Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the City Mission for providing shelter, hope and faith to individuals and families within our Cleveland community. The facilities, programs and services that were developed at the Mission in 1910 on Superior Avenue have evolved over the years, but the vision, assistance, compassion and faith have remained a constant source of comfort and hope for more than ninety years. Within the Mission walls, Reverend Peter Bliss, Reverend Robert Sandham, Executive Director Tim Campbell and the nearly forty dedicated staff members continue the Mission legacy of reaching out, empowering and uplifting the hearts, souls and lives of thousands of women, men and children every year. The Mission's commitment to helping and healing every person that walks through the door is a true testimony to the power of faith, the reality of miracles, and the existence of angels and heroes that walk among us. The angels are those we call staff--the staff who've dedicated their lives to helping others get back in the game. The heroes are those who enter here--despite painful histories, despite illnesses and addictions, despite physical, emotional or financial devastation and despite fear. These heroes among us--the women, men and children of our community--reflect courage, dignity, wisdom, an unfaltering will to survive, a refusal to give up, and an unbreakable inner strength and faith as they rise up into the light of a brighter day. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of the City Mission of Cleveland--a sanctuary in our community. Faith and love abound within these walls, producing miracles everyday--healing the lives of all who enter here--and uplifting our entire community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the founding members, current administrators and residents of the George E. Fedor Manor of Lakewood, Ohio, as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary. In 1979, Father Richard Ondreyka, Pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, attorney George E. Fedor and local businessman Peter Shimrak brought together their personal and professional experience to form SS. C. & M. Haven, Inc., with the goal of constructing an apartment community for low-income senior citizens. In May of 1983, Fedor Manor--a not-for-profit facility--opened its doors to welcome its first residents. For twenty years, the 145-unit structure has served as a place of comfort and care for our most treasured citizens--our elderly. Fedor Manor offers an array of social services focused on the emotional, social and physical well-being of every resident. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Twentieth Anniversary of the George E. Fedor Manor. The founding members and their mission have created a structure well beyond mere bricks and steel--they've raised this building as a haven of comfort and peace--and a place where hundreds of seniors along Madison Avenue call `home'. The collective commitment of staff and residents, woven with the mission of the founding members, has remained constant for two decades: To provide a secure and warm life setting for the seniors of our community. ``Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.''--Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Cleveland- Marshall Law Alumni Association as they recognize alumni Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind--distinguished alumni of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Class of 1980. The mission of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association (CMLAA) is to promote, support and serve the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, its alumni, faculty and students by offering quality education, professional programs, and professional opportunities to assist in career and educational advancement of every alumnus. Additionally, CMLAA life membership dues fund a vital Student Scholarship Program. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni--Judge Diane J. Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind, have evolved from law school graduates in 1980, to leaders in the legal profession. Both have raised the bar of excellence in their prospective areas of law and reflect outstanding professional profiles that encompass integrity, expertise, and service to others. While ascending throughout their legal endeavors, Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard Mishkind have remained committed to supporting the Cleveland College of Law and their community, and have become superior role models for the youth of our community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind, as they are duly recognized by the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association for their significant professional achievements and, more importantly, for their service to the College and to our community. I also stand in honor of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association, for their continued support of educational excellence; for their promotion and support of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law graduates and alumni; and for providing countless students an opportunity to attain a superior law education through the organization of scholarship funds. Cleveland- Marshall College of Law, its faculty, students and alumni have demonstrated academic and professional excellence within all areas of law, earning the highest respect and admiration of our entire community and beyond.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, yesterday in debate over H.R. 2417, the intelligence bill, the chairman of the committee refused to commit to an Intelligence Committee audit of all telephone and electronic communications between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Vice President to determine whether or not the Vice President influenced intelligence produced by the CIA on Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction, the cause of war. First, the chairman said the material may be classified and, second, working documents of the executive are respected and privileged. Some Members want the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to have jurisdiction over the issue which top committee members clearly do not want to investigate. If an executive official pressured or manipulated CIA analysts to disseminate false, raw, unreliable information to justify a war, that matter should be neither classified nor shielded nor privileged. My amendment to the intelligence bill would direct the Inspector General of the CIA to audit all electronic communications between the Office of the Vice President and CIA to get to the bottom of numerous public reports which raise questions as to whether or not the Vice President played a role in making false information to become the public reason the President went to war in Iraq.