Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dorothy Olivia Greenwood Tolliver. Dorothy was a great servant of the people of Cleveland and leader of the African-American community. Her recent death, at the age of 80, is a sorrowful event for the entire Cleveland, Ohio community. After graduating from Kent State and pursuing further studies at The Julliard School of Music in New York, she returned to Cleveland and began working for the U.S. Government making maps to use during World War II. After the war, Dorothy taught briefly in Medina, and in 1948 she returned to Cleveland to become a part of the Cleveland School System where she remained until her retirement in 1986. As a young child, Dorothy was blessed with the gift of musical ability. With her long-lasting passion of music and the arts, she performed in several productions. Her love for music was planted in her many students as a music teacher. While in the Cleveland Public School System, Dorothy directed numerous performances. Dorothy Olivia Greenwood Tolliver was a life long member of the NAACP, and the National Council of Negro Women. Her civic activities included the Phyllis Wheatley Association, juvenile justice, Project Friendship, Volunteer Guardianship Program, Upward Bound, City Club, and the League of Women Voters. One of her noted prestigious movements was opening the Neighborhood Book Shoppe, the first book store in Ohio that featured books about African-American history by African-American authors, the only store of its kind between New York City and Chicago. After her career as a teacher ended, Dorothy spent her remaining years supporting her husband's efforts while serving on the Cleveland School Board and continuing his civil rights law practice. I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in honoring the memory of this great community leader and role model.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Peter T. Miller, the chief photographer for WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio and winner of eight Emmy awards. A graduate of Kent State University in the 1950's, Mr. Miller began his 42-year career as a television cameraman in Cleveland with WJW Channel 8 in 1959. During his time there, he received Emmy awards from the Cleveland regional chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for documentaries about the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and the Hattie Larlham Foundation and for an entertainment feature about the Singing Angels. In 1985, Mr. Miller began his work at Channel 3, where in 1986 he received honors for Individual Achievement in News Videography for a Halloween series. In 1998 he was part of the WKYC team that took first place honors for its report, ``On Schindler's List'', from the Association for Women in Communications. Fellow photographers marveled at Mr. Miller's work ethic, sense of teamwork, understanding of a story and artful eye. Traveling tirelessly in order to document the day's happenings, he was often seen locally attending football games, visiting nursing homes, observing school board meetings, or covering urban riots. He even took his camera abroad, showing Greater Clevelanders sites from around the world from music concerts to the Persian Gulf War. My fellow colleagues, please join me today in honoring the memory of Peter T. Miller, a gifted television photographer whose dedication and passion for his life's work provided Clevelanders with valuable images of important events from around the world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a truly remarkable man, one who genuinely exemplified what it means to be a public servant, Senator Alan Cranston. Cranston served four terms in the United States Senate, and as the Democratic Whip during seven consecutive Congressional sessions. But more than that he served the American people. He fought to protect the environment, to promote peace and human rights and to control nuclear arms, fighting tirelessly to prevent future usage of such weapons. Cranston did not compromise his personal views nor the best interests of his constituents during his service. A masterful legislator, Senator Cranston often served as an integral figure in the passage of legislation. This deft political touch allowed him to build coalitions, using the power of an idea to transcend ideological barriers. An advocate of peace, Senator Cranston was an influential figure in the termination of the Vietnam war and in leading U.S. arms control and peace movements. Despite his opposition for war, he lead support for the soldiers who fought in the conflict, voting solidly for veterans' benefits legislation from 1969 and 1992. As former aide Daniel Perry wrote in Roll Call January 4, 2001, Cranston embodied the maxim, ``a leader can accomplish great things if he doesn't mind who gets the credit.'' My fellow colleagues, Senator Alan Cranston is a man who deserves the respect and admiration of every citizen. Let us recognize him for his years of dedication to public service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend Ukraine's leadership--President Leonid Kuchma, Chairman of the Rada Ivan Pliyshch, and Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko--for their unified address to the Ukrainan nation on February 13th. Mr. Speaker, recently the country of Ukraine has been faced with a degree of turmoil as a result of the kidnapping and murder of a journalist, Georgy Gongadze. As Ukraine's leadership acknowledged in their statement, the investigation into this incident was initially marred by delays and inconsistencies. However, the President, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Rada have pledged that all measures will now be taken to get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, this united affirmation by the three highest officials in Ukraine will help quell some of the recent unrest, propel the investigation of Gongadze's death, and speed Ukraine's return to normalcy.