Jerry Kleczka

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the children, parents, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School. The designation of a 2004 No Child Left Behind--Blue Ribbon Award honors only those schools that have successfully achieved excellence in academics and have closed the achievement gap in academic proficiency for all of their students. The designation of the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is particularly meaningful to me because it is named for the former Congressman Clement J. Zablocki who was my predecessor in the U.S. Congress, and an effective and beloved representative who served the citizens of Milwaukee's south side for many years. It is evident that the principles of accountability, focusing on what works, increased flexibility, reduction of bureaucracy and the empowerment of parents, has been successfully integrated into the daily philosophy of the Zablocki Elementary School. Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Patricia Walia this school has not only achieved academic excellence for the students, but has initiated innovative and creative ways of having the children of Zablocki Elementary School involved with community organizations, agencies and businesses that have enriched their lives and broadened their view of the community and world. Dr. Walia has successfully established bonds between her staff, parents and the community that support all of the goals of the school. The Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is only the 5th elementary school in the Milwaukee Public Schools system to be designated as a Blue Ribbon school since 1982. This is an extraordinary and remarkable achievement. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the children, teachers, and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School and commend their efforts in providing a standard of excellence in the field of education.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the 108th Congress, my Chief of Staff and loyal friend, Kathy Hein, will be retiring from federal government service after a twenty-seven year career as a dedicated and distinguished public servant. Growing up in DePere, Wisconsin, Kathy found political inspiration at an early age when in high school she volunteered to help Eugene McCarthy's efforts to win the Democratic nomination for President. Four years later, she volunteered again for George McGovern's campaign. Graduating with a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, she began her professional political career managing Fr. Robert Cornell's successful congressional bid. After being employed in the office of Governor Pat Lucey and Governor Marty Schreiber, she moved to Washington D.C. to work in the congressional office of my late colleague, Representative Les Aspin. Following the unexpected passing in 1984 of my predecessor, Representative Clem Zablocki, Kathy became an invaluable asset in my successful campaign to win the Wisconsin Fourth Congressional District Democratic Primary. Since that time she has shown tremendous dedication to me and the people of Wisconsin's Fourth Congressional District. Whether it was responding to constituent requests, managing the office, or catering to my needs, over the last twenty years she has given her all to provide the best possible service to our constituents. When Kathy is not working in the office, she can often be found at home creating culinary delicacies, and is especially famous for her amazing desserts which my staff and constituents have benefited from over the years. She has an abiding love for dogs, and has made several wonderful canines part of her family over the years, the latest of which is her Josie. And she enjoys spending time with her loving husband of twenty-three years, Gordon Werner. The great labor leader Walter Reuther once said, ``There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.'' Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and fellow Wisconsinites, my friend Kathryn A. Hein has ``done it well.'' She heard the call to public service and responded with enthusiasm, commitment, and perseverance. Please join me in congratulating her on an illustrious career in federal service and wish her well as she embarks on new adventures.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on the evening of Tuesday, October 5 and on Wednesday, October 6, I was not present for business on the floor of the House due to personal business and was thereby absent for votes on rollcall Nos. 494 through 501. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 494; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 495; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 496; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 497; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 498; ``no'' on rollcall No. 499; ``no'' on rollcall No. 500; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 501.