Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), we are all patriots and we all want to support the troops, including our colleague. We all want to support their families. In hopes of trying to come to an agreement here, I am wondering if the gentleman would be willing to modify his unanimous consent request to include a more neutral resolution which supports the troops, as we all do, for their valiant and dedicated work, consistently performing in a professional manner; and which supports the families at this time of difficulty and trial? Since I think unanimously there is a way that we can all agree on this, would the gentleman be prepared to support House Concurrent Resolution 105, which I left at the desk and which is at the desk there, which is a resolution that supports the troops, but does not require Members to agree with the policy in Iraq?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the right to object.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I support the brave young men and women who are following orders that have placed them in harm's way. I hope and pray for their safe return. My thoughts and prayers are with them, their families and loved ones in this difficult time. While I will always support the troops, I cannot support this mission. Last night, the President ordered an unprovoked aggressive attack against Iraq in violation of American traditions of defensive war. This war is wrong. As a nation we must come together to support the troops, but continue to challenge the policy that has put them at grave risk.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to participate with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and the CBC in the drafting of this CBC/Progressive Caucus budget; and I am honored to be here with my co-chair, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), and I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) for the fine work that he did in this regard. I rise in support of the CBC/Progressive Caucus budget. This is the only budget that funds universal single-payer health care. This is the only budget that fully stimulates the economy with a $300 billion economic stimulus package. This is the only budget that fully funds education. This is the only budget that fully funds transportation. This is the only budget that fully funds housing, and the only budget that fully funds veterans programs, and the only budget that fully funds the HIV-AIDS international support programs. The CBC/Progressive Caucus budget calls on Congress to implement H.R. 676, Medicare For All. This legislation is a single-payer, universal health care plan which will guarantee access to health care, guarantee a universal high standard of care, and lower health care costs. Earlier this month, it was reported that 75 million Americans went without health insurance in 2001 or 2002. Our failing economy and rising health care costs are failing working families who make up the majority of the uninsured Americans. While costs continue to go up, we are not getting what we are paying for. Government expenditures account for 60 percent of total health care costs. Our government spends more money per person than countries that provide universal health care. Our citizens are so close to paying for a universal health care system, but so far from getting it. Medicare For All would first improve the Medicare program by adding coverage for all medically necessary health services, including prescription drugs. During a transition period, Medicare would subsume other health programs like Medicaid and, finally, all Americans in nongovernment programs. It has been estimated that Medicare For All could be paid for with the same amount of money that is currently in the system. Under Medicare For All, employers would maintain a contribution to employee health care in the form of a phased-in payroll tax. This payroll tax would be less than what employers now pay on the average. And unlike current skyrocketing health care costs, this contribution would remain stable. Medicare For All would help employers by eliminating the costs associated with providing private health care coverage, including annual negotiations, annual premium increases, and administrative tasks. Patients would benefit because copayments, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket payments would be eliminated for medically necessary services. Under this plan, patients would receive a card that would guarantee two things they do not now have: access to the health care they need and a universal, best standard of medical care. This would help to eliminate disparities in health care between whites and minorities. It is time for Congress to stop trimming around the edges of the health care system. Workers, retirees, and employers are suffering together from the burdens of illnesses and increasing costs. Congress must budget for a real solution, that is, Medicare For All that is in this budget. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for this opportunity to participate.