Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, in the 20th century the greatest resource issue was oil, but in the 21st century the greatest resource issue in the world will be water. The freshwater resources of the Great Lakes are as precious to the U.S. as oil is to the Middle East. It is our health. It is our wealth. It is our economic future. It is our environmental future. Clean water is a basic right in a democratic society. The oil companies should not be permitted to privatize the Great Lakes. The Bible tells a story of Esau, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Let us not sell America's birthright to one of the greatest supplies of fresh water in the world for a mess of oily pottage in the false name of energy security.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I would like to cite the latest GAO report about the NIF, which was issued on June 1, and continues to recommend an independent scientific review of NIF. It says, In our reports, we recommended that the Secretary of energy arrange for an independent outside scientific and technical review of NIF's remaining technical challenges. NIF still lacks an independent external review process. Independent external reviews are valuable for measuring cost, schedule, and technical success in any large and ambitious science project. Yet, no such external independent reviews of NIF have been conducted or planned. The DOE's own orders state that external independent reviews are beneficial; however, DOE plans to continue its own internal review program, allowing Defense Programs officials to manage the process themselves. It is very clear, Mr. Chairman, that accountability has been lacking. While we know about the lack of accountability at NIF, we also have an opportunity here to take a strong position with respect to nonproliferation and fund some of those programs that have been cut back.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, how much time remains?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Consecration of The Monastery Marcha Church for the esteemed dedication by the abess, Igumanija Ana and two sisters, Sisters Anastasia and Angelina, for their remarkable service to God and the Holy Orthodox Church. Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio is erected in remembrance of the original Monastery Marcha in Serbia, built in the 17th Century, which was destroyed during the war with Austria-Hungary. Even though it was rebuilt in 1924, it was destroyed once again in 1991. However, due to the devotion of the congregants, the Monastery Marcha in Richfield became what it is today, the first monastery established for the Serbian Orthodox nuns in the United States. The Monastery is presently located on a beautiful 82 acre tract of land, which was purchased in 1968 for the sole purpose of building a Diocesan center. The spiritual and uplifting environmental atmosphere invites all those lost souls in need of spiritual enrichment, prayer, service, moral support, and love. The Monastery graciously houses a residence and living accommodations for monastics, a heavenly Chapel, and future plans hope to include a vast area for a cemetery and a residence for senior citizens. Each week the Holy Services are conducted by an area Orthodox priest who graciously volunteers his priestly duties to the Monastery. The nuns derive income through the generous donations but find that the main source stems from producing vestments, making candles and selling religious articles. The nuns have hospitably provided many spiritual retreats at the Monastery and have become speakers and program presenters throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The nuns have taken an active part in service to the Monastery and it is well known that the doors of the Monastery are always open for all to enter. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the Monastery Marcha Church for their many contributions to the diocese and wider religious community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of David O. Frazier, on his incredible accomplishments in the arts and contributions to theater in Cleveland. Frazier began his musical profession the old-fashioned way by performing in a recital for his piano teacher. Little did he know that this was the starting point of an amazing career that would span more than five decades and take him around the world. Fate eventually led him to Cleveland where his professional career took off with his performance at the Cleveland Playhouse, America's oldest resident professional theater. His dedicated work kept him busy at the Playhouse for 34 years during which he performed in over 150 productions. When Cleveland's Playhouse Square was threatened with demolition, Frazier took a leave of absence from his career to aid in rescuing it. He appeared in the record breaking production of ``Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris'', which became the longest running show. The production saved Playhouse Square. Now 27 years later, Playhouse Square has become the second largest performing arts center in America. Together with his partner and collaborator Joe Garry, they have accomplished many awestruck performances. Recently, they have performed on the Cunard liners, QE2, Caronia and Seaboun Sea, There they sail the world first class and perform on the bill with many theater legends, while hosting a group of Cleveland friends and including them in the performances. Frazier, being privileged to perform one man concerts at private functions for diverse people like Pulitzer Prize Playwright John Patrick, has produced plays, musicals, and operas. Together with his partner, they have actively produced 15 musicals. They have received many prestigious awards, including being inducted into The Cleveland Play House Hall of Fame for their many years as actor in repertory there, and for performing both nationally and internationally. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the House of Representatives to join with me in recognizing David O. Frazier, a man who exemplifies the best that Cleveland's stages have to offer.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a fine individual and exceptional teacher, Ms. Susan Culver of Olmsted Falls Middle School, for her outstanding dedication to the education of young students. Ms. Culver has spent the past few months organizing and planning a project for her seventh grade classes at Olmsted Falls Middle School. Because of her time and dedication to enriching her students, Ms. Culver has received a grant that will enable her to analyze and research pollution in the Olmsted Falls community. Over the past few years, air and water pollution have become important issues in Olmsted Falls, and Ms. Culver has taken it upon herself to analyze this problem. With the help of 140 seventh-graders, Ms. Culver will test pH levels in local ponds, analyze animal specimens, research the food web, and so much more. This program will give students an opportunity to experience their community in a hands-on environment. This program materialized only through hours of hard-work, planning and researching. Because of her efforts, Ms. Culver's program has been chosen to receive a G.I.F.T., Growth Initiatives for Teachers grant. With this grant, Ms. Culver is offering students a wonderful leaming experience that will broaden their educational horizons. Ms. Culver is also planning on taking courses at Cleveland State University about computers and will attend numerous conferences of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. Ms. Culver holds a bachelors degree in middle school math/science and is working toward a masters degree in instructional technology. In 1998, she began her teaching career as a tutor at Olmsted Falls Middle School and joined the full-time faculty in 1999. She teaches science in the classroom, but her influence extends much beyond simple biology and chemistry. Ms. Culver is giving students information that is not only pertinent to where they live, but that will be relevant for their entire lifetime. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a young teacher that is touching the lives of hundreds of students, Ms. Susan Culver. She has given her time and dedication to Olmsted Falls Middle School, and has earned the respect of students, faculty, and the entire Olmsted Falls community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a fine individual and exceptional teacher, Ms. Tanya Parisi of Olmsted Falls Middle School, for her outstanding dedication to the education of young students. Ms. Parisi is one of two teachers that have organized a program that will enrich students and address concerns pertinent to the Olmsted Falls community. Within the past few years, pollution has become a growing concern for the small suburb of Olmsted Falls, and Ms. Parisi has taken it upon herself to analyze this problem. With the help of 140 seventh-graders, Ms. Parisi will be researching water and air pollution, studying water samples, researching the food web, identifying living specimens, and so much more. Throughout this entire project, students will maintain a computer portfolio of their research and publish their results online. This program materialized only through the tireless efforts of Ms. Parisi. Her love and dedication to enriching the lives of her students has earned her the very prestigious G.I.F.T., Growth Initiatives for Teachers grant. Ms. Parisi also will be taking courses in computers and technology at Cleveland State University and attending conferences of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. Ms. Parisi holds a bachelors degree in education and is now pursuing a dual masters degree in science and technology. She began teaching in 1996 and has been with Olmsted Falls Middle School since 1999. She teaches math in the classroom, but her influence extends much beyond numbers and calculations. Ms. Parisi is giving students information that is not only pertinent to where they live, but that will be relevant for their entire lifetime. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a young teacher that is touching the lives of hundreds of students, Ms. Tanya Parisi. She has given her time and dedication to Olmsted Falls Middle School, and has earned the respect of students, faculty, and the entire Olmsted Falls community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joseph J. Garry, Jr. on his remarkable accomplishment of instilling joy and laughter through theater arts in Cleveland for over 34 years. Joe Garry, who performs side by side with David Frazier, was just honored by the award-winning actress Patricia Neal with the Signstage Theater's annual Spotlight award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to the arts and culture in Cleveland. Gary and Frazier, well-known in the local and national entertainment circles, were instrumental in the success of many long running productions. They are best known to Cleveland audiences for their landmark musical ``Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris'' which ran for two and a half years, and by supporting the restoration of the Playhouse State complex in Cleveland. Garry, director and former professor and head of the Theater Department at Cleveland State University has written, directed, and