Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commissioner Jimmy Dimora on this very special birthday and to thank him for his many dedicated years of public service. 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. He was soon, thereafter, elected by his fellow commissioners as President of the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners. His career in public service did not begin, however, on the county level. Mr. Dimora has 28 years of dedicated service with the City of Bedford Heights. Originally a city employee, he quickly demonstrated his love for the city and was elected Council-at-Large. In 1982 he was elected Mayor of the City of Bedford Heights and was re-elected without opposition to four consecutive terms. Commissioner Dimora has served his community in countless capacities, including Chairman of Cuyahoga County's Investment Advisory Committee, Vice-Chairman of the County's Solid Waste District, member of the Board of Revisions and Governing Board to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency. Commissioner Dimora currently serves as Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party and has served selflessly in that position since February, 1994. Commissioner Dimora is a man I hold in very high regard for he has greatly touched the Cleveland community. He has dedicated his entire life to public service and enjoys working with his constituents. He is people-oriented, kind-spirited, hard-working, and dedicated to his work and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a very fine man and wishing him a happy birthday. 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 the memory of Mr. James F. ``Big Jim'' Pykare for his many years of service and countless contributions to his community. Mr. Pykare, originally from Warren, Ohio, served his world community selflessly throughout his lifetime. He was born the son of the late Eugene F. and Ruth Clarissa Wallace Pykare. He has a very distinguished military career. Pykare served in Vietnam, Germany, Jordon, Lebanon and Alaska as a member of the Army. He also served on several special duty stations in the United States, specializing in Infantry Intelligence and Operations. His loyalty and dedicated service to the Army was noticed. For his military service, Pykare was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor. After serving his country selflessly, Pykare owned his own business, the Motorcycle Club of Cleveland, where he customized bikes. He also had a large love of politics that led him to taking an active role within the old Ward 13 Democratic Club. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the memory of a wonderful, loving man. ``Big Jim'' Pykare has affected and served the Cleveland community in many capacities, and was an inspiration to many. He has touched so many of us, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Esperanza, Incorporated for their years of education to the Cleveland community and celebrate their 11th Annual Fiesta of Hope to be held on Friday, June 22, 2001. Esperanza, Inc. is the only non-profit organization in Ohio dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Hispanic education. This organization attracts hundreds of volunteers who tutor, mentor, and provide guidance to students of all ages. Volunteers provide assistance to students looking for scholarships and academic advice. Since its formation, Esperanza, Inc. has celebrated its diversity through a yearly ``fiesta.'' Last year, Esperanza, Inc. awarded 55 scholarships that provided much needed assistance to students. An education is the backbone of a healthy and productive life, and this organization is spending their time and energy in promoting a sound education for all people. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognition of a fine educational association. Esperanza, Inc. has served the Cleveland community for over a decade. I am humbled and grateful to have such a worthwhile organization in my district, and wish them the best of luck with their 11th Annual Fiesta of Hope.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the right of workers to organize themselves into a union and bargain collectively are fundamental rights protected by various international conventions. Among them is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the first major achievements of the United Nations. Article 23 of the UDHR states that ``everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.'' Another is the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, adopted in 1949 at the 32nd assembly of the International Labor Organization and ratified by 148 countries. The very first line of this document reads: ``Workers shall enjoy adequate protection against acts of anti-union discrimination in respect of their employment.'' United States law also codifies these basic labor rights. The National Labor Relations Act, signed in 1935, guarantees employees the right to organize and chose their bargaining representative. The Act also protects employees from retaliation by their employer for exercising their rights under the NLRA. Section 8 of the Act makes it an Unfair Labor Practice for an employer to ``interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees'' in the exercise of their rights to organize and bargain collectively. Specifically, employers are barred from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee because he or she has engaged in union activity or has filed charges or given testimony under the NLRA. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there remains in this country a large gap between theory, in which these basic rights are protected, and practice, in which these rights scarcely exist. According to Human Rights Watch, ``workers' freedom of association is under sustained attack in the United States, and the government is often failing its responsibility under international human rights standards to deter such attacks and protect workers' rights.'' The evidence for this is great. Fewer than 40% of all workers who participate in an NLRB election gain coverage under a collective bargaining agreement; this number was over 75% in the early 1950s. Of the successful campaigns to form a union, only 66% result in a first contract for the newly organized workers. Unionization rates in the U.S. are at some of the lowest levels in decades. Some will argue that this demonstrates that American workers lack interest in unions. But given unions' demonstrated ability to win Americans better wages, better benefits, and better working conditions, this explanation carries little weight. The real reasons American workers are unable to fully exercise their basic rights are three: First, certain employers will utilize any means, legal or otherwise, to prevent their workers from forming a union. Second, in current form American What do certain unscrupulous corporations do to fight unionization? They coerce, intimidate, threaten, and sometimes even abuse workers. They fire workers are seen talking to union representatives, as Up-To- Date Laundry did recently in Baltimore. They hire union-busting lawyers to slander the local union in front of a captive audience of workers, like the Mariott Corporation did in San Francisco. They alert INS officials to the illegal immigrants in their workforce, even though these employers conveniently ignored their workers illegal status when hiring them. Walmart threatened to shut down its butchering operation and start selling pre-packaged meat in its stores because a mere 11 workers wanted to unionize. A company called NTN Bower tried to undermine a United Auto Workers unionization drive by threatening to move their jobs to Mexico. A leaflet they passed out to workers read, ``With the UAW your jobs may go south for more than the winter!'' This last example suggests the impact of trade agreements on U.S. anti-union activity. As Professor Kate Bronfenbrenner of Cornell University has demonstrated, ``plant closing threats and plant closings have become an integral part of employer anti-union campaigns,'' and that these tactics, combined with others, are ``extremely effective'' in undermining union organizing efforts. Professor Bronfenbrenner specifically cites NAFTA as facilitating this behavior. All of this should make us wonder: what does the law do to stop these kind of actions? The answer is virtually nothing. The following quote from Human Rights Watch is illustrative: ``An employer determined to get rid of a union activist knows that all that awaits, after years of litigation if the employer persists in appeals, is a reinstatement order the worker is likely to decline and a modest back-pay award. For many employers, it is a small price price to pay to destroy a workers' organizing effort by firing its leaders.'' If an employer can go so far as to fire worker with near impunity, certainly the law will not be enough to dissuade this employer from other illegal anti-union tactics. What is needed to end the abuse of these basic human rights in this country is strict enforcement of existing labor law, tougher penalties for labor law violators, the streamling of the NLRB investigative process, and restrictions on the ability of companies to shift their operations to avoid unionization. More fundamentally, we as Americans must acknowledge that these rights, the right to organize a union and bargain collectively, are indeed basic human rights, to be protected as vigilantly as are the right to worship freely and the right to free speech. Only when we take these core labor rights as seriously as our other fundamental rights will our workers achieve the respect, dignity, and justice they deserve.

Mr. KUCINICH

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) and I will consider your kind offer to hold hearings. I need your help in working on a bill on this. I would certainly withdraw the amendment, and I would also ask the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson) to work with me on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I certainly respect the work that the gentlemen have put into this, and I know that if we all work together in a bipartisan way, we can protect our fish, our wildlife flora and fauna. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate very much the opportunity to work with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) on this. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I fully support this legislation, but I am concerned that there is some problems with it on a technical nature that ought to be called to the attention of this House. In the eligible activities section of the bill, salmon-related research and salmon supplementation and enhancement are two areas that I want to alert the Members of this House. These are two areas that could be applied to genetic engineering and to genetic engineering research. My amendment perfects this bill to ensure that salmon for purposes of this legislation does not include genetically engineered varieties. However, the amendment explicitly addresses that this does not impact traditional breeding at fish hatcheries. We make sure that is excluded. Allowing the diversion of Federal money for research into this technology may only exacerbate the environmental challenge of protecting Pacific salmon. There are already over 35 species of genetically engineered fish currently being developed around the world. Genetically engineered fish contain genes from fish, from humans, and from insects. According to several fish ecologists from the University of Minnesota and Purdue University, there may be negative environmental impact on wild populations of fish. Studies show that genetically engineered fish are more aggressive, consume more food, and attract more mates than wild fish. These studies also show that GE fish will attract more mates, their offspring will be less fit, and less likely to survive. As a result, some scientists predict that genetically engineered fish will cause some species to become extinct within only a few generations. No Federal environmental laws specifically govern the regulation of genetically engineered fish. Concerned about the lack of existing law specifically covered genetically engineered fish, the State of Maryland recently passed a law imposing a moratorium on the growing of genetically engineered fish in State waterways that flow into other bodies of water.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police Chief Dominic V. Meuti who is celebrating his retirement from the police force after 50 years with the Bedford Heights' Police Department. Police Chief Meuti has a long and distinguished career with the city of Bedford Heights and is believed to be the longest-serving active police chief in the country. Mr. Meuti began his service in 1951 as a 21-year-old mechanic. Earning just $1.25 an hour, he accepted the position after only a few months of police work under his belt. As chief, Mr. Meuti performed countless jobs to make sure the city ran smoothly. In the winter, he acted as the Service Department, and plowed the snow using his beat-up Chevy. In the summer, he patrolled the tiny village in his own car. Chief Meuti's dedication to his job was displayed with the countless hours of work he performed. During his tenure, the community has grown to over 11,000, and the force has expanded to 38 full-time officers. Police Chief Meuti's life, however, is not consumed with the police force. His office is filled with family photographs and he remains extremely active in his local community. His kind spirit and warm smile attract people to him. He has served his community selflessly for 50 years and is an inspiration to many. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a great man on his retirement. For 50 years, Police Chief Dominic V. Meuti has dedicated his life to public service. His love and dedication to his community will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Istvan ``Stephen'' Eszterhas, a renowed Hungarian novelist, retired editor, and friend. Mr. Eszterhas, originally from the Kispest section of Budapest, began his writing career very early in life. At age 16 he was already a published author and by age 30 he had written his first novel, a memoir about growing up during World War II. He penned six more books before coming to the United States in 1950. His works focused on his ethnicity and cultural heritage, and have been internationally recognized. In 1958 his manuscript ``Rest Easy, Comrade,'' won a literary contest sponsored by Rome's Anonimus Foundation. Mr. Eszterhas' last work was a collection of poetry that was published in 1998. His beautifully- crafted compilation of poems has touched thousands of people. Eszterhas, in addition to holding a law degree from the University of Budapest, was editor of Catholic Hungarians' Sunday when it was the only Hungarian newspaper in the country. He retired in 1978, but never stopped writing. His deep faith and commitment to his heritage led him to the Danubian Cultural Institute and St. Stephen's Dramatic Club. Also, he served selflessly as the national president of the Committee for Hungarian Liberation. His involvement and dedication to the world community will be remembered by many people for years to come. Mr. Eszterhas is survived by his son, Joe, and six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of a wonderful, caring man. Mr. Eszterhas served Cleveland and his country in many capacities, and was an inspiration to many. He has touched so many of us, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Bishop Roger W. Gries upon being named Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland. Bishop Roger W. Gries has served the Cleveland and world communities in countless ways. He was originally baptized on April 11, 1937 at Holy Trinity Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Early in his education he attended Benedictine High School. Upon graduation he attended Saint John's University and eventually Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. His faith and love then brought him to Saint Joseph Seminary, Blessed Sacrament Fathers, in Cleveland, Ohio. After ordination in 1963, Bishop Gries served his community in many ways. He originally taught at Benedictine High School. However, soon thereafter his peers recognized his special gift for education and he later served as Assistant Principal, and then Principal. He then served as Abbot to the Saint Andrew Abbey from 1981-2001. He still serves today at St. Hyacinth Church in Cleveland. Bishop Gries' joy and strong faith is apparent after listening to any of his sermons. His kind-spirited and good-nature has brought countless people to his church. His dedication, generosity, and love to his members is like no other; he truly cares for all people. We, as a community, are blessed to have people like Bishop Gries in our neighborhood. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Gries has served his community selflessly. His love and talent has led him to numerous churches and schools in the Cleveland area where he has shared his faith. Please join me in celebration and recognition of Bishop Roger W. Gries on his naming to Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize FBI Special Agent in Charge Van A. Harp of Cleveland for his promotion to the Washington Field Office as Assistant Director. Born May 29, 1945 in Toledo Ohio, Van A. Harp has had a long and distinguished record with the FBI. Upon graduation from the University of Toledo, Harp served as a Special Agent and was soon assigned to the Little Rock, Arkansas Office on January 5, 1970. His achievements and hard-work were noticed, for he soon was transferred to Texarkana, Arkansas, and then again to Detroit, Michigan. He served in Lansing, Michigan in February 1972 until he received an assignment as an SSRA to the Charleston, West Virginia, RA of the Pittsburgh Division. His distinguished service continued with posts at the FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and then again in Buffalo, New York where he served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Field Division. In December 1995, Mr. Harp was relocated to Cleveland where he was promoted to the Special Agent in Charge of the Field Office. It was indeed an honor to have Mr. Harp serve in the Cleveland area and his services, time, and dedication will truly be missed. We are all very proud of his promotion to the Washington Field Office. Mr. Speaker, I ask you join me in recognition for the outstanding effort and service of Mr. Van A. Harp and wish him luck in his new promoted position.