Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New York City Firemen, and to submit for the record a brief article written by one of my constituents, Mr. Matthew T. Fitzsimmons. Mr. Fitzsimmons truly captures the selfless nature of the hundreds of firemen that have risked their lives since September 11th, and those that continue to put themselves in harm's way. It is my hope that this article inspires you to realize the true American spirit embodied by ``New York's Bravest.'' Climbing a Stairway to Heaven (By Matthew T. Fitzsimmons) I have always been proud to be the son of a retired New York City fireman (Marine Co. 9) and brother of a current New York City fireman (Ladder Co. 77). I was born and raised in the tradition and culture of the New York City Fire Department. I am now a lawyer in Cleveland. Last Tuesday morning at the World Trade Center, New York City firefighters demonstrated to the world, in the most graphic manner imaginable, why they are called New York's Bravest. As tens of thousands evacuated the Twin Towers in mass hysteria, the firefighters, with complete and utter disregard for their own safety, ran into and up the buildings to rescue the injured and others in need of help. It was an extraordinary act of bravery. Up thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy floors, and higher, with full gear. A height at which you could almost reach out and touch the face of God. Unbeknownst to them, they were climbing a stairway to heaven. There have been many words used to describe last week's attack on our country: horrific, horrendous, barbaric, tragic, and surreal. For me, there was nothing more horrific, horrendous, barbaric, tragic, surreal--and sickening--than Tuesday's TV graphic that approximately three hundred New York City firefighters were missing, and presumed dead. It is a number that is beyond comprehension--beyond comprehension. It is numbing. Three hundred firefighters--about fifty companies--are significantly more than are on duty in the entire City of Cleveland on any given day. My thoughts this past week have not been on the faraway lands of Afghanistan, Pakistan, or the Middle East, but on the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the closer in suburbs of Long Island, where families of many firefighters live. The sense of loss and grief in those neighborhoods must be unbearable and unspeakable. I am very sorry for their loss, and mourn with them. To paraphrase Will Rogers' eulogy of President Woodrow Wilson, last Tuesday the world lost three hundred of its greatest friends. Tellingly, it now appears that about ten percent of those who died at the World Trade Center died trying to rescue others. Firefighters in all cities share many admirable qualities. They are, for the most part, good family men and women. They love kids, and are good with, and make time for, them. They make great Little League coaches, peewee football coaches, and CYO basketball coaches--much more so than doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, and the dotcom crowd. Because they face death with the ring of every alarm bell, they appreciate how valuable and precious life is--each life. Above all else, they are extraordinarily brave. When my father died in 1996, a reporter from one of the New York newspapers asked if he could deliver the eulogy at his funeral Mass. In the early 1970's, this reporter had witnessed my father, then the pilot of the Firefighter (the world's largest and most powerful fireboat), make a rescue in New York Harbor after a freighter and a container cargo ship collided near the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Scores of people were incinerated in the collision. My father had maneuvered the Firefighter between the two burning ships and rescued about twenty-five crewmen, who were trapped and jumping overboard. The heat was so intense that it melted the paint off the Firefighter's decks. The reporter, a safe distance away on a tugboat, thought the Firefighter was going to catch on fire, explode, and sink. The reporter recounted this rescue in the eulogy, and concluded by saying: ``Your father was the brav-est man I ever knew.'' My brothers and sisters and I were very proud to hear this tribute to our father. In the upcoming days and weeks, there will be funeral Masses and services for all of these fallen heroes. I hope that at these Masses and services someone will tell the children of each one of these deceased firefighters that their father or mother ``was the bravest person I ever knew.'' Although America can be, at times, a country with a short memory, I am sure that America--indeed the entire world--will never, ever forget the bravery which the men and women of the New York City Fire Department displayed last Tuesday. I am confident that when those firefighters reached the top of that stairway to heaven, Our Lord and St. Peter were likewise in awe of their bravery.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc. on this great day, the 12th of October, 2001. The Lithuanian American Community celebrates Lithuanian heritage and provides educational, cultural, and social services to its membership. Founded in 1951, LAC, Inc. has kept Lithuanian heritage and religious traditions alive in America through its network of Lithuanian Heritage and Language Schools, which provide classes to Lithuanian Americans of all ages. In the United States today, there are approximately 800,000 people of Lithuanian descent. LAC, Inc. offers a variety of services to Lithuanian Americans. The Human Services Council of the Lithuanian American Community provides legal aid, medical assistance, and other services to Lithuanian Americans across the country. This organization educates the general public about Lithuanian heritage and seeks to spread their rich culture. The Lithuanian American Community sponsors events such as folk dances, art and science symposiums, and theater festivals. The Lithuanian American Community has long remained focused on sharing their cultural history through events open to the public, and educating other citizens of their rich and deep culture. They have done an excellent job of supporting cultural interaction between the United States and Lithuania. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Lithuanian American Community, a great organization that has provided support for Lithuanian Americans, and enriched Cleveland with the contribution of their culture and heritage.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 863, Consequences for Juvenile Offenders Act. In particular, I am pleased that funding under the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program can be used for maintaining juvenile record systems to promote public safety and to establish interagency information-sharing programs. However, I not only support establishing a juvenile recordkeeping system, but I encourage States to develop an automated system of records. Last Congress I offered an amendment to the Juvenile Justice bill to assist States in compiling the records of juvenile and establishing statewide computer systems for their records. States would then have the option of making the information available to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement authorities from other States. This amendment was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. My amendment was accepted. The need for improved recordkeeping systems on violent juveniles is illustrated by a tragic story from my district. A Cleveland police detective, Robert Clark, was killed in July 1998 while attempting to arrest a drug dealer. The individual who shot Detective Clark had accumulated a considerable criminal record between Ohio and Florida. Although he was only 19 years old at the time of the shooting, he had been arrested 150 times since the age of 8. There had been 62 felony charges against him between 1995 and 1998. He was arrested on yet another offense the night before he killed Detective Clark, but because law enforcement officers in Cleveland were unaware of his extensive criminal record as a juvenile he was released from custody. Had an automated records system been in place when he first appeared before a juvenile court in Ohio, law enforcement officials in Ohio would have had access to his extensive criminal record in Florida and the tragic death of Detective Clark could have been prevented. I urge the conferees to give attention to this important issue. The information shared through the creation of an automated juvenile recordkeeping system will stop crime and save lives.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Martin Vittardi, Clerk of the City of Parma's Municipal Court and 2001 Honoree of the Year for the Italian American Brotherhood Club. Mr. Vittardi has a long and distinguished history of public service in the Cleveland area. Upon graduation from John Carroll University in 1977, he took the position of Deputy Clerk for Cuyahoga County Probates Court and later decided to serve as Legislative Representative for the Seafarers International Union until 1988. Throughout his tenure in that position, Mr. Vittardi had the opportunity to lobby on behalf of countless labor issues in not only Columbus, but Washington D.C. as well. Mr. Vittardi served in many different capacities, and was a true public servant. In 1987, then Councilman Martin Vittardi coordinated the very successful campaign of his good friend Mr. Mike Ries for Mayor. After inauguration, Mayor Ries appointed Mr. Vittardi Public Service Director for the City of Parma, where he oversaw countless city manners, including: community development, engineering, senior citizen programs, public lands and buildings, recreation, streets, and sewers. In 1982, Mr. Vittardi served as Cuyahoga County Democratic Executive Committeeman. Soon thereafter he was elected Parma Councilman in Ward 3. In 1991, he was elected for a six-year term as Clerk of Court for Parma Municipal Court and re-elected again in 1997. In addition, Mr. Vittardi had the honor of serving as President of the Northeast Ohio Municipal Court Clerks Association in 1996-1997, and is currently serving as the President of the State of Ohio Municipal Clerks Association. Mr. Vittardi has obviously been a great asset to not only his local community, but also throughout Northeast Ohio. He has earned the respect of his constituents, and served the public selflessly. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Mr. Martin Vittardi on his long and distinguished career in public service, and in recognition of the Italian American Brotherhood Club's 2001 Awards.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lucille Perk of Cleveland. Lucille Perk may always be best remembered as an avid bowler. She bowled with Vic's Floral team in the Southeast Ladies League for more than twenty years. When her husband, Ralph Perk, who was the mayor of Cleveland from 1972 through 1977, was invited to a White House dinner with president Nixon, she did not accompany him. Pressed for an explanation, the mayor explained that his wife could not attend because it was her bowling night. People across the country knew the story of the Ohio woman who preferred bowling to dinner at the White House. As dedicated as she was to her teammates at the bowling alley, she was even more dedicated to her community, her church and her family. The mother of seven, she was named Italian Mother of the Year by the Italian-American Civic Club in 1965. For more than thirty-five years while her husband was in politics, Lucille answered telephone calls from constituents. Lucille was a regular attendee of meetings of the Parent Teachers Union at Our Lady of Lourdes parochial school. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. She was also a member of the Southeast Isabella Guild of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. John's women's auxiliary. She was a founder of two mission circles supporting priests in El Salvador and South Africa. Lucille Perk was a dedicated wife, mother, community volunteer, and bowler. She has become a part of the culture of Cleveland. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the life of this remarkable woman.