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and celebration of the Honorable Benjamin Briscoe, former Lord Mayor of Dublin and former prominent member of the Dail. We extend a warm welcome to you and to your wife Carol and we hope that your St. Patrick's Day journey from County Kildare to Cleveland, Ohio, proves to be a joyous and enriching experience. For the past twenty-four years, Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon have organized the St. Patrick's Day Party. This joyous event brings people together for an enchanted evening of renewing old friendships and discovering new ones, and serves to build a living bridge that extends from the North Coast to the Emerald Isle. Like his father before him, Mr. Briscoe has dedicated his life to political service and social leadership and activism. Though retired from the political stage, Mr. Briscoe continues to dedicate his time promoting tourism and investment in Ireland. Moreover, Mr. Briscoe continues his significant work that focuses on helping others. He is a Founding Member and Council Member of the Bone Marrow for Leukemia Trust of Ireland; Founder of Friends of the Vocal Arts; and Council Member of the Association of Recreation Clubs for the Handicapped. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in tribute to the Honorable Benjamin Briscoe, former Lord Mayor of Dublin, 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 twenty-four 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 honor and remembrance of Mary Slama--Beloved wife, cherished mother and grandmother, and friend and mentor to many. Mary leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, volunteerism, journalistic talent, and sincere concern for her community. Driven by a passion for learning and personal growth, Mary attained a Bachelor's degree and later a Master's degree in English. She led the West Life newspaper as reporter, then editor, with fairness, accuracy, wit and heart. Mary kept west side readers well informed and updated on news stories ranging from local community and political news to human interest stories. Mary's high level of energy and great enthusiasm for life radiated throughout her every endeavor. Her vital work on behalf of my Congressional campaign raised the spirits of those around her, and inspired others to do their best. Moreover, Mary's wonderful sense of humor and kind nature consistently served to soften even the harshest of personalities. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mary Slama--Community advocate, and friend and mentor to countless, including me. I offer my deepest condolences to her beloved husband, Bill; beloved son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Marilyn; cherished grandchildren Natalie and Patrick, and to her many colleagues and friends. Her kind nature, journalistic talent and ability to connect with others have made our corner of the world a better place. Mary Slama's friendship, significant work, and concern for our community will be remembered always.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mayor ``W'' Pete Wisnieski--Dedicated family man, accomplished community leader, and admired friend and mentor to countless. Mayor Wisnieski's foresight, integrity and leadership led the City of Independence through an amazing evolution--from a sleepy rural village to a thriving, viable and family-friendly City--all without compromising the city's small-town charm. Mayor Wisnieski was born and raised in Independence, and continues his life-long commitment to the City. Soon after graduating with honors from Independence High School, Mayor Wisnieski became operator of the Independence Ford Garage, and began raising his family. Together, Mayor Wisnieski and his wife of 64 years, Marge, raised five children, and are blessed with many grandchildren. Mayor Wisnieski has demonstrated a life-long commitment to serving the residents of his hometown, following the path of his father, Frank Wisnieski. Frank was elected to serve as the first Mayor of the Township of Independence, and served in that capacity for sixteen years. Instilled with the ideals of public service from his parents, Mayor Wisnieski began his journey of public service in 1956, when he won his first bid as Mayor of the Village of Independence. Mayor Wisnieski served Independence as mayor for twenty-two years, bringing a sense of fairness, integrity and kindness to the office. During his leadership, the City flourished. He led the effort in commercial growth along Rockside and Pleasant Valley Roads. This vital development provided a sound tax base, which translated into superior city services and low property taxes for all residents. And years before public officials became environmentally enlightened, Mayor Wisnieski understood the significant and delicate balance between progress and preservation. It was Mayor Wisnieski who led the effort to preserve nearly fifteen acres of green space in the heart of Independence, known for decades as Elmwood Park. Because of his leadership and vision, this beautiful tree-lined park continues to provide recreational enjoyment to thousands of residents, young and old, every year, in the form of swimming, baseball, soccer, fishing, and tennis, strolling, and biking. Additionally, Mayor Wisnieski's concern for the safety of all residents led to the construction of new fire and police complexes with additional staff to accommodate any medical or safety emergency-- twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Mayor Wisnieski has always been a champion of community volunteerism and helping others. He is a founding charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Independence, and founding member of the Independence Historical Society. Remarkably, throughout all of his exceptional accomplishments, Mayor Wisnieski remains today as he always has been--humble, gentle, and kind--always willing to offer a smile, friendly word, or helping hand. Mayor Wisnieski continues to exude a