Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, while I support the passage of H.R. 3873 today, I cannot support the budget that constrained, limited and ultimately stunted its final form. In the Committee on Education and the Workforce, we were told that funding was not available to eliminate the reduced-price category to allow more low-income children to receive school meals, often their only meals, for free. We were also told that the budget resolution did not allow for any expansion of school breakfasts and other programs. H.R. 3873 now comes before this House on a suspension calendar, perhaps to ensure that Members cannot offer amendments that might add additional costs to this bill. I had planned to offer an amendment that would have allowed schools to offer free breakfasts to students on the mornings they are scheduled to take a No Child Left Behind assessment. The NEA, the Ohio PTA, the National Farm Organization, the National Family Farm Coalition, the Community Food Security Coalition and others supported this amendment. Millions of parents, teachers, students and school administrators would have also supported it, along with other positive changes, but all further improvements and expansions are blocked in this bill. In contrast, later today we will debate a budget bill that allocates $10.2 billion, a 13 percent increase from last year, on a missile defense system that does not work, while this morning we restrict to $16 billion a nutrition bill we all know does work but could work even better. There is money to improve and expand education and nutrition, but situations like this force us to recognize lost opportunities that come about from tax cuts for the wealthiest and from unacccountable defense spending I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3873, but I also urge them to remember those left behind and left hungry by the administration's misguided agenda.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and celebration of Michael O'Kennedy--distinguished barrister and public servant of Ireland, and former prominent member of the Dail Eireann, representing North Tipperary--as we welcome him to Cleveland, Ohio, on St. Patrick's Day. For the past 25 years, Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon have organized the St. Patrick's Day Party, a joyous event that brings people together for an enchanted evening of renewing old friendships and discovering new ones. Moreover, this event serves as a living bridge that extends across the blue Atlantic--from the north coast of Cleveland to the shores of the Emerald Isle. Mr. O'Kennedy has dedicated his life to public service, social leadership and activism. Though retired from the political stage, Mr. O'Kennedy continues to volunteer his time to the people and causes of Ireland. Similarly, Mr. Collins and Mr. Scanlon, distinguished attorneys, continue to preserve and promote the history and culture of their beloved Irish homeland. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Honorable Michael O'Kennedy, for joining us in Cleveland as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Please also join me in recognition of Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon for organizing this wondrous St. Patrick's Day Party each year for the past 25 years. ``Ni dheanfaidh smaoineamh an treabhadh duit--You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind''--Old Irish Proverb.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Mary Murphy of Brooklyn, Ohio, as she is honored as the City of Brooklyn's ``Democrat of the Year.'' With family central to her life, Mrs. Murphy and her late husband, Thomas Murphy, Sr., raised eight children. Mrs. Murphy is the proud grandmother of eight, and she is also the proud greatgrandmother of eight. Beyond caring for her family, Mrs. Murphy has been an involved member of the City of Brooklyn Democratic Party for nearly 50 years. In 1955, Mrs. Murphy volunteered her time to work on election day, and by the late fifties, she was elected to serve as precinct committee person--a position she holds to this day. With a quick and agile mind and an equally energized spirit, Mrs. Murphy continues to volunteer her time and talents in service to her community. Moreover, Mrs. Murphy continues to energize the Democratic Party of Brooklyn with her dedication, integrity, loyalty, and hopeful outlook. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition of Mary H. Murphy, as she is being honored by the City of Brooklyn as the ``Democrat of the Year.'' Mrs. Murphy continues to be an inspiration to everyone in her life--especially to her family and friends. Her friendship, convictions, boundless energy, joy, and good works are invaluable gifts, and her spirit of volunteerism continues to uplift the City of Brooklyn, and our entire community. We wish her continued health and happiness today, and all days to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Father John J. Cregan, Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church of Cleveland, Ohio, as he is being honored for his significant outreach and committed service to the people of our Cleveland community. For more than 40 years Father Cregan has served as a spiritual guide, healer and beloved mentor and friend to countless families and individuals. Since 1968, Father Cregan has served as a dedicated advocate of spirituality, faith and counsel to members of our safety forces. In his role as Catholic Chaplain for the Cleveland Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police, and as Spiritual Director of the Greater Cleveland Police and Fire Society, he continues to provide direction, hope and comfort to the men and women who so bravely and selflessly serve our community. Father Cregan's journey of service to others began with his ordination at St. John's Cathedral on May 20, 1961. His kind, compassionate and gentle nature has touched the lives of countless families and individuals in every parish he has served. For more than twenty years, Father Cregan led the congregation at Blessed Sacrament Parish, first as Assistant Pastor, then as Pastor. Father Cregan also served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish and St. Thomas More Parish. In 1987, Father Cregan was named Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Cleveland, where he continues to today--providing solace and strength to this parish community. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of Father John J. Cregan, whose compassion, commitment and energy continues to create a haven of assistance, hope and renewal for every member of Our Lady of Angels parish and for countless members of our safety forces. Father Cregan's vision, leadership, and love for others brings light, hope and possibility to Cleveland's West Park neighborhood, and strengthens our entire community. Today, we express our gratitude to Father Cregan for making a difference throughout the Cleveland area community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mr. Richard Hart--teacher, mentor, guide and source of strength and inspiration for countless young men and women at Max S. Hayes Vocational High School. Mr. Hart, a Certified Welding Educator, created Project WELD several years ago, intent on energizing the school's welding program. The acronym stands for Worthy Employment, Leadership Development--which is exactly what students take away from the program. Mr. Hart is so deeply committed to this project that he initiated the program on his own personal time, using his own personal funds. Project WELD provides students with a real insight and understanding into the profession of welding by bringing industry employees and employers into the classroom. Additionally, students are exposed to the latest in welding technology through funds and equipment donated from local welding companies. Beyond his scholastic and professional contributions, awards and accolades, Mr. Hart's greatest accomplishment continues to be the impression he makes on his students, through his method of teaching by example that offers each student the promise of a bright future. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Richard Hart, whose leadership, commitment and belief in the students at Max S. Hayes Vocational High School continues to uplift the lives of countless students.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Alicia G. Jaquillard--devoted wife, mother, grandmother, dedicated human services employee, and friend and mentor to many. Mrs. Jaquillard was born in Puerto Rico, and eventually emigrated to America with her family. Her family was central to her life. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Marvin J. Jaquillard, and also her four stepsons. She was extremely close to her children and eight grandchildren--and will be deeply missed by her entire family. Mrs. Jaquillard and her family moved to Toledo in 1972. She worked for the Lucas County Department of Human Service as a Food Stamp Officer. She performed her duties with integrity and compassion, and was held in high esteem by clients and colleagues. Mrs. Jaquillard possessed an incredible sense of humor, and had the rare ability to make others feel instantly comfortable and welcome. Mrs. Jaquillard retired from public service in 1985, which enabled her to spend more time surrounded by family, and more time to pursue her favorite pastimes--cooking, traveling and music. She was an exceptional cook, and loved to share her culinary talents with family and friends by preparing a variety of traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes. She loved music, especially slow romantic songs and music of her Spanish heritage. Mr. and Mrs. Jaquillard were avid travelers. Together, they journeyed across America, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Alicia Jaquillard--beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. I offer my deepest condolences to her entire family and to her entire circle of friends. Mrs. Jaquillard lived her life with great joy, love and energy--and her memory and spirit will be remembered forever by all who knew and loved her well.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my dear friend, Winifred Mary ``Ma'' Duncan--devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor and community activist, whose life deeply affected the lives of countless individuals, including my own. Mrs. Duncan was an unwavering source of strength for her family, as she raised and supported seven children on her own. Armed with a strong sense of determination, faith, and inner resolve, Mrs. Duncan faced the challenges of single parenthood with grace and focus, and was a consistently loving role model for her children, and for all the children in the neighborhood. Beyond caring for her family, Mrs. Duncan remarkably found the time and energy to volunteer within the community. In the late sixties and seventies, she served as a Council Member for the City of Valley View. During that time, she delivered Christmas and Easter baskets to families in need. Throughout the seventies and eighties, Mrs. Duncan served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Merrick House Settlement and the Tremont Free Clinic. For the past 30 years, Mrs. Duncan was an active member of the St. Augustine Parish Council, St. Augustine Hunger Council, St. Augustine Seniors, St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Cleveland Catholic Blind Community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Winifred Mary ``Ma'' Duncan. As we deeply mourn her passing, we also joyously celebrate her life. ``Ma'' Duncan built a foundation of love and security for her children, and for the world around her. Her sense of charity, love for others and giving nature encircled her family, encircled the neighborhood, and uplifted our entire community. I offer my deepest condolences to her children: Valerie, Charles, James, Wayne, Gerald, Kathleen and Rosemary; and to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and to her extended family and many friends. The wondrous affect on the lives she touched is immeasurable, and ``Ma'' Duncan's beautiful legacy--a legacy reflecting giving, compassion and love, will live on forever within the memory and heart of everyone who knew and loved her well. The way ``Ma'' Duncan lived her life has given light to our community and has raised our corner of the world to a better place.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (UVVA) is a Trojan Horse. While its sponsors claim that the bill will deter violence against pregnant women, the legislation actually does violence to the rights that women have to make reproductive choices. In fact, this legislation is not about deterring violence against pregnant women. Individuals who commit violent acts against pregnant women should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and I strongly agree that Congress should increase penalties for these types of crimes. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Motherhood Protection Act. This establishes higher penalties when violent crimes against pregnant women interrupt the normal course of pregnancy. These stiffer penalties are the same as penalties in UVVA. However, UVVA isn't designed to protect pregnant women from violent acts. It is crafted in order to undermine the right to reproductive choice by Federally recognizing a fetus with separate legal rights. That would be a big change that does nothing to deter violence. At this time, there is nothing in Federal law that gives separate legal rights to embryos or fetuses. There is no need to establish controversial, unprecedented Federal rights for embryos. Doing so, as UVVA does, radically changes the law without making any women safer. UVVA would not help women when they and their pregnancies suffer as a result of domestic violence. This proposal would only confuse and complicate juries. UVVA would make it more difficult to prosecute criminals than the approach in the Motherhood Protection Act. Congress should draw a bright line that assaults against pregnant women are especially wrong and will be prosecuted and punished with increased penalties. For these reasons, I oppose the Unborn Victims of Violence Act and urge my colleagues to support the Motherhood Protection Act.