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 23, 2004, the 440th Airlift Wing will be honoring its Commander, Colonel Michael L. Smith, as he enters retirement following an illustrious thirty-three year career in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Growing up in the cornfields of Iowa, Colonel Smith looked to the sky and dreamed of flying and serving his country. He pushed himself academically and entered United States Air Force Academy as a cadet in 1967, distinguishing himself as a student in engineering management. Following graduation, he attended pilot training, served actively in the Air Force for four years, and then transferred to the Air Force Reserves where he utilized what he learned at the academy by serving as an advisor to the director at the Headquarters of the Military Airlift Command and Air Force Reserves. For the past nine years, he has become a fixture in Milwaukee as the 440th's Commander. He has trained his base and troops to be ready for any challenge that may come. Committed to the Air Force motto, ``integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all [the members] do,'' Colonel Smith has shown himself to be an embodiment of those core values and has expected the same from those who serve with him. Although Col. Smith is leaving his current post, he will continue to serve the men and women of the Armed Forces as an Ombudsman with the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ensuring that Wisconsin National Guard Members and Reservists receive the necessary support from their employers. The same precision, enthusiasm and skill he shows when flying and leading the Airlift Wing will be useful when he is pursuing his other passions: golf, woodworking and photography with his wife Joni, and children, Brett and Abigail. It is with both great appreciation and sadness that I join the 440th Airlift Wing, his family, and Milwaukee area as a whole in thanking Col. Michael Smith for his 33 years of exemplary service. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the children, parents, teachers and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School. The designation of a 2004 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Award honors only those schools that have successfully achieved excellence in academics and have closed the achievement gap in academic proficiency for all of their students. The designation of the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is particularly meaningful to me because it is named for the former Congressman Clement J. Zablocki who was my predecessor in the United States Congress, and an effective and beloved Representative who served the citizens of Milwaukee's south side for many years. It is evident that the principles of accountability, focusing on what works, increased flexibility, reduction of bureaucracy and the empowerment of parents, has been successfully integrated into the daily philosophy of the Zablocki Elementary School. Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Patricia Waldia this school has not only achieved academic excellence for the students, but has initiated innovative and creative ways of having the children of Zablocki Elementary School involved with community organizations, agencies and businesses that have enriched their lives and broadened their view of the community and world. Dr. Waldia has successfully established bonds between her staff, parents and the community that support all of the goals of the school. The Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School is only the 5th elementary school in the Milwaukee Public Schools system to be designated as a Blue Ribbon school since 1982. This is an extraordinary and remarkable achievement. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the children, teachers and principal at the Clement J. Zablocki Elementary School and commend their efforts in providing a standard of excellence in the field of education.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 23, I was not present for business on the floor of the House due to personal business and was thereby absent for votes on rollcall Nos. 466 through 472. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 466, ``no'' on rollcall No. 467, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 468, ``no'' on rollcall No. 469, ``no'' on rollcall No. 470, ``no'' on rollcall No. 471, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 472.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 1, 2004 a celebration at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cudahy, Wisconsin will be held to honor Pastor Carl Krueger. This special occasion will acknowledge three anniversaries for Pastor Krueger. The celebration will mark his 30th year of ordination in the ministry, 25 years that he has faithfully served the parishioners of St. John's Church in Cudahy and 20 years of exemplary service as Chaplain of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Refueling Wing from which he is retiring. Reverend Krueger was born and raised in River Rouge, Michigan, in a ``down river'' area of Detroit. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Concordia Seminary, Springfield, IL. Reverend Krueger then served as a vicar at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette, Michigan. It is apparent that Reverend Krueger is a man who is revered by his church members, respected by his military associates and highly regarded by those in the community who are familiar with the volunteer work that he has done over the years in supporting issues regarding the elderly and public health. Pastor Krueger is a family man, having been married to his wife Dianne since 1971. He and his wife have five children, including two sets of twins. Combining parish work and chaplain work has provided diverse challenges and opportunities for Reverend Krueger. He is well loved by the many members of the church that he has served over the past 25 years and has distinguished himself in the military by receiving a number of awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Reverend Krueger, it is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to you on the three anniversaries that you celebrate today and send my congratulations on your lifelong achievements and contributions to your church, community and to your country.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall Nos. 310, 311, 312, 313 and 314, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on 310, ``no'' on 311, ``no'' on 312, ``no'' on 313 and ``aye'' on rollcall 314., Amendment No. 16 in the Nature of a Substitute Offered by Mr. Hensarling

