Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Nearly 50 million Americans--over 10 million children-- live in poverty and 46 million Americans on food stamps. According to the Census Bureau, without Social Security over 50 percent of people 65 and older would live and die in poverty. Why do we accept poverty? Why do we accept massive unemployment? Over 20 million Americans are without work. You cannot escape poverty without a job. Americans want jobs, not unemployment checks. If you don't have a source of income, you can't own a home. The middle class is disappearing. An unfair tax system is causing wealth to accelerate upwards, which is why I oppose the Bush tax cuts. But more tax increases and no massive jobs program are a prescription for disaster. We need more taxpayers, not more tax increases. You can't rebuild America by retaxing America. Poverty and joblessness constitute a national emergency. The private sector is not creating sufficient jobs. Congress has a constitutional obligation and power to coin or create money. We can use our power to put millions back to work rebuilding our infrastructure. H.R. 2990, the National Employment Emergency Act, can accomplish this. It's our choice: increase taxes, cut spending, put the economy in a stall, or put millions back to work.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Before Congress adjourns, this House will vote on my resolution of inquiry about the U.S.' use of drones. The vote will not be about the thousands of deaths of innocent civilians caused by drones, though that's important. It won't be about whether the drones are creating more terrorism. It won't be a vote to stop the killing of American citizens without due process guaranteed by the Constitution. It won't be about whether our ongoing use of drones constitutes violations of the Constitution and violations of international law. The vote will, however, be about something fundamental. We will determine whether or not Congress has the power to require the administration to release their still secret legal justification to use drones. In matters of the Constitution, in matters of war, ``trust us'' is neither sufficient legally, constitutionally, nor is it morally acceptable. I urge Members of the House to reclaim Congress' constitutional imperative by supporting H. Res. 819, the resolution of inquiry demanding the White House produce its legal justification for drone strikes.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Over 12 million Americans are unemployed while our infrastructure is falling apart. But at least the U.S. is creating some jobs--for spies. The Washington Post says the Pentagon will dramatically expand the role and size of its own personal spy agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the DIA. It's like the CIA, but they get their mission assignments from the Pentagon. The report says the plan includes sending 1,600 ``collectors''--that's what they call their spies--all over the world. This is what the CIA does, except they're called ``agents.'' The DIA doesn't have to report to Congress like the CIA does, so we would know even less than we know about situations like Benghazi. Why the Pentagon needs its own spy agency is anyone's guess--maybe to keep an eye on its own generals when the CIA and FBI do not. Meanwhile, the CIA has been taking over Pentagon functions, conducting military strikes with drones all around the world. We have the CIA bombing people and the Pentagon spying on people. Who knows what the other dozen spy agencies are up to. Big government leads to a big national security state which leads to Big Brother getting fat on tax dollars while we have less freedom.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. You think cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid should be part of a budget deal? America's economic collapse was fed by Wall Street greed in the form of a $6 trillion housing bubble. This brought large budget deficits. Some who were at the center of the housing crash are pushing for deep cuts to social programs in order to cure the budget deficit. The CEO of Goldman Sachs, which received a $10 billion direct bailout and tens of billions of loans at below-market interest rates, has preached about cutting Social Security benefits and increasing the retirement age. While Wall Street was bailed out with tax dollars from Main Street, Main Street Americans have lost more than 40 percent of their wealth from 2007 to 2010. Nearly one in six U.S. residents is officially poor--the highest rate in 50 years. Twenty-two percent of American children live in poverty. We are facing an economic situation that resembles the years leading up to the Great Depression. Now this prevailing budget plan calls for deep cuts in spending on education, environmental protection, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid while corporations and the top 1 percent would get tax cuts of nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. This is not how to protect a democracy.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The same geniuses who involved the U.S. in a war against Libya, who knocked off the pro-U.S. Libyan Government, who created in Benghazi an extremist shooting gallery which has claimed four American lives including our Ambassador, who have not been held accountable or responsible for those events, who have opened the door for radical fundamentalists to run roughshod over Libya, these same experts are working out of the same playbook for Syria. Assad was no angel, but he was not a significant threat to the U.S. Apparently, flush from success in Libya, the administration is preparing to ratchet up the war in Syria. Why would Qatar, our partner in Libya, be supplying surface-to-air missiles to rebels in Syria without the support of this administration? NATO--meaning the U.S.