produced plays, musicals, and operas. Together with his partner, they have actively produced 15 musicals. They have received many prestigious awards, including being inducted into The Cleveland Play House Hall of Fame for their many years as actors in repertory there, and for performing both nationally and internationally. Recently, they have performed on the Cunard liners, QE2, Caronia and Seabourn Sea. There they sail the world first class and perform on the bill with many theater legends, while hosting a group of Cleveland friends and including them in on the performances. Joseph Garry has proved to help cultivate not only the Cleveland arts community, but locations throughout the world via his musical theatrical abilities and inspiration. I ask my colleagues to rise in recognizing this great man, Joseph J. Garry Jr. for his remarkable contributions to the theater arts.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sam Canitia, a life-long resident of Ohio, who served his community in various ways throughout his lifetime. He will be missed, not only by his beloved family, but also by countless members of the community. Mr. Canitia was a former Highland Heights City Council president and Shaker Heights Democratic ward leader. In 1972, Cleveland Mayor Ralph J. Perk hired him to study the County Board of Revision's rulings on tax appraisals and appeals. He was a past president of the Italian-American Democratic League, the Cosmopolitan Democratic Club and the Akron-Cleveland chapter of the American Society of Appraisers. He was named ``Realtor of the Year'' in 1977 by the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors, of which he was a past president and board chairman. Mr. Canitia also taught property appraisal classes at John Carroll University, Cuyahoga Community College and Dyke College. I'm sure that you will agree that there are few professions more honorable than that of teaching. My fellow colleagues, please join me today in celebrating the life of this remarkable man. He was a gentleman of honorable intentions and thankless acts of service to the community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Philip Pempin in recognition of his valor in saving a young boy's life. Mr. Pempin has been the dutiful principal of the Riverside Elementary School in Cleveland for the past three years. Mr. Pempin is a luminary of the Cleveland school system. It is because of his guidance and ambition that the Riverside Elementary School stands out in our district. His individualized and scrupulous attention toward each and every pupil in the school has helped the school rise high in terms of performance. Mr. Pempin exemplifies the ambition and diligence that we all strive for. Working without an assistant, Mr. Pempin strove to help his fourth graders pass all five parts of the Ohio proficiency test last year, soaring above the state average. Although Mr. Pempin's feats at work are unprecedented, the quality and beneficence of his person by far overshadow his already tremendous achievements in Cleveland's education system. Mr. Pempin is also a proud and dedicated father. However, not only is he father to his own children, but also to each and every pupil in the Riverside Elementary School, as demonstrated by his heroic feat on Thursday, June 14, 2001. At 12:30 p.m. in Riverside's cafeteria, six- year-old Cody Boytek was visibly in trouble. Mr. Pempin saw that the child was choking and getting weaker by the minute. Taking quick action, Mr. Pempin successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on little Cody, dislodging the obstruction that almost took Cody's life. Mr. Pempin proceeded to carry the fragile child to his office where he waited for emergency medical workers to arrive. Forever at the service of his children, Mr. Pempin was cradling Cody in his arms as his mother arrived. It is due to Mr. Pempin's sincere love and devotion that little Cody was back at school the next day, alive and well. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Pempin, an outstanding father, principal and human being. Mr. Pempin exemplifies the service and honor that our city and nation stand for.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I would say respectfully to my dear friend, the gentleman from Texas, that perhaps the people of Florida would much rather have artificial reefs around which their fishing can be improved instead of oil platforms. In addition to that, while we might say that it is radical to protect our environment, perhaps more and more Americans are becoming radical because, to look at the polls in this country, the American people strongly defend their environment. I do not think the American people want drilling off the coast of one of the most pristine areas in this country, because it belongs not only to Florida, it belongs to the people of my State in Ohio, it belongs to the people all over this country. There are people who want to drill in the Great Lakes, which represent 20 percent of the fresh water supply of America. When do we stop trying to trade the treasure of this Nation to industries which are gouging the public, which are raising prices to unconscionable levels, which are withholding supplies? We are going to put our trust in the gas and oil industry and forfeit our natural treasures? I think not. Support Scarborough-Davis.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I understand.

Mr. KUCINICH. I was not here earlier, but does the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) agree to that limitation?

Mr. KUCINICH. The one on price caps, is that offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi)?

