Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my distinguished colleague in the Ohio Congressional Delegation, Congressman Ralph Regula for dedicating more than 45 years in public service. Congressman Regula started his distinguished public career early in life as an Ohio State Representative in 1964 and then State Senator. He moved on to serve as a member of the United States House of Representative where he now serves as the Subcommittee Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Before entering public life, Rep. Regula served as a school teacher and principal with Stark County schools and later served on the Ohio Board of Education. Rep. Regula recognizes the value of a good education and continues to support education on the federal level as the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. He has received many honors for his work in education such as the Stark State College of Technology Founder Award and is a trustee at Mount Union College. He has recently been inducted into the Ohio Federation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence. Rep. Regula has also been dedicated to advocating on behalf of the elderly as Co-Chair of the Older Americans Caucus. In 1994 he was recognized by the Administration on Aging as the first recipient of the Older Americans Month Congressional Award for his work such as extending flu shot coverage under Medicare and authoring legislation to provide coverage for preventative services to the elderly. Rep. Regula has been a friend and a colleague for many years. I have tremendous respect for him as a legislator. It gives me great pleasure to publicly recognize the achievements of Rep. Regula.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the United Service Organization for 60 years of service to be celebrated on May 19, 2001 at the USO Military Ball. The USO, created in 1941 as a merger among six private organizations, began serving to handle the on-leave recreation needs for the members of the Armed Forces. By 1944, USOs were found in over 3,000 locations nationwide. Early on, the entertainment industry supported the USO in beginning the ``Camp Shows'' with the entertainers waiving pay and working conditions to bring live entertainment to the troops at US bases in America. After WWII, the USO also provided entertainment for service men and women internationally, opening up service in North Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. During the 1970s, outreach programs increased as did the number of military families worldwide. Since this time, the USO was signed into law as a United States Charter. Most recently, the USO has provided services in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bahrain, Somalia, Bosnia and Hungary. The USO's commitment to be a link to our service men and women continues world wide with the same determination and dedication which first created this organization. My dear colleagues, please join me in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the United Service Organization.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate on the 25th anniversary of its Ministry to the Aged in the Diocese of Cleveland on this 26th day of May. Though the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate came to Cleveland in 1976, they were founded over 100 years ago in Poland. The Sisters were founded on the principles of apostolic works and have given their time selflessly to the sick, aged, forgotten, and lonely. Their ministry eventually expanded to the United States, and a headquarters was built in Maryland where the Sisters established and managed a home for the sick and elderly. After arrival in Cleveland, the Sisters quickly clarified their purpose and mission: to minister to the spiritual needs of the elderly of the Polish families and their corporal needs as far as possible; and to educate the families and the community to understand the needs of the elderly and to recognize their respective responsibilities to the elderly. The Sisters have done just that and so much more. The Sisters current work is their Special Ministry to the Aged under the auspices of Catholic Charities. This ministry provides and arranges for basic human needs such as food, shelter, health care, and social services. The ministry is staffed by five sisters with professional backgrounds in nursing, social work, and occupational therapy, 24 hours a day. The Sisters have also developed a ``Phone Companion Reassurance Program'' where volunteers are trained and connected to homebound elderly who have little or no family support. The Sisters have served Cleveland selflessly and are an incredible asset to the entire community. They have come to serve and be a presence to many poor and frail elderly. Please join me in honoring the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate on this very special occasion.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Luther Blackwell and to celebrate his half century of service to his church, his faith, and the greater Cleveland community. Mr. Speaker, the ministry of Dr. Luther Blackwell, senior pastor of Mega Church in Cleveland, Ohio, is known throughout the world. Dr. Blackwell has spent his career traveling extensively as a lecturer, teacher, and guest speaker. He has been featured in some of the country's most prestigious and life-changing spiritual conferences, sharing his knowledge and faith to help bring positive change to the lives of thousands. Dr. Blackwell has had a very distinguished and proud career. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, Dr. Blackwell went on to teach for four years in the Cleveland Public School System. There, he received numerous awards for his service, including be honored as one of Cleveland's finest teachers. Dr. Blackwell has also received his Masters and Doctor Degrees of Biblical Studies from Christian Leadership University in Elma, New York, as well as a Doctor of Ministry from Vision Christian College in Romona, California. Dr. Blackwell faithfully served fifteen years as Vice President of the International Congress of Local Churches, and most recently held seminars on the Biblical application of money and on the Black believer. Mr. Speaker, of Dr. Blackwell's numerous outstanding accomplishments I would like to specially honor the ten year anniversary of Dr. Blackwell's founding of the Mega Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The Mega Church has been among the national leaders in the area of racial reconciliation, demonstrating the ability of using faith to bring people of different races and cultures together. Dr. Blackwell represents the very best of Cleveland, and his long and very distinguished career deserves the highest of praise. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in rising to honor this truly remarkable man, and his half century of service to his fellow man. Dubbed the pastor's pastor, Dr. Blackwell is a man of the highest standing and an example for all to follow.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Byrnes for his years of service and dedication to the greater Cleveland community, and his distinguished service to the Fire Fighters of Northern Ohio. Mr. Byrnes represents the very best of Cleveland, dedicating his career to helping others. Since 1985, Mr. Byrnes has served as the distinguished President of the Northern Ohio Fire Fighters Union representing fifty-three International Associations of Fire Fighters' Local Unions in Northeast Ohio with over 2700 active members. During his tenure as president Mr. Byrnes has helped solidify and protect the union of some of Ohio's greatest civil servants. Mr. Byrnes' sixteen years of service to this vital union deserves the highest of praise. Mr. Byrnes' dedication to the Cleveland community extends beyond his service to the Fire Fighters. Since 1997, Mr. Byrnes has stood up for the rights of working men and women as Vice President of the Cleveland Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, representing almost 140,000 active and retired union members. In addition to his service to the AFL-CIO and fire fighters, Mr. Brynes currently is Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Cuyahoga Community College, in the Cleveland area. Mr. Byrnes has received countless awards for his dedication to the community including being recognized by the Cleveland AFL-CIO, Warrensville, Ohio Mayor Fudge, and former Ohio Governor George Voinovich to name a few. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in rising to honor one of Ohio's finest. A man who has tireless dedicated his career to helping others and making our Cleveland community better. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Byrnes' service to the greater Cleveland Community is an example for all of us to follow.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous man for his commitment to labor, the community and his concern for protecting the lives of others. Cleveland State of Israel Bonds is honoring Robert M. Beck, the President of Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association. Officer Beck is an outstanding role model not only for his fellow law enforcers, but for the entire community as well. Prior to Robert Beck's presidency of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, he fulfilled numerous professional capacities. He served first as a patrol officer and then spent 13 years in the Third District Detective Bureau and Strike Force Unit. In 1980, Officer Robert Beck assumed his first elected position as a shift director. After years of hard work and on- going dedication,he was elected to his present position. From a very young age Robert Beck knew his career goal. Although his father thought that Robert would enroll in the family business, he truly wanted to become a police officer. Even with several adjustments, rigors and pitfalls, such as being injured in the line of duty, Officer Robert Beck has upheld his honor and dignity throughout all occasions. Presently, he is the elected first vice-president of the Cleveland Police Credit Union, chairman of the board of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund and area vice-president of Cleveland AFL-CIO. In recognition of his consistent determination, Officer Beck has been honored with various awards. He is the recipient of the 1985 Rotary Valor Award, the 1986 Exchange Club Police Officer of the Year and the 1990 Five Year Distinguished Service Award. Despite Officer Beck's many achievements, he still has an overwhelming passion for protecting the lives of others. My fellow colleagues, join me in saluting Officer Robert M. Beck for his continual dedication to the Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Br. James Spooner, CSC, President of St. Edward High School. Born on January 4, 1946, Br. James Spooner grew up in Westpark where he attended Our Lady of Angels School. He eventually went to St. Edward High School in Lakewood where he graduated in 1964 and later attended Eastern Michigan University graduating with a B.A. and M.A. in Science. Br. Spooner entered the congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 where he served his Postulancy at Sacred Heart Academy in Watertown, Wisconsin. He then served his Novitiate at St. Joseph Novitiate in Rolling Prairie, Indiana from 1964-1965 and his Scholasticate at Dujarie Hall in Notre Dame, Indiana from 1965-1967. Br. Spooner