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Kenneth A. Carlson, the writer, director and producer of successful high school football team, the Massillon Tigers. ``GO TIGERS!'' has long been a vision for creator Kenneth A. Carlson, and became a reality during the 1999 football season. Carlson, a native Ohioan, has desired to create a film of his hometown for more than 10 years, and focus primarily on the town's incredible love for football. Throughout his travels to the town, he had the opportunity to re-live a part of his life that he thought he had outgrown, but that always remained an important part of his soul. ``GO TIGERS!'' chronicles a pivotal season for the Massillon football team; following the team's poor season in the previous year, the entire town was confronted with a school tax levy that was necessary to protect the jobs and livelihood of the school district. The documentary follows the team, marching band, and fans through a whirlwind season from a town where boys are born with pig-skins in hand. Kenneth Carlson has the gift of bringing the season to life, from the personal stories of teammates to great wins and losses. Carlson manages to touch the human spirit and soul with this film and effectively portrays life from a small, Ohio ``football town.'' Carlson truly captures the essence of a small rustbelt town that draws its major identity from football. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a distinguished writer, director, and producer, Mr. Kenneth Carlson on his stunning documentary, ``GO TIGERS!''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Farah M. Walters for her induction into the 2001 Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. As President and Chief Executive Officer of University Hospitals Health System and University Hospitals of Cleveland since 1992, Ms. Walters will be placed in an elite group of women recognized for their outstanding contributions to their state and nation. Ms. Walters presides over a system that serves patients at more than 150 locations in Northeast Ohio and which is the region's largest private sector employer. Ms. Walters graduated from the executive MBA program at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management and holds a Masters of Science in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She has consulted and lectured for major health organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization, American Hospital Association, National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Army, and various hospitals and universities. Ms. Walters has received numerous prestigious awards for her work. For example, in May 2001 she was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of honor by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation; in February, 1999 she became the first woman to receive the Business Executive of the Year award from the Sales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland; and in May 1998 she became the first woman to receive the Business Statesmanship Award from the Harvard Business School Club. In January 1993, Mrs. Walters was appointed to Hillary Rodham Clinton's National Health Care Reform Tax Force, and in 1993 Modern Healthcare selected her as one of the 50 individuals in the USA to shape the future of health care in the country. In addition, University Hospitals of Cleveland has been the recipient of many awards under her leadership, including the North Coast 99 Diversity Award from the Employer Resource Council and Enterprise Development and the Exemplary Voluntary Effort Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. Ms. Walters also serves on a variety of national and local boards and is active in civic affairs. She is on the board of the LTV Corporation and has served on a number of key committees of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Washington, D.C. She also serves on the board of Cleveland Tomorrow, Greater Cleveland Roundtable and Ohio Business Roundtable. In 1994 Ms. Walters was appointed by Governor Voinovich to serve on the 15 member Commission to Study the Ohio Economy and Tax Structure. Within the community, she has served as Chairman for the 1997 United Ways Campaign, the first woman and the first CEO of a non-profit organization to be selected for the position. Ms. Walters will be honored by the Ohio Womens Hall of Fame on October 17, 2001. She and her husband Stephen have one daughter named Stephanie.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements and dedicated service of Patrol Officer Jim Benedict after his 32 years of service to the city of Cleveland. Officer Benedict has served as a model officer for the city of Cleveland; he has remained steadfast in his convictions and principles. He has served his city and Nation with great dignity and honor, and has gained and earned the respect of his fellow man. Throughout his term of service, Officer Benedict has served the force and city in countless capacities. His love of justice drove him to great lengths to uphold the law. Officer Benedict served the Cleveland force for 32 years. During his entire term of service he was called a close friend and a true public servant. His selfless service earned him the respect of all his colleagues. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Officer Jim Benedict for 32 years of dedicated and selfless service to the Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man who has affected the lives of thousands in Northeast Ohio, County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora, recipient of the Bikur Cholim Hospital's 2001 International Brotherhood Award. Mr. Dimora is a great man, skilled politician, public servant, and most importantly, a friend. In January 1999 he began his term as Cuyahoga County Commissioner with the one simple goal to simplify county government and make it ``user friendly'' for his constituents. Commissioner Dimora's main goal was to bring common sense to political dilemmas, and solve problems rather then to create them. He was soon, thereafter, elected by his fellow commissioners as President of the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners. Before working in County government, Commissioner Dimora was a dedicated public servant in the city of Bedford Heights. He served as Mayor from 1982 through 1998, running for re-election without opposition every time. He served before that as Council-at-Large for four years, and also was a city employee for six years. Mr. Dimora has dedicated his entire life to selflessly serving the public. As Mayor, he accomplished countless great feats: he instituted new programs and expanded services without raising property or city income taxes, expanded a full-service jail, and renovated the largest and best- equipped recreational facility of its kind in the state. Commissioner Dimora is truly dedicated to serving his fellow man. He is a people person, a problem solver, and a consensus-builder. His tenure as Chairman of the Democratic Party in Cuyahoga County has demonstrated his incredible honor and the respect he has gained from his fellow colleagues. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a very fine man on his recipient of the Bikur Cholim Hospital's 2001 International Brotherhood Award. Commissioner Jimmy Dimora is truly a man of the people, and has served the Cleveland community selflessly his entire life.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Midwest Association for Latin American Studies, MALAS, on their 51st Annual Conference at Cleveland State University. The Midwest Association for Latin American Studies was originally organized as an interdisciplinary program designed to encourage students and practitioners of Latin American Studies to come together for formal events and informal networking. To accomplish this objective, MALAS organizes national and international annual conferences that address the many themes reflected in the diverse interests of the membership. This association provides for tremendous opportunities for those studying Latin America and a great way for these people to come together and truly discuss issues. The Midwestern Association for Latin American Studies not only hosts an annual conference, but rather works year-round publishing newsletters, maintaining list serves, providing scholarships and awards, and so much more. Throughout the years, the association has continued to grow and foster even more activities for its members, and offers both academic and professional opportunities. The Midwestern Association for Latin American Studies is an organization that truly embodies great principles and strongholds of education, and fosters an environment of learning and networking. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the 51st Annual Conference of the Midwest Association for Latin American Studies. The conference is bound to be a great success.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, ``My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside let freedom ring.'' Let freedom ring in the ears of those who wants to still its sound. Let freedom ring even as we travel through the valley of the shadow of terrorism, for freedom is a sweeter melody. The terrorists have aimed their attack on the fundamental freedoms of all law-abiding Americans. They have attacked our right to life, to liberty, to pursuit of happiness, to freedom of association, freedom of mobility, freedom of assembly, and freedom from fear. Freedom is not just 50 States. Freedom is a state of mind. Freedom is our National anthem here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Let freedom ring. If freedom is under attack from outside sources, then let us not permit an attack from within. It is an attack on freedom to let government come into the home of any American to conduct a search, to take pictures without notification. It is an attack on freedom to give the government broad wiretap authority. It is an attack on freedom to permit a secret grand jury to share information with other agencies. It is an attack on freedom to create laws which can endanger legitimate protests. Tens of thousands of men and women are getting ready to journey far from the shores of our Nation. They are being asked to defend some of the very rights this legislation would take away. Patriots are those who, in times of crisis, do not give up their liberties for any cause. ``Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light; protect us by thy might, great God, our King.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a wonderful man who has served his community selflessly his entire life, Monsignor Casimir Ciolek. Monsignor Casimir Ciolek has served the spiritual community of Cleveland in countless capacities, but most recently served as chaplain at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where he held daily mass. Past assignments include the director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Cleveland Diocese and also spiritual director for the national St. Vincent de Paul Society's Midwest region. Monsignor Ciolek attended Cathedral Latin School and John Carroll University before entering the St. Mary seminar to become a priest. After ordination in 1946, Ciolek was appointed chaplain of Parmadale, the first Catholic children's residence of its kind. After a brief period of service, he went to the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. to study social work. After moving back to Cleveland in 1957, he was assigned assistant director of Catholic Charities, and ten years later was promoted director. In 1977 he decided to become pastor of S.S. Peter and Paul Church in Garfield Heights, retiring from his post in 1992. Monsignor Casimir Ciolek has served selflessly his entire life. His dedication and countless contributions to the Cleveland community have touched and affected the lives of thousands, and his memory will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of an incredible man, pastor, and friend, Monsignor Casimir Ciolek. His warm smile and gentle spirit will be remembered by all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the countless achievements and honors of Mr. Mike Reineri, who will be sworn into the Radio & Television Broadcasting Hall of Fame on November 11, 2001. Mr. Reineri has a long and distinguished career within the broadcasting industry. He has served in countless capacities in many different cities throughout his tenure and has broadcast in many different localities. At age 14 he was invited to a radio station and was told he had absolutely no future in the radio business--he soon proved them wrong. Mr. Reineri's first major appearance on radio was in 1959 with WFVG in North