Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as the summer peak driving period begins and as gas prices remain high, I am introducing legislation today to reduce the price of gasoline. The bill, The Gas Price Spike Act of 2005, is co-sponsored by 33 Members of Congress. The bill will address the spike in price of gasoline by placing a windfall profits tax on oil companies; giving tax credits for the purchase of ultra efficient vehicles; and provide federal grants to reduced mass transit fares. Consumers are being gouged at the gas pump. And, the only thing rising faster than the price of gasoline right now is the skyrocketing profits of the oil companies. Washington can no longer ignore this issue. High gas prices are eating away at consumer's disposable income and could lead to a further economic downturn. The bill will: Institute a windfall profit tax on gasoline and diesel. Such a tax is to be imposed on all industry profits that are above a reasonable profit level. This proposal would not increase the cost of gasoline because this proposal does not tax the price of gasoline. It only taxes excessive profits of refineries and distributors. Any attempt to increase prices to recover the lost revenue in taxes is simply taxed at 100% making the price increase worthless. Transfer the revenue from the windfall profits tax to Americans who would buy ultra efficient cars, made in America, with a tax credit. These will be made directly available to the purchaser of a car that traveled over 65 miles on a single gallon of gas. Today average cars get less than 30 miles per gallon. Establishes a broad based, far reaching program to promote mass rail transit inter- an intra-city. The bill makes funding available to regional transit authorities to offset significantly reduced mass transit fares during times of gas price spikes. The co-sponsors are Reps. Serrano (D-NY), Abercrombie (D-HI), DeFazio (D-OR), Frank (D-MA), McDermott (D-WA), Solis (D-CA), Filner (D-CA), Carson (D-IN), Grijalva (D-AZ), Lantos (D-CA), Lee (D-CA), McGovern (D- MA), McKinney (D-GA), Woolsey (D-CA), Owens (D-NY), Strickland (D-OH), Conyers (D-MI), Davis (D-IL), Sanders (I-VT), Farr (D-CA), Hinchey (D- NY), Evans (D-IL), Nadler (D-NY), Kanjorski (D-PA), Sherman (D-CA), Lewis (D-GA), Gutierrez (D-IL), Visclosky (D-IN), Kildee (D-MI), Slaughter (D-NY), Kaptur (D-OH), Olver (D-MA), Stupak (D-MI).

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) for yielding, and thank him for his dedication to the workers of the State of Maine and to workers all over this country. All of America appreciates the leadership that you have taken on this issue. I am proud to join you at this moment. I remember years ago hearing Ross Perot talk about the sucking sound that would be heard once NAFTA passed. We were warned that we would be losing millions of jobs. Well, all of these prophecies have come true. We now seem to have learned nothing, because we have a new trade agreement that is being delivered to this Congress that promises to do exactly the same thing that NAFTA has done to our country. And that is the so-called negotiated Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement, or DR-CAFTA for short. This legislation, which I will refer to here as CAFTA, will be harmful to all of the people of the signed nations. CAFTA will benefit a few and hurt the many. Governments will have little or no control over the investment of foreign companies. As a matter of fact, the power of legislatures is effectively nullified once these trade agreements are passed. National development needs and the rights of citizens and local governments will come secondary to the rights of foreign investors. Moreover, investors will not have to comply with international labor organization standards, workers rights will be undermined, especially for women workers, for farmers, and Maquila workers. The labor rights abuses that are currently prevalent throughout the CAFTA countries will run rampant under this new legislation's weak labor provisions. Countries will enjoy greater tariff benefits for goods made by workers whose rights have been denied. Family farms in Central America and the United States will fall victim to CAFTA, which will threaten locally-grown produce and undermine food security. Basic public goods and services, such as education, health care and water will become privatized as governments lose the flexibility to subsidize these services. Think about this. Privatization of education, privatization of health care. We have a private health care system, which is wrecking this country's ability to be able to meet the needs of its people. We are going to cause it to proliferate across Central America. The attempt to privatize water constitutes a challenge to human dignity. We are going to help facilitate the privatization of water with this legislation. Expensive brand name drugs will have expanded patents, and inexpensive generic medicines will have greater restrictions. Poor people will not have access to lifesaving pharmaceuticals, because what are these trade agreements about? They are about lifting of corporate rights and dashing the rights of the common people. The rules of trade, as first developed in NAFTA and now expanded in CAFTA, will increase the suffering of people in all signed countries. When CAFTA comes before Congress for a vote, I will urge my colleagues to oppose this unfair agreement. Trade between nations does not and should not have to lead to such negative consequences. Trade should lift up the human condition, not degrade it. Trade should celebrate workers rights, not destroy those rights. Trade should take into account environmental quality principles and appreciate the quality of our air and our water. We have new goals to set in this country with respect to trade agreements; workers rights, human rights, environmental quality principles must be included in all trade agreements. We have to challenge the prevailing consensus which delivered NAFTA to this Congress. We have to challenge the prevailing