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Ohio Latino Arts Association 2001 Conference, ``El Milenio Latino,'' to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. This year the Ohio Latino Arts Association, OLAA, will be celebrating a year in the arts in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio at the Museum of Art. Their theme, ``El Milenio Latino,'' the Latino Millennium, embodies the diversity and ethnicity involved with this very special conference. The organization's mission is to ``identify, preserve, promote, and develop Latino cultural expression.'' This conference will further that mission through keynote speakers, art workshops, panel discussions, and many other activities. Cultural expression and diversity will be a key theme throughout the entire weekend, as people from all walks of life gather to celebrate their differences. Over 500 visitors are expected to attend this conference sponsored by a network of Latino cultural arts organizations and artists. The Ohio Latino Arts Association thrives to encourage the development of a ``first voice'' for Latinos in the arts, and this weekend is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognition of the Ohio Latino Arts Association for their many years of dedicated service and their Ninth Annual Conference to be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 57th anniversary of D-Day, and recognize the hundreds of thousands of Americans soldiers who fought in World War II. On July 6, 1944, thousands of men landed on the beaches of Normandy. Thousands of Allied paratroopers landed behind enemy lines, and even more made their way to the shore in small water crafts. More than 175,000 soldiers landed that morning before dawn. Hitler's seemingly strong wall of force had fallen to the Allied troops in less than one day. Given the code name ``Overload,'' D-Day was a plan so immense that literally thousands of men were involved with the planning of the campaign. This battle marks the allied nations unity and cooperation to work toward one common goal. 4,900 soldiers were lost on D-Day, yet their memory will live on forever in the hearts and souls of American patriots. Americans united together through determination, patriotism, honor, and faith. Their duty and love of country led them toward victory. 57 years after that day, we continue to commemorate and pay homage to those who sacrificed so that we all could experience peace and freedom. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memories of those Americans who fought to conquer tyranny and hatred in Europe. June 6, 1944 forever altered the course of history and united our great nation for one common goal, freedom.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Progressive Caucus, I am proud to be here this afternoon to present our alternative. But before I do, I would like to offer a perspective on this issue. My father and mother, Frank and Virginia Kucinich, when they raised a large family in Cleveland, Ohio, many years ago, I can remember vividly the scene in the kitchen where they were counting their nickels and their dimes at the kitchen table, you could hear the click of the coins against the table, one of those old enamel top tables, and they were counting their nickels and dimes so they could have enough money to pay their utility bills. I am sure that there have been a lot of families in this country who had to worry about those nickels and dimes in being able to pay the utility bills because today more and more families are finding out that the cost of electricity is beyond their meager budgets. Families are finding out that even if they are blessed enough to have even the tiniest bit of economic security, that they cannot keep up with rising utility bills. Families are finding out that even if they have a little bit of affluence, they cannot keep up with rising utility bills. The nickels and dimes have turned to five dollar bills and ten dollar bills, and people are counting them out and they cannot keep up with the rising electric bills. Today, all eyes are on California where the people of California have been the target of a deliberate manipulation of energy supplies by energy companies that has raised prices in that State. Blackouts in California have been the result of a policy which has tried to strangle the market in favor of energy companies that have done nothing but manipulate the market and manipulate energy prices and gouge consumers. Now, this is not just a humble Member of Congress from Cleveland, Ohio, stating this. These conclusions have been reached by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, by the California Public Utility Commission, by the California Independent System Operator, by Credit Suisse and by the Public Utilities Fortnightly publication. Now, there are people around this country who say, well, it is a California problem. Do not believe it. This is a matter that is coming to a light switch near you in your neighborhood soon. Rolling blackouts and outrageous prices are today strapping citizens of California because deregulation has permitted energy companies to rig the market and price