--discusses putting missiles in Turkey, which would create a de facto no-fly zone over northwest Syria, expanding the war. Is this why we need a tax increase? More money for more war? Really?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Highly paid CEOs are in town to tell America how to avoid the fiscal cliff. The top priority of the ``fix the debt'' CEOs is to cut the essential commitments of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. No skin off their noses. Sorry, you 50 million Americans who are in poverty. Too bad, you millions of children, elderly, and poor who rely on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Unemployed? You're out of luck if you lose unemployment benefits. These 71 CEOs who come to Washington to preach fiscal austerity have average retirement assets of $9.1 million. That's about a $65,000 check each month for the rest of their lives. Meanwhile, in contrast, the average Social Security check for retired workers is $1,237 a month. Of all these debt-cutting CEOs, only two have sufficient assets in their companies' pension funds to meet their obligations to their own workers. The rest who pay any pension at all have underfunded their workers' pension funds by $103 billion. Those who have already shoved their own retiring workers off the fiscal cliff want to do it to the rest of the middle class and the poor in America. No way.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Entitlement reform 2012. Let's see. Wealthy Americans are entitled to tax breaks. Corporations are entitled to billions in giveaways. Arms manufacturers are entitled to bigger contracts. The poor and the middle class? Well, they're entitled to unemployment, underemployment, foreclosures, and cuts in both Social Security and Medicare. Poor and middle class Americans know all about the fiscal cliff. They've been getting pushed off it for years with an unfair tax system, unconscionable trade deals, and the Fed's monetary policies. Nearly 50 million people are in poverty in America, 12 million unemployed, millions more underemployed. On January 2, millions stand to lose unemployment benefits. Fourteen million Americans' mortgages are greater than the value of their homes. On the horizon loom massive cuts to essential services. Will the American austerity replace the American Dream? We need to turn back from the fiscal cliff with wealth creation, education, job creation, infrastructure rebuilding, monetary reform, trade reform, and protection of Social Security and Medicare. We need a great economic revival, not another Great Depression.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 813, an unfortunately and unnecessarily one-sided resolution that was brought up on Friday, November 16, for consideration without any advance notice to Members of Congress and which was completed in about a minute without any discussion. The hasty nature in which this resolution of such significance was considered undermines the unspoken, but operationally essential understanding, that bills of great importance will not be quietly tiptoed through Congress. A loss of Members' confidence in Leadership results when House floor procedures are conducted in a manner frustrating to good faith. Such conduct can only add to the hyper-partisanship and the breakdown of comity in Congress that Americans find objectionable. Members must be given the opportunity to debate U.S. support of a military operation that is likely to be of significant consequence in talks between Israel and the Palestinians. This impacts the region and the world. Only one minute for consideration of a most consequential resolution in the House, when in the past week, the death toll in Gaza has climbed past 100, including 24 children. Over 800 people are reported to have been wounded. Rockets from groups in Gaza have landed in several Israeli towns. Three Israelis have been killed. This latest military escalation began after Israel assassinated Ahmed Al-Jabari, the head of Hamas' military wing. According to Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin, who secured the release of Gilad Shalit, Mr. Jabari ``wasn't just interested in a long-term cease-fire; he was also the person responsible for enforcing previous cease-fire understandings. . . . On the morning that he was killed, Mr. Jabari received a draft proposal for an extended cease-fire with Israel, including mechanisms that would verify intentions and ensure compliance.'' Could anything be more destructive of peace than the assassination of a principal to ceasefire negotiations? And the House only has one minute to consider the ramifications of such action? The root of this latest flare up in hostilities is deep. Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on a two-state solution have been virtually non-existent. Innocent people in Gaza continue to suffer under a blockade that has deprived them of everything from food and clean water to educational opportunities. Illegal settlements continue to be built in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, further diminishing prospects for a negotiated two-state solution. The hastily written, and even more hastily passed resolution, fails to mention any of that. In its deficiencies are writ the failures of our own Middle East policies. This latest outbreak in violence is deplorable and I am strongly supportive of Egyptian efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Innocent people on both sides deserve to live without fear. Can the House Leadership spare a minute for that point to be made?