genuine love and concern for all people, and he extends to everyone the same warmth and respect, regardless of their title or social status. Mr Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of ``W'' Pete Wisnieski, former Mayor of Independence. Mayor Wisnieski's hard work, insight, and dedication to his community have served to uplift and improve every facet of the City of Independence, and set a strong foundation for future ideas, projects and growth. Mayor Wisnieski combined heart with grit while in office, and continues to be the finest example of a citizen, leader, husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. Mayor Wisnieski has earned the admiration and respect of the entire Independence community, as well as the entire Greater Cleveland community and beyond. ``Where after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.''--Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Bicentennial of the State of Ohio's admission to the Union. I rise to honor the contributions of Ohio residents to the development of the United States. On March 1, 1803, Ohio became the 17th state to enter the Union. From the invention of traffic lights and Teflon to the famous first flight at Kitty Hawk, Ohio has been the birthplace of many important advances in United States history. The nation's first interracial coeducational college, Oberlin College, was founded in 1833 in Oberlin, Ohio. The storied history of this great state is, perhaps, best demonstrated through the accomplishments of its amazing residents. Ohio residents have contributed to many different aspects of United States history and culture. Inventors Thomas Edison and Charles Goodyear hail from Ohio. Well-known authors Harriet Beecher Stowe and Toni Morrison, as well as, poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar also come from Ohio. Ohio also has the distinction of producing more Presidents than any other state in the Union. Legendary comedians Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, who have inspired millions to laugh, hail from Ohio. Other noteworthy Ohioans include Doris Day, Clark Gable, Annie Oakley and Neil Armstrong. Ohio's contributions have not only been limited to academic and artistic pursuits. Many well-known athletes hail from Ohio also. World-renowned golfers Nancy Lopez and Jack Nicklaus are both from Ohio. African American track star Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals during the 1936 Olympics, grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Ohio State University. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Bicentennial of the admission of Ohio in to the Union, a state whose contributions to this great country cannot be overlooked.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on the one-year anniversary of the President's decision to impose temporary tariff relief on behalf of the domestic steel industry under Section 201 of the Trade Act, I speak in strong support of the tariffs and their continuation for the full three-year period ordered by the President. Between 1997 and 2002, America's steel industry was under attack by foreign companies illegally dumping steel into the American economy, sending 35 steel companies into bankruptcy and costing 54,000 industry employees their jobs. After a seven-month analysis, the International Trade Commission made a unanimous determination that the steel industry had suffered serious injury as a result of the surge of imports and voted to recommend a remedy. One year later, this remedy is working and must be continued. Since the Section 201 relief was implemented, the industry is beginning to see signs of a recovery: domestic producers have experienced incremental improvements in revenues, operating income, and capacity utilization. The tariffs have also caused a modest price recovery in the industry. Prices for hot rolled steel rose from historic lows of only $210 per ton in December 2001 to around $300 per ton today. But even so, prices for all major flat rolled products are still below 20-year historical averages. Additionally, the industry has made significant progress toward restructuring and consolidation. The International Steel Group (ISG), which came into existence following its purchase of LTV, has agreed to acquire the assets of Bethlehem Steel. US Steel announced plans to purchase National Steel. Section 201 relief, if allowed to run its course, will result in a more competitive domestic industry. The tariffs were a good start, and they must be allowed to continue. The United States has finally made clear that it is no longer willing to serve as the World's Steel Dumping Ground. The United States has also made clear that the national security of our country requires a strong and viable domestic steel supplier base. Only the continuation of the 201 tariffs will mitigate the harm of unfairly traded imports and assist the industry in a critical recovery. Keep the steel tariffs working!