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing privacy legislation in response to the growing use of technology known as ``radio frequency identification,'' or RFID, that businesses are beginning to use as a means of tracking shipments of goods. RFID chips, which can be embedded by manufacturers in clothing or other products, transmit unique identification data to a receiver so that a merchant can track the movement or presence of specific goods, such as to verify that a container has a complete order of items inside without opening it. It makes good business sense to keep track of inventory, and RFID offers an easier, more efficient way for many companies to do so. However, in an age in which the advent of new technology is often accompanied by a loss of control over one's personal information or privacy, consumers should be made aware when an item that they have purchased contains technology that potentially allows for their movements or purchase history to be tracked. Furthermore, a person that so desires should be able to have the tracking chip disabled or removed. Presently, RFID chips come in all shapes and sizes, with some the size of a grain of rice or smaller. Many of these chips are only able to transmit to a receiver in close proximity, and do nothing more than signal the presence of a specific item of clothing or other retail product. As technology advances, it will be easier for such technology to be linked to the individual's personal information, such as the purchaser's name, address, transaction history, and so forth. In addition, the distances over which RFID chips could transmit to a receiver will undoubtedly increase, enabling the tracking of RFID- tagged goods far from the point of purchase. My legislation would require the Federal Trade Commission to craft rules to ensure that businesses could not sell products with RFID devices unless the product carries a warning label and the person purchasing the item is provided with the option of having the RFID device removed or permanently disabled at the time of purchase. This is a common sense solution would allow businesses to continue to utilize this technology while at the same time it would grant consumers the ability to protect their privacy. Although I recognize that time is running out in the present session of Congress, it is important that this issue be raised. Congress should act to give our constituents the opportunity to have these tracking devices removed or disabled on articles they purchase, and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 24, 2004, the American Jewish Committee's Milwaukee Chapter will proudly honor my friend, Robert L. Habush, as the Community Service Human Relations Award Recipient. Every year the Chapter acknowledges one member of its association that has distinguished him or herself as an outstanding example of service and leadership to the Jewish community and the city as a whole. Bob is continually identified as a philanthropist who donates substantial time, talents, and financial resources to the people of Milwaukee. In Wisconsin academic circles, Bob has strived to ensure that Wisconsin's future lawyers carry on his legacy of excellence. From lecturing at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, to writing instruction texts on litigation techniques, and providing funding for scholarships and clinics, he has moved to improve the state of legal education in Wisconsin. A litigator for 42 years, Attorney Habush has been named as Best Trial Lawyer of the Year for the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and one of the Best Lawyers in America by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), and served as the President of the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and President of the ATLA. Bob has also been a dedicated friend to the Milwaukee Jewish Community. Not only has he donated his legal expertise to the Jewish Community Center legal team on a pro bono basis, but his fiscal gifts have made it possible for the Jewish Family Services to create of the JFS Robert and Mimi Habush Family Center, the administrative offices and counseling facilities for the organization. The Habush family has also donated an eight family apartment building as an independent housing facility for local residents with special needs. Robert Habush is the embodiment of Albert Einstein's quote, ``It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.'' Bob has continued to be an inspiration to others on what difference one individual can make on the behalf of many and is a deserving recipient of this great honor.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to take this opportunity to recognize the special volunteer work of Sharon Haberski who has devoted much of her life to the important task of preserving Polish traditions, heritage and culture throughout the United States and in her hometown of Milwaukee. Sharon has tirelessly given of her time and talents to the Polish American Community for almost 30 years. Her efforts have resulted in countless examples of Polish culture, arts, including dance, and events flourishing in communities across the country. With her boundless energy and enthusiasm Sharon plays a major role in ensuring the continuity of Polish culture by serving as the Director of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, a director of the Polish American Congress, a board member of the Polish Heritage Alliance, Inc. and President of the Pulaski Council. Inspiration for much of Sharon's volunteer work has come from her father John, who told her stories about his homeland Poland and her father-in-law Stephen Haberski, Sr., who made her aware of the work of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America and who was her favorite polka partner. Sharon married her childhood sweetheart Stephen Haberski in 1963 and attributes his encouragement, understanding and the support of her efforts as a primary reason for her successfully accomplishing her volunteer work. The Haberskis have two daughters and Sharon is the proud ``Babcia'' of four grandsons. Sharon Haberski has a personal motto which is: ``All is activity, and all activity is towards building, loving, caring and sharing Polish culture, heritage, history and fraternalism in our community.'' Congratulations to Sharon on receiving the Pulaski Council 2004 Polish Heritage Award, which she so richly deserves and continued success in her activities on behalf of Poles throughout the United States.