Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Tyrone ``Hawk'' Hawkins, who worked for over two decades at the Parmadale Institute, a facility that provides a modern, safe, and secure residential and behavioral health treatment environment for adolescents. Mr. Hawkins was born on April 21, 1952 as the fourth child to Thomas and Ethel Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1971. In 1976, he earned a degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. Mr. Hawkins had a passion for working with children, which led him to begin a career at Hillcrest School in Cincinnati. In 1990, Mr. Hawkins began working at the Parmadale Institute, helping thousands of children with their behavioral health needs. Mr. Hawkins' compassion and understanding were a constant at Parmadale, where he often stayed long past closing time talking to the children and staff. I offer my most sincere condolences to his wife, Jacqueline; daughter, Tanisha; and his grandchildren. Mr. Hawkins will be dearly missed by his family and friends, especially the staff and children of Parmadale. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Tyrone Hawkins, who served the children of his community with love and devotion.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who was a religious and spiritual leader. His Holiness was born Nazeer Gayed on August 3, 1923, in Egypt. Actively involved in the Church throughout his entire life, Pope Shenouda III joined the Coptic Orthodox Seminary after graduation from Cairo University. On July 18, 1954, His Holiness became a monk, and later a monk priest, and was known as Fr. Antonious El-Syriani. He then became a hermit and lived in a cave for a period of six years. On September 30, 1962, he was consecrated Bishop of Christian Education and President of the Coptic Orthodox Theological Seminary. On November 14, 1971, His Holiness was consecrated as the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. During his tenure as Pope, His Holiness worked tirelessly on behalf of the youth of the Church. He also published 101 books throughout his life spreading the message of the Coptic Church worldwide. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the tireless work and life of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, and his dedication to the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on tax day, remember the ramifications of waging wars abroad. In 2011, thirty-nine percent of our income tax dollars went to the Pentagon and war; only 9% for trade, commerce, education and employment programs. The Center for Arms Control-Proliferation estimates that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the average family of four almost $13,000. National unemployment rates continue to be between 9 and 10%, while our families struggle to pay their mortgages, send their kids to school and feed their families. Compared to the approximately $159 billion budgeted in Fiscal Year 2011 for wars, the $6 billion Congress budgeted for the Workforce Investment Act--primary federal program supporting workforce development--is paltry. We have nearly 23 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed, and about 5.5 million who are who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Wake up America, wars are ruining our economy. On tax day, remember our government has a responsibility to use our money wisely, not to waste hard-earned tax dollars on unnecessary wars. The answer to war and economic decline is peace and prosperity.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. On tax day, remember the ramifications of waging wars abroad. In 2011, 39 percent of our income tax dollars went to the Pentagon and war, only 9 percent for trade, commerce, education, and employment programs. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation estimates the war in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the average American family of four almost $13,000 in 2011 alone. National unemployment rates continue to be between 9 and 10 percent, while our families struggle to pay their mortgages, send their kids to school, and feed their families. Compared to the approximately $159 billion budgeted in fiscal year 2011 for wars, the $6 billion Congress budgeted for the Workforce Investment Act, primary Federal programs supporting workforce development, is paltry. We have nearly 23 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed and about 5.5 million who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Wake up, America. Wars are ruining our economy. On tax day, remember our government has a responsibility to use our money wisely, not to waste hard-earned tax dollars on unnecessary wars. The answer to war and economic decline is peace and prosperity.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report to H.R. 3630, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. The bill extends unemployment for those currently out of work through 2013. It continues the payroll tax break for the middle class through 2013. It prevents the scheduled cuts in Medicare reimbursement to doctors. It extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It protects current federal public servants by protecting their pensions and by dropping language that would have perpetuated an unjust and unnecessary payroll freeze. As a Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I offered an amendment in Committee last week to protect the pensions of future federal public servants as well. However, while providing needed relief, this bill is very flawed. It reduces benefits for new federal public servants, cuts assistance to hospitals and cuts long term unemployment benefits. It is wrong to limit any crucial safety net. Still, extending the payroll tax means that middle class families in Ohio will have about $1000 more in their pockets at a time when speculation has pushed gas and basic food prices up. The needs of my district are urgent and immediate. This legislation will deliver relief. I stand with the workers and those trying to find work and I pledge to continue to fight for the middle class. When Congress returns we must ensure that our communities are protected and that hospitals and workers are taken care of. I will work with my colleagues to remedy the shortcomings of this bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mrs. Mary Zunt, an iconic figure to the City of Cleveland. Mary was born on August 16, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended Holy Name High School. Following a brief stint in New York City, Mary returned to Cleveland, where she was instrumental in establishing WVIZ TV in 1965. She was also behind the station's fund- raising auctions. In 1973, Mary was elected to Cleveland's City Council to represent the residents of the West Park neighborhood. She fought for consumer protections, gun safety and commercial development during her two terms on the council. Following her career in public service, Mary went on to work in the construction industry. She oversaw projects such as renovations of the Gateway and Society Center, Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the Glass Bowl Stadium and construction of the scoreboard at Jacobs Field. In 1994, Mary left Cleveland and moved to Nice, France to study wine for two years. She later moved to St. Helena, California where she worked at the St. Helena Catholic Church, caring for migrant workers. She also began to focus more on her writing and was taught creative writing at Napa Valley College. Mary was a feature writer for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and contributor to Cleveland Magazine, the Napa Valley Register and the St. Helena Star and Appellation Magazine. Mary also wrote a novel, ``The Politics of Annie Quinn,'' chronicling her experience on Cleveland's City Council. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Mrs. Mary Zunt. Her contributions to the City of Cleveland will be remembered for years to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence, and the re- establishment of their independence as it is commemorated by the Cleveland Chapter of the Lithuanian American Community. On February 16, 1918, the people of Lithuania declared their independence to the world as a distinct country with its own culture and traditions. The state was founded on democratic principles and declared its independence in a peaceful manner. However, Lithuania's freedom was short-lived, as the country and its people were subjected to foreign occupation and conquest by the Nazi Germany regime and the U.S.S.R. during World War II. In 1940, the Soviet Union took control of Lithuania without the people's consent. This unjust control of a free people lasted for 50 years. On March 11, 1990, upon the fall of the Soviet Union, the people of Lithuania re-established their independence, and once again, became a sovereign, free state. The Lithuanian-American Community's Cleveland Chapter has worked to connect the people of Cleveland of Lithuanian descent and to share their rich and vibrant culture with the community. I offer my best wishes for the upcoming celebration of their heritage and their independence. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in commemorating the independence of Lithuania and, in wishing the country and its people continued freedom and success.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Cleveland's Boxing Champion, Johnny Kilbane, on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of his attainment of the title of World Featherweight Championship. Johnny Kilbane was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 9th, 1889. He began his ascent into the boxing world at age eighteen with his first fight in the featherweight division. Throughout his career, Johnny fought in over 140 fights--resulting in 46 victories, 79 no decisions and only four losses. On February 22, 1912, in a 20 rounder in Vernon, California, Johnny Kilbane won his first world title in a fight against Abe Attell. The fight was for the World Featherweight Championship, a title he would hold from 1912 to 1923. Kilbane is believed to have held that title for the longest uninterrupted reign in boxing history. A Cleveland local, Kilbane held a number of positions after he retired from the boxing world. During World War II, he worked as a boxing instructor at Camp Gordon in Georgia, Camp Sherman in Ohio, and Camp Custer in Michigan. He was also a boxing referee and instructor at local high schools. He operated a training club in Vermillion. Johnny transitioned into politics as well, and was elected to the Ohio State Senate in 1941. He also held office as a State Representative, and was elected to the Municipal Court Clerk's Office in 1951, a role which he served until his death in 1957. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the life of Johnny Kilbane and the 100th anniversary of his achievement of the title of World Featherweight Championship.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sister Kathleen Kilbane and to acknowledge her receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society. Sister Kathleen has dedicated her life to the homeless and to students of the Greater Cleveland area. Sister Kathleen attended high school in Cleveland's West Park neighborhood at St. Joseph Academy. She later earned a bachelor's degree in education from St. John College and a master's degree from Cleveland State University. In 1952, Sister Kathleen entered the nunnery at St. Clement in Lakewood. Early on, she devoted most of her time as a grade school teacher at Annunciation, St. Angela Merici, St. Aloysius, St. Mary and St. Colman schools. In 1977, the West Side Catholic Center was established to assist the elderly and homeless; Sister Kathleen was named the director. Twenty years later, in 1997, Sister Kathleen established Seeds of Literacy, an organization dedicated to helping high school drop-outs earn their diplomas. Because of her relentless work to support those in need, in 2000, the West Side Catholic Center honored Sister Kathleen with the Dorothy Day Humanitarian Award. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Sister Kathleen Kilbane as she is honored by the Irish American Archive Society.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Edward Crawford to acknowledge his receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society. Mr. Crawford was raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He has since become a leader in Cleveland's business sector. Edward began his career as a salesman for Island Steel while enrolled in night school at John Carroll University. In 1962, he founded the Cleveland Steel Container, a company that produced paint cans. Just two years later, in 1964, Crawford established his own investing company, the Crawford Group. In 1992, he became the chairman and chief executive officer for Park-Ohio Industries. Mr. Crawford was named the Ohio Small Businessman of the Year by the Small Business Association in 1969. Mr. Crawford has also served on the boards of numerous companies throughout his career including Arden Industrial Products, Continental Conveyor & Equipment Company, Continental Crushing & Conveying, Inc., Resilience Capital Partners LLC and Beech Technology Systems, Inc. In addition to his career, Mr. Crawford has continuously served the Cleveland community. Just several years ago, he led a four year, $400,000 renovation of the Irish Cultural Garden. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Edward Crawford as he is honored by the Irish American Archive Society.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Janice G. Murphy and to acknowledge her receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society. A Cleveland native, Mrs. Murphy has dedicated her life to improving the health of others. Mrs. Murphy began her career in the health care industry while serving as a nun with the Sisters of Notre Dame. She left the convent upon discovery of her true calling in life and began classes at Fairview Hospital's School of Nursing. She later earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree from the University of Akron. Mrs. Murphy worked as a nurse at Fairview Hospital in oncology and later coronary care. She was named chief nursing officer and in 2007, became the hospital's chief operating officer. While leading Fairview Hospital, Mrs. Murphy was also the president of Lakewood Hospital, a role in which she served for nearly three years. Today she remains the president of Fairview Hospital. In addition to running two of Cleveland's premier hospitals, Mrs. Murphy serves on the boards of the Ursuline Community Advisory Board, North Coast Health Ministry, St. Joseph Academy and Hospice of Western Reserve. She has also been awarded the Cleveland Clinic Western Region Leadership Award and Baldwin Wallace Healthcare Award. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Janice G. Murphy as she is honored by the Irish American Archive Society.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Mike Cleary and to acknowledge his receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society. Mr. Cleary was raised in East Cleveland by his parents, both of whom were immigrants from Ireland. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School before attending John Carroll University. Mike also served for the U.S. Navy for two years aboard the USS Lake Champlain, an aircraft carrier. Prior to his retirement in 2011, Mr. Cleary worked in the collegiate and professional sports arena for 46 years. Early on in his career, he worked as a general manager for the Cleveland Pipers and Kansas City Steers. He later entered intercollegiate athletics and worked as the director of championship events for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In 1965, he was hired as the executive director for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. Mr. Cleary was also the fund administrator for the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation and served on the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and U.S. Olympic Committee. He is highly regarded in the athletic world and has been recognized by the National Football Federation, College Hall of Fame, and in 2009, he was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Mike Cleary as he is honored by the Irish American Archive Society.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. Stephen O'Connor Diemert, Jr. Born in 1932, Stephen was destined to serve his country and the Greater Cleveland community. He served as a private in the United States Army from July 1953 through March of 1955. After returning home, Mr. Diemert began his career as a firefighter in January of 1961. He served as a fireman for 24 years until January of 1985. Mr. Diemert was also a long-time member of the American Legion Firefighter Post 339 and served as the Director of Fire Affairs for Silver and Gold, a fraternal organization dedicated to ``supporting the Safety Forces of Northeast Ohio.'' I offer my condolences to his wife, Carol; children, Stephen (deceased) and Cindy, Robert, Laura and Tony, Mary Lou and Mike and Matthew and Vicki; grandchildren, A.J., Sara, Stephanie, Hanna, Katie and Gary; great-grandchildren, Karen, Fallon and Brucey (deceased) and eight siblings. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Stephen O'Connor Diemert, Jr.