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, today the New York Times reported that 75 million people went without health insurance in 2001 or 2002. Our failing economy and rising health care costs are failing working families who make up the majority of uninsured Americans. While costs continue to go up, we are not getting what we are paying for. Government expenditures has accounted for 60 percent of total U.S. health care costs. Our government spends more money per person than countries that provide universal health care. Our citizens are so close to paying for a universal health care system, but so far from getting it. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) and I have introduced a bill to ensure that all Americans have access to a universal high standard of medical care. This bill, Medicare for All, would help patients get the health care they need. It would help physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to get back to practicing medicine instead of filling out paperwork. I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 676, a bill to finally bring universal guaranteed quality health care to all Americans.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and celebration of the Sesquicentennial celebration of St. Patrick's Church, one of Cleveland's foremost Catholic congregations. During its tenure, St. Patrick's has served as a foundation of faith and service for the religious community of our Ohio City neighborhood, and far beyond. Irish immigrants founded St. Patrick's Parish on Franklin Street in 1853. The church was also home to the first Ursuline Community in Cleveland. In 1871, the cornerstone for a new church was laid on Bridge Avenue. A famine struck that year, which halted construction. Construction resumed, yet it was arduous and long. For two years, parishioners journeyed to Sandusky to obtain free quarry stone and deliver it back to the church site. Following six years of toil, focus and commitment, the new church was opened during the summer of 1877. Since that time, St. Patrick's Church has stood as a monument of faith, hope and support for immigrants and generations of their descendants. Although the first wave of parishioners were mainly of Irish heritage, today, the fabric of St. Patrick's reflects a colorful blend of citizens descendant from all areas of the world. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in tribute to and commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland. St. Patrick's Church stands as more than a stately and vital historical structure; rather, the leaders and members of this parish, past and present, reflect a lasting monument of faith and hope that has sustained our families, our neighborhoods, our cities and our nation, for more than a century.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, we tell the poor to get a job; and as jobs are drying up, we cut off their benefits. We call for the poor to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, and then deny them boots. Some of my colleagues think that God loves the poor, he made so many of them. But we must make God's work truly our own. I urge Members to vote for the Mink substitute.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for purposes of continuing this debate.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) because she understands that the poor depend on Members of Congress to reduce poverty and reduce unemployment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today I am here to offer an amendment in the form of a substitute to H.R. 4. I am offering the Patsy Mink Memorial TANF Reauthorization Act with my colleagues, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens), and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen). Throughout her life, Patsy Mink was a dedicated advocate for women, children and families everywhere. She was a seasoned policymaker who targeted failings in the status quo with real solutions. As a speaker at a conference on poverty, Patsy criticized TANF restrictions on education saying, ``Right now we cut welfare recipients off from education and job training after only 1 year. It is like saying that all poor mothers are worth are minimal schooling and skills and minimal wages.'' Patsy Mink said, ``We need to treat women on welfare the same way we treat all women, with respect, dignity and rights we all cherish for ourselves.'' Well, the Mink substitute does just that. It provides real opportunities for families in poverty and backs every provision with adequate time and funding. TANF's current work requirements tell the poor, get a job, any job, regardless of what it pays. The Mink substitute allows recipients to prepare themselves and earn the qualifications so that they can get a living-wage job and permanently move out of poverty. It ensures that recipients are screened by trained professionals and have access to treatment for domestic violence, substance abuse or disabilities. The Mink substitute lifts the time limits on education and removes State caps on the number of people pursuing education. This will mean that people can earn a degree instead of taking a couple of classes. It expands the definition of work to include all kinds of education. This ensures recipients can build the qualifications they need. In the last year, industries that have placed more than half of TANF recipients have reduced job openings, and this is in areas like retail and service industries, for example, by 20 percent. Low-income women face an unemployment rate of 12.3 percent. TANF recipients need the time and opportunity to build new skills; otherwise, there will not be a job for them to go to. When people find a job, they need adequate work supports so they can continue working. The Mink substitute guarantees child care to TANF recipients who are engaged in a work activity and for 2 years to those who leave TANF if their income is below 250 percent of poverty. It also provides $20 billion in mandatory child care funding which will provide child care for an additional 2 million children. There is no reason to support anything less than the necessary amount. If we demand that all mothers go to work, we must provide them with the same opportunities to do so. Today, on the floor, I have heard a lot of my colleagues say that TANF is successful and that it is working. I hope that for the sake of this country my colleagues would understand that this is 2003, not 2000, and that the people of this Nation are experiencing a serious recession. Our government from the Census Bureau to the Department of Labor has reported increasing figures of poverty, unemployment, TANF caseloads, and requests for emergency food and shelter for the last 2 years. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and call it compassion. The truth is TANF, as a safety net program, is not working. The economy was working a few years ago; now it is not. Now we need a safety net, and those in poverty need better opportunities. The Mink bill recognizes this reality. In talking about her life and legacy, Patsy Mink once said, ``My career in politics has been a crucible of challenges and crises where in the end the principles to which I was committed prevailed.'' It is my hope that Patsy is right and that the principles of equality, justice, and opportunity prevail with the passage of this legislation. Support the Mink substitute. Celebrate her life and her purpose by supporting the Mink substitute. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Danny H. Cameron, respected businessman, community advocate, dedicated family man, and friend and mentor to countless, as he is honored as the Black Professional of The Year by the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Since its inception in 1982, Mr. Cameron has led the National City Community Development Center (NCCDC) as its President and Executive Director. In this capacity, he has carried out the mission of the NCCDC with great focus, vision, and dedication, aimed at uplifting the residential and commercial aspects of our Cleveland neighborhoods. Under his direction, the National City Community Development Center has extended into the communities of six states. The astounding achievements of Mr. Cameron and the NCCDC include investments of nearly 400 million dollars into the construction, renovation and preservation of homes in Cleveland and other cities, resulting in 39,000 affordable housing units for low and middle-income families and individuals. Amazingly, because of the direction of Mr. Cameron, more than ninety percent of new housing in Cleveland grew out of NCCDC investments. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Cameron has been a deeply committed community volunteer. He has created programs for area high school students that encourage learning and growth in the areas of computer technology, and has developed funds that provide college scholarships to area youth. Mr. Cameron has also committed his time, service and expertise on the boards and commissions of many worthy civic and community agencies. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of Mr. Danny H. Cameron, as we recognize his significant contribution to our community. His work, expertise and dedication have served to improve and unify our diverse citizenry. Mr. Cameron's strong leadership abilities, vision, and passion for social and economic justice for all have earned him the deep admiration and respect of the Cleveland community and communities beyond. Mr. Cameron's gift of service to others raises the spirit of families, strengthens the unity of inner city streets, and provides a window of light and hope in our neighborhoods by illuminating our corner of the universe, one family, one house, and one street corner at a time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in honor and recognition of Police Chief Richard W. Unger, upon the occasion of his recent retirement from the Cuyahoga Heights Police Department, after twenty- seven years of dedication to the force and honor of the badge. Chief Unger grew up in Cuyahoga Heights, and committed his entire law enforcement career to protecting the safety of the residents of his hometown. He joined the Cuyahoga Heights police department in 1976. Within ten years, Chief Unger was promoted to Lieutenant, then Captain. During that time, he also served as the Juvenile Officer, and was one of the original members of the Cuyahoga Valley SWAT team. In 1992, at the youthful age of thirty-nine, Mr. Unger was promoted to the position of Police Chief. Chief Unger's total dedication to his profession was also reflected in his pursuit of additional law enforcement education and training. Throughout his law enforcement tenure, Chief Unger regularly attended workshops, classes and seminars to bolster his experience and knowledge. In addition, Chief Unger has been a member of many safety force commissions and boards, and has been awarded numerous awards and commendations for his exceptional work. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of Cuyahoga Heights Police Chief Richard W. Unger, as we reflect on the past twenty-seven years of his significant service to the citizens of Cuyahoga Heights. Chief Unger's easy-going nature, integrity, expertise, and focus on protecting his constituents in Cuyahoga Heights have all served to raise the grade safety operations in Cuyahoga Heights to an exceptional level. Chief Unger has been an outstanding role model for his four children, grandchildren, and for every resident of Cuyahoga Heights. Chief Unger's exceptional service, focused on the welfare and safety of families and individuals, is truly significant and worthy of our gratitude and recognition. We wish Chief Unger, his wife Katherine, and his entire family many blessings and great happiness in his retirement. We also wish him many wonderful cloudless summer days of smooth sailing and great fishing along the waves of Lake Erie--Port outboard, Starboard home.