has traversed throughout the Midwest Provence serving as teacher and role model for high school students. He was a dedicated teacher and dorm counselor in Boysville School in Clinton, Michigan. He also spent time in Kentucky and Ohio offering his service at different high schools. From 1986-1988 he served as Associate Principal of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron and then in 1988 became President and Principal of St. Edward High School in Cleveland. Under his leadership as President of St. Edward High School, Br. James Spooner has led the school to many great achievements. In 1996, St. Ed's was honored as a Nationally Recognized School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. He spearheaded the St. Edward Technology Plan, a $1 million program to incorporate technology in the classroom. He also raised the school's endowment from $300,000 to over $5 million for student financial aid and faculty development. He has worked tirelessly with the staff and faculty to create and foster the Community Service and Community Meal programs which allows St. Edwards staff and students help and serve others. He has also worked for the school accreditation as a College Precatory School. Most recently, he worked to launch the Generations of Eagles campaign, an ongoing capital campaign that will change the landscape of St. Edward High School from a Student Activity Center to be opened this fall, to the Jack Kahl Student Life and Leadership Center to break ground this summer, and the complete renovations of the Chapel starting next year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Br. James Spooner's hard work, dedication and his commitment to the St. Edward High School community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robert W. Gillespie, a man known throughout his distinguished career not only for his business acumen and leadership in the financial services industry, but also for his active participation in the Greater Cleveland community. Mr. Gillespie earned his bachelor of arts degree in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University. Continuing his studies, he is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and earned his master of business administration degree in 1968 from Case Western Reserve University. While completing his graduate degree, he began his association with Society Corporation on a part-time basis. From the time of the merger of KeyCorp and Society Corporation in March 1994 until May 1997, Mr. Gillespie served as their president. He was elected chairman of KeyCorp in September 1996 and served as chief executive officer from September 1995 through February of this year as well. Along with his successful career, Robert W. Gillespie is an active member of the Greater Cleveland community. He currently sits on the boards of trustees of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the United Way, Case Western Reserve University, Musical Arts Association, Cleveland Tomorrow, and the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. He is also a member of the Financial Services Roundtable, the American Bankers Council, and the American Bankers Association. My fellow colleagues, join me in recognizing Robert W. Gillespie, a man whose enormous energy and dedication has touched the lives of thousands of people in the Greater Cleveland area in a most positive way.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember one of the most historic days in Vietnam history and to honor the numerous agencies and churches that helped thousands of refugees adapt to a new life in the greater Cleveland Area. Mr. Speaker, April 30, 1975, represents one of the most historic dates in the history of Vietnam. It was on this date, twenty-six years ago, the communist troops completed their conquest of Vietnam. Mr. Speaker today, twenty-six years later, I rise to honor the memory of the 500,000 South Vietnamese soldiers and the 58,135 American service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and the defense of democracy in the conflict. Mr. Speaker, today I also rise to join the Vietnamese Community of Cleveland to congratulate and thank the many agencies and churches in the Cleveland area for their outstanding efforts in providing much needed assistance to the Vietnamese refugees as they adapted to their lives in Cleveland. They represent the very best that Cleveland has to offer, and their assistance to the thousands of refugees has helped the Vietnamese Community grow. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in rising on this special day, to honor the memory of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who gave their life in the name of freedom and to thank, with the Vietnamese Community of Great Cleveland, the many agencies and churches that helped improve the lives of thousands of Vietnamese refugees.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Plymesser and Dolores Tlacil. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring these representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. Danny Plymesser is a Cleveland native. After graduating from Fairview High School, he joined the Navy. There, he was quickly sent to Panama, and from there, Vietnam. After his service, he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2533. A very active member, Danny participated in many programs and advanced through the post positions. In 1996, he became Post Commander. For four consecutive years, his peers selected him for Post Commander. Danny was recognized every year as All State Post Commander. He continues to provide extensive service to the Post on various committees and chairmanships, and even as a cook during their dinners. Additionally, Danny is active with the Cuyahoga Council County, and is now serving as commander. He is also active at the state and national levels. He is to be commended for his broad service. I also wish to honor Dolores Tlacil. During World War II, she married and began raising her family of seven children. She joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign War in 1985. Dorothy served on many committees and became President in 1986. She proudly carried the American Flag in many local parades to honor our veterans. Last year, Dolores was elected to President of the Cuyahoga County Council. She is also involved in the American Legion Post 496. Dolores has served as model of active citizenship and public service to assisting our local veterans. I ask my colleagues to rise in honor of Danny Plymesser and Dolores Tlacil. They have served as true models of the committed men and women who serve in the VFW and Ladies Auxiliaries.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tireless efforts of Dr. Van Ummersen. Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen has gone above and beyond her duty in furthering the mission of Cleveland State University as one of the great urban universities in the nation. Dr. Claire Van Ummersen became president of Cleveland State University in April of 1993. Since that time, she has granted diplomas to over 20,000 graduates. Under her leadership, Cleveland University executed an extensive building construction program and implemented several resourceful degree programs. The University's endowment grew fourfold during her tenure. Recently, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education suggested that Cleveland State University be honored continuing accreditation without qualification for the next ten years. Prior to her appointment at Cleveland State University, Dr. Van Ummersen facilitated as chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire. She also served as a vice chancellor of the Massachusetts Board of Regents of Higher Education. Dr. Van Ummersen has been continuously active on numerous boards and commissions. She earned her B.S. summa cum laude from Tufts University. Furthering her education, she earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. from the same university. Achieving high honors in her field of study, Dr. Claire Van Ummersen has been awarded two honorary Doctor of Science degrees, and she is a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honorary societies. In November, Dr. Van Ummersen announced she accepted an opportunity to work for the American Council of Higher Education as Vice President and Director of the Office of Women in Higher Education. In honor of Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen's hard work and dedication, I ask my colleagues to join me today to recognize her efforts as a community leader and role model.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint Elias Melkite Catholic Church. This year, Saint Elias celebrates its centennial anniversary. For the past one hundred years, Saint Elias has served as an important part of the Northeast Ohio community. A place where people of all faiths can come together to pray for peace in the Middle East, Saint Elias has effectively ministered to a diverse neighborhood. In 1997, the Catholic Church formally presented Saint Elias with the award for the Promotion of Catholic Unity and Inter-Religious Dialogue. The award recognized Saint Elias's years of dedication to ecumenicalism. The good nature of Saint Elias has not been limited to the neighborhood which houses the parish. Starting last year, the parish has sponsored children in Lebanon by helping to provide needed medical supplies and clothing. The goodwill and love of the people of Saint Elias has been demonstrated by these acts of sharing and concern. Saint Elias Church has always stayed true to its Melkite roots. Always stressing fellowship and service, Saint Elias has assumed important roles in its neighborhood. Most recently, Saint Elias created its first Mens Club, which has shown a deep dedication to the promotion of spiritual and material projects. They have organized countless benefits, and have raised funds for scholarships, provided relief to the poor and sponsored religious activities. The Men's Club has become a fixture in the neighborhood, bring people together to help one another. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Saint Elias Melkite Catholic Church as they celebrate their one hundredth birthday.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Parma, Ohio, on its 175th birthday. For almost two hundred years, this city has served as a model of social consciousness and diversity. Becoming a home to many in the 1820s, the City of Parma quickly evolved into an important pioneer territory. Originally having to ward off such dangerous beasts as wolves and bears, the people came together and formed a vibrant community of settlers. It was this sense of community which helped to attract notable figures such as Dr. Rockefeller, father of the famed John D. Rockefeller, to move to the area. The City grew quickly as more people moved into the bustling city. By 1940, 16,000 people were living in the City of Parma. During World War II, the City of Parma sent its sons and daughters off to defend our nation. When they came home, the City of Parma witnessed rapid expansions as many young people chose to build houses and start their families in this attractive city. This period of growth attracted a diverse group of people to live together. In Parma, people of all races, beliefs and religions live together in a respectful and honorable environment. By 1970, over 100,000 people were living in this wonderful city. Today, the City of Parma stands as a testament to good will and peace. My fellow colleagues, please stand with me in honoring the City of Parma on its 175th birthday.