[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 125 (Wednesday, October 6, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H8274-H8276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1745
                  CONGRESSMAN JACK FIELDS POST OFFICE

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4232) to redesignate the facility of the United States 
Postal Service located at 4025 Feather Lakes Way in Kingwood, Texas, as 
the ``Congressman Jack Fields Post Office''.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4232

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

     SECTION 1. CONGRESSMAN JACK FIELDS POST OFFICE.

       (a) Redesignation.--The facility of the United States 
     Postal Service located at 4025 Feather Lakes Way in Kingwood, 
     Texas, and known as the Kingwood Post Office, is hereby 
     redesignated as the ``Congressman Jack Fields Post Office''.
       (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 Congressman Jack Fields Post Office.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4232 honors a very distinguished former Member of 
this body, Congressman Jack Fields of Texas, with whom I had the 
privilege of serving. Congressman Fields, who made a living as a 
businessman and attorney, was elected as a Republican Member of the 
97th and to the seven succeeding Congresses. He served in the House 
from 1981 until 1987.
  Many of us had a chance to work alongside Congressman Fields, and we 
could not be happier about this post office designation in his honor. 
He was a very devoted Representative of the people of Texas and the 
Nation as a whole. He was a leading member of the House Committee on 
Energy and Commerce and contributed to this body and to this country in 
ways too numerous to mention at this time.
  I commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) for honoring 
Congressman Jack Fields in this legislation. I urge passage of this 
bill.
  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, I am pleased to join in consideration of H.R. 4232, to 
redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
4025 Feather Lakes Way in Kingwood, Texas, as the ``Congressman Jack 
Fields Post Office.''
  Congressman Fields represented himself extremely well as a Member of 
this body, has an outstanding record of service not only to the people 
of his community but to the people of the Nation. It is appropriate 
that we would name a postal facility in his honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), the sponsor of this 
legislation.
  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a wonderful honor to join with 
my Republican and Democrat friends, the Texas delegation of this 
Chamber, to honor our former colleague Congressman Jack Fields, by 
renaming the post office in Kingwood, Texas, where he and his family 
live, as the ``Congressman Jack Fields Post Office.''
  He represented the 8th District of Texas from 1981 to 1997, 16 years. 
He retired really at the pinnacle of his career for a very powerful 
reason, to spend more time with his family, his wonderful wife, Lynn, 
and children, daughters Jordan and Lexi and stepson Josh Hughes. Jack 
left as chairman of the House Committee on Commerce's 
Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee, a very important post, and 
as vice chairman of the Committee's Commerce, Trade and Hazardous 
Materials Subcommittee.
  For those who know him, Jack was born in Humble, Texas, on February 
3, 1952. His family had lived and has lived on the same plot of land 
since the 1860s. His family is remarkable. Those who know his dad and 
for all the contributions, the special place he played in the Humble 
community; his mom, who was beloved by all; his brother Jess, a 
distinguished community leader; his wife, Lynn, a top educator/school 
board member for many years. His whole family is just remarkable. So 
there is no exception; Jack was, as well.
  Jack earned his Bachelor's degree from Baylor in Waco, Texas, in 
1974. While attending Baylor, Jack served an unprecedented two terms as 
school body president and was twice named Outstanding Baylor Man. In 
1977, Jack earned his law degree from Baylor Law School and for 9 years 
has served as a Baylor University trustee. As one would imagine, he is 
a little partial to the Baylor Bears.
  Jack served as a member of the Telecommunications and Finance 
Subcommittee from 1985 until his retirement. During his years of 
service he had maintained jurisdiction over international and 
interstate telecommunications. It oversaw the Federal Communications 
Commission, as well as the telephone, cellular, cable and broadcast 
industries, among others. It also worked on issues at the Security and 
Exchange Commission, as well as activities of investment bankers, stock 
brokers, investment advisers, stock exchanges, and the mutual fund 
industry.
  As subcommittee chairman in 1995, Jack Fields led the effort in the 
House to enact the first comprehensive reform of the Communications Act 
of 1934 in more than 6 decades, the measure promoting greater 
competition in all telecommunications-related industries. Congress 
passed the legislation, and President Clinton signed it into law in 
February of 1996.
  As subcommittee chairman, Jack's efforts led to passage of the 
National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which protects 
investors while also promoting greater efficiency and capital formation 
in the financial markets. Jack also played a critical role in passing 
the Securities Litigation Reform Act that reforms the Federal civil

