in ``The House I Live 
In,'' Sinatra was able to make thousands of Americans understand and 
appreciate how ethnic and religious diversity is the foundation for 
cultural and societal progress.
  If we listen to the lyrics of that song, ``What is America to Me?'' 
in the movie ``The House I Live in,'' I think it wraps up in part why 
Sinatra was able to touch the hearts of so many people in this country.
  He said:

  ``What is America to me?
  ``A name, a map, or a flag I see
  ``A certain word, `democracy.'
  ``What is America to me?

  ``The House I live in
  ``A plot of earth, a street
  ``The grocer and the butcher
  ``Or the people that I meet

  ``The children in the playground
  ``The faces that I see
  ``All races and religions
  ``That's America to me

  ``The place I work in
  ``The worker by my side
  ``The little town, the city
  ``Where my people lived and died
  ``The howdy and the handshake
  ``The air a feeling free
  ``And the right to speak your mind out
  ``That's America to me

  ``The things I see about me
  ``The big things and the small
  ``The little corner newsstand
  ``Or the house a mile tall

  ``The wedding in the churchyard
  ``The laughter and the tears
  ``And the dream that's been agrowing
  ``For more than 200 years

  ``The town I live in
  ``The street, the house, the room
  ``The pavement of the city
  ``Or the garden all in bloom

  ``The church, the school, the clubhouse
  ``The million lights I see
  ``But especially the people
  ``Yes, especially the people
  ``That's America to me.''

  It was those people who came and flocked.
  In the middle of his career, Frank Sinatra earned the nickname 
``Chairman of the Board of Show Business'' because of his 
simultaneously successful career as a musician, entertainer, and 
leading Hollywood actor.

[[Page H3904]]