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Thank you very much, Mr. Miller. I rise in opposition to H.R. 2117, the Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act. This legislation would remove critical safeguards ensuring that American taxpayer dollars are used responsibly in our higher education system. For example, unregulated for-profit colleges are targeting our veterans, targeting low-income students, and targeting minorities. These institutions receive a high percentage of their revenue from Federal student loan dollars, yet they're failing to properly educate their students. As a result, the students who need the most support are failing to get it. They are more likely to drop out, graduate without a degree and without the proper training they need to obtain gainful employment. And in turn, they're unable to pay back their student loan debt. H.R. 2117 would let the for-profit colleges off the hook. We must start focusing our efforts on making college more affordable for all students. We must stop the interest rates from doubling on student loans and provide for innovative ways to help students pay back their loans rather than condemning them to early lives of debt. We need to increase the maximum Pell Grant and broaden the eligibility for them. We need to invest in programs at community colleges that train students to enter into our workforce. We need to refocus our attention on assisting young Americans to obtain the education they need and deserve instead of repealing regulations that protect our investment in their future. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 306, the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act. This bill is a responsible and well-studied solution to the on-going debate regarding wild horse populations. Generally, when we discuss wild horse populations we are trying to find answers on how to curb the rapidity of herd growth. Yet today we are here attempting to support the expansion of the dwindling Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. These graceful and social wild animals have captured the hearts and minds of Americans for hundreds of years. They are stunning to watch as they roam free on public lands and remain an historical national treasure. It is imperative that we protect and ensure a viable future for the Corolla wild horse population. Currently, the Corolla wild horses are at risk of being reduced to a herd of 60 horses. According to scientific research led by Texas A&M University's Dr. Gus Cothran, a herd of horses that small is unsustainable because it lacks sufficient genetic diversity. A healthy population for the herd would be in the range of 110 to 130 horses. H.R. 306 takes heed of this warning and ensures that steps to responsibly increase the herd population are taken without affecting the other endangered species and refuge lands in the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. In the past, I have advocated for significant changes to current herd management practices to ensure humane and responsible population management on public lands. Such concerns are shared by the public and Members of Congress alike. I support this bill and will continue to work to ensure that wild horse populations are protected.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. William H. Willoughby, Jr. who is being recognized by the Joint Veterans' Commission of Cuyahoga County as the 2011 Outstanding Veteran of the Year. Born a true ``military brat,'' Mr. Willoughby grew up around the world in places such as California, Japan and Washington, DC. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School before graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He furthered his training at Infantry, Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces Qualifications Schools. Mr. Willoughby served his country valiantly during two tours in Vietnam during 1965-1966 and again in 1968. He was an A Team Leader with the 5th Special Forces Group on his first tour and a Battalion Operations Officer (S3) with the 2nd Battalion 2nd Infantry 1st Infantry Division during the second, during which he was wounded in combat. Mr. Willoughby was awarded with the Silver Star, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Air Medal and Combat Infantryman's Badge for his brave service to his country. Due to medical reasons, he retired from the Army in 1971. While recovering from his injury, Mr. Willoughby earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Tulane University. He used his education to obtain work in the manufacturing industry. Working his way up in the field, Mr. Willoughby became the president of Pettibone Ohio Corporation. In 1984, with only five employees, he established Cleveland Track Material, Inc. (CTM). CTM quickly became a thriving company and by 2007 employed 260 people. It was named one of the ``100 Best Places to Work in North East Ohio'' for three consecutive years. It has received the Ohio Governor's Workforce Excellence Award, Blue Chip Enterprise Award and it was named the 1990 Ernest & Young Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year. In addition to his military service and business success, Mr. Willoughby has been an outspoken supporter of the U.S. Military Academy and in 1979 was appointed the West Point Admissions Coordinator for Northeast Ohio. In 2010, he was named the coordinator for the entire state. Over the years William has assisted more than 650 young people from the State of Ohio to gain admission to the prestigious military academy. Since 1997, he has served as the Master of Ceremonies for my 10th Congressional District's annual Service Academy Day and has provided invaluable assistance with the nomination process to my congressional staff. He has set the standard for a Service Academy representative, and is the recognized leader among West Point representatives. Everyone knows Bill! Always positive and professional, he leads by example, with a life history to illustrate the success of following the path of Duty, Honor and Country. Mr. Willoughby has also brought four new Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs to Cleveland City Schools. Mr. Willoughby has been recognized as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Emeritus in 2005, received the U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2008. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. William Willoughby, Jr., Cuyahoga County's 2011 Outstanding Veteran of the Year.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Mr. Frank W. Anderson, a strong proponent of disabled veterans' rights in the state of Ohio, who is being honored by the Joint Veterans' Commission of Cuyahoga County with the Judge Felix T. Matia/Chester J. Koch Memorial Award. Frank Anderson was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 and attended East Tech High School. He attended Bowling Green State University, and then left in 1976 to enroll in the Ohio National Guard's 107th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Mr. Anderson was paralyzed in an accident while participating in an Ohio National Guard convoy in 1981. He was discharged as a sergeant in 1982. Following this life altering experience, Frank became a strong advocate for disabled veterans' rights. He joined the Paralyzed Veterans' Buckeye Board in Ohio in 1985, and became the Advocacy Director in 1987. Mr. Anderson was also an active member of ADA Ohio Network, Greater Cleveland RTA Citizen's Advisory Board, Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, and was a trustee with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Frank was the 1st Vice President of the Joint Veterans Commission of Cuyahoga County and the Vice President of the Memorial Day Association of Greater Cleveland. Because of his tireless work he was awarded the Richard Fuller Outstanding Achievement in Government Relations Award in 2010. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Frank W. Anderson and his tireless work on behalf of Ohio's disabled veterans.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank my friend. We are here as stewards of our Nation, and we must be here to care for the people of our Nation, to care for those who are working hard every day trying to survive, trying to pay their mortgages, trying to pay their car payments, get their kids in school. And all they're looking for, 160 million Americans, is a continuation of a tax cut. We should be for that. Those millions who are unemployed are also looking for help. They're looking for recognition that they've earned these unemployment benefits. This isn't welfare. It is an earned benefit, unemployment insurance. We should make sure they get that benefit. Now, why do they need it? It's pretty obvious. People have to pay their mortgages or their rent. They have to feed their family, and they have to put clothes on their kids' backs. They need this unemployment insurance. I have trouble understanding, Mr. Speaker, this proposal that's before the Congress in this bill, H.R. 3630, that would discriminate against Americans who aren't employed, who don't have a high school diploma, by saying if you're going to get unemployment benefits, you have to go to school. Well, that sounds good, but then it doesn't give them any resources to do so. This sounds too much like urging people to pick themselves up by their bootstraps and then stealing their boots. We should give people unemployment benefits, and if they have time to go to school because they don't have a job, we should be paying for that as well. That helps to uplift the knowledge level in America, and then when our economy comes back, we'll have a better-trained workforce. Now, this other proposal which would allow States to subject all of those who apply for unemployment insurance to drug test needs to be looked at.

Mr. KUCINICH. Has anybody in this Congress suggested that those who are getting a bailout should take a drug test? That those who have oil depletion allowances should take a drug test? That those who were the recipients of the Bush tax cuts in the top bracket should take a drug test? No. We say the poorest of the poor should be subject to drug tests. I mean, come on. Get real. We need to create jobs in this economy, and there's one way to do it. We could create 7 million jobs debt-free with what's called the NEED Act, the National Employment Emergency Defense Act. Government needs to create these jobs debt free. We don't have to have the unemployment level we have. We shouldn't be having this debate.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3835, a bill to extend the pay limitation for Members of Congress and Federal employees. There is an attack on the idea that government has a role in the proper functioning of society. That battle has resulted in the privatization of government services, which leads to inefficiencies and higher bills for taxpayers. Across the country we are also seeing an attack on government workers who frequently work long hours in support of our great nation. Federal employees have already sacrificed because of our shrinking budget. These men and women are members of the middle class, and they are already subject to an unwarranted two-year pay freeze in the form of a $5 billion cut to their wages and benefits by the end of 2012. They also face the possibility of layoffs and furloughs in coming years as automatic spending reductions mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011 reduce agency budgets for salaries. Federal employees are public servants who do work that is essential to this country every day: they guard our borders, care for our wounded veterans, deliver our mail, ensure the safety of our food supply, and provide many other sometimes invisible, but important services. This bill inappropriately groups the pay and benefits of Members of Congress with the men and women of our federal civil service. In so doing, it attempts to turn Federal employee pay into a political issue. I am not opposed to extending the pay freeze for Members of Congress. However, I stand with the workers. The merits of pay increases for Federal employees should be debated separately from our consideration of pay for Members of Congress. I stand with the workers; that is why I voted against this bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Harry J. Bury, a long time proponent for peace who will be honored by the Government of Vietnam for his anti-war activities during the Vietnam War. Harry Bury was born on January 26th, 1930 and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Bury currently resides in Berea, Ohio. He is an Adjunct Professor of Systems Management at the Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea. In 1990, Mr. Bury won the Strosacker Award at Baldwin-Wallace for his excellence in teaching. He is also the Chair of the Doctorate Program in Business Administration at Burapha University in Bangkok, Thailand, and has taught Organizational Behavior at Assumption University in Bangkok. Mr. Bury received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University. He completed the Gestalt Institution of Cleveland's Post-graduate program in 1975. During the Vietnam War, Mr. Bury chained himself to the gates of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon to protest the military actions in Vietnam. He is now being honored by the Government of Vietnam, as well as receiving an honorary citizenship. In addition to his activism in Vietnam, Mr. Bury traveled to the Gaza Strip on a peace mission in 2005. He was abducted by a Palestinian gunman, but was later released unharmed. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the many accomplishments of Mr. Harry J. Bury, as well as his lifelong commitment to promoting peace.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Ms. Wislawa Szymborska, a Nobel Prize winning Polish poet. Ms. Szymborska was born on July 2, 1923 in Brin, Poland. At the age of eight, in 1931, her family moved to Krakow, where she spent the rest of her life. During World War II, in order to avoid deportation to Germany, Ms. Szymborska worked as a railway clerk. Following the War, she attended Jagellonian University where she studied Polish literature and sociology. She began working for the literary magazine, ``Zycie Literackie'' in 1953. She served as a columnist and poetry editor until 1981. In 1945, Ms. Szymborska published her first poem, ``Szukam slowa'' (I am Looking for a Word) in the Dziennik Polski newspaper. She published her first book of poetry, ``Dlatego zyjemy'' in 1952 and her last will be published posthumously. Ultimately, Ms. Szymborska will be credited with more than 21 volumes of poetry published, many in several languages. Ms. Szymborska was recognized and honored numerous times throughout her illustrious career. She has been coined the ``Mozart of Poetry'' and the ``Greta Garbo of World Poetry.'' Ms. Szymborska has been awarded the Geothe Prize, Herder Prize, Polish PEN Club prize and in 1996, and she was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature. She also received an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Poznan University. In 2011 she was honored by Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski with The Order of the White Eagle for her cultural contribution to Poland. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Ms. Wislawa Szymborska. Her work and her memory will live on with all who were blessed by knowing of her.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Vietnamese New Year: Tet, 2012--Year of the Dragon. As the Vietnamese community in Greater Cleveland gathers to celebrate, I join them in honoring their rich history and culture. Tet is the time of the year to pay homage to ancestors, reconnect with friends and family and celebrate every hope and possibility rising with the new year. This year's gathering will once again honor community volunteers and leaders, showcasing many Vietnamese cultural treasures including Vietnamese culinary cuisine, music and dance. This year also marks thirty-seven years of service to the community by the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc. This organization has been an invaluable resource for hundreds of Clevelanders of Vietnamese descent, linking them to needed resources and preserving the rich heritage of the Vietnamese people. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Le Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc., and every member, past and present, for their dedication to Vietnamese- Americans of Northeast Ohio. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebration of the Vietnamese New Year: Tet, 2012--Year of the Dragon. May every American of Vietnamese heritage hold their cultural legacy forever in their hearts, and find peace and happiness within every new day of the rising new year.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the need to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration is urgent. A failure to do so could result in the loss of thousands of jobs and compromise flight safety. This Congress should pass a clean reauthorization without compromising the right of thousands of workers to collectively bargain. This bill does not do that. Instead, it replaces over 70 years of labor law precedent in which major changes were agreed upon by both workers and management, with changes decided upon by a handful of negotiators in Congress. It will increase the percentage of employees who must petition to have an election about whether to be represented by a union, from 35 percent to 50 percent. The bill makes it even harder for workers to organize and bargain for better wages, working conditions and passenger safety. We must not undermine the workers who have borne the brunt of the great recession. We should stand behind them