Carolina. He stayed there for about a year and soon moved to WKIK, where he did a rock-n-roll show from 7-11 p.m. at a remote studio at the Piggy-Park Drive-In in Raleigh. His outstanding style of broadcasting drew crowds from all across the state. Throughout the next few years, his travels and career led him through Chicago, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and many other places. While broadcasting for Cleveland, he started and promoted the very successful ``Shoes for Kids'' program that provides underprivileged and homeless children with footwear. He covered a variety of events including the Washington Peace Rally, Kent State shootings, and the George Wallace shootings. Professionally, Mr. Reineri has done promotions for many organizations including Walt Disney World. He has also participated in great activities such as flying the Goodyear Blimp and riding in the Miami Grand Prix. Mr. Reineri has also been extremely active in his local community. For 18 years, Mike has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Miami and has been awarded the Service to Youth Award and Service Bar. In 1991 he was awarded the Easter Seals Man of the Year Award in Miami and the Miami Power Squadron Award for Outstanding Contribution to Safe Boating. This small list only includes but a few of Mr. Reineri's many achievements and awards in broadcasting which has qualified him to be accepted into the Radio & Television Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing and honoring a man who has touched the national community with not only his radio shows, but his heart, Mr. Mike Reineri, on his acceptance into the Radio & Television Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Thomas Martin, who passed away on September 22, 2001 at the age of 72. Father Martin spent 25 years as the pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church on Superior Avenue in Cleveland, where he dedicated his life to helping those in his parish and the community find meaning in their lives and to increase the opportunities available to those who are less fortunate. Rev. Martin was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Benedictine High School in 1947. He then attended St. Procopius College in Illinois, St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, and St. Mary Seminary in Cleveland, before being ordained in 1956. While he spent the latter years of his life at St. Francis, Fr. Martin also served at a number of other parishes located in Cleveland, Bay Village, and Painesville, as well as on several diocesan commissions. Rev. Martin was a strong advocate of helping those in need with every means possible and spent countless hours working on projects to improve the lives of low-income families. One such project Rev. Martin helped organize was the Famicos Foundation, which is a neighborhood development organization that provides housing and social services for low income families. He and Sister Henrietta founded Famicos in the Hough neighborhood, which is in close vicinity to St. Francis. In addition, Rev. Martin was a strong advocate of the use of vouchers to allow students to attend Catholic schools who otherwise could not afford to do so. Rev. Thomas Martin is survived by a sister, Delores M. Lucas, and by three brothers: Jerry J., George G., and Richard J. Thomas. Reverend Thomas will be sorely missed by those in his parish and community, and he will forever be remembered for his generous heart and for all the hard work he put into improving the lives of those around him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Renee Jones Empowerment Center on their 2nd Annual Celebrate Empowerment Gala. The Renee Jones Empowerment Center is a new non-profit organization that was founded to foster positive opportunities for at-risk individuals. The overarching goal of this organization is to increase self-esteem through intensive motivation clinics and workshops that confront real life issues, and provide for life-like experiences. These workshops are designed on the philosophy of determination, self- reliance, and the desire to achieve all your dreams. The workshops aim to prepare individuals for the job market and teach them of personal budgeting. The Center has worked in the past with Head Start, M.A.D.D., The Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence, and Cuyahoga Community College. They have provided great strides in building a network that is dedicated to helping people in crisis and the community as a whole. In 1999, the 1st Celebrate Empowerment Black Tie Gala honored 78 individuals who became self-reliant. This year, the Center hopes to honor even more individuals that have worked themselves out of the constrains of poverty. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing and honoring a wonderful organization that is dedicated to helping fellow individuals in the community, the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, on their 2nd Annual Celebrate Empowerment Gala.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Citizen Resources on its 30th anniversary of service to seniors residing in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn community. Organized in 1971 as an activity center for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Crestview Estates in the community of Old Brooklyn, Ohio, Senior Citizen Resources (SCR) quickly began expansion to better serve the entire community. Outreach began when the agency was awarded a nutrition grant to serve 150 people. Before this time there were virtually no services for the elderly in Old Brooklyn, and now SCR is the sole provider of services to over 6,200 seniors. Senior Citizen Resources has long strived to, as their mission reads, extend independent living for elderly people residing in the Old Brooklyn area as long as they are physically and mentally able to live independently. To fulfill this goal, SCR has implemented programs and services in countless areas, including: nutrition, transportation, social services, and more. A staff of only 25 dedicated individuals administer these worthwhile programs while over 3,000 people utilize the activities. One of the most utilized services is the Volunteer program of Senior Citizen Resources. Over 350 seniors provide volunteer work for over 30 Social Service Agencies in Cuyahoga County. These seniors contribute an average of 41,000 hours of service per year. Their dedication to the well-being of the community is staggering, and their commitment to serve their town is inspiring. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring such a worthwhile agency, Senior Citizen Resources, that has served so selflessly the Old Brooklyn community in northeast Ohio. The staff has shown incredible dedication and heart to the entire community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, my office has been contacted by dozens of groups expressing concerns about the Farm Security Act (H.R. 2646). I submit the following letter on their behalf. October 2, 2001. Dear Representative: The one hundred forty-eight (148) groups listed below, from across the country representing family farmers and ranchers, sustainable agriculture, religious communities, environmental and wildlife concerns, consumers, and many other constituencies and issues have joined forces to urge you to vote against the Farm Security Act of 2001 (H.R. 2646). As agricultural and rural groups, we make this urgent plea to vote against a farm bill with great reluctance. However, this bill proposed by the House Agriculture Committee would continue and expand misguided policies that have driven commodity program spending to record high levels, while doing little to stem family farm decline and falling far short of providing solutions to the many conservation, rural development, credit, research and other needs of America's farmers, ranchers, and their communities. This nation needs a Farm Bill that works for family farms, ranchers, rural communities, consumers and the environment. Unfortunately, H.R. 2646 fails to do this. Specifically, H.R. 2646 would: Unfairly subsidize the nation's very largest farms, while encouraging overproduction, low prices, environmental distress, and large government payments in perpetuity. Ignore the need for a competition title to address the impact of rapid consolidation in agriculture and to check anti-competitive behavior that harms farm and ranch families, consumers, rural communities and the environment. Transform the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) into a subsidy program for huge, polluting, factory livestock operations. Ignore the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers. Cap and severely limit funds for conservation technical assistance for the Conservation Reserve and Wetlands Reserve Programs. Weaken the highly successful Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Phase out within the next five years nearly all direct lending programs within USDA. Fail to increase the percentage of total farm bill funds dedicated to conservation, and ignore the calls for a comprehensive stewardship incentive program for working land. Take only minimal steps to support marketing innovation and development and value-adding enterprises and to reverse the decline in public support for agricultural research. Fail to address structural changes essential to assure fair and equitable delivery of USDA programs and services to all farmers, despite costly legal settlements brought on by USDA actions. The results would do substantial harm to family farms, to our communities and the environment. For years, family farmers and ranchers and concerned citizens have been developing solutions to agricultural problems and putting them into practice on their farms and in their communities. In our view, the bill reported out by the House Agriculture Committee not only ignores these solutions, but in fact would make them more difficult to achieve. H.R. 2646 was reported out of the House Agriculture Committee in July 2001 after just 15 hours of debate. Federal policy affecting our nation's agriculture system and food supply for the next ten years is much too important to be pushed through in a matter of days. This bill must go back to the House Agriculture Committee for the substantial debate and policy development process our nation needs and deserves. At a minimum, a new round of deliberations on the Farm Bill by the House Agriculture Committee should include: Removal of biases against small and moderate-scale agriculture, and assuring that all farmers receive equitable access and service. Comprehensive assistance for all small-scale, socially disadvantaged and new farmers and ranchers not served by current programs. Restoration of direct lending for all family-size farms. Stewardship incentives for family farmers that provide real conservation and environmental benefits for our society. Rural development, research and marketing programs that increase the farm and ranch share of food system profit and support development of new cooperative and small businesses. Commodity programs that enable family farms to earn a fair price. A competition title to increase competition and fairness in the domestic agricultural marketplace. We respectfully request that you vote no on H.R. 2646. Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network. Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO). Agricultural Resources Center. American Corn Growers Association. Arkansas Natural Produce, Inc. Ashland Community Food Store. Berkeley Ecology Center (CA). Berkeley Farmers' Market (CA). Beyond Organic Communications. Cabinet Mountain Market (MT). California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). California Church IMPACT. California Farmers Union. California Institute for Rural Studies. California Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. California Wilderness Coalition. C.A.S.A. de Llano (Communities Approaching Sustainable Agriculture) (TX). C.A.T.A., Farmworker Support Committee (NJ). Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform. Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry, School Sisters of Notre Dame (MN). Center for Food and Justice, Urban and Environmental Policy Institute, Occidental College. Center for Rural Affairs (NE). Center for Sustainable Systems (KY). Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana. Coalition for the Bight (NY). Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (ME). Colorado Organic Producers Association. Columbia Area Food Circle (MO). Community Farm Alliance (KY). Community Food Security Coalition. Community Market Gardens. Consumer Federation of America. Corporate Agribusiness Research Project. Dakota Resource Council. Dakota Rural Action (SD). Delta Land and Community. Demeter Association. Earthfriends. Eden Foods, Inc. Erehwon Retreat (NY). Family Farm Defenders. Family Farms for the Future (MO). Farming Alternatives Program at Cornell University. Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Florida Organic Growers. Food Works (VT). Friends of Rural Alabama, Inc. Friends of the Earth. GRACE Public Fund (Global Resource Action Center for the Environment). Green Eggers Farm (MS). Greenpeace USA. Henry A. Wallace Center for Agricultural and Environmental Policy at Winrock International. Hoosier Environmental Council. Idaho Organic Alliance. Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Indiana National Farmers Organization. Innovative Farmers of Ohio. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. Iowa Environmental Council. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Johnny's Selected Seeds (ME). Just Food (NY). Kansas City Food Circle. Kansas Rural Center. Maine Farms Project. Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA). Maysie's Farm Conservation Center (PA). McCone Agriculture Protection Organization. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES). Minnesota Project. Minnesota Food Association. Mississippi 2020 Network, Inc. Mississippi River Basin Alliance. Missouri Farmers Union. Missouri Rural Crisis Center. National Catholic Rural Life Conference. National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture. National Center for Appropriate Technology. National Family Farm Coalition. National Farmers Organization. Nebraska Wildlife Federation. New York City Soil and Water Conservation District. New England Small Farm Institute. New York Certified Organic, Inc. New Jersey Environmental Lobby. New York State Grange. New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NYSAWG). Northeast Organic Farming Association-New York. North Carolina Contract Poultry Growers Association. Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT). Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. NorthEast Neighborhood Alliance (NY). Northern Plains Resource Council. Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society. Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. Nebraska Wildlife Federation. Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. Ohio Environmental Council. Ohio Family Farm Coalition. Organic Agriculture Systems Consulting. Organic Farming Research Foundation. Organic Independents. Organic Trade Association. Organization for Competitive Markets. PCC Farmland Fund. Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Certified Organic. Pesticide Action Network-North America. Philadelphia Fair Food Project (PA). Poughkeepsie Farm Project (NY). Peacework Organic Farm (NY). Provender Alliance (Pacific Northwest). Regional Food and Farm Project (Northeast). Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust (NM). Roby Van En Center (PA). Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. Rodale Institute. Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA. Rural Coalition/Coalicion Rural. Rural Vermont. Rural Virginia Inc. San Juan Citizens Alliance. Sierra Club Agricultural Committee. Social Concerns/Rural Life Office Diocese of Jefferson City (MO). Sophia Garden CSA (NY). South Central Farmers Market Association (PA). Southern Research and Development Corp. (LA). Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. Students Interested in Sustainable Agricultural (Dickinson College, PA). Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Sustainable Agriculture for Everyone. Sustainable Earth (IN). Sustainable Food Center (TX). Tennessee Land Stewardship Association. Tuscaloosa CSA (AL). Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative (PA). Union of Concerned Scientists. United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society. Washington Biotechnology Action Council (WA). Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network. Western Organization of Resource Councils. Western Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. Willimantic Food Co-op (CT). Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group Virginia Biological Farming Association. Veritable Vegetable (CA).

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the fifty-first anniversary of the founding of Grace Baptist Church of Westlake, OH. This congregation has been a wonderful part of the Greater Cleveland community for over half a century. This church traces its history back to February 24, 1950, when forty- seven members signed the charter to organize the church officially. The congregation originally met in an upper hall on the corner of Orchard Grove and Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, but a small church building was later purchased in Rocky River. As the church continued to grow, a larger building was needed. The church purchased land from Mrs. Dorothy Rogers, a member of the congregation, and broke ground on April 17, 1966. The dedication services were held in the present building on October 26, 1967. The congregation of Grace Baptist Church worships at that location to this day. The church is located on a seven acre site in the eastern part of Westlake. The members come from the western part of Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River, Fairview Park, North Olmstead, Westlake, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, and North Ridgeville. All ages are represented in the congregation. The church is very active. Among its activities are a Sunday school for all ages, Sunday morning and evening worship, youth groups, prayer meetings, adult social groups, and junior and senior high school youth groups. From the beginning, the prayer of Grace Baptist's membership has been that the church family would always stay faithful to God. For fifty-one years, that prayer has been answered. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring Grace Baptist Church.