[[Page H8275]]

justice system regarding private securities litigation.
  He has been nothing close to retired since he left Congress. He has 
set up his own firm, has stayed involved in his ranching and timber 
interests. He opened the 21st Century Group, a Washington-based 
governmental affairs firm. He sits on the board of directors of AIM 
Mutual funds, the eighth largest mutual fund company in the United 
States; and Administaff, a premier professional employer organization 
with clients nationwide, based in Kingwood.
  In addition, he sits on the board of the Discovery Channel Global 
Education Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing 
education resources to people in need throughout the world through the 
use of technology.
  Let me close with this: Jack Fields served for 16 years with 
distinction and integrity, with firm, conservative principles. He was a 
champion for veterans, a champion for small business, a champion for 
the second amendment and for family values, which he lived each day of 
his life. He reached across the aisle to work with Members and became 
close friends with former Congressman Mickey Leland. They worked 
together on issues related to poverty and hunger throughout the world.
  I am so proud to serve in the seat that Jack Fields held for 16 
years. The citizens of Humble and Kingwood in the Eighth Congressional 
District join me in honoring Jack Fields in naming the post office in 
Kingwood after him so that future generations within our community will 
know Jack Fields's service to Texas, service to Humble, Kingwood, and 
service to our great Nation. I am proud to be part of this effort.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).
  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of this 
resolution to name the post office in Kingwood, Texas, after our former 
colleague, a man I am proud to call a friend, Jack Fields. He is 
certainly deserving of this honor.
  As a Member of the House of Representatives, Jack embodied the finest 
qualities of public service. He was diligent and hard working on behalf 
of his constituents. But he also distinguished himself through the 
courtesy with which he treated colleagues of both parties. He reached 
across the aisle to form friendships with our late colleague, who 
served with me in the Congressional Black Caucus, Mickey Leland of 
Houston, Texas. In an era where there was too little emphasis on 
civility, Jack never lost the sense of decorum or his ability to 
respect the opinion of others.
  While Jack is best known for his leadership in enacting key 
legislation in telecommunications as chairman of the Telecommunications 
and Finance Subcommittee, he has also used his expertise to advocate 
for the continent of Africa. During his tenure, I had the pleasure of 
traveling to South Africa with Jack on a trip organized by the newly 
formed, at that time, Discovery Channel Global Education Fund. We have 
served together as board members of the fund, which provides schools 
and community centers in underserved areas with televisions, VCRs, 
satellite technology, teacher training, and the ongoing delivery of 
relevant video programming. The organization, which reaches over 
130,000 children and their communities throughout South Africa, 
Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mexico, and Peru, is expanding now into 
Romania, Angola, India, Namibia, and Afghanistan.
  Jack's work on telecommunications issues in Congress sparked an 
interest in his using the latest technology to improve education in 
rural villages through distance learning and other innovations. After 
Congressman Mickey Leland's untimely death, Jack honored him by 
introducing legislation in his name to improve the quality of life for 
children in Africa by improving access to worldwide educational 