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the work of Father Edward Lisowski who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. He was ordained by Archbishop William E. Cousins at St. John's Cathedral on May 30, 1964. Over the years Father Lisowski has served in a variety of capacities including Pastor or Associate Pastor for 18 years. He has been a Chaplain for 22 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, serving veterans at the Zablocki VA Medical Center and the North Chicago Veterans Administration Hospital. Father Lisowski has devoted his life to serving parishioners and patients of all walks of life and has generously and compassionately offered his support and spiritual guidance. A gifted and talented speaker and educator he continues to offer his wisdom and comfort to all who are in need. Born in Cudahy, WI, to Wallace and Victoria Lisowski in 1936 he received his first Sacraments at Holy Family Parish in Cudahy graduating from the grade school and later graduating from Don Bosco High School. He also completed a bachelor of arts in philosophy degree from De Sales University, which was followed by 4 years of study of Theology at St. Francis Seminary. Father Lisowski was also granted a master's degree from Marquette University in 1979. In addition to taking extensive and advanced training in Clinical Pastoral Education Father Lisowski has distinguished himself by serving on several prestigious professional boards and organizations. I want to congratulate Father Lisowski on this his 40th anniversary of commitment to God and the Catholic Church and extend my best wishes to him on this important occasion.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 20, I was not present for business on the floor of the House due to personal business and was thereby absent for votes on rollcall Nos. 118 through 120. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 118, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 119, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 120.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor my friend and outstanding public servant, Mayor Raymond S. Glowacki, as he celebrates 26 years of serving the citizens of Cudahy, Wisconsin. Mayor Glowacki has long been an enthusiastic leader, visionary supporter and promoter of Cudahy, the community he loves. As mayor he has been committed to improving the quality of life for all of the people of Cudahy. Under his tenure there have been tremendous changes and a transformation of the city that has resulted from the remodeling of Packard Plaza, the construction of Crosswinds condominiums and the Creekside residential development. The ongoing development at Mitchell International Business Park, a new library and the ice arena are due in large part to the innovative approaches the mayor has taken in creating a dynamic and vital community. Born and raised in Cudahy, Ray has a unique historical perspective of his beloved, nearly 100-year-old city. He has witnessed dramatic changes, from the industrial boom of the 1940s and 50s to the new economy and information society. Ray graduated from Marquette University in 1954 with a degree in sociology and political science, subsequently he taught social studies at St. Augustine Catholic School in Milwaukee from 1957 through 1971. Mayor Glowacki continued his interest and commitment to education by serving as a member of the Cudahy School Board for two terms. Ray with his wife Mary operated the Pulaski Inn of Cudahy from 1956 through 1998, which was founded by his parents in 1927. Other major positions that he has held over the years include the President of the Milwaukee County Licensed Beverage Association, and the Vice President of the Wisconsin Tavern Keepers Association. Ray and Mary have been married for 48 years and they have six children, five sons and one daughter. A committed family man, he is known for his compassion, good humor, self-effacing manner and generous spirit. Mayor Glowacki's retirement is certainly well deserved, but his leadership and passion for serving the people of Cudahy will be truly missed. Congratulations and best wishes, my dear friend.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I was not present for legislative session on the floor due to personal business. However, the issue before the House today was the same one that we had already considered in the 107th Congress. In fact H.R. 1997 is identical to the bill in the 107th, H.R. 503, which passed the House on April 26, 2001, by a vote of 252 to 172. Had I been present, my votes would have been cast the same way I did in 2001: ``yes'' on the Lofgren substitute amendment, and ``no'' on passage of the underlying bill, H.R. 1997.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Let us not kid a kidder; we know who they are.

Mr. KLECZKA. The Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, that is who I am talking about.