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress, as Congress goes into the Thanksgiving holiday, we are going to be deliberating what we can do to help our Nation avoid the perilous financial condition we're headed towards. I have a suggestion that in a small way can make a contribution towards saving billions of dollars. Everyone here knows the problem we have with childhood obesity in America. Childhood obesity is at an epidemic level. We all know young people who have consumed various types of food that has left them in a condition that is unhealthy. And yet did you know that we are actually giving tax deductions out to big companies that go ahead and advertise and market products that contribute to childhood obesity? So what I'm doing is introducing a bill right now that would protect children's health by denying any deduction for advertising and marketing that's directed at children to promote the consumption of food at fast-food restaurants or of any kind of food that's of poor nutritional quality. In this way, if this bill becomes law, or if it is adopted in the negotiations to try to avoid the fiscal cliff, we can find a way to not only reduce childhood obesity by blocking these deductions for the advertising, but we can also enable our children's health to be put on a better path and our country's health to be put on a better path.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Colman Parish as they gather to celebrate the November 23 feast day of St. Colman of Cloyne and honor the trades that built their historic church and community. Born in Ireland, St. Colman converted to Christianity at the age of 52. Being quite devout, he quickly became a priest and later a bishop, establishing monasteries all over Ireland. St. Colman of Cloyne Cathedral in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland sits high above the harbor from which most late 19th and early 20th century emigrants departed. The cathedral is likely the last thing they saw of their home country. How reassuring it was to those immigrants who made their way to Northeast Ohio and found their new St. Colman Parish to be a welcoming place for worship, education, community celebrations and comfort. Founded in 1880, construction began on the current church building in 1914. With skill, talent and dedication, the men and women in the building and construction trades completed the beautiful landmark St. Colman Church in 1918. Established in 1912, their Construction and Building Trades Council was responsible for some of Northeast Ohio's most beautiful structures. St. Colman Parish, in addition to the celebration of St. Colman's feast day, is also recognizing the contributions of the Constructions and Building Trades Council to the City of Cleveland throughout the past 100 years and honoring Executive Secretary, Loree Soggs, who is retiring this year. Pastor Bob Begin and the parishioners of St. Colman are very giving to those in need. Annually, parishioners donate approximately $40,000 to prevent evictions; provide housing; help to prevent utility disconnections; provide bus passes to work or school; pay for tuition and books and distribute school supplies. The funds also assist with obtaining birth certificates and state IDs, medical prescriptions, clothing and uniforms for new jobs and many other emergencies. Church volunteers dedicate their time to serving meals and to teaching computer, literacy, GED classes and English classes for immigrants and refugees. The celebration will be held on November 3, 2012 and will be co- celebrated by Fr. Jim O'Donnell and Fr. Bob Begin, with Bishop Anthony Pilla delivering the homily. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing St. Colman Parish as they gather to celebrate St. Colman's feast day and honor Cleveland's construction and building trades.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, ``Mother Church,'' in Cleveland Ohio. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church was founded in 1912 by Greek immigrants in the Cleveland area. Since its establishment, it has fostered a strong Greek School program. Following World War II, the Greek population in Northeast Ohio began to grow and the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation was no longer able to cope with the number of parishioners. The result was four new churches, St. Spyridon, Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. Demetrios and St. Paul. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church became the Metropolis or ``Mother Church'' for the new parishes and has brought together the Greater Cleveland Greek American community and Northeast Ohio's Greek American societies. The centennial celebration of the Mother Church has been led by Fr. Dean Dimon Proistamenos, Fr. Peter Metallinos, Gust Sevastos, Chris Boukis, Pam Petsas, Antoinette Geanneses and Stelios Vitakis. Some of the events that have highlighted this year-long celebration include a Sunday School Reunion, Three Hierarchs Greek Letter's Day, the Tremont Greek Fest, the Centennial Banquet Celebration, and the upcoming Philoptochos Celebration. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing 100 years of service and worship of Cleveland's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of St. John Nepomucene Parish of Cleveland, as they celebrate 110 years of worship and service. St. John Nepomucene is one of only two Czech congregations left in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. In 1898, 200 Catholic Americans of Czech heritage met at the East 52nd Street home of Frank Stepanik. The gathering, organized by John Jira and Charles Vana, sparked the beginnings of a new parish. In 1902, St. John Nepomucene Parish was established. Parish members were also focused on the welfare of their children. To preserve the culture, history and language of their Eastern European homeland for their children, members organized again to establish a school. In 1903, St. John Nepomucene School was established, with an enrollment of 300 students. As immigrants navigated their way through the difficult transition toward assimilation in America, St. John Nepomucene served as a haven of security, faith, support and assistance. As immigrants embraced the freedoms and ideals of their new nation, St. John Nepomucene served as a bridge between two worlds--connecting Fleet Avenue to their homeland across the ocean. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and celebration of the generations of spiritual leaders and parishioners who founded, supported and sustained St. John Nepomucene Church for 110 years. The leaders and members of St. John Nepomucene Parish, past and present, continue their tradition of providing faith and hope to individuals and families throughout Slavic Village.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the opening of a new Superman exhibit in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The history of Superman dates back to the 1930s when it was created by Glenville, Ohio natives, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The Superman exhibit will be a permanent display located in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport's baggage claim area. The exhibit will be highlighted by a Superman statue and the words ``Welcome to Cleveland-- Where the Legend Began'' and ``Superman, World's Greatest Super Hero.'' The display was created by the Siegel & Shuster Society and designed by Studio Graphique. The Siegel & Shuster Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the creation of Superman in Cleveland, Ohio by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The Society creates events and activities which celebrate Cleveland as the ``Birthplace of Superman'' and the importance of Superman to the community. The dedication ceremony of the exhibit will be celebrated on October 11, 2012 and will feature a speech by the daughter of Superman co- creator Jerry Siegel, Laura Siegel. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Airport Director Ricky Smith and other relatives of Siegel and Shuster will also speak. Additionally, Sean Jones from the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will be performing. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the opening of the Superman Exhibit in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. James C. Boland, who is being honored as the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland's Mayo Person of the Year. Founded in 2004, the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland is a forum for information and activities of interest to individuals of Irish descent, particularly those with ancestral ties to County Mayo. Its members are dedicated to promoting cultural, charitable, scientific and/or literary exchanges between the United States and Ireland, with particular emphasis on County Mayo, including but not limited to research into the life and times of Irish immigration to America and the study of Irish and Irish-American history. A native Clevelander, James Boland has a long and storied history in the Northeast Ohio community. He is a graduate of John Carroll University and later earned degrees with George Washington University and the Harvard Business School. He served with the U.S. Army before joining Ernest & Young in 1964 for 34 years, when he retired in 1998 as a partner with the firm. Following his retirement, Boland was named the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cavaliers/Gund Arena Company in 1998 and became the Vice Chairman in 2003; he retired in 2007. Boland has also served on the boards of Developers Diversified Realty Corporation, Invacare, the Sherwin-Williams Company and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He is not only legendary in the business community, but has also been a philanthropic leader. He has played an integral role in the Leadership Cleveland program since it was established in 1977. He is involved with the United Way, Cleveland Tomorrow, The Ohio Business Roundtable, University Circle, The Cleveland Health and Education Museum, Hawken School, Bluecoats, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Harvard Business School Club. He has chaired the YMCA Corporate Challenge, the March of Dimes ``Walk-a-thon,'' the Olympic Torch Relay Committee and has played essential role in numerous other events that empower groups in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. James C. Boland on being named the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland's Mayo Person of the Year.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Fady Chamoun and Mr. George Cody, Ph.D, who are being honored by the Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association. The Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association (NOLAA) was founded in 1931 as a social and charitable organization. NOLAA's original purpose was to promote an understanding and unity among its members, act as a resource to better the conditions of its members and to foster unity among Lebanese Americans and their families in Cleveland and neighboring cities. In 2005, the Lebanese American Christian Society (LACS) was established in conjunction with NOLAA. Today NOLAA and LACS are dedicated to preserving, enriching, and promoting Lebanese heritage and traditions through cultural, educational, humanitarian and social activities. NOLAA annually honors those who have made significant contributions to the community. This year's celebration will honor Mr. Fady Chamoun and Mr. George Cody. Mr. Chamoun is the founder and CEO of Aladdin's Eatery and Jasmine's Bakery, a restaurant chain and bakery that specializes in Lebanese cuisine. Mr. Cody serves as the Executive Director of the American Task Force for Lebanon, an organization dedicated to expanding awareness of the economic and political conditions in Lebanon and encouraging U.S. government entities and the Lebanese-American community to provide much needed assistance to Lebanon. Additionally, NOLAA will be paying tribute to their special guest, Mr. Boutros Harb, a member of the Lebanese Parliament. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association, and Mr. Fady Chamoun and Mr. George Cody as they come together to celebrate at the Annual Lebanese Heritage Ball.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jane Sheats on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Mrs. Sheats is a lifelong resident of the Glenville area. Upon graduating from John Hay High School, she immediately began working as a clerk with the Internal Revenue Service. Mrs. Sheats began her role with Cleveland's Democratic Party in 1965 when she began her ten-year tenure as a Precinct Committeeman for Cleveland's Ward 20. In 1975, Mrs. Sheats was appointed as a Board Member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections by the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party. In 1976, she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to chair a county board of elections. Her public service continued in 1983, when she was appointed Regional Manager Cleveland Region of the Ohio Lottery Commission; she was later re-appointed in 1991 by Former Governor Voinovich. Ultimately, Mrs. Sheats served as Regional Manager for 12 years. In 1999, she came out of retirement to serve as a Deputy Clerk in the City of Cleveland's Clerk of Courts. In addition to her long career in the public sector, Mrs. Sheats has been a selfless leader in her community. She was a longtime trustee and corporate board member of the Ohio Motorist Association, a Sunday School teacher at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church and the first woman to chair the Glenville YMCA Board of Managers. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the life of Jane Sheats and wishing her a joyous 80th birthday.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Patrol Officer Daniel L. Baillis, the Cleveland Division of Police 2012 Police Officer of the Year. Officer Baillis is a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio who attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln West High School. He studied Applied Sciences/Law Enforcement at Cuyahoga Community College where he earned an Associate's Degree. He also studied at Cleveland State University. On July 23, 1979, Patrol Officer Daniel L. Baillis began his career as a Cleveland police officer in the 5th District, where he spent his entire 33-year career. Officer Baillis served on the Basic Patrol, Vice and Strike Force units and spent nearly 20 years as a detective in the Strike Force Unit. Officer Baillis retired from the Cleveland Police Department on August 2, 2012. The Cleveland Division of Police's Police Officer of the Year award is bestowed upon an officer who demonstrates an outstanding devotion to duty, and consistently performs to the highest degree, beyond standards established by their peers. Police Officer of the Year is not Officer Baillis' first honor. He has previously been awarded the Medal of Honor, three Distinguished Service Medals, four special commendations, two Chief's Commendations and the Rotary Club Valor Award. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Patrol Officer Daniel L. Baillis on being named the 2012 Cleveland Division of Police Officer of the Year.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. American drones in Pakistan have killed as many as 3,378 people. Drones in Yemen have killed as many as 1,952 people. Drones in Somalia have killed as many as 170 people. We've not declared war on any of these nations, but our weapons have killed innocent civilians in all of them. Highly reputable research shows that the number of high-level targets killed as a percentage of total casualties is estimated at about 2 percent. According to The Washington Post, the Obama administration is working on efforts to institutionalize the practice of targeted killings by unmanned drones abroad. The volume of these killings challenges the morality and the legality of the attacks. We are creating a precedent for other nations that are developing the same technology. China has just unveiled a new drone. The drone program has thus far been conducted with no oversight from Congress or any judicial body. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that programs that are being conducted in the name of our Nation are legal, transparent, and accountable. We are holding a briefing tomorrow about this exact matter.