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lithuanian American Community Cleveland Chapter and their celebration of the 85th Anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania's Independence, which will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2003 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help auditorium. The Lithuanian American Community has focused on the celebration of Lithuanian heritage and providing educational, cultural, and social services to its members. The many events it sponsors such as folk dances, art and science symposiums, and theater festivals, are always open to the public in an effort to share Lithuania's rich culture with others. The Lithuanian American Community has done an excellent job of supporting cultural interaction between the United States and Lithuania and looks forward to further integration in the West. I would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank the leaders and members of the Lithuanian American Community of Cleveland for organizing these wonderful festivities, and for sharing their rich culture with all Clevelanders. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Lithuanian American Community Cleveland Chapter, a wonderful organization that has provided support for Lithuanian Americans, and enriched Cleveland with the contribution of their culture and heritage. May Sunday's celebration of the Restoration of Lithuania's Independence be a wonderful reminder of Cleveland's richly diverse community, and a joyous occasion for all whom attend.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Edward E. Kotecki, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to many. As the retired CEO of century-old Kotecki Monuments of Cleveland, a company founded in 1896 by his grandfather, Mr. Kotecki combined his sharp business abilities with his great artistic talents to create exquisite, critically acclaimed shrines and sculptures displayed in churches, religious centers and cemeteries in Cleveland, and around the world. With a commitment to the highest level of artistry, Mr. Kotecki traveled in search of the finest master sculptors. His search took him to Italy, Poland and Romania, and he personally sponsored each artist during their stay in the United States. Additionally, Mr. Kotecki blazed the trail for a new process of creating sculptures. From his European counterparts, Mr. Kotecki introduced to America a sculpting machine that created three-dimensional sculptures in a fraction of the time it would normally take. During his tenure, Kotecki Monuments created a symphony of granite along the terrace of the Cleveland Museum of Art; assisted in the polishing of the Hubble Telescope; and worked alongside Cleveland steel mills in fabricating granite skid caps. Moreover, Mr. Kotecki consistently displayed a generous spirit and kind heart. He directed the Cleveland Police Officers Peace Memorial, and had the names of fallen officers inscribed at no charge to families. Additionally, Mr. Kotecki regularly donated labor and materials for the restoration of damaged Cleveland cemetery monuments. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Edward E. Kotecki, Jr.--business leader, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend and mentor to many. Although Mr. Kotecki will be deeply missed, his vision, life and legacy will live on forever, like the granite angel whose wings rise forever against the Cleveland sky.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Babes of 1916 Senior Citizens Softball League, formed in 1983. I also stand in honor of the officers of the League: Gil Novak, Nick Gavanditti, Gus Bene and Paul Ristau, and I honor the members of the League who remain forever young, with a clear understanding that one is never too old to step up to the plate. Over the years, the League has grown from thirty-one players to over one hundred and fifty. Every summer, the teams in the League play at well-attended events in ballparks across the county. Over the past twenty years, teams within the League have won several local and national championships, including their regular participation in the Senior Softball World Series. The League members' sincere love and enthusiasm for life is clearly reflected in their love for the game--in every calculated pitch, in every outfield catch, in every throw to first, and in every swing of the bat. The players also extend their spirit and energy across our community, as they consistently donate their time to play for charitable and civic events. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor, tribute, and celebration of the past and present leaders of the Babes of 1916 Senior Citizens Softball League, for their twenty years of uplifting our hearts and spirits with their great affection for America's favorite pastime. The players and leaders of the League are the guardians of the most beloved and historic game in American history, and because of them, our seniors have the opportunity to still experience the joy of fielding a ground ball, hitting the winning run, teamwork, and camaraderie. The Babes of 1916 Senior Citizens Softball League have given its youthful ballplayers much more than the love of the game. They've given seniors the chance to play at the ballpark, inspiring cherished moments and creating memories that reach back to childhood--from the early innings of their youth--to the bottom of the ninth, two down, tie score, bases loaded. Batter up.