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, recently the administration made the decision to set aside years of work of people from all over the world to deal with the problem of global climate change. All over the United States we have seen the evidence of change in a global climate. We have seen conditions of excessive heat in the South. We have seen tornados occur where they never occurred before. We have seen floods occur, 100- year floods occurring, every few decades and even more frequent than anyone could ever imagine. We need to come together as a Nation and as a world to address the issue of global climate change. Man-made activities are forming and affecting our global climate, and we owe it to ourselves and to our children and to future generations to start now to do something about bringing down CO2 levels and to do something about addressing global climate change. It is a reality. We have to start preparing for the future, and we must make sure that the future is one in which all the people of the world can survive. America has a responsibility to the world to begin the work of cleaning up our environment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the early warning signs are all around us. Manufacturing has lost 230,000 jobs in the last 3 months alone. The stock market has lost about $5 trillion in value in the last year. We must act to stimulate the economy now. The Progressive Caucus proposed a $300 dividend for every American this year. We must act now. According to economists, the $300 dividend is about enough to counteract the effect of a stock market decline. This motion would pay that dividend now and stimulate the economy. The majority's bill gives people only pennies this year. It does not stimulate the economy, because it will not give more than 80 percent of the tax cut until 2005. The choice is clear. Americans get pennies under the majority's bill or $300 under the motion to recommit. They get economic slowdown under the majority's tax bill, or a stimulus and restore prosperity under the motion to recommit. Vote yes on the motion to recommit.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), my very good friend, would be delighted to know there is $91 million for energy assistance in our budget. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton). I would like the gentlewoman to know how much we appreciate her leadership on housing issues.

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. A budget is a plan. It shows what we stand for. It measures that commitment in dollars. The Progressive Caucus budget stands for building enough schools, hiring enough teachers to create the 18- student classrooms ideal for learning, affordable prescription drugs for everyone, 100 percent government help to lower the price of prescription drugs, and an 80 percent direct assistance on Medicare, enough polling booths to accurately record the votes of every American, building affordable new housing, cutting wasteful spending in the Department of Defense. The Progressive Caucus budget will give every American a $300 dividend as a fair share of the budget surplus. We have set aside one- third of the budget surplus to give the American people their dividend. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to look at the Progressive Caucus budget, take a measure of our commitment. You will see that the caucus leads in advancing education, affordable prescription drugs, accurate elections, affordable housing, and government efficiency, and we provide more tax relief for average Americans. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I would remind the gentleman from Texas that our budget would give $151 million to Texas for energy assistance. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), one of the architects of this budget.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I would like to reassure my good friend, the gentleman from California, that California would get $306 million in energy assistance under our bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis), who is someone who fights for the economic rights of her people.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my friend from South Carolina should be delighted to know our budget includes an additional $45.5 million for energy assistance for the people of his great State. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), a fighter for the people of Chicago. (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I would say to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass), my good friend, he will be glad to know this budget does not leave the people of New Hampshire out in the cold. We have $53 million for energy assistance. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), who is a champion of veterans rights.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam), I am sure, would be pleased to know that our budget provides $51 million for child care. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), who is a strong defender of the rights of workers.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones). (Mrs. JONES of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I know the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) would be pleased to learn that, in his State, which had a 40 percent increase in utility rates yesterday, there is a $306 million amount for energy assistance under this bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders).