[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. Webb):
  S. 2725. A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, as the 
``Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office''; to the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, on October 6, 2007, the people of 
Virginia's First Congressional District lost one of its most respected 
and admired leaders, a dedicated Member of Congress and loyal friend, 
Representative Jo Ann Davis.
  Today, I am proud to have Senator Jim Webb join me in introducing a 
bill to honor our dear colleague. This legislation would designate the 
United States Post Office at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, 
as the ``Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office.'' Representative 
Robert Wittman has introduced companion legislation in the House of 
Representatives.
  Born in North Carolina, Jo Ann Davis attended Hampton Roads Business 
College in Virginia and later obtained her real estate license and real 
estate broker's license over the next several years. In 1990, she 
started her own company, Jo Ann Davis Realty, and followed this 
successful endeavor with a run for public office in 1997. Serving as a 
Delegate in the Virginia General Assembly for 4 years, Jo Ann Davis 
became the first Republican woman to serve Virginia in the U.S. 
Congress after winning her election in 2000.
  Representative Davis was a relentless champion for the needs of the 
First District. It was my privilege to work with her on many matters, 
ranging from national defense to the environment, and in that regard, 
she worked hard to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Also, I 
commend her diligent leadership in the removal of the James River 
Reserve Fleet from Newport News. From her support for the Rappahannock 
River Valley National Wildlife Refuge to her concern with the 
preservation of Dragon Run or providing funding for oyster restoration, 
she always put the quality of Virginia's environment above politics.
  With sincere passion and concern, Representative Davis worked to 
improve our Nation's armed services and the lives of the men and women 
who bravely answer the call to duty. She provided strong representation 
for the communities in and surrounding the Naval Surface Warfare Center 
at Dahlgren and the Marine Corps base at Quantico, ensuring that these 
facilities continue to make important contributions to protecting the 
nation and to the economic foundations of their respective areas. Her 
initiative to increase the life insurance benefit paid to survivors of 
military members and her advocacy on behalf of the rights and benefits 
of Federal employees will continue to be appreciated in the years 
ahead.
  I have always admired Representative Davis for her strong convictions 
and the tenacity that she brought to bear in acting on them. She fought 
a courageous struggle against cancer, and I will miss her insights and 
her friendship in our Virginia Congressional Delegation.
  I am pleased to offer this small token of recognition and gratitude 
for someone who has given so much to the Commonwealth and her country.
  I close with a personal note that we both shared interests in 
equestrian activities. There is an old English saying that ``the 
outside of the horse is good for the inside of the man.'' As an avid, 
accomplished rider, she often quipped with me that the saying applies 
equally to a woman. She loved the noble horse.
  I join with my colleagues from the Commonwealth and from the entire 
U.S. Congress in expressing my deepest sympathies to her husband, her 
two sons, and her extended family. They remain in our thoughts and 
prayers.
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