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Cleveland Reads, as they enter into their seventeenth year of offering the gift of literacy to thousands of Greater Clevelanders. For many children and adults, learning to read and write also brings a significant sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and the promise and possibility of a renewed and brighter future. Established in 1987, Cleveland Reads, a non-profit organization, has consistently worked to draw individuals, businesses and agencies into their volunteer literacy projects and campaign. Recently, Cleveland Reads was awarded a significant monetary grant from the United Parcel Service (UPS). The UPS award will enable the agency to enhance their existing volunteer outreach programs, and will also be used to create an effective tutoring model that will be initiated within our community's literacy coalition. Cleveland Reads serves as the parent organization for over two hundred and twenty sites. Cleveland Reads recruits and trains tutors, researches leading methods in the literacy arena, and provides resources, guidance and support for literacy services throughout our region. Additionally, Cleveland Reads works to create local and national awareness regarding literacy issues within all levels of government and throughout the private sector. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Cleveland Reads. This vital agency has uplifted the lives of thousands of individuals, young and old--individuals who can now read and write, hope, dream and achieve. Cleveland Reads provides people with the tools to realize their goals by illuminating their horizon with promise and possibility shedding new light on their future--and bringing new hope to our community, and to our entire Nation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dr. Helen S. Faison, for her significant and groundbreaking professional accomplishments in the field of education, and for serving as a mentor, role model and inspiration for countless women and men in the City of Pittsburgh, PA, and far beyond. Dr. Faison's unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, trailblazing spirit and energetic quest for knowledge led her to become one of the first African-American teachers in the Pittsburgh School District. After many decades of inspirational instruction, Dr. Faison became the first female, and the first African-American to be named high school principal within the City of Pittsburgh. Dr. Faison was later appointed as deputy superintendent of the Pittsburgh School District. This was the highest administrative position ever held by a woman in the district. Presently, Dr. Faison is the Director of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, and Education Department Chair and distinguished visiting professor at Chatham College. Beyond her monumental scholastic and professional contributions, awards and accolades, Dr. Faison has served as a beacon of inspiration, hope and living testament to countless students and colleagues--teaching by example that dreams can become reality. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Helen Faison, as she has been honored on February 5, 2004, by the 14th Annual Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series, sponsored by Dominion East Ohio. Dr. Faison's groundbreaking professional excellence and accomplishment as an outstanding teacher and educational leader has inspired, guided and enhanced the minds and hearts of countless young students through the years. Her continued commitment to education serves as a beacon of hope and light for people of all races so they may visualize and realize their dreams, and her journey continues to inspire us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. Donald Bogart--devoted family man, accomplished scientist, social justice activist and humanitarian. Mr. Bogart grew up in a small apartment in Brooklyn, NY. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Arts. Immediately following graduation, Bogart, a brilliant scholar, was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics--NASA's forerunner. In 1943, Bogart moved to Cleveland to begin his accomplished career in nuclear physics at NASA--a career that spanned nearly 40 years. From 1958 to 1974, Mr. Bogart served as director of the nuclear physics branch at NASA Lewis Research Center, where he led a team of scientists to develop a nuclear rocket for a proposed manned space flight to Mars. Mr. Bogart moved into the area of solar energy and technology, making great strides in the field. Later, as a representative of the State Department, Bogart brought his expertise in the area of solar energy to India and the Philippines. Outshining his significant scientific achievement was his compassionate heart, strong convictions, and unyielding bravery as he consistently led local efforts on behalf of matters of human rights and civil rights, here at home and overseas. Mr. Bogart spoke publicly about the plight of Soviet Jews during the height of the cold war, and organized local groups to assist Jews to escape religious persecution in the former Soviet Union. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. Donald Bogart--an exceptional man, scientist, and leader whose life reflected accomplishment, caring and joy. I offer my deepest condolences to his devoted wife, Marilyn, beloved children, Carol, Valerie, and Wendy, devoted grandchildren, Sam, Alex and Andre, and extended family and friends. Donald Bogart's brilliant and flawless legacy--both personally and professionally, will be remembered forever by family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my dear friend, Evelyn Blaha Szczech of Newburgh Heights, Ohio, as she gathers with family and friends to celebrate her birthday on February 7--eighty years young, and as lively as ever. With family central to her life, Mrs. Szczech and her late husband, Clarence T. Szczech, raised four children: Clarence, Roseanne, Robert and Brian. She is blessed with ten grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Beyond caring for her family, Mrs. Szczech has been an involved member of the community, and continues to dedicate her time and talents to many civic endeavors. For nearly five decades, Mrs. Szczech has been an intregal part of our democratic system--working to support candidates, educate voters, and promote voter registration. She has been an active member of the Democratic Party of Newburgh Heights since 1959, and has held all positions within the Party throughout the years, from entertainment committee member, to treasurer, to president. With a quick and agile mind, and an equally energized spirit, Mrs. Szczech continues to volunteer her time and talents in service to her community. She continues her involvement in the Democratic Party of Newburgh Heights, and serving on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections--as she has for the past fifty years. She also continues to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party and is President of the Golden Agers of Newburgh Heights. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Evelyn Blaha Szczech, in joyous celebration of her 80th birthday. Mrs. Szczech continues to be an inspiration to everyone in her life--especially to her family and friends. Her loyalty, friendship, convictions, boundless energy, joy, and good works are invaluable gifts to all of us who know her well, and her dedication and work has uplifted the Village of Newburgh Heights, and our entire community. We wish her continued health and happiness today, and all days to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Roberto Ocasio. His love for family, music and community has left an indelible mark upon our city, and his passing has created a significant void for all who knew and loved him well. Mr. Ocasio was born in New York City and raised in Cleveland. By the tender age of ten, he was performing in public, already greatly inspired by Latin music and jazz. He mastered several instruments along the way, including guitar, piano, clarinet and saxophone. As a young man, he left Cleveland for New York City to further his musical education, then onto Boston, where he studied at Berklee College of Music, mastering composing and arranging. Mr. Ocasio's Latin Jazz eight-piece band, Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project, entertained local and national audiences and won critical acclaim. For two consecutive years, Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project was awarded the Cleveland Free Times Music Award for ``Best Jazz Band.'' More significantly than winning awards, Mr. Ocasio used his musical genius to reach out to the Hispanic community, offering instruction, song and hope by performing at schools, universities, churches and community events. Mr. Ocasio was honored as the ``2001 Hispanic of the Year'' by the offices of the United States Senate, in collaboration with Nuevos Horizontes Newspaper, for his exceptionally dedicated service to our Hispanic community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Roberto Ocasio, who freely shared his gifts of music, warmth, wit and concern for others. His life was lived joyously and his gift of song and humanity has touched countless lives. I extend my deepest condolences to those who loved and knew him well--his wonderful family and many friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the lyrical song of Roberto Ocasio's spirited life will resound in the hearts of everyone he loved and inspired--today, and for generations to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. William C. Nieberding--devoted family man, accomplished scientist, active community leader, and admired friend and mentor. Mr. Nieberding graduated from John Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1957, and attained a Master of Science degree in physics one year later. In 1959, Mr. Nieberding began employment at NASA Glenn Research Center as a research engineer. He was promoted several times throughout his tenure at NASA, and at the time of his retirement in 1995, held the position of Deputy Chief of the Instrumentation and Control Technology Division. Mr. Nieberding's professional life reflects several significant accomplishments and innovations in the field of aeronautics, space propulsion and space research. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his outstanding achievement in the development of advanced instrumentation used in aeronautic and space research programs. He was considered the leading national authority regarding this area of study, offering his expertise to aeronautic researchers from around the world. His name is one of a select few stored within a Mars rover that he helped to create. Beyond his professional work, Mr. Nieberding was deeply dedicated to his community. He served on the Fairview Park Planning Commission, and was an active member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, where he served as President of the Parish Council for two years. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. William C. Nieberding, an exceptional man, scientist, and leader whose life reflected accomplishment, caring and joy. I offer my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Mary Ellen, his beloved children, Timothy, Therese and the memory of Christine; his beloved grandchildren, Emily and Mitchell; and his entire extended family. Mr. Nieberding's brilliant and flawless legacy, both personally and professionally, will be remembered forever by family, friends and colleagues, and will shine for all time across the starry night.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon, for her significant and groundbreaking professional accomplishments, and for serving as an inspiration and role model for minority women in Cleveland, Ohio, and far beyond. Her unwavering integrity and strong work ethics were gifts from her mother, who taught by example during her childhood in Mississippi. Blackmon was the first member of her family to attend college, graduating magna cum laude from Tougaloo College in Mississippi with a Bachelor's Degree in African American Studies, political science and history. Her quest for knowledge and personal growth led her away from her Mississippi home, north to Cleveland, to earn a law degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Throughout her noteworthy career as an attorney, Judge Blackmon has served as the chief prosecutor for the City of Cleveland, assistant director of Victims/Witness Program, and professor at Dyke College. Presently, Judge Blackmon holds the monumental title as the first African-American woman to preside over the Court of Appeals of Ohio. Judge Blackmon has served, and continues to serve, on many civic advisory boards. She currently serves as trustee for the Cleveland Bar Association, Lake Erie College, and the Black Women's Political Committee. For her outstanding contribution to the legal profession, Judge Blackmon has been awarded numerous personal and professional awards, including her induction into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, and the 1996 Alumni of the Year Award from Cleveland- Marshall College of Law. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon, as she is being honored on February 5, 2004, by the 14th Annual Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series, sponsored by Dominion East Ohio. Judge Blackmon's professional excellence and accomplishment as a distinguished attorney and judge serves as a beacon of hope and light for people of all races so they may visualize and realize their dreams. And Judge Blackmon's journey from Mississippi to Ohio reflects tenacity, integrity, dreams and hope, and she continues to inspire us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to show my support for House Resolution 492, honoring the contributions of the 8,000 Catholic schools in our nation. I would also like to recognize the delegation of students, teachers, and parents who make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools a special day by visiting Capitol Hill offices throughout this day. Their commitment to creating exceptional education opportunities and maintaining quality Catholic schools ensures that Catholic students will continue to benefit from their schooling for years to come. When the 2.5 million students currently enrolled in Catholic schools graduate, an overwhelming percentage of them will attend college. This is a clear sign of the powerful and positive impact Catholic schools are having on millions of our nation's children. I am a proud graduate of Catholic schools and have a first hand knowledge of the important role Catholic schools can play in the formation of hard-working, caring, and well educated Americans by teaching discipline, pride, and instilling a life-long love of learning in their students. I am so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay persons who taught me at St. Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, Parmadale, St. Aloysius Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John Cantius High School. Their thirst for knowledge and desire to share it with others has played a critical role in my own life. Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one of the most important goals of our country. Catholic schools, parents, and teachers across the nation play a critical role in achieving this end, and I again congratulate them for their ongoing contributions to education.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so that this Congress can extend unemployment benefits to the millions of Americans who cannot find work in an economy with almost three unemployed workers for every job opening. Because of previous inaction, it is now ``zero hour'' for American families who are set to exhaust their State unemployment benefits. If we do not extend the Federal unemployment insurance program today, roughly half a million people who would have been eligible for the Federal extension program will not be receiving a paycheck or an unemployment check in January. These workers form the ranks of America's 2 million long-term unemployed workers. They have been out of work for at least half a year and they comprise almost a quarter of the unemployed, a larger share of those out of work than at any time since July 1983. A recent survey by the National Employment Law Project noted that over half of the long- term unemployed had cut back on food purchases for their families, borrowed money to pay basic bills, and postponed necessary medical treatment. We can held these families today. The economic situation in this country has simply not improved enough to justify the end to the Federal unemployment extension program. Already, three of every four Federal unemployment recipients exhaust their benefits without finding a job. We must not punish millions of American families simply for losing their jobs at the wrong time of year, in the wrong month of the Congressional calendar. Vote ``no'' on the previous question.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2004. In almost every areas of concern for families, this bill is grossly inadequate and detrimental to America's future. For our Nation's children and schools, the funding shortfalls in the Omnibus are legion. At a time when we are demanding more of our public schools, and as State and local education budgets continue to be cut, funding for No Child Left Behind is frozen. At a time when the average Pell Grant is worth about $50 less in real terms than it was in 1975, the size of the maximum grant is frozen. The Omnibus also freezes funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the main source of Federal funding for after school programs. Over 1 million children will not have after school opportunities under this bill. This bill even falls $1 billion short of the level promised in the Republican budget resolution and authorization bill passed earlier this year for IDEA, which educates disabled children. Again, this funding shortfall is passed directly on to local school districts. For as many as 8 million workers, this bill also represents the end of overtime pay--but not the end of overtime hours. Although this body voted to strip the administration's plan to eliminate overtime coverage for millions of Americans, the Omnibus continues forward with a regulatory agenda determined to make Americans--from paralegals to paramedics--work longer hours for less pay. Finally, last July this Congress took a giant step forward in overwhelmingly voting to eliminate funding for section 213 of the PATRIOT Act, a provision what allows for so-called ``sneak and peak'' searches, or searches of property without the advanced notification of the person being searched. This action spoke to the anxiety of millions of Americans who believe the PATRIOT Act must be repealed or revised to restore fundamental civil liberties in this Nation. Again, the result of this bi-partisan vote is starkly absent from the Omnibus. Not only does the Omnibus cut education, it defies the will of the House on overtime pay and civil liberties. Our children and our families suffer and the integrity of the U.S. Constitution remains at risk. Vote against the Omnibus Conference Report.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Commander Marvin Cross, upon the occasion of his retirement from the Cleveland Police Department--Following twenty-two years of dedication to the citizens of Cleveland; and twenty-two years of honor to the force and to the badge. Commander Cross was born and raised in Cleveland, and graduated from Max Hayes High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Myers University, and later graduated from the FBI Academy. In 1981, Commander Cross joined the city of Cleveland Police Department. By 1983, Commander Cross was promoted to the position of Detective, and within ten years, he was appointed to the position of Sergeant in the 6th District. His extensive experience regarding hate crimes, combined with his passion for social justice, led Commander Cross to create the city of Cleveland's Ethnic Intimidation/Hate Crime Task Force. This Task Force has resulted in a 62 percent reduction of hate crime activities since 1998. Commander Cross' great intellect, combined with his exceptional interpersonal skills, brought people and agencies together for the common good and protection of Cleveland citizens. He developed a Fugitive Tracking System that led to the apprehension of over 2,500 fugitives; and reduced fugitive tracking expenses by more than forty percent. The list of Commander Cross' accomplishments and accolades is long and far-reaching. He was twice-named Police Officer of the Year; was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the city of Cleveland Police Department; and was bestowed the Red Cross Biennial Volunteer Hero Award, among others. These extraordinary honors reflect the extraordinary nature of Commander Cross himself, His integrity, vision, heart, and concern for others has served to uplift the lives of countless families and individuals within our community. Commander Cross in the ultimate hero and role model for our youth. His sincere concern for our children has been witnessed through his involvement in the Amateur Athletic Youth Basketball League, the Special Olympics Torch Run and the Greater Cleveland Big Brothers/Big Sisters Shadow Blue Program. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and celebration of Commander Marvin Cross, as we reflect on his twenty-two years of significant service to the citizens of Cleveland. Commander Cross' positive nature, personal integrity, expertise, and focus on protecting his constituents in the city of Cleveland have all served to raise the grade of safety and protection within the City limits to an exceptional level. Commander Cross' outstanding years of service has been a guiding force within our community, and is worthy of our gratitude and recognition. We wish Commander Cross and his entire family many blessings, great happiness and abundant health today and always.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of and recognition of Father Marino Frascati, founding member of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization--and spiritual guide, healer, and beloved mentor and friend to many in this Westside community for more than fifty years. Father Frascati, parish priest of Our Lady of Mount Caramel Church, continues to serve the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood with integrity, compassion, and grace, and was bestowed the honorary appointment of President for Life with the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. Father Frascati has been a steady and focused instrument of healing, preservation, growth and hope along the streets of this neighborhood. When others lost hope and turned away, Father Frascati dug in, continuing his quest to improve the lives of the families, seniors and individuals who live and work within this Westside community. His rare ability to connect with others and bring people and groups together for the common good has significantly improved all aspects of this neighborhood. Father Frascati was instrumental in renovating and developing countless commercial and residential structures along Cleveland's Westside. Due to his persistence and personal meetings with Monsignor Barone, then Undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood was the first community in Cuyahoga County to be awarded the Urban Development Action Grant for a neighborhood project. This grant resulted in the construction of Father Caruso Boulevard and restoration of the historical Gordon Square Arcade. Despite opposition and adversity, Father Frascati remains a tireless and unwavering champion of this neighborhood. Father Frascati established Nolasco Corporation which resulted in new housing for senior citizens and low income families. Additionally, Father Frascati has created strong and enduring bonds with local business owners, bringing businesses and jobs--like Bank One at the Gordon Square Arcade--back into the neighborhood. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of Father Marino Frascati, whose compassion, commitment and energy continues to create a haven of assistance, hope and renewal along the streets of Detroit-Shoreway and beyond. His presence, vision, leadership, and unwavering faith in the people and possibilities of this community have restored and uplifted the very foundation of this neighborhood--reclaiming the heart and soul of this community one brick, one senior citizen, one family at a time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, this legislation was written at the behest of insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. This is the beginning of the end of universal health care for seniors. Since Medicare was enacted in 1965, seniors went from a group least likely to have health insurance to most likely to have health insurance because of Medicare. Medicare has achieved goals that Congress has not been able to accomplish for the rest of our population by keeping millions out of poverty, increasing access to health care, improving quality of life and even extending life expectancy by 20 percent. This conference report will eliminate universal health care for the only part of our population that has it. It will lead to benefit cuts by the creation of an artificial cap on Medicare spending. It will increase costs for millions of seniors. It will privatize Medicare in order to dismantle it. We should be expanding Medicare so that all Americans can have quality health care under a single-payer system with fully-paid prescription drug benefits. This legislation is a choice between health care in the public interest which we still have with Medicare or health care in the private interest. Choose wisely. Reject the rule, reject the legislation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I stand today strongly opposed to the Conference Report on H.R. 2417, the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2004. Although the House of Representatives recently voted in a bi-partisan and overwhelming fashion to repeal Section 213 of the PATRIOT Act, a provision that threatens Americans' rights by allowing for ``sneak and peak searches'', it appears the administration is poised to move ahead with further actions that endanger civil liberties by slipping an expanded PATRIOT Act power in the Intelligence Conference Report. The hidden measure would significantly expand the FBI's power to acquire financial records without judicial oversight from car dealers, pawnbrokers, travel agencies, and many other businesses. Traditional financial institutions like banks and credit unions are already subject to such demands, but this dramatic expansion of government authority will mean that records created by average citizens who purchase cars, plan vacations, or buy gifts will be subject to government seizure and analysis without the important requirements of probable cause or judicial review. This provision initially appeared in a leaked draft of so-called ``PATRIOT II'', a proposal the American public and Members on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate publicly rejected. It is now clear the administration's strategy is to pass PATRIOT II in separate pieces with little public debate and surreptitiously attached to other legislation. This is far from an appropriate or democratic way to handle issues that affect the fundamental liberties and freedoms of Americans. I urge the administration and the Attorney General to openly and honestly return to Congress to discuss options that curtail, not expand, the PATRIOT Act to make it consistent with the United States Constitution. I also urge my colleagues to vote against the Intelligence Conference Report and this unnecessary and dangerous expansion of the government's assault on civil liberties.