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Father Walter L. Dolan, O.F.M., upon the occasion of his retirement from active ministry. Father Dolan has served as President of Padua Franciscan High School in Parma for the past nine years. Under his leadership, the high school has flourished in many ways. Enrollment has steadily increased at Padua, and today the high school is the largest Catholic co-educational secondary school in northern Ohio. Additionally, it was because of Father Dolan that Padua Franciscan High School is now officially designated as a College Preparatory High School--making it only one of fourteen with this status in the entire State of Ohio. Not only has Father Dolan significantly raised the bar on academic standards and excellence at Padua, he also focused on the improvement of the school's athletic facilities. These significant exterior developments created new baseball and softball fields, new track fields and facilities, parking and roadway improvements, and a new football stadium. Father Dolan ensured that appropriate landscaping graced the boundaries of every new development. Moreover, Father Dolan's goal for Padua included financial stability for the school, and aid for eligible students. During his tenure, Father Dolan secured a major funding effort to build a strong endowment, entitled ``The Campaign For Tomorrow.'' This significant endeavor exists to increase the amount of financial aid to students in need. This endowment is also designed to maintain the school's technological level, and also provides teachers with cutting-edge educational training. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Father Walter L. Dolan as he retires as President of Padua Franciscan High School, and as he retires from active ministry. Father Dolan's contributions throughout his ministry are significant and immeasurable, and his work and service will be greatly missed. His leadership, expertise, guidance and concern for others have served to uplift the entire Padua community, and the entire Cleveland community, and his gift of faith and compassion will forever light our community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, everyone in America knows the price of drugs is too high. Seniors know it best. Proponents of H.R. 1 are not representing the seniors of America. They represent the biggest campaign contributors in America, the private health insurance industry led by drug makers. The Rangel-Dingell substitute will bring down the cost of the drugs. It allows Medicare to buy drugs in bulk and negotiate for lower prices, which the VA already does. Skyrocketing drug costs are not only driving up health care expenses but are causing seniors to make cruel choices between prescriptions and food, prescriptions and clothing. Some seniors are even splitting pills to make prescriptions last. Seniors are crying out for help, but their pleas are drowned out by the cash registers humming away at the majority party headquarters, while insurance and pharmaceutical company lobbyists rush to the great Medicare sell-out event. Yes, some of our friends are indeed trying to take care of people in their old age. Themselves.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Samuel Laderman--beloved family man, respected attorney and CPA, and friend and mentor to countless. Mr. Laderman began his career in the late 1940s first as an accountant. A few years later, he earned a law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School, which singled him out as one of the few attorneys who also held a CPA license. Mr. Laderman built his career in law and accounting based on expertise, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He forged life-long professional relationships based on trust, fairness, good will and his ever-present vivacious personality and quick wit. Aside from his great professional success, Mr. Laderman possessed a kind heart, great sense of humor, and his main priority, focus and greatest love was his family. He was happily married to his college sweetheart, Cecile ``Cece'' Perry for 58 years. Together they lovingly raised two daughters, Flora and June, and a son, Gerald. Their closeness as a family and deep faith carried them through the tragic loss of their daughter June, who lost her battle with leukemia as a teenager. In her honor and memory, Mr. and Mrs. Laderman worked to help others through their creation of the June Beverly Laderman Memorial Fund with University Hospitals of Cleveland. Mr. Laderman volunteered his time and talents within our community on a regular basis. He was a member of the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, and was first president of the Hillel Alumni Association of Cleveland. In addition, Mr. Laderman was past president of the Cleveland Heights Chapter of B'nai B'rith, and served on the board of B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Samuel Laderman--beloved family man, respected attorney, CPA, and friend and mentor to countless. I offer my deepest condolences to his beloved wife Cecile; beloved children, Flora and Gerald; to his three adoring grandchildren, extended family, and to his many colleagues and friends. Mr. Laderman's life has left a luminous mark upon our community, and his spirited work and personal and professional legacy will be remembered always.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the parish community of Saint Boniface Parish, as they celebrate 100 years of faith and hope in Cleveland's Westside neighborhood. Throughout the past century, Saint Boniface Parish has served as a spiritual refuge-- radiating hope, encouragement, education and faith. Father Casimir Reichlin began the ministry of Saint Boniface in February of 1903. His visionary focus aimed at educating children within the framework of the neighborhood parish has remained as significant and impactful today as it was 100 years ago. As Saint Boniface Parish was born, so was Saint Boniface School. In 1904, Reverend A. M. Seeholzer was named Pastor of Saint Boniface Parish. Under the guidance of Father Reichlin, Pastor Seeholzer oversaw the construction of a four-room frame building that would serve parishioners and students for the next 12 years. In March of 1923, parishioners and spiritual leaders of Saint Boniface Parish celebrated the grand opening of the new Saint Boniface School. The sturdy, two-story brick structure contained 16 classrooms, accommodating more than 700 students, in grades kindergarten through high school. Today, Saint Boniface School provides preschool, kindergarten and first grade instruction. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every member of Saint Boniface Parish, as they celebrate 100 years of fostering faith, hope, enlightenment and love within our Cleveland community. Saint Boniface Parish continues its dedication to providing educational and spiritual growth, elevating the lives of countless children, adults and families within our community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mayor Ralph and Eleanor Locher, as they celebrate the sixty-fourth year of their marriage. Their committed partnership to each other also reflects their deep commitment and service to our entire Cleveland community. Mayor and Mrs. Locher met in their rural hometown of Bluffton, Ohio. As a young boy, Mayor Locher and his family emigrated from Romania and settled in Bluffton. Mrs. Locher was born and raised in Bluffton. Their dedication for each other and their passion for politics originated during their teen years in high school, as they were avid members of the high school debate team--and they've been inseparable ever since. Mayor and Mrs. Locher attended Dayton University together. After they graduated, they moved to Cleveland and were married in June of 1939. Mr. Locher went on to attend law school at Western Reserve University, while Mrs. Locher worked as a teacher. Soon after, daughter Virginia was born. Mrs. Locher became the steel frame of the Locher family, evolving into the role of mother, supportive wife and civic activist. Throughout Mayor Locker's impressive career as attorney, mayor and judge, Mrs. Locher was a constant and committed advocate, organizer and friend. Their unbreakable alliance has served to encourage, uplift, and bring out the best in one another. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mayor Ralph Locher and Eleanor Locher as they celebrate sixty four years of marriage. The longevity of their union underscores a deep and abiding love and commitment for each other--and reflects their deep respect, admiration and solid friendship that continues to grow stronger throughout their journey. Family has always been central to their life together--daughter Virginia Wells; grandson Andrew and his wife Heather; and great-granddaughter Caroline. We stand in celebration of the wedding anniversary of Ralph and Eleanor Locher-- the spirit of love within their union is cause for celebration and is an inspiration to us all. ``Love is the river of life in the world''--Henry Ward Beecher.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I want to point out for clarification purposes, and I thank the gentleman for yielding, that the result of this amendment would be both a count of the number of communications and an inventory of the substance of the communications. The count would establish the number of times the Vice President took the unusual step of traveling to the CIA to meet directly with CIA analysts and the inventory would establish the nature of those visits. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. The gentleman from Florida (Chairman Goss) is familiar with the amendment and the letter of the amendment, and I would ask if the chairman would be willing to commit the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to seeking specifically the information that I am asking here of the Inspector General. Would the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence be willing to conduct publicly an audit of all telephone and electronic communications between the Central Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Vice President as they relate to this matter?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I would direct the gentleman from Illinois to an article in the Washington Post on June 5 which says that the esteemed chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence said there is ``no indication that analysts at DIA or CIA changed their analysis to fit what they perceived as the desire of the administration officials.''

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I think it would be useful as we begin these debates for us to reflect on the essential constitutional role of the Congress and on the importance of separation of powers and on the cause which took a Nation into war because we are not talking about just any other matter here, we are talking about a matter that resulted in the people of this country having their sons and daughters sent to Iraq. Nothing less than the entire involvement of this Congress will do to be able to hold safe the constitutional prerogatives of separation of powers. No congressional committee can override the requirements of the Constitution and the role of this Congress. When Members of this Congress gave the President authority to pursue an attack against Iraq, they took upon themselves a serious and grave responsibility, and since information has been presented that raises grave questions about the cause of our action against Iraq, we have a moral obligation to get into this, and I take nothing away from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, but I would tell Members, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence should take nothing away from Members of the House.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I would just tell the gentleman that as a member of the Committee on Government Reform I certainly appreciate the role of government oversight, and I certainly appreciate the role of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as well. I would say that if the gentleman did not want to get to the bottom of the role of the Vice President, which has been a matter of public contest and controversy long before I have spoken here, that would indeed be a reason to oppose the amendment; but it would not be a reason for anyone else in Congress to vote ``no'' on the amendment. And to the Members of Congress, I say if they want to demand a thorough investigation into the role that the Vice President may have played in offering the American public discredited intelligence reports of a nonexisting Iraqi weapons program, then they should vote ``yes'' for my amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I want to say to my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), that I would hope the gentleman would appreciate receiving clear direction for an inquiry. I can only assume that the gentleman does not want the direction of the whole Congress to get to the bottom of the Vice President's role.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent for an additional 2 minutes.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

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