consensus which brought the World Trade Organization into being without any respect for the rights of national legislative bodies or for the people that we represent. So I want to thank the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) for leading the way on this issue. I am proud to join with you, and I look forward to continuing to work with you as we take a stand here on behalf of workers not just in this country, but all over the world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, has Congress gotten use to the idea of the U.S. being in a war, an occupation in Iraq? Congress endorsed the President's actions over and over again even though those actions were based on misinformation and falsehoods. It has appropriated over $270 billion for the war. It has provided money to build new bases in Iraq. It has not held a single investigative hearing that has made one bit of difference in the administration's conduct of the war. But if the war cannot be justified, then neither can the occupation. Some are now content to say well, we are there, we have to stay there. Mr. Speaker, it was wrong to go in and it is wrong to stay in. We attacked a nation that did not attack us. We waged war against a people who did not want war with us. We have killed people who have more quarrel with us. We are occupying a nation that does not want us there. This Congress has the power to end the war. We should work together to set a day for withdrawal and a cutoff of funds. We acted decisively to get into war, we should act decisively to get out. In doing so, we must begin to develop peacemaking skills superior to our war-making skills or our world will not survive.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my dear friend, Mr. Norbert `Whitey' Priebe--beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. His passing marks a great loss for his family and friends, and also for the people of Slavic Village and Newburgh Heights. Throughout his entire life, Mr. Priebe's caring heart and concern for others reflected along Fleet Avenue. He was born in Cleveland, grew up in Newburgh Heights, and graduated from St. Stanislaus High School. Although he was of Polish heritage, Mr. Priebe became an honorary son of Cleveland's Czech community. His forty year involvement with the heart and soul of Fleet Avenue, Ceska Sin Karlin Hall, served to uplift every aspect of this significant cultural organization--an organization that bridges modern life and antiquity, and connects the people of America to their traditions and customs of their Eastern European origins. Mr. Priebe maintained an unwavering focus on family, community and country. During the Korean War, he served with honor and courage as an infantryman in the United States Army. Following his discharge, he remained an active member of the VFW From the military to his professional career, Mr. Priebe reflected an unwavering level of integrity and diligence. He worked as an auditor with the state's auditor's office, until he retired 10 years ago. Throughout his retirement, he remained an active and vital part of our community. At Karlin Hall, Mr. Priebe took on any task that needed tackling, including bartender, floor sweeper, and President. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mr. Norbert `Whitey' Priebe. His caring nature, quick wit, and concern for others, framed his life and served to light the lives of countless individuals and families along Fleet Avenue and beyond. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and to his many friends. The legacy of his life, lived with joy and energy, will live forever within the hearts of all who knew and loved him well.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. With all due respect to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), Mr. Speaker, the Democrats have been doing right for the American people on social security. We have been holding town hall meetings all over this country. We know and the American people ought to know that Social Security is not going bankrupt, that the President misspoke when he said that there is no Social Security trust fund. As a matter of fact, the Social Security trustees released a report recently that says that right now the Social Security trust fund has $1.68 trillion in it; that trust fund will grow to $6 trillion by the year 2028 without any changes whatsoever; that Social Security is rock solid through the year 2041, according to the Social Security Administration's own actuaries; that Social Security is rock solid through the year 2052, according to the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office. Yes, both parties ought to come together; but we ought to come together in truth, and we ought to have the President let go about this masquerade about social Security going bankrupt. What is going bankrupt is a legislative process that fails to stand up for the retirement security of the American people. Forty-seven million Americans rely on Social Security. They have a right to expect that the money is going to be there, and we Democrats will make sure that money will be there for them for generations to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in tribute and remembrance of Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt, Jr., as the U.S. Post Office in the City of Strongsville is renamed in honor of his outstanding legacy. Mayor Ehrnfelt was a devoted family man, accomplished community leader, and admired friend and mentor. His vision, integrity and love for his community led the City of Strongsville through an amazing journey that extended over a quarter of a century, leading this quiet, rural village through the evolution of inevitable progress, without compromising the City's historical significance or rustic charm. Members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate came together to pay official tribute to the life and legacy of Mayor Ehrnfelt. The United States House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 3300, co-sponsored by Congressman Steven LaTourette, and myself, in November 2003. In June 2004, the United States Senate adopted the Resolution. Mayor Ehrnfelt did not seek a path of public leadership--it sought him. In 1973, Mayor Ehrnfelt's neighbors and friends urged him to run for a District School Board seat, against a divisive member who was leading an effort to ban books and fire teachers. He won that race, and again at the urging of those around him, reluctantly ran for a Council seat and won. Just five years later, Mayor Ehrnfelt was appointed Mayor. In 1979 he won his first mayoral race by a landslide, and served as Mayor for 25 years. He quickly became the most popular and beloved Mayor in the history of Strongsville. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt--an exceptional man and caring leader whose life profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. His passing marks a deep loss for countless people who called him friend including me. The power of his kindness, grace, tenacity and heart served to uplift every level of the Strongsville community, and his memory and legacy will never be forgotten.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, as we join them in celebrating 100 years of outstanding service in advocating for the legal rights of our most vulnerable citizens, our poor. The Legal Aid Society was formed in May 1905, as a beacon of protection and hope in assisting low-income individuals in matters of legal concern. Isador Grossman was its sole attorney until 1912. He served thousands of immigrants in desperate need of a trusted legal advocate. Over the past century, the Legal Aid Society has grown and evolved, yet its core mission has remained constant and unwavering--to provide compassionate support to those unable to afford legal representation, and also to advocate on behalf of critical issues facing our community. The work of the Legal Aid counselors is far-reaching. During the early part of the nineteenth century, Legal Aid attorneys helped establish the Cleveland Municipal Court and Small Claims Court that served to replace corrupted judicial officials. In 1966, C. Lyonel Jones was appointed the Legal Aid Society's executive director, a position he has today. His passion for social justice and compassion for the people of our community is reflected throughout his tenure. Mr. Jones has led his legal team with integrity, heart, conviction and an unwavering focus on numerous human rights issues, from advocating for the restoration of the Hough neighborhood in the 60's, winning cases to improve the lives of those living in psychiatric facilities and nursing homes, advocating on behalf of battered women, and forcing Republic Steel to comply with the EPA's Clean Air Act. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of every staff member and volunteer of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, whose individual and collective work over the past century has offered solutions, hope and peace for countless individuals and families. For the past four decades, the outstanding work of the entire staff, led by Executive Director, C. Lyonel Jones, has served to offer many people hope and has brought critical social issues into the light of day. Their advocacy continues to strengthen the foundation of humanity throughout our entire community, one phone call at a time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Jim and Betty Newman, as they celebrate fifty years of devotion to each other, to their family, extended family and many close friends. This unbreakable union represents a deep and abiding love, not only for each other, but also for their children, grandchildren and for their community. Jim Newman and Betty Wadden were both born and raised on Cleveland's Westside. They were married at St. Colman's Catholic Church on May 7, 1955. They moved a few miles west to Lakewood, where together they raised six children: Barbara, Timothy, Dennis, William, Daniel and James. They remain a loving, guiding force in the lives of their children, and also in the lives of their eighteen grandchildren, all of whom remain in the Cleveland area. Jim and Betty instilled a strong sense of kindness, humor and integrity into the hearts and minds of their children. They taught by example, interspersed by Jim's quick wit and Betty's caring nature, offering lessons that reflected their own lives--lives framed by hard work, patience, laughter and enduring strength during difficult moments. Besides commitment to family and community, both Jim and Betty share concern for our country and our world. Jim is a United States Veteran, having honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jim and Betty were able to effectively balance the demands of family, work and community, with family as the main focus. Jim is now retired from CEI, following more than thirty years of service. Betty is also retired after working for many years as a member of the Baker's Union with Fisher-Fazio and Rini-Rego's. Today, they remain active within the lives of their family, parish and community. When winter finally breaks, Jim and Betty spend peaceful summer days along the shores of Lake Erie, where they gather with family and friends at their Marblehead cottage. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Jim and Betty Newman, as we join them in celebration of this joyous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. Jim and Betty continue to inspire those around them to live life with love, caring and humor, to give back to the community, and to hold family closest to their hearts.