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, over the last year and a half, the administration has attempted to make the case that the Iraq war is part of the global ``War on Terror.'' They argued that military action to disarm Iraq would save the United States from being directly attacked by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and would also prevent Iraq from giving weapons of mass destruction to terrorist groups that could then launch attacks against the United States. Of course, no weapons of mass destruction have been found, and there has been no proof offered that legitimately connects Saddam Hussein with the September 11 attacks or the work of the al Qaeda network on September 11. The war has effectively had the opposite effect of what was desired. Al Qaeda, which was not proven to exist inside of Iraq prior to the war, is now thriving in Iraq and is targeting U.S. soldiers in their war against the United States. The U.S. occupation is fueling internal and regional hatred towards the U.S. and is providing al Qaeda with a recruiting poster for their anti-American ambitions. The world is considerably less safe because of this endeavor. Terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and a complete breakdown in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, only reinforce that the war in Iraq did not bring peace to the region as President Bush said it would. Clearly, the mission has not been accomplished. More U.S. troops have died since the end of the war than during combat operations. Last week, the U.S. military launched Operation Iron Hammer, a version of shock and awe, targeted at foreign and nationalist terrorists insurgents whose presence in Iraq is a direct result of the U.S. invasion. Most of the world's nations view the war and occupation of Iraq to be a U.S. folly. The U.S. is stuck, mostly alone, with a costly, unpopular, and unending occupation of Iraq. This is why a major change is needed. That is why I believe we need to get the U.S. out and the United Nations in. The U.N. will not go in, however, unless the main focus of resistance and instability, the United States, agrees to pull out. The U.S. must also renounce all political and economic interests in Iraq. It will be necessary to renounce, clearly and unequivocally, any interest in controlling Iraq's oil resources. The U.N., not the U.S., will administer Iraq's oil revenues. Under a new U.N. resolution, the U.N. will administer contracts to repair Iraq. War profiteering will no longer be tolerated. It will be necessary to suspend all reconstruction contracts and close the U.S.- led Coalition Provisional Authority, because of the suspicion that various contracts have been given to large American corporations were as a result of political connections. In its place, the U.N. would help Iraqis administer funds to employ Iraqis to repair the damage from the invasion. I believe if we hand over the security, administrative, and economic responsibilities to the United Nations, member countries would be more inclined to help pull the United States out of this quagmire. I am not suggesting that we do not have responsibilities there. We need a phase-in of the U.N. force and a phase-out of the U.S., while keeping a Navy fleet to defend the territorial integrity of Iraq from foreign invasion. The U.S. owes a moral debt to the people of Iraq for the damage caused by the U.S. invasion. The U.S. will also owe a contribution to the U.N. to help Iraq make the transition to self-government. American taxpayers deserve their contributions to be handled in an accountable, transparent manner. However, Americans are not required to build a state-of-the-art infrastructure as the administration seems to be planning. All we can do now is to make a dramatic reversal. Of course, we must acknowledge that the continued U.S. military presence in Iraq is counterproductive and destabilizing. We have a choice in front of us: either we change course, withdraw our troops, and request that the U.N. move in and bring the U.N. in and take the U.S. out, or we sink deeper into this occupation, with more U.S. casualties, ever higher financial costs, and diminished security for Americans. I think that we can still turn this around. I think that America can take a new direction. Today, Mr. Speaker, in the Washington Post on page A21, there is a story called ``Sending a Message,'' and I will include that in the Record of my Special Order. What that does is it talks about the aspects in which the war is escalating and the damage that is occurring to Iraqi communities as a result of U.S. military action. I would suggest that the damage inherent, as is described in this story, is not only to the humble people whose homes are being blown up, but it is also to the U.S. reputation, because as we get into the cycle of violence, we will be digging ourselves in deeper, and we will be distancing ourselves from the world community. This is a time that we need to reach out to the world community, take a new approach, and that will then enable the United States to finally end this unfortunate episode. ``Sending a Message'' With a Show of Force rural iraqi homes destroyed in u.s. offensive (By Daniel Williams) Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 18.--The house of Omar Khalil Ibrahim is a flattened jumble of broken bricks and roofing. Three of his neighbors' homes, still standing, are riddled with big holes made by tank shells that blasted through two or three walls. A dead cow lies rotting beside a broken shed. The scene in central Iraq was the result of a U.S. military offensive aimed at taking the initiative away from anti- occupation guerrillas. It is using helicopter gunships, tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, as well as an occasional jet strike, unleashing 500-pound bombs and satellite-guided rockets. One high-ranking commander described it as a ``no-holds barred'' operation. The targets are suspected hideaways, command centers and safe houses of the elusive guerrillas, U.S. officials said. ``We have to use these capabilities to take that fight to the enemy, and why not?'' said Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr., the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, which patrols western Iraq. ``That's why we use them. They are the right systems.'' For all the heavy and sophisticated armaments, the targets in Hawijat al-Ali, a rural hamlet near Tikrit, are small- scale. The houses are single-story structures set within walled rose gardens. ``We were surprised by all the big shooting,'' said Kafi Khalaf, Ibrahim's wife. ``They spent a lot to get rid of our houses.'' U.S. military officials say the show of force is a necessary response to escalating attacks in central Iraq. Maj. Gordon Tate, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division in Tikrit, said the offensive, which began Oct. 1, picked up steam after Nov. 2, when guerrillas shot down a U.S. CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter near the western town of Fallujah, killing 