resources through satellite technology.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to support this bill, and I know my 
colleagues will join me in congratulating our former colleague and a 
terrific human being, Jack Fields, on achieving this great distinction.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).
  (Mr. CARTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time to pay tribute to Jack Fields today.
  While Jack and I never served together in this distinguished body, I 
am well aware of the distinguished career that he had here in Congress 
for 16 years and the contributions he made to our great State of Texas. 
Whether he was playing a major role in passing the landmark 
Communications Act of 1996 or his reputation for excellent constituent 
service to the people back home that took care of him and he took care 
of constantly, Jack set the pace and standard for each of us who have 
followed him to Congress.
  Jack was the epitome of a Congressman who worked in a bipartisan 
manner, except when he was playing third base for the GOP in the annual 
congressional baseball game or was the ``short but slow'' power forward 
in the congressional basketball game.
  I thank Jack for his service to Texas and to the United States 
Congress. This recognition today is well deserved.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty).
  Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I also join in support of this tribute to Jack Fields, with whom I 
did serve. He is certainly very deserving of this tribute.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 1 
minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd).
  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
for yielding me time.
  I will not take long. I think many Members have been here talking 
about Jack Fields and folks that served with him. I, like the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Brady), did not have the opportunity to serve with him, 
but I have gotten to know him quite well.
  I first heard about him when I was in the State legislature working 
in Florida and we were doing a rewrite of the telecommunications law. 
We knew that Jack Fields was the subcommittee chairman and would 
ultimately take some of what we did and use it as a model. At least we 
hoped he would.
  After I got here and got to know Jack Fields, then I began to 
understand what people were saying about him and what you heard here 
today about what a broad-reaching gentleman he was, not only in terms 
of the legislation that he worked on but also in his friends on both 
sides of the aisle.
  He just always has done a great job. He has been involved in so many 
different kinds of legislation, telecommunications, environmental 
policy, national security improvements and many, many other issues in 
his 16-year career.
  I am glad to come today and support this legislation which will honor 
Jack Fields.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 1 
minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding 
me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4232, to 
redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
4025 Feather Lakes Way in Kingwood, Texas, as the ``Congressman Jack 
Fields Post Office.'' I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Jack 
Field's accomplishments and life of dedicated public service.
  In 1981, Jack was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives by the 
voters of Texas Eighth Congressional District. During his 16 years as a 
Member of the House, Jack distinguished himself as a statesman and a 
leader, earning an impressive legislative record.
  As chairman of the House Committee on Commerce Subcommittee on 
Telecommunications, Jack led the effort in the House to enact the first 
comprehensive reform of the Communications Act of 1934, legislation 
that was designed to promote competition in all telecommunications-
related industries