Mr. KUCINICH. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) a question. Mr. Chairman, would the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) read the two bills that were energy related, the two amendments that were energy related, one by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and the other one by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, the Air Force's Airborne Laser Program, ABL, seeks to put a laser on a Boeing 747 jet in order to shoot down ballistic missiles. In January 2001 the Air Force claimed the Airborne Laser Program needed $98 million in supplemental appropriations. This amount is $55 million less than the $153 million currently requested in this supplemental bill. There have been various congressional requests to the Air Force for an explanation of the extra funding. The Air Force has not provided Congress with a comprehensive answer. According to Air Force officials quoted in the press, some of the money will be used for spares and other equipment to help reduce risk for the overall program and keep it on schedule for its 2003 missile intercept test. But this 2003 deadline is arbitrary. Moreover, various officials have expressed concern with the ABL's testing program. Last year, the Pentagon's chief tester concluded that the airborne laser program, testing program, is alarmingly short, allows for no technical problems, and ``cannot all physically be accomplished in the time allotted.'' That is the chief tester. The GAO has stated that an airborne laser design more realistic than the current model ``may not be achievable using current state-of-the- art technology.'' By appropriating the ABL program $55 million more than the Air Force requested, we are helping to accelerate a flawed testing program. Appropriating $153 million for the airborne laser in the supplemental does not represent good government, it does not represent smart budgeting, and it may not represent common sense. A full $153 million supplemental appropriation would represent a 65 percent increase over the ABL's 2001 budget of $234 million. The airborne laser has already received an additional $85 million above the administration's request in the 2001 fiscal year defense appropriations bill, so we are already funding the Air Force's airborne laser program at levels above those requested by the executive branch, and now we are prepared to grant this program's budget a massive midyear increase. If this additional funding is truly necessary, why not include it in the fiscal year 2002 budget? Including the money in the supplemental only makes the money available a few months earlier than it would be if included in the fiscal year 2002 budget. Mr. Chairman, this extra $55 million for the airborne laser program will do nothing to provide adequate housing for our servicemen and women, it will do nothing to provide them health care, it will not increase their salaries or benefits. Not a penny of this money will be used for the benefit of the men and women who sacrifice so much to serve their country, and whose needs are not being fully met. I think it is time for this House of Representatives to begin a new debate over what our defense priorities are. I think it is time that we began to put more money into our basic defense, into our Air Force, into our Navy, into our servicemen and women to see that they are well paid, to make sure they have good housing, decent health care. That ought to be what describes America's defense, not pouring money into technology which does not work, which cannot work, which throws money away, while the men and women who serve this country are left wanting. This is a good time to start this debate, and this is a good moment for this Congress to start making a statement about where it stands with our servicemen and servicewomen who have to go begging for help while we pour money into these crazy technological missile programs that feeds a missile mania that cannot be described or countenanced anywhere in this world except somewhere in the Department of Defense.

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Indeed, the gentleman is a gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great man, Mr. Tino Fulimeni, for his years of dedicated service to the Cleveland and world community. Mr. Fulimeni, originally from Vestaburg, Pennsylvania, hitchhiked to Cleveland after high school and found a job with Republic Steel Corporation. After joining the union he spent some time in the Army and later married Yvonne, another native from his hometown. The two soon settled in Berea, Ohio and he returned to the steel mill to serve on union committees. In 1977, Mr. Fulimeni became a full-time staff representative for the United Steelworkers of America. He spent a great deal of time working with women and racial minorities to provide and ensure equality for all steelworkers. He represented over 21,000 steelworkers after he became director of the union's District 28. His hard work and dedication to the rights of workers did not go unnoticed. Mr. Fulimeni soon thereafter was appointed special assistant to the union's international president. Mr. Fulimeni is truly a man of the people. His dedication and loyalty to all steelworkers earned him the respect of all his colleagues. He was known as a tough negotiator, a strong co-worker, and a close friend to many. In addition to his union work, Mr. Fulimeni was active in the American Legion. His strong leadership and patriotism were apparent to his peers who elected him post commander three times. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and remembering a truly great man, Mr. Tino Fulimeni. He has touched the Cleveland community and helped many steelworkers. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Hiram House, which will receive a historical marker for the important role it has served in the lives of Ohio youth for over a century. Hiram House was founded in 1896 as Ohio's first ``Settlement House'' to address the needs of Cleveland's immigrants and others in poverty. It was one of the first of its kind in the entire nation. For the next 105 years, this organization effectively pursued its mission of providing a quality outdoor experience for youth that promotes character, self-confidence, and leadership. Today, Hiram House offers a variety of Summer Camps, School Camps, Educational and Adventure Programs, and year-round Group Retreats for children--especially those from the inner city and disadvantaged homes. Following the theme of American History and the Pioneer Spirit, the camp features covered wagons, tepees, log cabins, and a frontier fort to provide children with a glimpse of life on the early frontier. The Hiram House continues to make a profoundly positive difference in the lives of more than 7,000 children a year. It is my hope that it continues its service to the community for another century and beyond. My distinguished colleagues, I ask you to join me in honoring Hiram House and the countless individuals who have provided admirable service to the Cleveland area for over a century.