Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jack Kahl, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manco Inc., who is being recognized as the Mayo Society's Mayo Person of the Year. Mr. Kahl graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In 1971, he bought Manco, Inc. and grew the company from a small industrial tape distributor into a leading global consumer products company. He served as the CEO of Manco for more than 25 years before selling the company to the Henkel Group. Mr. Kahl has also held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer and President of Duck Investments LLC and Jack Kahl and Associates during his career. Additionally, he has served on the Board of Directors of numerous companies including Paragon Corporate Holdings, Inc., Acorn Products Inc., Technical Consumer Products, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, MCM Capital Advisory, Clark/Bardes Inc., and American Greetings. In addition to his career in the business world, Mr. Kahl has been a dedicated and active member of the education community. He is the former chairman of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) and has served on the Board of Trustees of John Carrol University (JCU) and St. Edward's High School. Due to his tireless advocacy he has been named ``Outstanding Alumnus and Alumnus of the Year'' by both St. Edward's and JCU. In 1999 SIFE dedicated a wing of its world headquarters the Jack Kahl Entrepreneurship Center and, in 2000, St. Edward's named its new student center the Jack Kahl Student and Life Leadership Center. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Kahl has been honored and recognized countless times on the local and international level. He has been named one of America's Most Admired CEOs by Industry Week Magazine, Best Boss in Town twice by Cleveland Magazine and recognized by Inc. Magazine for his leadership practices. During his tenure as CEO, Manco, Inc. was the first company to receive three Wal-Mart Vendor of the Year awards and OfficeMax's Vendor of the Year--Supply Chain Award. Mr. Kahl has also been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the School Home Office Products Association, the National Medal for Entrepreneurship by Beta Gamma Sigma and Cleveland's Philanthropist of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Jack Kahl, the Mayo Person of the Year.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association's 6th Annual Lebanese American Heritage Ball which will be honoring General John P. Abizaid, retired United States Army General and the former Commander of the United States Central Command. 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's Annual Lebanese Heritage Ball honors those who have made significant contributions to the community. This year's celebration will honor General John P. Abizaid, a retired U.S. Army General and the former Commander of the U.S. Central Command. General Abizaid rose to the rank of a four-star general during his 34 year long career with the U.S. Army. The Ball will also feature Tony Kiwan, a world renowned Lebanese singer. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association as they come together to celebrate their Annual Lebanese Heritage Ball and General John P. Abizaid.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3079, the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act. With our Nation's unemployment continuing to hover around 9 percent, it is unconscionable that we are considering a NAFTA clone free trade agreement. This agreement would further facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs and undermine the rights of American workers. Proponents of free trade agreements like to purport that they're good for the American economy and will create jobs. But history is on the side of those of us who opposed NAFTA, CAFTA, and other damaging trade agreements over the last decade. Free trade agreements play a significant role in exacerbating the negative effects of globalization, including the rapid privatization of vital public resources that has resulted in the loss of domestic jobs and manufacturing industries and in significant decreases in labor and environmental standards. In addition, free trade agreements result in significant job loss and privatization of labor-intensive industries for countries we enter into the trade agreements with. Unionizing in countries like Mexico and Colombia has resulted in death or imprisonment of union leaders. Every State in this country has been affected negatively by our destructive trade policies. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that nearly 700,000 U.S. jobs have been displaced since the passage of NAFTA in the 1990s. The majority of the jobs displaced, 60 percent were in the manufacturing sector. My home State of Ohio is one of the top 10 States with the most jobs displaced by NAFTA, having lost 34,900 jobs. Our rapidly increasing trade deficits with countries like China have resulted in the loss of over 5 million jobs in the last decade. Of that 5 million, the State of Ohio has lost 103,000 jobs as a result of the increase of our trade deficit with China. This is not a debate about being for trade or against trade, as some of my colleagues have framed it. This is a debate about learning from the free trade policies we pursued over the last decade that have proven to be significantly damaging to the American economy and American workers. The numbers speak for themselves. I urge my colleagues to oppose this agreement. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, since I came to Congress, I've worked together with Congresswoman Kaptur in challenging these unfair trade agreements, and I am proud to yield 4 minutes to the gentlelady from Ohio for her presentation.

