[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9] [House] [Pages 12546-12549] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]FLOYD H. FLAKE FEDERAL BUILDING Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3323) to designate the Federal building located at 158-15 Liberty Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, New York, as the ``Floyd H. Flake Federal Building''. The Clerk read as follows: H.R. 3323 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. The Federal building located at 158-15 Liberty Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, New York, shall be known and designated as the ``Floyd H. Flake Federal Building''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be reference to the ``Floyd H. Flake Federal Building''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette). Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3323 designates the FDA facility in Jamaica, Queens, New York, as the Floyd H. Flake Federal Building. This is a leased facility and the building owners have expressed their strong support for this action. Floyd Flake was born in Los Angeles, California, one of 13 children to parents with elementary school educations. He grew up in Houston, attending local schools. Congressman Flake earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, the first black college in America, founded in 1856. This university was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was named for the English statesman and abolitionist James Wilberforce. {time} 1300 Dr. Flake went on to attend Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce before attending Northeastern University and St. Johns University in Queens, New York. Reverend Dr. Flake has been the pastor of the Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamaica, New York, since 1976. He is the founder of the Allen Housing Development Fund Corporation, the Allen Christian School and Multi- purpose Center, the Allen Home Care Agency, Allen Housing Corporation, Allen Neighborhood Preservation and Development Corporation, and a member of the NAACP. Dr. Flake was elected to the 100th Congress and served until his retirement in the 105th Congress. Dr. Flake retired from the Congress to return to his Church, which is 10,000 members strong. When Dr. Flake was in Congress, he was a staunch advocate for policies to revitalize blighted urban and residential communities. His bipartisan nature commanded the respect from Members on both sides of the aisle of this House. He is certainly missed in the House. This is a fitting tribute to a former Member of Congress. I support the bill, and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is with special and personal pleasure that I rise in support of this legislation. H.R. 3323 would designate the new FDA laboratory located in Jamaica, Queens, New York, in honor of our former colleague and Member, Floyd Flake. This facility is the product of many years of hard work by our former colleague. He worked with the General Services Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the city of New York, the State of New York, the New York City University system, and countless local officials to finally bring this idea to fruition. Reverend Flake is well known for his tenacity. Floyd Flake is a firm and dedicated believer in the power of community [[Page 12547]] and the benefits of community development. His legislative accomplishments, built on the principle of a positive Federal role in urban revitalization, include the Bank Enterprise Act of the Community Development Financial Institutions Act of 1993. This act provides incentives for financial institutions to make market-oriented investments in destabilized urban and rural communities. Reverend Flake truly lives what he preaches, and has devoted himself to the Allen A.M.E. Church in New York. His works have made the church one of the most productive religious and social service organizations in the country. It is most fitting and proper to honor his work on the FDA lab by designating the facility as the Floyd H. Flake Federal Building. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson). Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Let me also thank the leaders of the committee for bringing forth this legislation, and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) for sponsoring the bill to designate the Floyd Flake Federal Building in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Throughout Reverend Flake's life, he has been the personification of the greatest traditions of America. He has consistently fought to empower each person in this country, and ensure that everyone had the tools to pursue the American dream. Designation of the Federal building in his former district as the Floyd H. Flake Federal Building would be a fitting tribute to his work in that area here in the House, and his tireless activism since he has returned home. In Congress, Reverend Flake represented the Sixth Congressional District from 1986 until his retirement in 1997. He fought fearlessly to establish programs and craft legislation designed to revitalize urban areas. He was an innovator, frequently reaching across party lines to solve problems. One of his initiatives, the Bank Enterprise Act, has resulted in millions of dollars of investment for both urban and rural economies. The language in the Bank Enterprise Act, which became law through the Community Development Financial Institutions Act, is the catalyst for investments which have led to residential development and commercial growth. It has also increased private sector commitment to aid the economies of traditionally neglected areas. Through his work, Congressman Flake helped to make certain that all segments of our society feel the benefits of our unprecedented economic expansion. Since his retirement, Reverend Flake has charted new territory regarding community activism and civic responsibility. As pastor of the Allen A.M.E. Church in Queens, he has led a revolution in church-based nonprofit activity. His $24 million operation is a national model and has helped to revitalize his community. Following his example, countless churches around the country have restructured their operations and reached new levels of efficiency and effectiveness. As leader, he has directly and indirectly helped thousands of Americans have a legitimate chance to compete in our global marketplace. Mr. Speaker, there is perhaps no other American as worthy of this honor as former Representative Reverend Floyd H. Flake. By bestowing this designation on the Queens Federal Building, this Congress will help to show the world that America places a premium on the values of leadership, determination, and innovation with high moral standards. I strongly support this resolution, and urge my colleagues to do the same. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, might I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), both for her leadership and her guiding of this legislation, and likewise the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman LaTourette) for his guidance of some of the sometimes very special tributes made to individuals by way of acknowledging them in their community. I would also like to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) of the Sixth District of New York for spearheading this legislation as well. Mr. Speaker, in the next couple of days thousands of members of the A.M.E. Church will gather in Cincinnati, Ohio. I would imagine that Dr. Flake will be joining them, as he is a well-respected Member of that august body, and one of their shining stars, he was one of the Congress' shining stars as well. He wears many hats, and I am delighted to rise to the floor of the House to support this legislation to name the new FDA laboratory located in Jamaica, New York, after Dr. Floyd Flake, and to acknowledge his partner in life, Mrs. Flake, who stands alongside of him as a visionary that has provided great insight and opportunity for the citizens of the Sixth Congressional District and surrounding areas. I have a special role in rising today because I happen to have the privilege of representing Dr. Flake's relatives in Acres Home, Texas, located in the 18th Congressional District in Houston, Texas. It has been a remarkable journey for Dr. Flake as he has traveled from Acres Home, Texas, of which he speaks fondly, of a very strong family upbringing, but yet, a very humble upbringing. He has been an inspiration for the young people of the Acres Home area and the Houston area, as well, as they have watched him ascend to the very high offices of government. Yes, he is a graduate of the Wilberforce College, the Payne Theological Seminary, and attended St. Johns University, and, as well, the pastoral leader of the A.M.E. Church that has helped to promote housing and education in the community, but he also has been a mentor to many in the ministerial community and the religious community, because it was his vision that indicated or at least advocated for faith-based participation, to be able to collaborate with government where government was not taking over the church or the religious institution, but that they were working for the greater good. Since his advocacy in this Congress, we have looked at ways that faith-based institutions can work on children's violence issues, can work on welfare-to-work, can work on education in the way that we have the separation of church and State. Let me close by also acknowledging that he has made a great impact on individuals in Texas even though he is honored and claimed by New York, and has done great work there. I might note that State Representative Sylvester Turner, who grew up in Acres Home, who looked to Congressman Floyd Flake as a leader and role model for him, he now stands as one of the outstanding leaders in the State of Texas. Dr. Flake practiced what he preached, so this is an appropriate honor for him. I am very proud to stand on the floor of the House and to have counted him as one of my colleagues, having served with him in the early part of my tenure in this Congress, and to thank him for his strong support of legislation such as the Community Reinvestment Act, that has made the lives of all Americans much better. Who better to deserve this honor? I applaud him and his family and the great works he continues to do in the State of New York in the area of Jamaica, but as well, in the Nation that we call America. He is a great American and he is a national treasure. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3323, a bill that will designate the federal building located in Jamaica, Queens, New York, as the ``Floyd H. Flake Federal Building.'' Sadly, it was not too long ago that Rev. Flake served along side this body, but undoubtedly he made a lasting impression on us all as well as the Nation. Congressman Flake was born in Los Angeles on January 30, 1945, and came to my home district of Houston, TX, to attend public school. After growing up in the great State of Texas, he studied at Wilberforce University in Ohio, and earned his BA. He continued to [[Page 12548]] broaden his education and graduated from Payne Theological Seminary and Northeastern University. In 1994, he earned his doctorate of ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Congressman Flake evolved from student to educator, serving as dean of students and university chaplain at Boston University in 1976 and served as the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Afro-American Center at Boston University from 1973 to 1976. From 1970 to 1973, he served as the associate dean of students, director of student activities at Lincoln University. Thereafter, he moved to business, and served as a market analyst for Xerox and as a sales representative for Reynolds Tobacco Co. In addition, Rev. Flake served as a social worker for an early child development/Head Start program. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Flake lent his talents and energy to other activities important to our Nation. Legislatively, he is remembered for his work on the Committee on Banking and Financial Services and increasing investment opportunities for underserved communities through the Bank Enterprise Act and the Reform of the Community Reinvestment Act. In addition, Rev. Flake is remembered by many of us for his initiatives to revitalize urban commercial and residential communities. After retiring from Congress, Rev. Floyd has remained active by developing the Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamaica, Queens. During his 23 years as Pastor there, the church has grown to include some 12,000 members, an annual budget of $27 million, expansive commercial and residential development, a 500-student private school and is regarded as one of the Nation's foremost Christian churches and non-profit corporations. Also, the church has created local jobs, affordable homes, schools and multiservice centers that provide health care for the surrounding district. Floyd Flake served in the House with honor, with sincerity, and with unwavering commitment to his district as well as our Nation. He was a model of excellence to all of us in this body, and for over a decade, he fulfilled a calling to public service with passion and nobility. As a result, I can think of no better reason than to honor Floyd Flake by renaming the federal building in Jamaica, queens. Throughout, his service in his public, personal and congressional career Rev. Flake remained dedicated to improving the lives of the residents of Jamaica, Queens. Today, Rev. Flake continues to leave a lasting imprint on this community and our Nation. In closing, again Mr. Speaker I urge all my colleagues to unanimously adopt this bill and rename this federal building in honor of a truly dedicated and great public servant, Reverend Floyd Flake. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, it gives me special pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the primary sponsor of the bill before us. Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for bringing this bill to the floor. The consideration of this legislation is most timely, as Reverend Flake and I recently cut the ribbon to open the newly constructed Food and Drug Administration facility on the campus of York College in Jamaica, New York. What can I say about my friend and predecessor, the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake? His name has become synonymous with economic development in the Sixth Congressional District and throughout this country. Congressman Flake ran for Congress in 1986 during a special election to replace the recently deceased, and a strong member of this body, Joseph P. Addabbo. Though he narrowly lost the special election in June, he continued campaigning with the exuberance and charisma that is his trademark and won an overwhelming victory in the fall. Many new and previously disenfranchised individuals were attracted to Reverend Flake's campaign by the economic development projects that he had initiated since becoming the pastor of the Allen A.M.E. Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens, and through his ministry that emphasizes self-improvement and community development. Since Floyd Flake became the pastor of Allen A.M.E. over 22 years ago, the church has developed a school with over 500 students, extensive commercial and residential development, including private homes and senior quarters, a multi-service facility, and a transportation company. The various enterprises at Allen A.M.E. comprise a workforce of over 800, people making it one of the largest private sector employers in the county of Queens. As Congressman, Floyd H. Flake fulfilled the wishes of his constituents by bringing his community development expertise to Washington. He was a bipartisan legislator who focused on initiatives to revitalize urban neighborhoods. One of his most notable legislative accomplishments included the provisions of the Community Development Financial Institutions Act of 1993, known as the Bank Enterprise Act. The Bank Enterprise Act provided incentives for financial institutions to make market-oriented investments in destabilized urban and rural economies. The Bank Enterprise Act has directly impacted the volume of residential mortgages and commercial lending in traditionally underserved areas in America. The Sixth Congressional District benefited from his legislative and political acumen as Reverend Flake secured a one-stop capital shop to provide counseling for start-up and fledgling small businesses, funds for the improvement of National Gateway Park, and Hope 6 funds to greatly improve social and economic conditions in selected New York City public housing complexes and throughout America. Consistent with his reputation for bricks and mortar development through his church, Floyd used his legislative position to deftly advocate to have the new sites for the Federal Aviation Administration and the Food and Drug Administration located in the Sixth Congressional District in Queens, which will create more jobs and economic spin-off for the district. As the rest of the Sixth Congressional District in New York, I have benefited from Floyd's experience and his accomplishments. As the pastor of Allen A.M.E., he has also given spiritual upliftment to me, to my family, and to those within the Sixth Congressional District. Let me finally say that too often we have great individuals in our midst and we wait until they are long gone, until they are dead and buried, before we acknowledge their accomplishments. They never know of the appreciation of the individuals who receive the benefits of their greatness. I think that it is only appropriate that we allow one to smell the flowers, if you will, as they still walk on this great Earth. We surely want to give appreciation to the Dr. Reverend Floyd H. Flake for his continued support and commitment to making life better for his community and for all of Americans. I want to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for supporting this measure. Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to support H.R. 3323 and honor a former colleague and friend, Rev. Floyd Flake. Rev. Flake honorably served the people of the 6th District of New York for over a decade. It was a great pleasure to meet Floyd Flake my first year in Congress and to learn of his abiding interest in community renewal. We began working together that year on the American Community Renewal Act--which will be reaching the House floor next month. During the drafting of the American Community Renewal Act and our subsequent tours of towns and cities across the nation to learn from local folks what works and what doesn't, I had the opportunity to visit Rev. Flake's church, the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and I can tell you that Floyd Flake walks the walk. Under his inspired and inspiring leadership, that congregation had come together and built housing, small business opportunities, counseling centers, and a school where the children in the neighborhood actually got an education--a living thriving, vibrant community where neighbor cares about neighbor and God is part of your life. Since the Constitution won't allow us to rename the entire city of Jamaica, New York, after my good friend Floyd Flake, I am delighted to rise in support of this measure to honor him in this meaningful way. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3323 and show our great respect for our former colleague Floyd Flake. [[Page 12549]] Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1315 Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3323. 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. ____________________