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Richard M. Brennan, Cleveland Municipal Judge. Judge Brennan, as he was known for 22 years, was elected in 1965 as the chief justice of the court. Even though they cancelled his position in the mid-1970s, he continued working as an associate judge, for he was continually striving to uphold the deepest integrity of the law. During these years, Judge Brennan accomplish many things. One of his most outstanding achievements was when he mobilized community support for the construction of the Justice Center. When it was unanimously approved by voters in 1969, the whole community was extremely pleased. Judge Brennan also played a vital role in devising a docket system in which lawsuits are delegated to judges. Judge Brennan, who was an assistant Cleveland law director from 1960 to 1965, graduated from St. Ignatius High School, John Carroll University, and the Cleveland Marshall Law School. He unfortunately retired from Cleveland Municipal Judge in 1987 due to illness. Judge Brennan will forever be missed. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of Judge Richard M. Brennan, a man that has touched the Cleveland community in countless ways. His love, dedication, and honor will be missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate a great man, Dr. Theodore J. Castele, on his achievement of the 2001 West Side Ecumenical Ministry's Lamplighter Humanitarian Award. Dr. Castele, the first television news doctor in the country, has served the Cleveland and global community in many different capacities. He is most known for almost a ``billion video house calls'' where he discussed everything from the latest medical breakthroughs to the cure for a common cold. His professional duties led him much further than television. Dr. Castele is also affiliated with Case Western Reserve University where he has been Interim Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Affairs, and is now Chairman of the Dean's Technology Council. Since 1961, Dr. Castele has taught medical and surgical interns at Lutheran Hospital and recently he began teaching at Fairview Hospital. His love of medicine and his true desire to help people in need have boosted his professional career to astounding heights. However, Dr. Castele is not only active in the medical community. He has contributed thousands of hours to countless community organizations including The Humility of Mary Health Care System, the Health Museum of Cleveland, The Boy Scouts of America, and many others. He was recently recognized by the American Medical Association for his outstanding contributions to the community and was also named ``Outstanding Man of the Year'' by the Eagle Scout Association of Greater Cleveland. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Theodore Castele for a lifetime of dedicated service. Dr. Castele has remained active in the medical and local community his entire life. His love has touched so many in Cleveland. I am proud to have such a dedicated community leader in my district and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the Reverend Vincent J. Moraghan for his service to the Cleveland community. He has served as a spiritual leader and mentor to many individuals for nearly four decades. Rev. Moraghan began his life of religious leadership when he was ordained in 1965. Early in his journey, he served as Director of St. Vincent High School in Akron and later as Associate Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Cleveland. I believe there are few roles more honorable than those in the field of education. Throughout his distinguished career, Rev. Moraghan served as Associate Pastor to a variety of Parishes before developing the new mission of St. Matthias Parish of Parma, where he was the first Senior Pastor. More recently he held the position of Pastor at the Holy Name Parish in Cleveland. During this period, he served as Dean of the Southeast Cleveland Deanery. In the last years of his life, Rev. Moraghan graciously worked as Chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic. I was honored to attend the funeral of this incredibly compassionate man. Reverend Vincent Moraghan has had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals including family, friends, and the community. He will be dearly missed. My distinguished colleagues, I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of Reverend Vincent J. Moraghan.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Marino Frascati, O. De M. as he celebrates his 50th year of priesthood. Cleveland should be proud to have this exemplary man in its midst. Father Frascati was born in Castelviscardo (Terni), Italy on May 16, 1925. He attended the Propedeuticum at Gregorian University in Rome earning a Baccalaureus in Philosophia. He attended seminary at St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary in Teutopolis, Illinois, and was ordained on June 24, 1951--50 years ago this month. His Cleveland service began in 1957 as Assistant at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (West). He became Pastor in November 1970 and served in this capacity until April 1995. He was the Chairman of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation. He was instrumental in the planning and fund-raising process that resulted in the completion in 1979 of Villa Mercede, a federally funded HUD project consisting of 150 apartments for seniors and the disabled. He became Vicar for the Order of Our Lady in the United States in July 1994. In 1976 Father Frascati received the Cavalier dell Ordine al Merito della Republica Italians from the Italian government in recognition of his services to the Italian community both here and abroad. My fellow colleagues please join me in applauding this truly great man and all of his contributions to society.