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from New York, who has made a real impact in this Congress in her first year, Representative Hochul.

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. The U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement requires the U.S. to waive Buy America requirements for all Panamanian incorporated firms and even many Chinese and other foreign firms incorporated in Panama that are there to exploit the tax system. This means that work that should go to U.S. workers can be offshored because of the rules which forbid Buy America preferences requiring U.S. employees to perform contract work by a Federal agency in the Federal procurement process. According to Global Trade Watch, the U.S. would be waiving Buy America requirements for trillions in U.S. Government contracts for any corporations established in Panama, and in exchange would get almost no new procurement contract opportunities in Panama for U.S. companies. This trade deal is in the NAFTA tradition of weakening offshore protections, limiting financial service regulations, banning Buy America procurement preferences, limiting environmental, food, and product safety safeguards, and undermining U.S. workers and our economy. We have to defeat this. We have to be able to Buy America or it's ``bye bye America.''

Mr. KUCINICH. I yield myself 1 minute. Panama is one the world's worst tax havens, allowing rich U.S. individuals and corporations to skirt their responsibility to pay taxes that are vital to the local communities that depend on these revenues. This agreement does nothing to address this issue. At a time when austerity measures are being proposed to balance the budget, we should not be considering a free trade agreement that fails to deal with an issue critical to addressing our deficit. This free trade agreement includes provisions that undermine our own laws to combat tax haven activity. Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch reports that the ``FTA's Services, Financial Services and Investment Chapters include provisions that forbid limits on transfers of money between the U.S. and Panama. Yet, such limits are the strongest tools that the U.S. has to enforce policies aimed at stopping international tax avoidance.'' The agreement fails to hold Panama and corporations accountable for tax evasion. The agreement only requires Panama to stop refusing to provide information to U.S. officials in specific cases if U.S. officials know to inquire who's telling. There's a significant exception that allows Panama to reject requests for information if it's contrary to the national interest. Do not reward corporations who offshore jobs and practice international tax avoidance. Do not hurt American workers and the economy. Defeat this trade agreement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, this agreement is based on the NAFTA- style trade model that has displaced and cut hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S. over the last decade. According to the Economic Policy Institute, this agreement is expected to increase our trade deficit with Korea by $16.7 billion and, in turn, cost the U.S. 159,000 jobs within the first 7 years of its implementation alone. Global Trade Watch states that it is expected to increase our trade deficit in autos and auto parts by $700 million, further devastating a domestic industry that's been in decline. I'm tired of visiting places where there's grass growing in parking lots in this country where they used to make steel and they used to make automotive products. It's time that we drew the line on behalf of American jobs and American workers and defeat this trade agreement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai, Patriarch of Antioch for the Maronite Catholic Church, and welcome him to the City of Cleveland on October 11th, 2011. With more than three million members worldwide, the Maronite Catholic Church is among the largest Eastern-rite sects of the Roman Catholic Church and is especially prominent in Lebanon. The parish of Cleveland's St. Maron Church will be hosting Patriarch Rai as he visits Cleveland next week. St. Maron Parish is the largest Maronite Catholic community in the Mid- West. Patriarch Rai was born on February 25, 1940 in Himlaya, Matn District, Lebanon. On July 31, 1962 he entered the Mariamite Maronite Order. Five years later, on September 3, 1967, Patriarch Rai was ordained a priest and almost immediately began working on Arabic transmissions of Vatican Radio. In 1975, he earned a PhD in canon and civil law. On July 12, 1986, Patriarch Rai was consecrated as auxiliary bishop of Antioch and on June 9, 1990 he was appointed bishop of Byblos. He was elected Secretary of the Maronite Synod in 2003. He was the recipient of the National Order of the Cedar award in 2007. In 2009, he was appointed President of the Lebanese Episcopal Commission for the Media. On March 25, 2011 Patriarch Rai was elected Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in welcoming His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai, Patriarch of Antioch for the Maronite Catholic Church to City of Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 2011 United Service Organizations (USO) Gala, as it honors the Spirit of the USO Award Recipient, Spirit of Hope Award Recipient, heroes from the U.S. Armed Forces, and the volunteers who support them around the world. The United Service Organizations, in its 70th year of existence, is a non-profit organization which endeavors to offer comfort and hope to the United States armed forces, both at home and abroad. With more than 150 centers worldwide, the USO offers support to millions of Americans. When it began during World War II, the USO provided support to the troops in a number of different ways, most famously through the entertainment of the troops while away from