16 soldiers. Rocket and artillery operations replaced search-and-seizure raids that characterized U.S. military activity in the summer and early fall. ``We are sending a message. We are showing we are here,'' Tate said. Among the weapons now in use are rockets that each disperse 960 little anti-personnel bombs. Five Iraqis were killed Monday night in a 4th Infantry Division attack, Tate said. Tate said that sympathizers of deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein pay mercenaries to harass U.S. troops. ``We want them to think twice,'' he said. ``They should leave out of fear or face death.'' To curb the use of roadside bombs that are among the deadliest weapons employed by Iraqi resistance fighters, soldiers have orders to shoot and kill anyone seen digging a hole alongside thoroughfares, Tate said. The same goes for anyone seen carrying a weapon, he said. Emphasizing the new get-tough approach, U.S. troops in dozens of armored vehicles patrolled in convoys throughout Tikrit Monday. ``They are saying, `I dare you,' '' said Ashraf Skarki, a farmer. ``The noise and dust, it is all part of their letter to Tikrit.'' The activity is not limited to this town, which is notoriously hostile to the U.S. occupation. In Baqubah, several miles east of Tikrit, a pair of F-15 fighter jets, launched from Qatar on the Persian Gulf, dropped four 500- pound bombs Tuesday on some abandoned farmhouses, military officials said. Apache helicopter gunships and artillery poured fire on targets on Baqubah's outskirts and then ground troops pounded the area with 155mm howitzers and 120mm mortars. ``We have taken action on these targets before, but this is to demonstrate one more time that we have significant firepower and we can use it at our discretion,'' said Lt. Col. Mark Young, commander of the 67th Armor Regiment's 3rd Battalion, part of the 4th Infantry Division. ``This is the biggest operation we've had in the Baqubah area in terms of tonnage and volume'' of munitions, he said. On Monday, two U.S. soldiers were killed near Balad, about 35 miles from Baqubah, one in a rocket-propelled grenade attack, the other by a roadside bomb. ``We will not let these insurgents dance on our territory. We need to maintain an offensive stance and let the enemy know that we will come down with a heavy hand,'' said Lt. Col. Steve Russell, a battalion commander with the 4th Infantry Division. In Baghdad at mid-evening, U.S. forces fired heavy weapons at suspected guerrilla positions in the far western part of the city. A series of blasts reverberated across the capital. For a second consecutive night, the city was largely blacked out. U.S. officials blamed the electrical outage on a storm that they said toppled high-tension wires, although the weather has been calm for several days all across Iraq. Exactly who the guerrillas are remains a mystery, even to commanders on the ground. At a briefing in Baghdad on Tuesday, Swannack said that 90 percent of the fighters that U.S. forces have captured or killed were loyalists of Hussein or Iraqi religious militants. While the Bush administration has described foreign fighters as posing a mounting threat, Swannack estimated that only 10 percent of the guerrillas had come from abroad. ``We are not finding foreign fighters coming across the borders in significant numbers to do the fighting,'' said Swannack, whose soldiers patrol a vast swath of Iraq that borders Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Resident of Hawijat al-Ali doubted the offensive in the Tikrit area would be successful. ``Do they really think making this kind of ruin will stop the resistance?'' said Jamal Shahib, who described himself as a shepherd. Shahib and other residents said U.S. soldiers arrived Monday night searching for Ali Ahmed Hamid and Hussein Ali, two teenagers suspected of being members of Saddam's Fedayeen, a militia created in the 1990s as an irregular adjunct to Iraq's army and secret police. They did not find the young men. The soldiers arrested Omar Khalil Ibrahim, 55, and told the residents to leave their houses. They then unleashed the barrages of firepower to destroy the structures. Everyone denied that anyone had a connection to Saddam's Fedayeen. One woman, in a fit of emotion, began to chant, ``With our blood and our souls, we will defend you, O Saddam.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the war in Iraq has proven to be counterproductive to our goals in winning the war on terror. It has produced an increase in anti-American sentiment all over the world, an increased presence of al Qaeda inside Iraq, and a greater instability in the region. Every day that we are inside Iraq, the situation gets progressively worse as evidenced by the frequent and more sophisticated attacks on our troops. As a result of the escalating terrorist attacks upon our troops, more Americans have died after the end of combat was announced on May 1. The U.S. occupation of Iraq is counterproductive as it is a contributing cause for instability. We simply cannot help the people of Iraq by continuing this occupation, nor can we tolerate talk of a draft to sustain an occupation. That is why we need to get the U.S. out and the United Nations in.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I feel honored today to support H.R. 3300, a bill to rename the United States Post Office in Strongsville, OH in tribute to the city's distinguished and dedicated former mayor and my friend, the late Walter F. Ehrnfelt. I would also like to extend special thanks to my colleague, Congressman LaTourette, for helping to bring his legislation to the floor, along with all of the Ohio delegation for co-sponsoring this bill. Mayor Ehrnfelt's impact on the city of Strongsville will never be forgotten. After graduating from Strongsville High School, he began what would become a lifetime commitment to civic involvement. In 1973, while running Ehrnfelt Meats, a family business that operates still today, his neighbors convinced him to run for the Strongsville School Board, leading the fight against a campaign to dismiss teachers and ban books in the school district. He won that race, and in 1978 he was appointed mayor of Strongsville, later winning his first mayoral race in November 1979 by more than a 2 to 1 margin. Voters rewarded his effective leadership by re-electing him to six consecutive 4-year terms, the last beginning in 2000. As mayor, Walter Ehrnfelt guided Strongsville through an unprecedented period of growth, evolving from a community of 22,000 to a thriving suburb of 45,000 residents. He served on Governor Taft's State and Local Government Commission and was president of the Ohio Municipal League. But most importantly, Mayor Ehrnfelt lived each day with the people of Strongsville close to his heart, truly living his life for the betterment of others. I'm pleased we have the opportunity to honor Mayor Ehrnfelt for his service and spirit today. The people of Strongsville, the state of Ohio, and everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.