[[Page H8276]]

and create an environment in which new telecommunications technologies 
could flourish.
  This act, known as the Telecommunications Act of 1996, was signed 
into law by President Clinton. It is widely acknowledged that this 
legislation encouraged the extraordinary innovation and growth in 
telecommunications and Internet service.
  While serving as the ranking member on the Committee on Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries, Jack was instrumental in overhauling our Nation's 
oil spill liability laws in the wake of the Exxon Valdez accident in 
Alaska. He also advocated for the protection of endangered species and 
wetlands; fisheries and wildlife refuges; promotion of American ports 
and Merchant Marine and the safety of the cruise ship industry.
  Following his retirement from Congress in 1997, Jack opened two 
companies, Twenty-First Century Group, Inc., a Washington, D.C., based 
governmental affairs and strategic planning company, and Texana Global, 
Inc., an international trade corporation headquartered in his hometown 
of Humble, Texas. Jack also continues to serve as vice president of 
Rosewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home, which his family has owned and 
operated since the 1930s.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to congratulate Jack on the 
contributions he has made and strongly encourage my colleagues to 
support this legislation in recognition of his significant 
contributions to this country.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Napolitano).
  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, as you have heard, there have been very many accolades 
directed at Jack Fields, former Member of Congress. I would like to 
repeat them all, but time is short.
  I have got to say that I have met the gentleman. I have heard of his 
accomplishments. I have been able to work with his staff. And I can 
tell you that he really, truly is a dedicated public servant. I am very 
happy to lend my support, and I trust that my colleagues will join us, 
as this was truly a person dedicated to representing his district and 
the people of the United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support passage of the bill, 
H.R. 4232, that will name the Jack Fields Post Office in the City of 
Kingwood, Texas.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) for his indulgence, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a friend and former 
colleague, Jack Fields of Texas. Today the House has designated a post 
office in Jack's home state of Texas the ``Congressman Jack Fields Post 
Office.'' On the House Floor this afternoon, we're naming a post office 
for a man who always knew how to deliver for his constituents. This is 
a fitting tribute to a gifted legislator who represented the 8th 
Congressional District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives 
from 1980 to 1996.
  I was proud to serve with Jack on the Committee on Commerce from 1982 
to 1996. In 1995, Jack became the Chairman of the Committee's 
Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance. As the Subcommittee's 
Ranking Member, I worked closely with Jack on the first comprehensive 
reform of the Communications Act of 1934--The Telecommunications Act of 
1996--which was designed to encourage competition in all 
telecommunications-related industries and create an environment in 
which new telecommunications technologies could thrive. President 
Clinton signed the bill into law in February 1996.
  Jack was a trusted colleague. More importantly, he was, and is, one 
of my best friends. He was a master legislator and a master basketball 
player. On the House Floor or on the basketball floor, he was always an 
MVP. He worked across party lines to move legislation forward that 
benefited the American people. He has retired from Congress, but his 
distinguished legacy remains.
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of H.R. 4232, 
which would designate the U.S. Postal Service located at 4025 Feather 
Lakes Way in Kingswood, Texas as the ``Congressman Jack Fields Post 
Office.''
  Congressman Jack Fields was born in Humble, Texas. He received his 
bachelor of arts and his law degree from Baylor University in Waco, 
Texas and was admitted to the Texas bar in 1977. He served as a Member 
of Congress from 1981 to 1997. During his tenure in Congress he served 
as Chairman of the House Telecommunications Act of 1934, which was 
passed as the 1996 Telecommunications Act. He was also instrumental in 
rewriting the National Securities Market Improvement Act of 1996 and 
the Securities Litigation Reform Act.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be here today 
to pay tribute to a friend and former Colleague, Jack Fields, as I rise 
in strong support of this Bill. Although I only had the pleasure of 
serving 1 term with Congressman Fields we developed an immediate and 
lasting friendship that has only strengthened as time has passed. I 
count myself fortunate to have served that 1 term with him.
  Congressman Fields blessed the 8th congressional district of Texas 
with 16 years of service through his constant dedication to his 
constituents and determination to do what was right. He was a role 
model both in his district, the State of Texas, and here in Congress. 
He worked tirelessly for his constituents and our great Nation and he 
was, and is, a truly great American.
  I have many fond memories of the two years we worked together, but 
probably the one most important thing I remember about Congressman 
Fields was his willingness and ability to cross the aisle. Congressman 
Fields was a strong Republican, yet that did not prevent him from 
engaging and working with Democrats on a range of topics. For 
Congressman Fields there were many issues that were larger and more 
important than partisanship. Congressman Fields truly was a man of 
honor and dignity.
  In fact, I look back at these days with a sense of nostalgia, when 
Democrats and Republicans would and could work together to get things 
done. The most important thing for Congressman Fields was to take every 
effort to move towards a better America. It wasn't partisanship, or 
special interests, his goal was to help the 8th congressional district 
of Texas, the State of Texas, and the United States of America. I truly 
believe that the 108th Congress would work much better if we had more 
men and women like Congressman Jack Fields. He had the ability to look 
beyond partisanship to the real issues that were facing our country and 
take them on head first.
  And so I support this bill with open arms. Congressman Fields is a 
great friend, a loyal ally, and true gentleman. Supporting this bill is 
the least we can do to honor the truly excellent and distinguished 
career of Congressman Jack Fields.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I urge 
passage of this bill to honor our good friend and colleague, 
Congressman Jack Fields.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4232.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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