home. Though initially dissolved in 1947, it was revived during the Korean War and has been an active organization ever since. ``Bringing a touch of home to our troops,'' the USO continues to do good, boosting the morale of our troops at home and abroad, thanks to donations and volunteers. The legacy of the USO is continuous and expansive. For current service members at home and abroad, veterans and for the families of the fallen, the USO provides millions of men and women with care. Its various programs provide a wide range of services for service members, including games, care packages, the ``mobile USO,'' free phone cards and a program which enables those stationed abroad to record a DVD of themselves for their family members. In addition to all of this, the USO continues its celebrity tours, providing entertainment to the troops. The 2011 USO Gala, ``70 Years Young,'' will feature entertainers from USO celebrity entertainment tours, and recognize a special volunteer and honorees from each branch of the armed force. This year's Service Member's of the Year include Corporal David J. Bixler of the U.S. Army; Sergeant Lucas J. Chaffins of the U.S. Marine Corps, Senior Airman James A. Barynard of the U.S. Airforce, Aviation Survival Technician Christopher R. Austin of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Chad R. Regelin of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the USO does for the men and women who risk so much for us.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Polonia Foundation of Ohio and the Department of Ohio Polish Legion of American Veterans as they unite the 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 and spent 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 8th at the Pulaski Memorial and will feature Mr. Joseph A. Drobot, Jr., the National President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA). Mr. Drobot has been an active member of PRCUA for more than 50 years and is currently serving as the 27th President of the organization. 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, please join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Slovene National Benefit Society, Lodge #158 Loyalties. The Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) was founded on April 6, 1904 by 12 Slovenian immigrants with the intent of offering life insurance and sick and disability benefits. Today, with more than 125 lodges nationwide, SNPJ is the largest Slovenian fraternal organization in the United States. In addition to its fraternal benefits, SNPJ also offers its members access to a scholarship program, activities for members of all ages and use of its summer campsite, the SNPJ Recreation Center in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1911, Lodge #158 was originally called the Pioneers. In 1954, Lodge #158 merged with Lodge #590 and became the Loyalties. Today, with 1,223 adult members and 328 youth members, Lodge #158 is the largest SNPJ lodge in the State of Ohio and the 3rd largest in the United States. Loyalties members are active throughout the Greater Cleveland community and can be found volunteering at Cleveland Federation of SNPJ Lodges, SNPJ ``Farm,'' Cleveland Athletic League, Slovenian Society Home ``Recher,'' Slovenian Workmen's Home, and Slovenian Society Home ``Holmes,'' among others. Lodge #158's centennial celebration will occur on October 8th at their home hall, Slovenian Society Home, and feature a dinner and music by the Don Wojtila Band. Special honors will be paid to members celebrating their 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th year's anniversaries of membership. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Loyalties Lodge and those who are celebrating their 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th years of membership with the Slovene National Benefit Society, Loyalties Lodge #158.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Eliza Bryant Village, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing quality services, outreach programs and a dignified, compassionate and secure environment for seniors. On Saturday, November 6, 2011 the Eliza Bryant Auxiliary II will host its 43rd Annual Luncheon, Fashion Show and Mart ``Celebrating a Community of Generosity.'' In 1858, Eliza Bryant came to Cleveland, Ohio with her mother and brother and they became known for providing African Americans with food, shelter, clothing and guidance. Several decades later, Eliza, concerned by the fact that African Americans were not permitted in nursing homes, began working in the community on behalf of the elderly. Inspired by her dedication, John D. Rockefeller made a financial donation that led to The Cleveland Home of Aged Colored People (The Home). Since 1896, The Home has gone through several changes. In 1914 a new, 19 bed facility was purchased on Cedar Avenue. In 1960, The Cleveland Home of Aged Colored People officially changed its name to the Eliza Bryant Home for the Aged. After generous donations by the Dorcas Society and the A.M. McGregor Home, the Eliza Bryant Home moved to a new location on Addison Road and was able to care for 47 people. Just several years later the aged building became inadequate and, in 1985, the Eliza Bryant Home opened in Cleveland's inner city. In 1999, the organization expanded further with the opening of the Inez Myers Senior Outreach Center and Eliza Bryant Manor, a senior housing complex consisting of 60 units. After the opening of these two facilities, the organization was renamed to Eliza Bryant Village (EBV). More recently, EBV acquired the former Madonna Hall Nursing Home, opened the Eliza Bryant Garden Estates and continues to expand its services. Approximately 100 women are members of EBV's three Auxiliaries, which work to fundraise and support the residents of Eliza Bryant Village. The goal of the 43rd Annual Mart is to obtain