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the gentleman from Maine for his ever- present leadership on the issue of unemployment insurance and also for fighting for jobs for Americans, because we're really here looking at two problems. One is the problem of making sure that those who are on unemployment are going to get benefits so they can survive, and the other one is the massive unemployment that we have in America. I mean, obviously, these matters are interrelated. Let me speak first to Mr. Michaud's motion to instruct conferees. This provision to remove Section 2123 from H.R. 3610, this section severely undermines the unemployment insurance system that nearly 8 million Americans rely on. It allows States to apply for waivers that would change how unemployment insurance funds are allocated, and it does this under the guise of strengthening reemployment programs. In reality, these proposed waivers would allow States to use unemployment insurance funds for purposes other than paying out benefits. Think about this. If people are on unemployment insurance, they need those benefits. They need full benefits. You don't want the State to find an excuse to siphon those benefits to some other purpose. And by allowing the use of unemployment insurance funds for purposes other than providing unemployment benefits to those who rely on them, we would be weakening a system that has provided assistance to unemployed Americans for decades. The rationale for the reallocation is deceptively camouflaged. It's being described as fulfilling additional benefits to the unemployed, such as bolstering job training programs and reemployment programs. Yet, in reality, diverting funds from the unemployment insurance fund to other equally important programs is not a viable solution and will, ultimately, undermine the unemployment insurance system that millions rely on. The truth of this matter is that this Congress has been shirking its responsibility to independently and to adequately fund these programs. Section 2123 of this legislation also gives the States the ability to create their own eligibility requirements, which could impede otherwise eligible recipients from collecting their benefits. The waivers permitted under Section 2123 would give States the opportunity to impose new eligibility requirements on unemployment insurance recipients that are unrelated to their employment history and current unemployment status. This includes giving the States the right to require a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits. Now, think about that. You have so many people who, because of family situations, have not been able to finish high school, and they're working to support their families. They get laid off, and then they're told, Well, wait a minute. Because you don't have a high school diploma, you can't get any benefits. This is a double punishment for people. What we should be doing is enabling people who are unemployed to be able to get a college education paid for while they're unemployed, so that when they're graduated or better educated, that when they come back into the workforce they can help make a greater contribution to our country. Frivolous requirements like giving States the right to require a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits will do nothing but prevent benefits from reaching those who need them the most. In my home State of Ohio, the unemployment rate is still above 8 percent. Just last week, more than 20,000 Ohioans were on the brink of losing their extended benefits. The men and women of this country should not have the added stress of monitoring the government's attempt to deny or delay their unemployment benefits. We have to protect the integrity of the unemployment insurance program and those that rely it. And while we're at it, we also have to start thinking about creating jobs in this country. We have at least 13 million people who are unemployed and another 6 million who are underemployed. It's time we got America back to work, then we wouldn't be having this debate about unemployment insurance. While people are unemployed, they should get the benefits, and they should be full benefits. But we should also be creating jobs, and that's not what we're doing. We need new mechanisms to create jobs. We shouldn't tell people, Well, the government doesn't have any money. Well, we're borrowing money from China, South Korea, and Japan. Why don't we start--spend the money into circulation. Look at what the Federal Reserve does. The Federal Reserve creates money out of nothing, gives it to banks. The banks park the money at the Fed. They gain interest. Our businesses are starved for lack of capital. What if we, the government, took back the constitutional right that we have under article I, section 8, to spend or create money, coin money, spend it into circulation, create millions of jobs, put our country back to work, rebuild our infrastructure? More money for education, more money for health care. America's best days are ahead of it if we start to think about the mechanisms we have to create jobs in this country. In the meantime, we sure better protect those people who are unemployed. The mechanism I talked about, it's called the NEED Act, National Employment Emergency Defense Act. We have a means of getting people back to work. In the meantime, if they're not working, let's make sure we don't curtail their unemployment benefits. Support the Michaud amendment.