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Father Raphael (Albert) Zbin, O.S.B., a man whose strong personality challenged others to work hard to build a spiritually, socially and physically sound community. A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Father Raphael served much of his eighty years as both a religious and educational leader. While attending St. Benedict's College in Atchison, Kansas, he entered the Benedictine Order and professed his vows as a monk in 1942. The following year he returned to Kansas and received his bachelor's degree in science. Father Raphael then returned to Cleveland to begin studies for the priesthood at the former St. Joseph's Seminary of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers while also teaching part-time at Benedictine High School. During his thirty years of teaching, Father Raphael became a prominent figure in the Cleveland Diocesan School system. His reputation as a strict disciplinarian motivated his students to study diligently and win numerous contests. Twenty-eight of the fifty-three highest honors projects recognized in the 1957 Diocesan Science Fair came from Benedictine due to Father Raphael's exceptional ability to challenge his students to produce quality work. After receiving his master of science degree in biology from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, Father Raphael was elected chairman for the American Benedictine Academy's Science Division. In 1966, he was named Outstanding Science Teacher of Northeastern Ohio by the Ohio Academy of Science. In 1976, Father Raphael became the pastor of St. Andrew Svorad Parish in downtown Cleveland. For the past quarter century, his tireless energetic spirit brought about a number of renovations to the parish's physical plant and increased parish unity through his organization of many socials and dinners. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring the memory of Reverend Father Raphael (Albert) Zbin, a monk of Saint Andrew Abbey, who always saw work to be done. Let us aspire in our own efforts to be such examples of hard work and dedication to improvement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club for 50 years of public service. For the last fifty years, the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club has been committed to serving the greater Cleveland area. This service organization works earnestly to provide numerous philanthropic donations to charities all over the world. In attempt to extend a helping hand, the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club annually hosts an East West All Star Football game in order to raise money for worthy programs such as the Saint Vincent Charity Hospital Lions Eye Clinic, Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation, Blind Welfare, and other deserving organizations. The Cleveland Southeast Lions Club strives to reach out to the less fortunate by donating thousands of pounds of clothing and food to Saint Augustine's distribution to the needy. The members of the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club work daily to assist senior citizens by driving them to doctors appointments, the grocery store, or to the pharmacy. Not only are they involved in local services, the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club collects used eye glasses to be redistributed in the third world countries. The Cleveland Southeast Lions Club cultivates to the spirit of service upon which they were found, taking a specific interest in children. This organization encourages a greater happiness for children with disabilities. By raising money with various fundraisers that promote community involvement, the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club helps send children to Camp Echoing Hills, a camp for individuals with disabilities. It is evident that the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club has, over the years, played a crucial role in the community, and that its many years of service have been an invaluable contribution to the Cleveland community. For this work, the Northeast Ohio community is thankful. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the Cleveland Southeast Lions Club for their 50 years of public service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Ukraine is a country that was at one time a satellite of the Soviet Union, and 10 years ago it moved towards its own independence. Our President, Ronald Reagan, stood before the world and said, ``Tear down that wall.'' And when the wall fell there were so many nations across the Soviet Union who became free, and Ukraine was one of those nations. Ukraine, in declaring its independence, established the rights of its citizens, the same rights that are the bedrock of our democracy here in America. Freedom of speech, the right to assemble, freedom of press, are rights that have been granted to the people of Ukraine, and they are rights that have been fundamental to the unfolding of democracy in that country. A few months ago, a Ukrainian journalist by the name of Heorhiy Gongadze, remember that name, it is an unusual name, but remember it, Heorhiy Gongadze, a Ukrainian journalist who challenged the government of his country, as journalists do here every day, Georgiy Gongadze was found dead. His head was cut off. His hands had their fingerprints removed, obviously with acid, and his hand was protruding from the shallow grave that his body had been put in. After that, tapes were discovered, tapes that had been recorded by a member of the Presidential security staff in Ukraine, tapes were discovered that had the voice of the President of Ukraine on those tapes, although the government denies it is his voice, and the President of the Ukraine was calling upon someone to get rid of this journalist; very clear implications here, very clear implications that the President of a free nation was involved in calling for the demise of a reporter who later on turned up dead with his head cut off and his fingerprints obliterated. As a result of this despicable crime, freedom-loving people in Ukraine began to protest: protest the government, protest what happened in the attack on the free press. They set up, as a symbol of their protest, a series of tents that went for a couple hundred yards down the main street of Kiev, the capital city. It was very impressive to see, and it was a protest that came from all levels of Ukrainian culture and society, from young and old, from the political left and the political right, from the political center, from nongovernment organizations, members of the media, and from members of the Ukrainian Rada, all involved in this protest. The protests