funding to enhance EBV's programming, improve transportation and special medical equipment for its residents and provide adult daycare for the elderly in the community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of Eliza Bryant Village as it continues its work as being a premier provider of healthcare, programs and services to the Greater Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th anniversary of Zumberak Lodge, of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America. The Croatian Fraternal Union of America (CFU) is the largest and oldest Croatian organization in North America. There are more than 200 lodges throughout the United States and Canada and 18 in the State of Ohio. The CFU was founded on September 2, 1894 as the Croatian Union of the United States, and in 1895 was renamed the National Croatian Society. The National Croatian Society merged with several other Croatian organizations and became the Croatian Fraternal Union of America in 1925. Originally, CFU was created as a society of mutual aid for Croatians in the event of sickness and death. It has also been publishing its own newspaper, The Zajednicar, since 1904. Today, in addition to providing insurance, the CFU is dedicated to preserving Croatian culture in North America, and provides numerous fraternal and cultural programs for its members. In addition to celebrating the 75th anniversary of Zumberak Lodge, members who have been with the Croatian Fraternal Union for 50 years will also be honored at the celebration. The 50 year members include: Gerald Babbits, Dwayne Hunn, Robert Knezevic, Ann Lang, Mary Ann Mave, Linda Mayo, William Rubick and Barbara Zander. The celebration will begin with a service at St. Nicholas Croatian Byzantine Catholic Church and be followed by a memorial service for deceased members, a blessing for the 50 year members and conclude with a champagne brunch at Manor Party Center in Euclid, Ohio. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 75th anniversary of Zumberak Lodge and those who are celebrating 50 years of membership with the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, Zumberak Lodge #859.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 30th anniversary of Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio, a non-profit organization that is committed to developing/facilitating options in housing for persons with physical disabilities. Maximum Independent Living (MIL) was created in 1981 by Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and Services to address the needs of people with physical disabilities for accessible and affordable housing. During the organization's first seventeen years it focused on its Vistas Apartment Communities in Cleveland, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Avon Lake, Parma and Sheffield Township. Each of the communities is fully accessible and houses more than 150 residents. After establishing their five living communities, MIL turned its attention to advocacy and education on accessible housing. In 1998, it launched the Accessible Housing Research Center initiative, which provides information and referrals on accessibility and housing, provides educational programs, and advocates with government and community groups to increase accessibility in housing. MIL also played a key role in creating housingcleveland.org, a searchable online database for affordable housing. Maximum Independent Living changed its name to Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) in 2007 to draw attention to its work on accessibility and housing. More recently, after securing federal funding, MAHO set its plan of building a new Vistas Apartment Community in Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood in motion. The new Circle Vistas will replace the current Vista community on Euclid Avenue. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio as they celebrate 30 years of dedicated service to the Cleveland area's disabled community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Cleveland's International Exposition Center (I-X Center). The I-X Center hosts 1.5 million visitors annually at various consumer shows and community events. Cleveland's I-X Center is one of the largest trade show and exhibition centers in the country. With more than 1.4 million square feet of exhibition space, the I-X Center hosts some of the country's largest consumer shows. Some of the most popular events include the Greater Cleveland Auto Show, Fabulous Food Show, International Beer Fest, Great Big Home & Garden Expo, Piston Power Show, Indoor Amusement Park and Trick or Treat Street. The Greater Cleveland Auto Show is the fifth largest auto show in the country. This fall, the I-X Center will host the second annual Piston Power Show which showcases piston powered cars, aircraft, motorcycles, trucks and trailers. The Fabulous Food Show has become one of the leading food shows in the country and features a number of Food Network chefs including Bobby Flay, Alton Brown and Cleveland's Michael Symon. Another show quickly gaining popularity is the International Beer Fest, which, according to the I-X Center, was the largest showing and competition of world beers in the Midwest. The I-X Center's own Indoor Amusement Park has been running for 22 consecutive years and features the world's largest indoor Ferris Wheel. Since the I-X Center's first show in 1985, the International Capital Goods Trade Fair, they have been reinvesting in the facility to accommodate future shows and guests. The I-X Center has already invested more than $75 million into the venue over the past 25 years and plans to invest another $25 million in the coming years to upgrade visitor amenities, traffic and parking in hopes of doubling their annual attendance. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Cleveland's International Exposition Center (I-X Center).