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Arizona who just spoke advised us to listen to our seniors; and many of us, I say to my colleagues, are doing just that with our vote today. Here is a senior from my district who advises me to oppose this bill, and they just canceled their AARP membership this morning. What is going on here? This bill started out as a drug bill for senior citizens and, all of a sudden, we find the bill before us has over $100 billion for special interests in this country, and the calls we are getting to support the bill are from those special interests. They are saying, here is 200,000 specialty physicians; support the bill. Here, a big fat letter. And not once do they mention Medicare drugs for seniors. They are worried about their own pocket. Letter after letter in my office and on my fax machine are from special interests who have lobbyists in town urging Members to vote for this bill because they are getting something out of it: more money. And none of them are saying, and also the senior provision is good. That is what is going on here. The seniors who call us are against the bill. The special interests who, in a campaign period can give us $10,000 in campaign contributions, are encouraging us to vote for the bill. Who do you think is going to win at the end of the day, huh? The seniors do not got a PAC. They do not give us $5,000 a crack, $10,000 a crack. That is what is happening, I say to my colleagues. And let us not forget it.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Madam Speaker, we are told by my colleague from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), the Republican who is opposing this motion, that he does not have any comments on it, does not have anything to say about it. And I think that is kind of funny because we know full well when the Medicare bill comes up here, it is going to be Thursday or Friday at 5 o'clock in the morning when America is sleeping and all the seniors do not know what is happening. But why is this provision important about the drug importation? Because when this bill originally passed the House, it passed by one vote. And after the roll call was left open an hour with the Republican leadership beating their Members into submission, a deal was struck that, okay, we are going to pass this bill, if we get drug importation. And that is why the bill passed. Then it went to a conference committee, and there was not a Democrat from the House sitting in there negotiating. But you know what was in there? The drug companies were in there. And now we are going to see the final product a few days from now, and lo and behold, drug importation is only permitted if the Secretary of Health and Human Services says it is okay. But we know that he has already said it is not okay. They oppose it. The administration is in the pocket of the drug companies. And so your mothers and fathers and grandparents are going to be pay more for drugs. This bill is a bad bill. Not only does it provide no decent drug coverage for America's seniors, but it is an attempt to get them out of the Medicare program. Madam Speaker, 90 percent of seniors today are in the Medicare fee- for-service program. This bill rewards or gives gifts to insurance companies to get them to move out and go into the private insurance companies where they are going to get a real bad deal on their health care.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman and Members, Thomas Friedman, a columnist for the New York Times, back in February of this year indicated in a column, ``You do not take the country to war on the wings of a lie.'' My friends, that is exactly what has happened. We were told that we have to attack Iraq because they have weapons of mass destruction. We have to attack Iraq because the United States was in imminent danger of attack by this country. And also we were told that Iraq and Saddam Hussein were involved in the terrorist attack of 9/11. My friends, all those rationale have been proved wrong. We have not found any weapons of mass destruction. We know that there is no way in God's green earth that Saddam had any missile or any other armament that could come near to attacking this country. And over and over again we have been told, including by the CIA, that Saddam and Iraq was not involved in 9/11. So why are we there? Why did we attack this country? My colleagues, I did not vote for the War Powers Resolution, and I am not going to vote today for this supplemental bill which will, in effect, continue the war and the killing of our troops. Now, we are told that if we do not pass this bill, our troops will not get the bullets they need and the food and supplies. That is all wrong, and it is not true. The President signed the Department of Defense appropriation bill, and so funding is available until May or June of next year. So what we are left with is supplying reconstruction dollars to Iraq to build the things that we blew up in the first place. But it is more than that. This bill also provides things like school buildings and books for Iraqi children. Now how nice. But why do not we do the same for our kids? It provides health care and medical facilities, free medical care for Iraqis, as we have 42 million Americans with no health care whatsoever. My friends, those who support this bill should at least have the intestinal fortitude to pay for it. For if it passes, which will happen later today, $87 billion will be borrowed. We are broke. We do not have the money. And that $87 billion will be put on the $500 billion deficit that already exists. When are we going to stop the insanity around here? I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on January 30, 2003 Rockwell Automation, a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions, began a year-long celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Allen-Bradley Brand. This outstanding company has a rich history and has made major contributions to the automation industry. Allen-Bradley has also played a significant role as a major employer and contributor to the economic and cultural growth of the city of Milwaukee. The extraordinary transformation