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, this morning I will be introducing a resolution of inquiry which demands the President transmit to the House of Representatives the complete Iraqi declaration on its weapons of mass destruction, that was provided to the United Nations on December 7, 2002. If the administration is intent on taking this country into a war, I believe it is incumbent upon them to make the document which was portrayed as evidence of an Iraqi threat available for all to evaluate. As of today, neither Congress nor the media nor the American people have seen the full Iraqi declaration of weapons of mass destruction. Instead, we have only heard interpretations of the document from the White House and the United Nations. Let the American people and we, their elected Representatives, who under our Constitution have the power to declare war, determine the justification for war, let the primary documents be transmitted in their complete and unedited form and be brought to the light of day. Mr. Speaker, the American people have the right to see this information. Congress has the right to see this information, and the administration has an obligation to show it before sending any of our sons and daughters into battle.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Stanley Eugene Tolliver--respected attorney, civic activist, community advocate, dedicated family man, and friend and mentor to countless--as he is sworn-in as President of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association. Mr. Tolliver was born and raised in Cleveland, and has reflected a life-long commitment to education for himself and for others. After attending the Cleveland Public Schools, Mr. Tolliver received his undergraduate degree at Baldwin Wallace College with a major in pre- law. He was awarded his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1951. Mr. Tolliver passed the bar exam in 1953 while serving in the United States Army. In 1969, he received a Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He embarked upon his journey of public service in the seventies, when he was appointed by Judge Frank Batisti to the Committee of the Office of School Monitoring and Community Relations. Mr. Tolliver was elected to the Cleveland School Board in 1981; reelected in 1985, 1989, and elected as President of the School Board in 1987. In 1990, Mr. Tolliver was reelected as President of the School Board. Besides his dedication to the education of our youth, Mr. Tolliver has been equally committed to social justice issues. He is an active member of the Black Elected Democrats of Cleveland; a life-long member of the NAACP; an Executive Committee Member of the Cleveland NAACP; and an active member of the Cleveland Citizens Committee Against Dual Law Enforcement. Additionally, Mr. Tolliver has served as legal counsel to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Congress of Racial Equality. Mr. Tolliver acted as the legal advisor for the Shield Club, and initiated the indictment of ten Cleveland police officers for violent crimes. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Stanley Eugene Tolliver, and his continued commitment to our community. His work, expertise and dedication have served to uplift, improve and unify our entire citizenry. Mr. Tolliver's strong leadership abilities, vision, and passion for social justice for all has earned him the deep admiration and respect of the Cleveland community, as well as the entire Greater Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, these brave men and women, representing the best of America and the world, gave the greatest sacrifice for the betterment of humanity. They knew the risks of their heroic enterprise. Their courage is the finest example of human aspirations, of reaching up to create an undreamed-of future. They are true heroes. They pushed the limits of technological and human potential and in doing so inspired our Nation and the world. Their memories will long endure. Imagine a world with less air pollution, less dependence on oil, new fire suppression technologies, better earthquake resistant buildings, better weather prediction models, and better medical techniques to fight cancer, diabetes, and antibiotic resistance. This is the world the astronauts aboard Columbia were striving for. By carrying out more than 80 scientific experiments to expand our knowledge in these and other fields, the seven astronauts were tackling today's big issues with big science. They were pushing scientific boundaries to provide clues to issues we have been unable to resolve here on Earth. In my district resides the NASA Glenn Research Center, whose scientists were well acquainted with the seven shuttle astronauts who we lost in this tragedy. The crewmembers had traveled to Glenn several times a year for training on the scientific experiments. They were family to our NASA researchers in Cleveland. In their memory, we will push forward. We will continue to apply big science to resolve our big challenges. The scientists in Cleveland's NASA Glenn Research Center and across the Nation will strive for better solutions out of respect for the crew of Columbia. May they rest in peace.