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. We put together a bipartisan congressional coalition to try to stop the war in Libya. That four Americans, including our ambassador, were killed confirmed our worst fears: that American power was being used to open the door for jihadists, creating more instability in the region. Congress still doesn't know why our people in Libya were left vulnerable. We still don't know why the U.S. military was not sent to their defense. It is of the highest importance that General Petraeus, who led the CIA at the time, be brought before Congress to testify as to what really happened in Benghazi, whether there was a security lapse or whether the administration temporized on security and stood down to mollify violent, disparate groups which have nothing in common with our Nation. U.S. involvement in Libya is a disaster, compounded by the deaths of four Americans. It is imperative that we find out the truth about Benghazi, wherever it leads, whoever it affects.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Polonia Foundation of Ohio as they unite the Polish community in remembrance and celebration of General Casimir Pulaski, for his legacy and dedication to the people of Poland and United States of America. Born on March 4, 1747 in Warzka, Poland, General Pulaski achieved great military success in Poland with his focused leadership and strategies in fighting the Russian forces in Poland. By 1777, General Pulaski had become one of the most renowned cavalrymen in Europe and was actively recruited by Benjamin Franklin to assist in the American quest for liberation. Sympathetic to the American cause, General Pulaski sailed to America and was made head of the newly formed American cavalry during the Revolutionary War. General Pulaski had a deep level of commitment to the American cause, spending his own money to feed and equip his troops. General Pulaski was involved in many significant battles during the Revolution. His ultimate stand took place in Savannah, Georgia on October 1779, where he led a valiant charge against British artillery. General Pulaski was shot and died a few days later. This year's celebration will be held on October 20 at Cleveland's City Hall Rotunda and will feature Dr. Marek Dollar, Ohio's Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland. Dr. Dollar is also the Dean of the Engineering College at Miami University. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of General Casimir Pulaski, who made the ultimate sacrifice in his fight to secure the ideals of the American Revolution. An American hero, General Pulaski's life and legacy serves as a reminder of the vital contributions and great achievements by Polish immigrants within our Cleveland community, and throughout America.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chris Trepal, who is retiring from the Earth Day Coalition, one of the major forces in Northeast Ohio to promote environmental education, protection, and advocacy. In the late 1980s, as the nation coalesced around how to best acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the first Earth Day of 1970, Chris was a parent, educator, and volunteer for the Sierra Club. Called by Governor Richard Celeste, Chris attended an organizing meeting at Cleveland State University and was moved to action to fight for the environment. Along with Scott Sanders, Chris co-founded the Earth Day Coalition in 1990 and until her retirement was co-director with Sanders. In the last 23 years, Chris has been a visionary who organized the ``Annual EarthFest'' and ``Walk or Bike for the Earth.'' Every spring at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the EarthFest has been the largest and longest-running environmental education event in the State of Ohio. It is widely attended and is the place-to-be for non-profits and leaders who want to promote their causes. For more than 10 years, Chris worked with the region's best environmental education experts, naturalists, and interpreters to establish the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, formerly Dike 14. Officially opened in February 2012, the Preserve is 88 acres of wild lands along Lake Erie in the heart of Cleveland with almost 300 species of birds who live and migrate on the site along with butterflies and mammals such as the red fox, mink, coyote, deer and others. Chris led the Earth Day Coalition's efforts to convene and be the fiscal agent for the collaborative effort to establish the Preserve. Chris is a founding member of the City of Cleveland's Air Pollution Advisory Committee, created by city ordinance. She has worked on clean air issues such as Diesel Hot Spots, idle reduction, and reining in mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and the proposed City of Cleveland waste incinerator (which was stopped, based in part on the Earth Day Coalition's advocacy). Chris Trepal is the recipient of numerous awards for the work she has done over the years, including: Conservationist of the Year by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District; Outstanding Conservationist Award by the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Award for Outstanding Service by the Lee-Seville-Miles Citizens; Greater Cleveland Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Cleveland; Certificate of Environmental Achievement from the National Awards Council for Environmental Sustainability; Golden Spruce Award from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission; and the Excellence in Education Award from the Better Business Bureau. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the many achievements of Chris Trepal as she makes the transition from her successful career as co-director of the Earth Day Coalition to the next phases of her life in retirement and wishing her much success in her next endeavors.