story of Allen-Bradley starts with the humble beginnings of two young Bradley brothers starting their business in an office over a delicatessen located on Milwaukee's near south side. Today, Rockwell Automation International Inc. has become a $4 billion industry leader with more than 22,000 employees in 450 locations around the world--serving customers in more than 80 countries. This story typifies the American dream and a dream realized beyond expectation. In 1893 Lynde Bradley at the age of fifteen invented a compression rheostat that had the capability of regulating electrical current. His friend Dr. Stanton Allen offered to invest a thousand dollars to develop a prototype crane controller, which would use the newly invented rheostat control, and a business was born. Subsequently Lynde Bradley and Dr. Allen formed Compression Rheostat in 1903. In 1910 the company was renamed Allen-Bradley. After a series of dissolutions, mergers, and acquisitions Rockwell International purchased the company in 1985 for $1.651 billion, the largest acquisition in the history of the state of Wisconsin. Since the start of this company there has been a pioneering spirit that valued innovation, creativity and a constant striving for excellence in products. This spirit has driven the company for 100 years. The Allen-Bradley Brand is a symbol of great corporate strength, pre- eminence in the industrial controls field and an outstanding example of on-going and continuous support of the Milwaukee community. Thank you and congratulations on this 100th anniversary and continued success in the future.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, the Administration rushed into this war before they understood the consequences. Nearly half a year prior to seeking out a United Nations mandate and two months before Congress even considered the resolution authorizing force, the war plans were already set. In fact, a recent Washington Times article tells of a secret report to the Joint Chiefs indicating that post-war planning had been insufficient. The administration clearly did not consider the enormous costs and effort that would be involved after the Iraqi army was defeated. Congress already appropriated $78 billion earlier this year. Now we are going to appropriate another $87 billion and undoubtedly there will be more requests to come. The taxpayers will have to pay billions to repair what we destroyed in the first place. There was not sufficient justification to start this war to begin with. To try to bolster their case for war, the administration had asserted that Iraq was an urgent threat to our national security and that we were at risk of an Iraqi surprise attack by weapons of mass destruction. But they offered no substantiation of these allegations, speaking only of hunches, probabilities, and suspicions. The administration also made dubious claims that there were ties between the 9/11 terrorists and Saddam. But in the months following the invasion, our intelligence community can still find no link between the Iraqi regime and the plot that led to those deadly terrorist attacks. No weapons of mass destruction have been found, despite intensive efforts and an attack on the U.S. was not imminent. President Bush could not prove his case for the war then, and he can't now! The notion that we have a ``coalition of the willing'' is also something of a farce. Our major partner in this effort, Britain, has committed only $908 million to the rebuilding efforts over the next two and a half years, and has 12,000 troops in Iraq, far less than the 130,000 we have on duty there. For Pakistan, Jordan, and other unnamed lesser members of this coalition, this bill gives them $1.3 billion-- including $200 million in loan guarantees--to reward them for what amounts to little more than verbal support. The appropriations committee showed some common sense by rejecting such dubious provisions as the President's requests for $2 million for garbage trucks, $153 million for ``solid waste management programs,'' and $9 million to institute a ZIP code system in Iraq. I still have questions about the bill's funding of $10 million to fund 100 prison construction consultants at $100,000 each, over $150 million for ``private sector development'' like computer literacy and English classes, and money to establish museums and memorials. While pouring billions into Iraq, critical needs are going unmet here at home. This measure would provide $793 million to modernize and obtain equipment for Iraq's health care facilities. While the President plans to spend hundreds of millions to provide better medical care in Iraq, health care costs in Milwaukee have skyrocketed, forcing more and more families to go without treatment. Last year 41,000 people in Milwaukee County and over 450,000 in Wisconsin went without health insurance. Nationwide, 43.6 million Americans currently have no health insurance, an increase of over 2 million since last year. There is a health emergency right here in this country. We should be investing federal funds to help struggling families here receive quality, comprehensive healthcare. This supplemental contains $90 million for education in Iraq. While the President boosts spending to help Iraqi children learn, in Milwaukee less than three-fourths of eighth graders are proficient in the skills necessary to advance to the ninth grade and many teachers are forced to teach in overcrowded classrooms. The Administration has under-funded its own education policy by $8 billion, leaving thousands of children in Milwaukee and throughout the nation left behind. This bill would also provide $950 million for recruiting, training, and equipping an Iraqi police force. An additional $509 million would be used for ``public safety facilities and services.'' While providing money to create Iraqi civil service jobs and pay their wages, here at home the Administration is trying to contract out thousands of good- paying federal government jobs. With the total price tag of the supplemental at $87 billion, its passage will directly increase the projected deficit this year to a new record-setting height of over $500 billion. Instead of driving