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. This historical date commemorates the end of the Vietnam War, and represents the beginning of a new life for tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, as they began their hopeful journey to America. On April 30, 1975, the ancient city of Saigon fell to the conquest of communist troops. This action solidified the communist takeover of South Vietnam. Three decades later, I rise to honor the memory and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers, American soldiers and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty and democracy. Despite the takeover, the culture, spirit and hope reflected by the Vietnamese people remained steadfast. After the communist takeover of Saigon, thousands of Vietnamese, determined to rebuild their lives, began their treacherous exodus out of Vietnam. Their daring escape was on foot, through thick jungles and over jagged mountains. They escaped by boat, through snake-infested rivers and across turbulent seas. They became refugees in many nations, including America, with nothing more than the clothes on their back and the hope for freedom in their hearts. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me to honor and remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. Today, we also honor agencies and churches such as The Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland and St. Helena Catholic Church, that continue to offer a haven of support, services and hope to immigrants from all over the world. The Vietnamese culture, through the care and commitment of its people, has flourished in America, yet remains forever connected to its ancient cultural and historical traditions that spiral back throughout the centuries, connecting the old world to the new, spanning oceans and borders--from Vietnam to America.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Ottilie Markholt, loving mother, grandmother, author, dedicated union advocate, community activist, and dear friend to many. Her passing marks a great loss for her family and friends, and also for every member of our American workforce. It was Ms. Markholt's focus, drive and vision, directed at improving and securing worker's rights that brought the plight of the American worker and the labor movement into the light of day. Ms. Markholt was born and raised in the great northwest, an only child of modest beginnings. As a young child, her family moved from the wild frontier of Alaska to Seattle, Washington. Ms. Markholt, exceptionally intelligent and well-read, rejected the socially conservative ideology present in higher education at the time, opting to quit college and focus on changing the world for the better-- especially for the working class. Armed with a passion for social justice, an agile mind, a gift for writing and an unwavering commitment to the cause, Ms. Markholt set off on a lifetime journey of advocating for the struggling working class of America. Ms. Markholt was no stranger to struggle herself. As a single mother of two young boys, Ms. Markholt survived on meager office wages by becoming an expert gardener and seamstress. She kept her boys well-fed and well-clothed by baking homemade bread, canning fruits and vegetables, making her own butter and cottage cheese, and making their own clothes. Despite adversity, she remained emotionally and physically strong, and her energy and focus served to propel the labor movement forward. From writing critically acclaimed books and articles, to knocking on doors and soliciting membership, to organizing strikes, Ms. Markholt's energy and commitment helped set the labor movement ablaze in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of the remarkable and exceptional life of Ottilie Markholt. The infinite measure of her heart, combined with her courage, vision and integrity, defined her life and served to lift the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our community, especially those who serve as the foundation of our nation--the American laborer. Her kindness, energy, compassion and unwavering focus on making our world a better place--one union member at a time, will be remembered always. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family members, and especially to her sons, Bob and Lee; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. Ottilie Markholt lived her life with joy, energy and in complete harmony with her principals and values. Her eternal faith in humanity and in the notion that together, we can make a positive difference, will continue to serve as an unending force of hope and possibility for every member of America's labor force, and her memory and legacy will forever live on within the hearts of all who knew and loved her well.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Washington Post carried two pages of pictures of our brave young men and women who were killed in Iraq. This war is an abstraction for most Americans, but not for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The fallen soldiers' contributions will never be diminished. What they stood for is in the highest service to this Nation. But we must ask questions of those who sent them, of those who would keep our troops there, of those who would send even more troops, of those who say, well, now that we are there, we must stay there. Such logic would have left us still fighting a war in Vietnam. How can we move on to other matters in this Capitol when we are sending more men and women to die in a war that was based on a lie? This war has forever altered the lives of tens of thousands of families in this country and hundred of thousands in Iraq. Enough is enough. It is time for an exit strategy. It is time to get out of Iraq.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, 771 days ago, the United States illegally went to war against Iraq. Since then we have lost 1,574 of our finest, and the Iraqi people have lost tens of thousands of innocent civilians to the war. Some of us opposed the war from the start, but today we all know that America went to war based on false information given to this Congress and to the American people. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction and was not an imminent threat, yet the war grinds on. America is building permanent bases in Iraq. The interim government has no credibility. Under the watchful eyes of our occupying army, the Iraqi people know full well policy is made in Washington, not Baghdad. And here in Congress, we move on to other issues, while some are calling for more troops to move in. The administration built a theater of war with no exits. It is time for Congress to build an exit from the Iraqi theater. In the next few days, I, along with other Members, will submit such a plan.