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of St. James' Church, one of the 11 Cleveland Catholic Diocese parishes that will be reopening this year. In 2009 it was announced that several of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese's area churches, including St. Barbara's, were to close. However, just months ago, the Vatican overruled this decision and St. James' will be reopening its doors on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. St. James Church was founded in 1908 as the founding parish for the cities of Lakewood and Rocky River. For more than a century, St. James has been a house of worship and gathering for the Catholic residents of Lakewood, Ohio. After Bishop Lennon's 2009 announcement parishioners gathered together and formed Friends of Saint James/Save Saint James in an effort to stop the closing of their church. The members of Friends of Saint James/Save Saint James are committed to the preservation of Saint James as a parish and an architecturally significant structure in the City of Lakewood. They have dedicated themselves to the development of a long range financial plan for capital improvements and maintenance of the church and its programs. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the reopening of St. James' Church, a beloved parish that has returned to the City of Lakewood.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Czechoslovak Independence Day, which is being celebrated at Cleveland's National Bohemian Hall on October 26 through 28, 2012. Czechoslovak independence was declared on Wenceslas Square on October 28, 1918 and the Czechoslovak Republic was established. Thomas Masaryk was both the founder and the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic, often referred to as the ``First Republic.'' Although Czechoslovakia only lasted two decades because of Nazi Germany's occupation of the Czech Lands in 1938, Czechs continue to view October 28 as the day of their national founding. Bohemian National Hall was built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1897 to cultivate friendships, charity and benevolence among the Bohemian nationalities. Included in their priorities were gymnastics, education and the advancement of their culture. Thomas Masaryk made two visits to Cleveland in his lifetime, one in 1902 and another in 1918 where he spoke at the National Bohemian Hall. Located in Cleveland's Slavic Village neighbor, today Bohemian National Hall serves as the home to the Czech Cultural Center. This year's celebration of Czechoslovak Independence Day will be celebrated by Cleveland's Czech community and Sokol Greater Cleveland at Bohemian National Hall between October 26 and 28. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the anniversary of Czechoslovak Independence Day, October 28, 2012.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Enda Kenny, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, on the occasion of the 2012 Mayo Society Banquet and Ball taking place on October 13, 2012. Prime Minister Kenny was born in Islandeady, County Mayo on April 24, 1951 and obtained degrees from St. Patrick's College of Education and University College of Galway. Mr. Kenny boasts a long career in public service. Following a brief stint as a public school teacher, he began his public service career in 1975 when he was elected to the Dail Eireann to fill his late father's seat. Throughout his long career, Prime Minister Kenny served as the Minister of State for Education and Labour between 1986 and 1987. Additionally, between 1994 and 1977 he was the Minister of Tourism and Trade for Ireland. In 2002, he became the leader of his political party, the Fine Gael. On March 9, 2011, Mr. Kenny was elected as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. He is married to Fionnuala O'Kelly, and has three children, Naoise, Ferdia and Aoibhinn. The Mayo Society Banquet and Ball will also honor Mr. James Boland as the 2012 Mayo Person the Year. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Prime Minister Enda Kenny and in recognition of his visit to Cleveland, Ohio on the occasion of the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland's Banquet and Ball.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Mary P. Denihan, who is retiring after a long career of dedicated public service to the residents of Northeast Ohio. Mary Denihan is currently the Senior Administrative Officer for the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). She has previously held a number of roles assisting the public. Early in her career, she worked as the assault prevention coordinator with the Lake County Sexual Assault Center. She later joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving where she served as their state administrator. Mrs. Denihan initially joined the Cuyahoga Support Enforcement Agency on January 28, 1991 as a support officer in the Establishment Unit. She was instrumental in the success of the Teen Paternity Project. She worked as a public information officer and senior public information officer before becoming a senior administrative officer. Throughout her tenure with CSEA, Mrs. Denihan has been an invaluable resource to my office in assisting our efforts to fulfill the needs of the residents of my district. Her dedication and intellect will be missed throughout the entire community. Following her retirement, Mary plans on spending more time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Bill, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County for 23 years. She is the proud parent of 4 children, 7 step children and 34 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the storied career of Mrs. Mary P. Denihan and congratulating her on her retirement.