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Mark Relovsky who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 2, 2011. Mr. Relovsky was born on August 31, 1954 and was raised in the St. Hyacinth Parish in Cleveland's North Broadway neighborhood. His family moved to Brooklyn Heights as Mr. Relovsky started at Cuyahoga Heights High School. Upon graduating, he began studying at Case Western Reserve University where he earned a degree in accounting. He would later attend Baldwin Wallace College and obtain a Master's Degree in Business Administration in 1984. While Mr. Relovsky was earning his education, he was working as the administrator of the LTV Steel-USWA Pension Plan at Republic Steel/LTV Steel. Mark also worked as a 401(k) plan consultant with CBIZ, a pension project manager with the Center for Health Affairs and a product file analyst for Applied Industrial Technologies. In addition to his long career, Mr. Relovsky has been an active member of Cleveland's Polish community. He has served as a member of the Booster and Sports Committee of the Union of Poles in America and at one time served as their director. He has also served as the commissioner of the Union of Poles Division of the Polish National Alliance. Additionally, Mr. Relovsky has been active in the Cleveland Society of Poles, the Polish American Congress, Ohio Division, the Union of Poles Credit Union and the Polonia Foundation. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Mark Relovsky and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor Mr. Gerald F. Broski who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 2, 2011. Gerald earned his Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University in 1964 and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University's Marshall School of Law in 1968. Following his education, Gerald practiced law for thirty-nine years. He owned and operated a real estate management firm for twenty years. Gerald has been married to Donna, for 45 years. Together they have two sons, Scott and Todd. In addition to his career, Gerald has been an active member of the Greater Cleveland community for decades. He is a member of Marymount Hospital's Civic Advisor Board, the Harbor Estates Homeowners Association, Ohio Bar Association, Cleveland Bar Association, Now- Easter Boat Club, Brecksville Historical Association and the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. Gerald has served as the president of several organizations including Polish American Inc., Cleveland Society of Poles and Polonia Foundation of Ohio and as the executive trustee of Shoes and Clothes for Kids. For 23 years, Gerald has also been a member, and is currently the vice president of, the Brecksville City Council. Due to his long career and dedication to his community, Gerald has been honored and recognized several times. He received a U.S. Army Commendation Medal in 1970 and was named Volunteer of the Year by Shoes and Clothes for Kids in 2003. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Gerald F. Broski and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Joseph Fornal who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 2, 2011. Born in 1955, Joseph was raised in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from John Carroll University in 1977. In the midst of his career, Joseph returned to school and earned a Master's in Business Administration from Kent State University. Joseph began working at the accounting firm Cohen & Company after graduating from John Carroll and eventually was made partner-in-charge of the Accounting & Auditing Department. He also served as the firm's Technical Director. He left the firm and became the vice president and Chief Financial Officer for Jack Matia Chevrolet and Honda in 2000. Several years later, in 2006, Joseph began working as the treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Ganley Auto Group. In addition to his career, Joseph is an active and dedicated member of the Cleveland community. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities, Cleveland Society of Poles, Polonia Foundation of Ohio and is currently the president of the Polish American Cultural Center in Honor of Pope John Paul II. Joseph is also an active member of St. John Cantius parish and Marymount community. Due to his long career and dedication to his community, Charles has been honored and recognized several times. He was honored with the Cleveland Society of Poles' Good Joe Award and the Outstanding Member in Industry Award from the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants in 2004. Joseph was also the recipient of the Billy Reynolds' Community Service Award in 2008. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Joseph Fornal and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor Mr. Charles J. Popa who is being honored by the Polonia Foundation on October 2, 2011. Charles was born on October 19, 1925 in Pulaski Township, Pennsylvania. He was taking classes in high school when Pearl Harbor was attacked and immediately left school to work as an auto mechanic. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and went on to serve in the Asiatic Pacific Theater; specifically in Luzon and Mindanao. Charles rose to the rank of sergeant before being discharged in 1945. Upon returning to civilian life, Charles began working in the trucking industry and transported goods such as coal and steel throughout the Eastern United States. He retired in October 1982. After the War, Charles married Jane Stadnik on April 15, 1950. Together, they raised three children, Charles Jr., David and Susan. In addition to his military service, career and family, Charles was an active member of his community for decades. Just two years after joining the Polish Legion of American Veterans in 1969, Charles became the post commander, a position he held for forty years. He is also a member of the Roman-American Volunteers, the Grand Knight of Pulaski and is a lifetime member of VFW Post 7538. Charles was honored in 1987 as the Polish Legion of American Veterans' veteran of the year. In 1998, he was recognized by the United Veterans Council. Mr. Speaker and colleagues please join me in honoring Mr. Charles J. Popa and congratulating him as he is recognized by the Polonia Foundation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the committee for holding this important hearing on the future of our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. As one of the first Members of Congress to oppose the war in Iraq and as one who has forced debate on the war in Afghanistan a number of times in the House, I continue to be deeply concerned by the findings of the Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC) in Iraq and Afghanistan. The latest and final report highlights continued privatization of inherently governmental functions, a significant lack of oversight of contingency contractors who in many cases, are providing vital support services for our personnel on the ground, and an estimated waste of up to $60 billion thus far. Many of us were on this committee last year when it released a report (``Warlord Inc.'') detailing the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to pay off warlords in Afghanistan and essentially fuel the very insurgency we are trying to quell. At a time when vital social services here at home are being cut in the name of fiscal responsibility, we would do well to take the recommendations and findings included in the final report of the CWC very seriously. It is clear from the Commission's reports that the U.S. Government has privatized the business of war to such a point where we are guaranteed to continue to see billions of dollars go unaccounted for and bad actors in Iraq and Afghanistan act with total impunity. And as the Commission points out, there will be another contingency operation. The truth is that we cannot afford these wars. According to Congressional Research Service, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost us over one trillion dollars. Estimates by Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Blimes put that number at closer to $5 trillion when you include the long-term costs associated with caring for returning veterans.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jacob Nash who is being awarded the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Freedom Award at the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats' Freedom Fund Reception on September 26, 2011. The Cleveland Stonewall Democrats is one of more than ninety chapters of the National Stonewall Democrats throughout the country. They are a grassroots movement devoted to securing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Mr. Nash earned a Masters in Psychology, specializing in diversity management, from Cleveland State University. For the past decade, he has worked as an independent trainer and consultant specialist in transgender and diversity issues. He has trained politicians, social workers and medical professionals on caring for and respecting transgender people. Mr. Nash is currently working for the Ohio Department of Children and Family Services and previously worked as the Executive Director for Transfamily of Cleveland. Mr. Nash became an active activist in 2002, after fighting for and winning the right to marry Erin. Over the past several years, Mr. Nash has traveled across the Midwest speaking with legislators regarding civil rights legislation. He has worked closely with the cities of Cleveland and Akron as they developed their 2009 non-discrimination policies. Mr. Nash is also active with Equality Ohio, TransOhio, the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Jacob Nash on the occasion of being honored with the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats' Stephanie Tubbs Jones Freedom Award.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Timothy Downing who is being awarded the 2011 Cleveland Stonewall Democrats Leadership Award at the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats' Freedom Fund Reception on September 26, 2011. The Cleveland Stonewall Democrats is one of more than ninety chapters of the National Stonewall Democrats throughout the country. They are a grassroots movement devoted to securing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Mr. Downing graduated with his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College in 1985 and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1988 from Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University. He began his career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the law firm of Rose, Schmidt, Hasley and Disalle. For the past 23 years Mr. Dowing has been co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Cleveland law firm Ulmer & Berne LLP, where he is also a partner. Mr. Downing is an active member of the American, Ohio State, and Cleveland Bar Associations' Labor & Employment Sections/Committees. He has also served as the chair of the Financial Committee for Ohio's Local Government Reform and Collaboration Commission for 18 months under former Governor Strickland. Mr. Downing has been recognized throughout his career; he was named a ``Super Lawyer'' by Cincinnati Law & Politics magazine and a ``Leading Lawyer'' by Inside Business magazine for the past 10 consecutive years. In addition to his career, Mr. Downing is also an outspoken activist and advocate for the LGBT community. He founded Equality Ohio, an organization dedicated to ``an Ohio where everyone feels home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.'' Mr. Downing is currently the co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights and education organization. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Timothy Downing on the occasion of being honored with the 2011 Cleveland Stonewall Democrats Leadership Award.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sergeant Louis J. Machovec, an iconic police officer from the Cleveland Police Department (CPD), as he celebrates his 100th birthday on September 29, 2011. Sgt. Machovec was born on September 29, 1911 in Cleveland's North Broadway neighborhood. He was one of three sons born to Jan and Anna Machovec, immigrants from Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes school and later graduated from Thomas Edison High School. After high school, during the Great Depression, Louis worked various jobs including working as groundskeeper at Lakeview Cemetery, in a railroad boiler factory and as a Cleveland taxi driver. In 1937, Sgt. Machovec took the qualifying test to become a Cleveland police officer. After Eliot Ness became the city's Safety Director, the entire police force was given the exam again. Sgt. Machovec scored sixth out of more than 800 applicants and was asked to become a member of the first Cleveland Police Academy Class. After working on accident prevention for a short time, Sgt. Machovec was asked to join in the investigation of the Kingsbury Run murders; the Cleveland Torso Murderer was never caught. He worked in various departments, ultimately joining the CPD's communications division. He worked as the voice of the Cleveland Police Department for many years, through the 1950 Thanksgiving snowstorm and the Hough Riots in the 1960s. Later, Sgt. Machovec ran the police internal telephone exchange and bank alarm departments until his retirement. He served with the Cleveland Police Department for 39 years. Following his retirement, Sgt. Machovec moved to Solon, Ohio to be closer to his wife, Margaret, and their daughters, Mary Lou and Margaret. Today, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and still wears his grey CPD shirt. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in wishing Sgt. Louis Machovec a very happy 100th birthday and thanking him for his dedicated service with the Cleveland Police Department.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ohio State Senator Thomas Patton who is being inducted into the West Tech High School Hall of Fame by the West Tech Alumni Association. Born and raised in Cleveland's near Westside, Senator Patton is one of nine children. He attended St. Colman's School before enrolling at West Tech High School. While attending West Tech, Senator Patton was a member of the basketball team. Upon graduating in 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Hawkins, and started classes at Cleveland State University on an athletic scholarship. In 1974, Senator Patton and his brother, Terry, opened Cleveland Business Systems. In 2002, he decided to run for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. He won the election and represented the 18th District from 2003 until 2008. In November 2008, Senator Patton was elected to the Ohio Senate's 24th District. As an Ohio State Senator he serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee, the Energy and Public Utilities Committee and the Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee. Senator Patton also serves as co-chair of the Ohio Senate Autism Caucus and as a member of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, the Ohio Athletic Commission, the Ohio Rail Development Commission, the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact and the ODOT Transportation Futures Steering Committee. Throughout his career, Senator Patton has been recognized with a number of awards and accolades. He has been named Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), an Honorary D.A.R.E. Officer by the D.A.R.E. Association of Ohio, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council Legislator of the Year for Protecting Consumer Choice Award and the Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Professional Society of Engineers. He has also received the Moms for Ohio Public Service Award, the FOP Distinguished Public Servant Award, Ohio Public Images Award, Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association Legislator Award and has been recognized by the Autism Society of Ohio. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Thomas Patton for being honored by the West Tech Alumni Association and being named to the West Tech High School Hall of Fame.