  This Chairman of the Board also was the founder and leader of one of 
the most dynamic and star-studded ensembles known as the Rat Pack. 
Members included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop.
  Along with being featured performers on the Las Vegas entertainment 
scene, this group went on to star in four amusing and witty films: 
``Ocean's Eleven,'' ``Sergeants Three,'' ``Four for Texas,'' and 
``Robin and the Seven Hoods.''
  During his show business career that spanned more than 50 years, 
Frank Sinatra is widely regarded to be one of the most successful 
entertainers of his era. His appearances and performances sparked 
attention and excitement worthy of only an admired global icon. His 
resume of achievements and accomplishments include Academy Awards, 
Grammy Awards, and numerous other entertainment honors.
  Although most Americans will remember Frank Sinatra for his chic and 
graceful presence, there was also a generous and philanthropic side for 
this superstar. Sinatra's family and people closely associated with him 
say his charitable interests were endless, and it is estimated that he 
gave millions of dollars to worthy causes around the world.
  Naming Hoboken's main post office after the late Frank Sinatra honors 
and recognizes Hoboken's number one hero. I am extremely proud to offer 
this legislation, and I hope that my colleagues join me in passing this 
measure.
  Today we bring decades of Sinatra's success back home to where it all 
began: Hoboken, New Jersey.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano).
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, some years ago, when we stood on this floor as a prime 
sponsor of the Frank Sinatra Congressional Gold Medal, we spoke, and 
everyone did, about Frank Sinatra, the artist, as we are doing today.
  But today's conversation and debate takes on a different tone, that 
is, that Members are also speaking about Frank Sinatra, the American, 
and Frank Sinatra, the visionary, who saw many things way ahead of his 
time on the issue of civil rights, on the issue of race relations, on 
the issue of generosity, when one is gifted and able to make money from 
that gift they have received, as he was.
  So, of course, I could not pass up the opportunity to want to again 
remind us that we are talking about the greatest popular singer of our 
generation. We are talking about a person who we use as the measuring 
stick for anyone who wants to become a great singer, and a mighty task 
that is, to talk about that diction or that ability to bring forth 
romantic lyrics in the way that songwriters wanted them to be brought.
  So we know about Frank Sinatra, that giant of American and worldwide 
music. But the other day, and a couple of years ago, I ran across two 
Frank Sinatras I had heard about and did not know.
  One a couple of years ago was that there had been, a discussion we 
are having these days, by the way, an FBI file kept on Frank Sinatra; 
and why he was on an FBI file is interesting to note.
  It was because, my colleagues would be interested in knowing, during 
the 1940s he voiced his desire to have housing for returning GIs. On 
another occasion, he went to meet Mayor Hubert Humphrey in Minneapolis-
St. Paul to ask for people to learn how to stop fighting and get along 
with each other. In those days, that was enough to get one listed as a 
troublemaker.
  Later on, as our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), 
has said, when he demanded from hotels and nightclubs that they treat 
Sammy Davis, Jr., the same way they treated him, he again was 
considered a troublemaker.
  But most recently, my son, who incidentally has been elected to the 
New York City Council, came across something which is really 
interesting. It was written by Frank Sinatra for something called 
``Magazine Digest'' in July of 1945. It is simply titled ``Let's Not 
Forget, We Are All Foreigners.'' In here, he speaks about how he felt 
in 1945 about people being called names.
  He says, ``Let's take it right from the top. Ever hear of a corny old 
saying, sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never 
hurt me? Want to know something, that is not only corny, it is wrong. 
Names can hurt you. They can hurt you even more than sticks and 
stones.''
  Then he goes into saying how adults wreck the minds of children. He 
says that children, if left alone, will play with each other regardless 
of their color, their race, their religion, their cultural background, 
their ethnic background; that they will play as children, and that only 
adults then come forward and poison minds to create the problems that 
we have in this country.
  He then also said, ``Look, the next time you hear anyone say there is 
no room in this country for foreigners, tell him you have a big piece 
of news for him. Tell him everybody in the United States is a 
foreigner. This is our job, your job and my job, and the job of the 
generations growing up, to stamp out the prejudices that are separating 
one group of American citizens from another.''
  That is the Frank Sinatra we should be paying more attention to as we 
also celebrate his music. I thank the gentleman for this resolution to 
name this post office in his memory. We will celebrate Frank Sinatra 
the man, the American, and the world's greatest singer of pop music.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me just say that from time to time 
people will ask me, Why do we do these resolutions? Why do we name post 
offices? Why do we take the time?
  I think anyone who heard this discussion this afternoon should never 
have to ask that question again. They should never have to ask that 
question again because what we have heard speaks to the embodiment of 
what America is. It is a Nation of values, it is a Nation of 
contributions, and it is a Nation that many people have helped to 
shape.
  I think that naming a post office after Frank Sinatra in Hoboken, New 
Jersey, is an indication of that level of understanding.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 3034, the designation of the Frank Sinatra Post Office building. 
Frank Sinatra, the singer, the actor, the man, was one of the 
preeminent American icons of this century. Hailed by critics and peers 
alike as the ``greatest singer in the history of popular music,'' Frank 
Sinatra's career and life should be commemorated in every way possible.
  Mr. Sinatra's music career spanned almost a half-century. From his 
first record cut in 1939, to his eighth Grammy nod in 1996, Frank 
Sinatra's presence and his overwhelming charisma could be felt by all 
those who knew and loved music. Sinatra put his stamp on dozens of 
tunes familiar to the music lover's ear, including the timeless theme 
of the Big Apple, ``New York, New York'' and the anthem of every 
iconoclast, ``My Way.''
  Frank Sinatra, as we all know, would not allow himself to be limited 
to just music. He appeared in more than 60 films that ranged from dark 
dramas to lighthearted comedies. The pinnacle of his acting career 
amounted to an Oscar nod for his short film entitled, ``The House I 
Live In'' and one for himself for his supporting role as Maggio in the 
film, ``From Here to Eternity.'' Just like everything else he did, 
Sinatra threw himself into every role, giving everything he had to 
give.
  There are very few people in this century that effected so many 
Americans of various generations. He continuously gave back to the 
community that gave him so much, through his music and films as well as 
through his generous donations to various charities. He donated amounts 
of money estimated to be in the millions during his life, sometimes 
anonymously sending money to those whose misfortunes he read about in 
the paper.
  Frank Sinatra was one in a million. There are few men likely to fill 
the shoes left by Sinatra in May of 1998 at the age of 82. That year, 
during my annual charity bocce tournament, many of my friends in 
Connecticut gathered to celebrate his remarkable life. The Frank 
Sinatra Post Office is just one of the small ways we can pay proper 
tribute to a man that shaped and molded the face of popular culture for 
over 50 years and I ask my colleagues today to join me in supporting 
this bill.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage; and I yield back 
the balance of my time.

[[Page H3905]]

  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this measure, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Linder). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3034.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX, and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________