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, all over this country, the American people are troubled by the fast increasing price of gasoline. The oil companies are making billions of dollars in windfall profits while families have had to tighten their budget. While families have experienced less money for food, clothing, shelter and education, the oil companies continue to rake the American consumer over the coals. The fastest way to bring relief from these high prices is to eliminate the price gouging by the oil companies and reduce demand. I have submitted a bill called the Gas Price Spike Act of 2005, which will discourage price gouging and reduce demand by implementing, first, a windfall profits tax on gasoline and diesel. Such a tax is to be imposed on key oil industry profits that are above a reasonable rate of return. If the oil companies are collecting excessive profits, they should be subject to a stiff tax on those excessive profits. It is time to stand up for the American consumers and take on these oil companies.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Well, the gentlewoman has made it possible for me to help and offer this amendment. We can grow our way out of our energy crisis; and farmers growing biomass feedstocks that can be processed locally to supply, in our case, nearby cities such as Cleveland and Toledo can help us do that. They will benefit with new and more stable markets; our fuel supply is home grown, thus reducing our dependence on foreign oil; fuel prices are reduced; and the air we breathe is cleaner. I yield to the gentlewoman.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Israel amendment. In Cleveland, Ohio, my district, people do not understand why prices vary from street to street. They can drive around and see a gas station will have $2.25 and a couple blocks later it will be $2.35. The gentleman's study is so important because it will provide some insight into pricing, into how the market is set up; and the small and independent gas station owners who are getting squeezed in the market are going to have their cause elevated.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to express my appreciation to the Chair for accepting the modification and my appreciation to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), who I have worked with on this amendment that would double the number of Department of Energy Clean City programs that could apply for a pilot program to invest in alternative fuel vehicles. By amending section 722, the amendment would increase the number of project grants from 15 to 30 for State governments, local governments, and metropolitan transportation authorities. Now, we are offering this amendment because we believe that farmers and our urban centers can work together to eliminate our dependency on oil. Farmers grow biomass feedstocks that can be processed locally to supply nearby cities such as Cleveland and Toledo. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Toledo, Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), with whom I have had the privilege of working on this amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to modify this amendment by striking the number ``20'' in the first place it appears and inserting the number ``30'' in lieu thereof.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment as the designee of the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this is a noncontroversial amendment which authorizes a National Academy of Science study on the feasibility of mustard seed as a feedstock for biodiesel. Now, mustard seed has many advantages over other feedstocks, including higher oil content, it is easier to grow in colder and drier climates of the U.S., and the conversion process leaves behind an organic pesticide and herbicide. Initial research studies by the University of Idaho and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have shown favorable results. Now, Mr. Chairman, mustard seed has roots deep in all cultures, and it is specifically mentioned in the Bible. I want to read you a passage from Mark which will show the recognition of mustard seed as a crop that deserves recognition here. Mark, in the fourth chapter, talks about the Kingdom of Heaven, and says: ``It is like a mustard seed, which when sewn in the Earth is less than all the seeds that be in the Earth. But when it is sewn, it groweth up and becometh greater than all the other herbs and shooteth out great branches.'' So something that was understood in the intelligence of the world thousands of years ago needs once again to be recognized, because what we have here is a crop that gives a great potential. And we know that farmers are key to eliminating our dependency on foreign oil and that we can grow our way out of this energy crisis. That is one of the reasons I am offering this. Mark is not the only place where mustard seed is mentioned. We are told that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we can move mountains. Well, this is an opportunity for us to show not only faith in the good will of this House to help America take an important step towards sustainable energy, but also faith in alternative energy and faith in our own Nation. I think that we can take this opportunity to give farmers a chance for growing options for biomass feedstocks. It is imperative that we find those feedstocks that will eliminate our dependency on foreign oil as soon as possible. So, again, to the chairman, this is a noncontroversial amendment. It would authorize the National Academy of Sciences to study the feasibility of mustard seed as a feedstock, and I would certainly appreciate the support of the committee and of the House. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mr. Peter Pucher, who has been recently honored as the ``Latin Man of the Year, by the Cathedral Latin High School Alumni Association. A life-long Clevelander, Mr. Pucher graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1955. His diligence reflected in his studies and athletic performance. Mr. Pucher's time as quarterback of the '53 and '54 Cathedral Latin football team is still considered as the finest in the history of the school. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in education from John Carroll University, Mr. Pucher embarked on a life- long journey that continues to focus on family, community and helping others in need. Mr. Pucher taught at his alma mater for three years, then taught for two years at St. John Cantius High School. During his six-year tenure as teacher at Holy Name High School, he also served as the school's athletic director and head football coach. Throughout his profession, he guided his students and his players with heart, concern and unwavering dedication. The players and the team flourished under his leadership, and his commitment did not go unnoticed. In 1970, Mr. Pucher was named the West Senate Coach of the Year. Mr. Pucher's dedication to guiding our youth parallels his strong sense of giving back to the community. Though awards and accolades do not impress him, Mr. Pucher's outstanding volunteer work has not gone unnoticed. In 1991, he was honored with the Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association Golden Deeds Award. In 1994, Mr. Pucher was honored as the Greater Cleveland United Way Volunteer of the Year Award. To this day, Mr. Pucher and his mother-in-law, who is 93 years young, distribute donated food to a local food pantry. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of my dear friend and mentor, Mr. Peter Pucher. His dedicated service as teacher, coach and activist, focused on our youth and those in great need, has brought hope and possibility to many within our community. His kindness and concern has made a monumental difference in the hearts and lives of countless students, colleagues and family members, and his work continues to strengthen our community and alight our humanity.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I want to concur with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) who spoke in favor of a Federal ban on drilling for oil or gas in the Great Lakes. I represent Cleveland, Ohio, which is a city proud to be part of the Great Lakes community. We in Cleveland understand that the Great Lakes contain 20 percent of the Earth's fresh water surface and supplies drinking water for over 40 million people. This is not a matter that any State can choose to go along with or against. This is clearly an area for Federal policy. We need a Federal policy which says the people of the United States have a right to clean drinking water. Water is the oil of the 21st century and we are here acting as though it is not the basis of life on our planet. The risks of drilling are clear. Because the geologic formations under Lake Erie are low producing, the oil and gas industry would require over 4,200 wells to access the full resource. In Canada, where they permitted drilling, an average of almost one spill per month has been documented. Now, the industry wants to use directional drilling to create new risks. Geologists have noted that leaks will follow the drilling shaft down into the groundwater which flows right into Lake Erie. This amendment, the Markey-Bishop amendment, is a common-sense way to meet our energy needs, conservation, energy and renewables, and it is also a common-sense way to protect the great water resource we have. Why should we even be contesting this? Why would any State want to take the responsibility of drilling in the Great Lakes and thus poisoning the well for the rest of America? This is Federal policy. We have a right to clean water. Support this amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Chairman, I have the greatest respect for the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), and I simply have a difference of opinion with him on this despite that great respect. In what has become a congressional ritual, the prospect of drilling in the Arctic has been repeatedly struck down in recognition of the fact that American working families do not want it. Still, we have proponents telling us that drilling is good for jobs. Some of the Nation's largest unions, I might point out, like the SEIU, United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers, and United Farm Workers, are on record opposing drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Why? Because it is bad labor policy. Oil production is one of the least labor-intensive industries, supporting fewer than three direct jobs per $1 million of investment. Energy efficiency supports 27 jobs for the same investment. It is also bad economic policy. One dollar spent on petroleum production creates only $1.51 in economic value. But that same dollar, when invested in energy efficiency, creates $2.23 in economic value. Our Nation's energy policy should not include drilling in the Arctic.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I enter my statement in the Record in support of the Solis amendment. Mr. Chairman, no one wants an oil refinery in their neighborhood. So in order to force one open, this bill encourages them to be established in neighborhoods with high unemployment or recent layoffs. The University of Texas and the Houston Chronicle studied the air near refineries in the Houston area. The paper wrote that they ``found the air . . . so laden with toxic chemicals that it was dangerous to breathe.'' Houston is not alone. Multiple penalties of hundreds of thousands of dollars for environmental violations have been handed to refineries so far this year. And we surely have not forgotten last month's BP refinery explosion that killed 15 people. Let's employ the unemployed but not at the expense of their families' health and well-being. That is kicking them when they're down.