us further into debt, this bill should have been paid for. We could have delayed for one year the tax cut for the wealthiest one percent of Americans, which over ten years would raise the full cost of the proposal before us today. But the Republican leadership did not allow my colleague to offer his substitute proposition which would have paid for the package in this manner. Mr. Chairman, I did not vote to start this war and I cannot vote to fix up a country we destroyed. We have pressing needs here at home that are going unmet as planeloads of U.S. currency are being shipped to Iraq, raising the federal deficit. The President recently signed into law the $369 billion appropriation for the Department of Defense. Some of these funds should be used to provide for the cost of our troops in Iraq. The funds in this supplemental are apparently not so imperative since the Congressional Research Service indicates that the Army's available military personnel funding as well as operation and maintenance funding should last into the spring of next year. The administration's policy in Iraq has been a failure. Defeat of this measure would spur the President to come up with a workable exit strategy, one that would put a stop to the almost daily killing of our American troops. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in strong support of the legislation. To charge these veterans for meals I think is quite absurd; and I want to congratulate the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations for bringing this product forward. But I have to point out to my colleagues that we are not finishing the job today with this bill, and I would hope the chairman would help us in bringing to the floor before we adjourn another piece of legislation to correct an inequity. That is, when we bring our Iraqi veterans home for leave, we dump them in Baltimore. I was flying out of National Airport about a week ago, and two veterans were there waiting for a plane. So I went to talk to them, and one was a regular Army personnel and the other was an Air Guard personnel, and I questioned them. I said, ``Are you flying home on leave?'' They said, ``Yes.'' I said, ``Did they fly you into National and you are taking your connection flight?'' They said, ``No, we took a bus up from Baltimore so, on our own dime, we could fly home for a short period of time to be reunited with the families.'' I think if we have billions of dollars to rebuild Iraq, to provide for zip codes there and garbage trucks and uniforms for their army, I think we can have the American taxpayers send these young men and women back home to the loving arms of their families in their hometowns, not in Baltimore. So, hopefully, we can have that product come before us before we adjourn and make sure these folks are flown right home so they can spend their time with their families and not waiting for buses and other airplanes on their own dime.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on October 11, 2003, Polish National Alliance's Milwaukee Society Lodge 2159 will hold its 57th Annual Pulaski Day Banquet, honoring Mr. Terry Witkowski as its Polish American of the Year. What an outstanding choice. For over 30 years, Terry provided dedicated service to the City of Milwaukee, first as its Child Safety Education Supervisor and then as Safety Director. In addition, he has been an instructor for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 17 years, and is currently a traffic safety consultant to local agencies and governments. But his ``retirement'' from the City of Milwaukee was short lived. This summer, Terry was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, bringing experience and integrity to the position. Despite his busy schedule, he has always found time to be active in our community. Terry has provided strong leadership to a number of groups that promote traffic safety, such as the Wisconsin Highway Safety Coordinator Association, the AAA Advisory Board, and a host of others. In 1993, he was presented with the Distinguished Service to Safety Award, the highest award given to an individual by the National Safety Council, and received a 2000-People Who Shine, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Terry has also served in leadership roles in a number of other community groups, such as the South Side Civic Association, the St. Joseph's Foundation, and the South Side Business Club. When there is work to be done, he is always willing to help. But Terry is also being honored for his work in Milwaukee's Polonia. He is a past president and current board member of the Milwaukee Society, and serves as treasurer of the Polish Heritage Alliance, which has given our community America's largest Polish Festival, PolishFest, and the Polish Center of Wisconsin. I have known Terry for many years, and have always been impressed with his strong commitment to service. For all his hard work and dedication, he deserves our thanks, and our congratulations on receiving this prestigious award. Sto lat, dear friend.

Mr. KLECZKA

Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their 92nd National Day. October 10th commemorates the Wuchang Uprising in 1911, which led to the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Taiwan has grown to be a strategic ally to the United States as well as a powerful trading partner. Despite its small size, Taiwan is the world's sixteenth largest trading nation and the United States' seventh largest trading partner. Taiwan also shares our democratic ideals and should be recognized as an example of freedom in a region that needs strong leaders. Taiwan supports political freedoms, human rights, and is the home of more than 90 active political parties. Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian was one of the first world leaders to condemn the events of September 11th and to support U.S. efforts to combat terrorism. Taiwan has assisted by sharing intelligence, increasing security at its airports and providing humanitarian aid to Afghan refugees. Again, congratulations to President Chen Shui-bian, Vice President Annette Lu, and the entire nation of Taiwan on their National Day.