[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23806] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS LEADERSHIP ______ HON. MAJOR R. OWENS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, December 7, 2006 Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, in the past I have often had the delight of saluting my departing colleagues with a tribute in Rap poetry. At this point, however, circumstances have been reversed and I am departing. As I leave, it will be my pleasure to offer some brief portraits in words describing the very able women and men I leave behind. Today I would like to highlight three outstanding members--Eddie Bernice Johnson, Donald Payne, and Maxine Waters--who have served as President of the Congressional Black Caucus, CBC. The continually improving effectiveness of the CBC is due to the fact that it is able to benefit from the talent and know-how of a pool of very dedicated and competent leaders. They also have unique personalities that can be appreciated with a few light-hearted verses, see three attached RAP poems. Texas Mona Lisa Power and mystery In generous portions mated; Fair time she allots For any issue debated But her moods are rapidly rotated Her anger can be swiftly escalated; Mess with Eddie Bernice's pride And she'll quickly invite you outside. Once great goddess of reapportionment, Her lines drawn in stone would stay, Through ten years would never fray, Untouched by rustler Tom DeLay. Slow sly smile Magnetic style Great resource of charm and stealth But on the side also some Texas wealth. Struggle focused credo uniquely excited, Power and mystery tightly united, Beneath the strict no nonsense fashion Run deep wells of cosmic compassion. Special Envoy Payne Female agents fondly remember his name-- Tireless globetrotting fearless Don Payne. Stealth master across the globe Always on the probe; Quiet in his command But tightly holds leader's lives In the palm of his cool hand. When Donald says move Charles Taylor hops into the groove; Liberia from Jersey must learn To let rule from Newark Take its empire turn. Don travels With the proud and brave, Somalia he single-handedly Sought to save. Always on the probe Stealth master across the globe But at home he still holds power, Email orders cross Newark every hour; In each Jersey county A Payne relative rules, Most powerful political tools. Tireless globetrotting crafty Don Payne, Lady agents fondly remember his name. Mean Maxine Queen Maxine Can act hard and mean, She can fertilize Any Congressional Record page With unforgettable rage. Queen Maxine Can act hard and mean When the CIA deals dope But her career fills with tears When hungry African kids Are offered no help and no hope. Soft candy at the core But like nails when there's a need; With California flash And Southern mother wit She's a rare dynamite breed. With Hollywood skills She makes political thrills, One foot in the palace of influence The other planted on the street, Mistress of coalition magic She makes power methods meet. CIA drug selling she labeled a fact Iran Gate caught traitors in the act: To save Contras zealots were Selling weapons and flags Who could doubt they had Peddled drugs in little brown bags. Outrageously right Maxine makes moderates uptight; Radicals suspect her elegant style Cause she got arrested for Haiti Wearing expensive stuff; Never mind the clothes, Just a few weeks later Clinton told the Haitian dictators That the CBC had enough. Soft candy at the core But like nails when there's a need; With California flash And Southern mother wit She's a rare dynamite breed. ____________________