electricity as high as the market will bear. The Tellus Institute's report, called the Progressive Pro-Consumer Solution to Today's Electricity Crisis: Just and Reasonable Rates show that these events are not from a lack of supply and, Mr. and Mrs. America, they are not unique to California. I quote from this Tellus Institute report about the solution being just and reasonable rates, and they say every State that chose to restructure its electric industry and deregulate generation did so in the hope that tangible benefits would result. The general assumption was that retail electricity prices would decline relative to what rates had been under regulation. As a matter of fact, everyone remembers they told the American people, if they deregulate their rates are going to be cheaper. That is what they told the people of California. That is what they told the people of Ohio. That is what they are telling people all over the United States. In California and in many States, almost every one of these States now faces rising electricity prices. In California, deregulation has helped to create rolling blackouts, has caused exorbitant electricity prices, threatening the financial health of the State. In general, the goals of restructuring go unfulfilled. The price of electricity is higher than before and the quality of service has declined dramatically. The Progressive Caucus has moved into this breach, into this massive evidence of price gouging, to come up with a solution that I will go over very briefly. That solution, the general approach is, it mandates a fair electricity market nationwide and mandates sustainable energy policies. We define the problem as saying that deregulation has led to price gouging and rolling blackouts. The solution to the high prices: Fair prices nationwide, with federally-set cost-based rates, including refunds. That does not mean caps, because you could create price caps, but if the rates are already sky high, what does that do for your family's budget? Very little.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Sherman Oaks, California (Mr. Sherman) for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, in going back to the solution to high prices: Fair prices nationwide with federally set cost-based rates, including refunds. Utilities are entitled to a modest profit. Any business is. But when one starts talking about California electricity generator profits that for one company, Calpine, increased first quarter of 2000, 424 percent; Dynergy, 102 percent; Williams, 100 percent, all of those figures were increased for the first quarter of 2000 over the last year. People are making a killing at the expense of the consumer. So we are trying to address that in the Progressive Caucus by coming up with a solution and a plan that provides for fair prices nationwide with federally cost-based rates, including refunds. The solution to rolling blackouts is to mandate generators to produce electricity. The solution to issues relating to energy efficiency is to mandate increased energy efficiency. With respect to renewables, mandate increased renewable energy production. Clean air aspects, mandate the development of clean air technologies. Public power, provide financial incentives to encourage public power systems and remove key barriers. Now, what most people are not aware of across this country is there are actually over 2,000 municipally-owned electric systems, one of them being in Cleveland, Ohio. What most people are not aware of is that the right of utility franchise, now listen to this, Mr. and Mrs. America, the right of utility franchise belongs to the people. There is no inherent right for the private sector to own a utility. Understand that. The people have the right to a utility franchise. We give the private sector, in theory, the right to operate a utility in exchange for reliability of service and low cost. That is the way it is supposed to work, but, Mr. and Mrs. America, it does not work that way. Consumers are getting gouged by these companies that are using our own rights; they are using the right that we give them to operate a utility. We have a plan here with the Progressive Caucus to take back the right that we have through a measured approach that would mandate fair electricity markets nationwide and mandate sustainable energy policies. But the truth is that if these energy companies do not respond, if they insist on price gouging, if they insist on price manipulation, then the people have a right to take that franchise back because that is a Democratic right. That right is vested in the people. It is in our State constitutions and we have the right. What we give, we can take back. If they do not want to give us decent rates, then we punch their ticket, take their charter and reclaim our government and reclaim the ability to save our nickels, our dimes, our $5.00, our $10.00, to save our families, to save our way of life. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. KUCINICH. Right.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Miss Madeline Malone of Lakewood, Ohio for her 43 years of dedicated teaching service on this seventh day of June, 2001. It seems that everyone who walks the halls of St. James School in Lakewood, Ohio knows Miss Madeline Malone. Her kind spirit and gentle smile have greeted students for the past four decades. Her teaching style has captured the hearts and minds of countless students who now live throughout northeastern Ohio and beyond. Miss Malone taught primarily History and Social Studies to junior high students; however, she taught not only from a textbook. Her life lessons and wisdom touched the souls of each of her students. Her career has been a distinguished one. Her past students recognize her and remember her teachings. Upon retirement, there is no doubt that she will be missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Miss Madeline Malone, a fine teacher and citizen. Her love of children