Mr. KUCINICH

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to modify the line that says ``insert 10 percent,'' instead of 10, insert ``3 percent.''

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will increase the amount of environmental risk assessment research. USDA has funded significant biotechnology research aimed at creating new agricultural products, while almost no research is conducted on the risks of these products. USDA spends over $100 million a year on biotech commercialization research. The impacts of biotechnology must be understood so federal regulators can minimize environmental impacts. H.R. 2646 begins to address this concern by reauthorizing a biotechnology risk assessment program. However, H.R. 2646 fails to authorize enough funding, which is set at only 1% of the total USDA biotech research budget. The current USDA biotech risk assessment program gives $1.8 million per year for research grants. However, many excellent projects remain unfunded. This amendment expands biotechnology risk assessment research funds from 1% to 3% of the total USDA biotech research budget. Endorsed by: National Farmers Union, National Farmers Organization, National Family Farm Coalition, Sierra Club, and Environmental Defense. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I want to thank the gentleman and thank the chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), for their cooperation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Polonia Foundation of Ohio on their Annual Pulaski Day Ceremony in memory of General Kazimierz Pulaski. Born March 4, 1747 in Warka, Poland, Kazimierz Pulaski achieved great military military fame in Poland and soon became a national figure. In 1768 he and his father organized the Bar Confederacy and attempted to save Poland from Russian forces. He became a well-respected commander, but was forced into exile when the Russians pressured the confederacy to disintegrate. General Pulaski soon arrived in Paris where Benjamin Franklin actively recruited him for the American cause. His service to America led him to the post of Brigadier General and was later recognized as the Father of the American Cavalry. He fought alongside George Washington at Brandywine and Germantown, but was mortally wounded in 1779 at Savannah. The Polonia Foundation recognizes their obligation to see that the memory of the distinguished General Kazimierz Pulaski does not fade into history. His brilliant cavalry improvisations as well as his selfless service and dedication to our young nation's cause have earned him the respect of the American people. This year, the annual Pulaski Day Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 6 at the War Memorial in Washington Park. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Polonia Foundation of Ohio for their outstanding cause of liberty and remembrance of a great man and soldier, General Kazimierz Pulaski.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The Sisters have a long history of dedication to people of Northeast Ohio. Over the years, the sisters served in seventeen schools in Ohio, providing for a strong education and solid virtue and morale to thousands of students. The congregation was originally founded in Wisconsin in 1901 to educate Polish immigrants who were settling in the Midwest. Forty-six Sisters comprised the original congregation that had grown to over 183 members in 1908, serving twenty-three parish schools in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. The ministry of the Sisters expanded greatly from its original focus on educating grade school children to include high school teaching, hospital care, special education, food pantries, missionary work, geriatric care, spiritual guidance and counseling, university professorships, pastoral care, and more. Their guidance and inspiration has touched thousands of people throughout the entire Midwest, and their caring missions stand strong today. While their mission and programs continue to expand, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis have not altered their founding spirit--seeking to serve the minores, the little people who often fall through the cracks of society. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating and honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. The Sisters have remained a strong force in our community, and will continue to touch the hearts and souls of many in the years to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, as a representative of an urban district, I am proud to express my strong support for the Boehlert-Kind- Gilchrest-Dingell amendment. My citizens in Parma, OH, a suburb of Cleveland, have been struggling for over a year to save wetlands in their city from development. A century of sprawl has left only 153 acres of wetlands there. These wetlands are part of a watershed of the Cuyahoga River, an American Heritage river that feeds into Lake Erie, and these wetlands are critical to ecological health. The citizens in my district, in their effort to set wetlands aside and restore them, need a federal solution. The programs in the Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment are needed now more than ever to help. These programs are critical in order to preserve urban greenspace and dedicate resources to wetland preservation before development takes over all greenspace and wetlands. The Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment would help protect the more than 90 million of acres of farmland that are currently threatened by sprawl by increasing funding to $100 million for FY2002 and increasing this amount through 2011. It would protect urban greenspace by boosting mandatory funding to $50 annually through 2011. These programs are crucial to cities across America. My citizens are struggling with the problems of sprawl and lack of wetlands protection now. Small, individual communities and farmers don't have the planning strategy and resources to effectively prevent these problems. There is a need for the programs and funding in this amendment, and this need existed years ago. This amendment is overdue. We should approve this amendment so other communities don't have to put up the same fight to save greenspace in their cities, and I urge my colleagues to vote for the Boehlert-Kind-Gilchrest-Dingell amendment