has earned her the respect of students, parents, and faculty, as well as the entire Lakewood community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of an esteemed author and free-spirited poet, Mr. John Joseph Hughes, on this second day of June, 2001. Born in 1915, Hughes witnessed the turmoil and gloom of the Great Depression and later served in the U.S Air Force during World War II. He was sent to India, Burma, and China where he witnessed the atrocity and horror of the battlefield; he beheld how impoverished the living conditions were in these struggling nations. His travels and experiences have made him a lifelong seeker of peace, righteousness, and justice. As an adolescent he contracted skin cancer. Though faced with this challenge in his life, he still managed to succeed. He became an avid Journalist and later worked on progressive campaigns to further his ideology. With his cheerful Irish demeanor and kind-spirit, Hughes has made countless friends in his life journey. Romanticism guides his life and spirituality, and even led to his thoughts becoming concrete in the form of free-versed poems. It is a collection of those wonderful verses that we are celebrating today, compiled in ``Cats in the Colosseum.'' Countless hours have gone into this compilation; the poems are sewed together with beauty and eloquence. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebration of John Hughes and ``Cats in the Colosseum.'' We are truly blessed as a Cleveland community for him and his poems, and are grateful he has shared them with us.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate and honor Father John J. Cregan on his Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination, this third day of June, 2001. Father Cregan has a long and distinguished history in Cleveland. Bom on the second of June, 1935, Father Cregan went to St. Vincent de Paul grade school, and later graduated from Saint Ignatius High School. After attending St. Meinrad Minor Seminary, Cregan was ordained at Saint John Cathedral by Auxiliary Bishop Floyd Begin on May 20, 1961. After ordination, Father Cregan reached out to the Cleveland and world communities in countless ways. His love and spirituality led him to St. Joseph, Blessed Sacrament, and Saint Thomas More where he served selflessly as Assistant Pastor. In 1987, Father Cregan began preaching at Our Lady of Angels Church where he still spreads the Word today. Father Cregan's joy and strong faith is apparent after listening to any of his sermons. His kind-spirit and good-nature has brought countless people to his church. His dedication, generosity, and love to his members is like no other; he truly cares for all people. We, as a community, are blessed to have people like Father Cregan in our neighborhood. Mr. Speaker, Father Cregan has served his community selflessly. His love and talent has led him to numerous churches in the Cleveland area where he has shared his faith. Please join me in celebration and recognition of Father John J. Cregan on his Fortieth Anniversary of Ordination.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Vaclav Hyvnar for his many years of service and countless contributions to his community. Mr. Hyvnar, originally from Czechoslovakia, served his world community selflessly throughout his lifetime. He studied law at Charles University in Prague before he was expelled for leading anti-Communist activities. After his release from prison, he and his wife, Miloslava, fled the country. After moving to the United States, Hyvnar settled in Cleveland and worked at Lempco Products as a machine operator. In 1954, he became editor of ``Novy Svet,'' a locally published Czech newspaper, but later left that position to work in the Cuyahoga County auditor's office. He soon moved to City Hall where he worked as an ethnic affairs aide to two Cleveland mayors. After serving Mayor Perk and then Mayor Voinovich, he retired in 1985. His distinguished career was not only in the political realm. He served his ethnic community as president of the National Alliance of Czech Catholics and later received an award from Pope John Paul II for his heartfelt work and dedication to the Catholic Church. His loyalty and love for his Czech heritage and freedom earned him the love and respect of the entire Cleveland community. Mr. Hyvnar is survived by his wife, Mila; daughter, Ludmila of Cleveland Heights; and son, John of Boston. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the memory of a wonderful, loving man. Mr. Vaclav Hyvnar served Cleveland in many capacities, and was an inspiration to many. He has touched so many of us, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Upward Bound Program at Kent State University on their 30th Anniversary. Upward Bound is a pre-college program that helps to prepare high school students to continue their education after graduation. Kent State University chartered this program in 1970, and since then has affected thousands of local students in Ashtabula, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull counties. This program targets students who might not ordinarily consider a four-year college degree as an attainable and realistic goal. The program basically helps students acquire the academic, social, and personal skills to successfully complete a college education. Upward Bound has contributed to not only the undergraduate collegiate community, but also to the local neighborhoods. Students in this program have tutored children, worked with the Salvation Army, interacted with the Ohio Department of Human Services, and started a children's toy drive. Their drive to succeed has been aided by this wonderful program, and their personal and social skills have been developed. Upward Bound's 30th Anniversary celebration kicks off with the ``Celebration of Partnerships,'' that features the partnering of local educational institutions, community organizations, and national bodies to fund this federal program. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing an outstanding program that has affected countless students on the Kent State University campus. Upward Bound has and will continue to develop and educate young students.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of the Blacks in Government Great Lakes-Midwest Region Five 19th Annual Training Conference being held in Cleveland, Ohio this first day of June, 2001. The Greater Cleveland chapter of Blacks in Government, B.I.G., is hosting this very special convention. They chose a very fitting theme, ``Look Toward the Future for Your Future,'' and plan on executing numerous workshops throughout the conference that discuss career development, financial security, equal employment opportunity, professional development, and career growth. Blacks in Government has continually strived for excellence. They have trained countless employees and have instilled in them true values and integrity. This conference facilitates education and interaction, fellowship and celebration. Their cause of justice and equality will ring out loud in Cleveland during this esteemed conference. Not only will this weekend provide for leadership training and development, but it is also a time for Blacks in Government to celebrate another year of service. Their national mission is to promote excellence in government, and Blacks in Government has done just that. Please join me in celebration and recognition for the Great Lakes- Midwest Region Five of Blacks in Government for their 19th Annual Training Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Cleveland's Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom to be held June 23-24 at the Martin Luther King Civic Center. Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery, began on June 19, 1865 when the last known group of slaves learned of their freedom. The purpose of Juneteenth is not only to relive a painful chapter in history, but to revive and preserve African American heritage. Juneteenth reminds all Americans to keep open the lines of communication by all people. We gather to celebrate and emphasize the true meaning of freedom, to embrace human rights and to come together as one people without regard to race, national origin, class, religion, or any walk of life. This year's annual observance will bring all Americans together to promote racial healing and provide inspiration to all. Juneteenth supporters have already planned countless marches, a kick- off session, talent shows, workshops, childrens activities, and other events as part of the two-day celebration. Much planning has gone into creating a celebration to uplift the human spirit through rap, reggae music, dance, games, poetry, and more. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebration and recognition of Cleveland's Juneteenth Celebration. It is time for Americans of all colors, creeds, cultures, and religions to share a common love of and respect for freedom.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate St. Stanislaus pastor William Gulas on his 40th anniversary of his ordination of priesthood on this 27th day of May. Father Gulas was born in 1934 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. His first priestly assignment was with the editorial staff of Franciscan Publishers of Pulaski, Wisconsin, as editor of ``Franciscan Message.'' While with Franciscan Publishers, he assisted on weekends at parishes and edited other religious publications. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Journalism. He later taught at St. Mary's High School in Burlington, Wisconsin, and served as the Catholic Chaplain at Southern Wisconsin Colony at Union Town. His accomplishments did not go unnoticed; he soon served as President of the English-speaking Provincial Ministers of the Order of Friars Minor. In 1992, he was appointed General delegate of the Lithuanian Franciscans. His accomplishments are countless. In 1993, Father Gulas assumed the pastorship of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Southeast Cleveland. One of his primary objectives was to restore the historic century-old church in Slavic Village. Father Gulas raised over $1.3 million for the church and successfully completed the restoration on the church's 125th anniversary. St. Stanislaus was blessed and dedicated on November 22, 1998 by Cleveland Bishop Anthony Pilla. St. Stanislaus now thrives under the leadership and direction of Father William Gulas. We as a community are grateful for his time and dedication to St. Stanislaus and Cleveland. Please join me in honoring Father William Gulas on this very special day.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Rev. Fr. Dennis R. O'Grady on the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination as Priest, and also on his 20th Anniversary as Pastor of St. Michael's Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. O'Grady began his distinguished and proud career shortly after his Ordination on May 20, 1961. In June of that same year he became the Assistant at St. Vincent Parish in Akron, Ohio where he spent five years before becoming Assistant at St. Michael's in June of 1966. Rev. O'Grady's honored service to the community continued by becoming a Member of the Diocesan Pastoral Team For the Spanish-speaking and serving in the Hispanic Ministry as Associate Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout his forty years of service, Rev. O'Grady has accomplished great feats within his religion. His tremendous faith and giving nature has brought hope and joy to the lives of thousands. Mr. Speaker, Rev. O'Grady represents the very best of Cleveland, and his outstanding service to mankind deserves the highest of praise. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join in rising to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Rev. O'Grady, and honor his forty years of service to his church, his faith, and the community.