had been going on in this tent city for 2 months. A U.S. congressional delegation led by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), a delegation that I was proud to be a member of, visited Ukraine last week, and we met with members of the press who expressed their concern about freedom of the press, about the chilling effect which the murder of this reporter had on free press in Ukraine. We met with members of the nongovernment organizations who expressed concern about this tendency to drift away from democracy that the government had shown. We went, and some of us visited this tent city and actually talked to the people. We had the opportunity to meet with the President of Ukraine in a 2- hour-and-15 minute meeting. During that meeting, the President assured us that he stood for freedom of press, that he stood for freedom of speech, that he stood for the right of assembly, those same rights that we know so well, those same rights that were accorded to the people of Ukraine. We were asked by the media before we left, what would happen if, after we left, these tents came down? Because it was thought that our presence there discouraged any effort to remove the tents. We found out the answer today, because once the congressional delegation left, the government ordered the police to remove the tents, protesters arrested, tents thrown in the truck. An area known as Independence Square is boarded off in Ukraine, boarded off, a statue of St. Michael sitting in the middle of that square that is boarded off, and people cannot even gather together. There will be consequences, I say to President Kuchma, for his denial of the right of assembly and freedom of speech in his country. The international community is watching. The whole world is watching.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Americans are told do not leave home without it. But if you overuse it, you can lose your home, or you can lose everything inside your home with it. I am speaking about H.R. 333, the so-called bankruptcy reform bill, which is up today for a vote on this floor. This bill is a direct threat to American consumers and businesses. The so-called bankruptcy reform bill will hurt American families in financial crisis by subjecting them to an inflexible standard based on IRS collection guidelines. The bill contains inflexible deadlines, excessive filing requirements, which would needlessly force viable businesses into liquidation. Had it been law a few weeks ago, it would have made impossible the reorganization of LTV Steel in Cleveland, resulting in its liquidation at the cost of 5,000 jobs. In this bill, protections of household goods against liens have been decimated. Home security computers for adult education, firearms even for subsistence, hunting could be seized by a business or the IRS because of this change. Defeat H.R. 333.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, this bill is bad for consumers and bad for business. Recently in Cleveland, the district I represent, a major American company sought to reorganize under chapter 11 of the bankruptcy laws. LTV, one of the most important employers in Ohio, one of the most strategically important companies in the country, was compelled to seek bankruptcy protection because of factors beyond their control, unfair and illegal dumping of cheap foreign steel and inadequate Federal enforcement of antidumping laws. But if H.R. 333 had been law, LTV would not have been able to reorganize under chapter 11. Instead, the company would have been dissolved and the assets liquidated. Thousands of jobs would have been lost. H.R. 333 makes a change to existing law reducing the assets available to a debtor company for funding operations during a reorganization. H.R. 333, had it been in effect, would have affected LTV's ability to obtain credit, thus keeping the plants open during bankruptcy proceedings. This is only one of the many extreme changes in the law that H.R. 333 would make. It is a bad bill, but especially as we may be on the verge of a recession at a time when more businesses will need to reorganize or else face layoffs and liquidation, this bill closes the door to reorganization. It virtually guarantees more layoffs, more liquidation, and more ruin for entrepreneurs, both large and small. Defeat H.R. 333.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) for yielding. I want to thank the gentleman for his outstanding leadership in reaching out to people in Russia and the Ukraine, Moldova and throughout Europe. I think that I can speak for everyone on the trip in saying that we believe that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) has brought a level of stature to his position as a Member of Congress where one can see the respect with which he is held by leaders of all the nations who have met with him many times concerning their movement towards democratization. So I can say what an honor it was for me to be on the trip and to share in the dedication of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), and his knowledge and his passion for bringing people together, particularly at a parliamentary level. Since the gentleman left off mentioning with Moldova, we went to Moldova in the hope of encouraging the rule of law, democratic order, market economy and as the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) may have recounted or has been recounted early, Moldova made a choice a few days ago for the Communist Party to be involved in the organization of its government and actually direct the organization of its government. The notes that I have from the meeting indicate that the leader of the party in Moldova stated that they appreciated the contacts with the U.S. Congress and they look for those contacts to become stronger and that they respect the United States as a world power and they hope that our government will work with them and respect the choices that have been made by the people and that they hoped that the relations will develop between the U.S. Congress and the Moldovan government. This was done, of course, prospectively because as it turns out Moldova did vote for the Communist Party. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and members of our delegation actually laid the groundwork for a dialogue with a government which now may have a totally different perspective than we do about how things should be done, but at least we are in a position where we can be talking. Furthermore, the opening that made with Russia, we had, I thought, very important discussions with parliamentarians about issues of financial aid and the International Monetary Fund, the need for further economic reforms, discussions about privatization, discussions about the role of NATO, which a number of parliamentarians were concerned about, the bombing of Serbia, which, by the way, it was almost 2 years ago that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) led a delegation to Vienna, which I was privileged to participate in, that created a framework for ending the bombing in Serbia. Actually, as we met with the members of the Russian parliament there, we created more of a structure for increased exchange and confidence building, and I thought that was very important. In our discussions with Lubov Sliska, who was the first deputy of the Duma, she pointed out how important it was to have productive discussions with NATO; that she wanted to see trade and economic growth emphasized in our relations, agriculture, energy, foreign affairs, internal security, defense and disarmament, cooperation on crime investigations, culture and health. Our meeting with Sergey Kiriyenko, who was at one time the prime minister of Russia and is now one of the super governors appointed by President Putin, I thought was very productive. He pointed out among other things how grave is the threat of chemical weapons. They have 40,000 tons of chemical weapons they want to dispose of, and how he had hoped we could bring a level of cooperation through parliamentary contact to help raise the issue of these chemical weapons, increase the awareness of the need for U.S. and Russian cooperation, sponsor colloquia in the U.S. Congress on this; that we as Members of Congress could write letters to our fellows urging them to get involved; sign a letter to the President talking about the need to do something about these chemical weapons and to generally pursue a course that would enable Russia to get some assistance on trying to dispense with this. One final comment, if I may, I think our visit to Ukraine was momentous because we were able to get the Kuchma administration to recognize how serious our commitment is to freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in this country. We take it quite seriously. In an unprecedented 2 hour and 15 minute meeting with the President of Ukraine, we got him to agree to an F.B.I. independent investigation and assistance on the forensics of a case that involves the murder of a journalist, H.E. Khandogiy, whose death has unfortunately been linked to people in power in Ukraine. So what we did on our trip was to affirm support for democratization; was to show people all over the world that they can benefit by taking a course of market economics that are tempered by respecting the systems of power that exist in a country. One of the things that I thought was quite telling that was said by Mr. Kiriyenko, and I would like to close with this thought, is the importance of paying attention to people and developing people. He said that in the future we will compete not just with price or quality but with respect to who will be first to introduce innovation. He spoke of the significance of human capital, people, investing in people. He said this is not just a financial issue, it is not a technical issue, it is a problem of culture, and it is not incidental that we talk of culture. He talked of the importance of us learning other cultures, the importance of us understanding the results of culture and transitional economies, and I think that message that we bring back here is one that shows that we as Members of Congress can help to improve exchanges with other parliamentarians around the world, can be vessels for freedom and justice and can continue the work of this country as being the light of the world. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) for his indulgence here, and I thank him for giving me the privilege of assisting him and other Members, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) and others of the delegation, in this very important mission.

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express concern over the second section of H. Con. Res. 39, honoring the sacrifices of the heroic U.S. soldiers killed by an Iraqi missile attack ten years ago. Mr. Speaker, in this section, Congress ``resolves to support appropriate and effective theater missile defense programs to help prevent attacks on forward deployed United States forces from occurring again.'' Undoubtedly, we must work to ensure that American service men and women are never again victim to such a tragedy. But would the most futuristic theater missile defense system the Pentagon is currently working on the Theater High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, have helped our soldiers ten years ago? Probably not: the system failed six consecutive tests before finally intercepting a target missile for the first time in June 1999. Many experts believe this system will be no more effective than our patriot missiles at defending an attack like the one on American troops in Saudi Arabia ten years ago. Meanwhile, Mr. Speaker, projected costs for construction of THAAD are now estimated at $9.5 billion. Mr. Speaker, for those who believe in the necessity of missile defense, there are other less expensive and more effective theater missile defense programs in development that might represent an improvement on the system that failed the twenty-eight soldiers we honor today. To the extent we promote such cost-effective weaponry through this resolution, we duly recognize the valor of these men and women. To the extent, however, this resolution supplies blanket endorsement of any theater missile defense system, we do not accomplish a lofty purpose.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Tennessee State University Alumni Association. Since its inception in 1923, it has provided guidance and scholarships to alumni both nationally and in the Northeast Ohio region. The many local chapters of the alumni association have become pillars of our community, often sponsoring soup kitchens and mentoring programs in their neighborhoods. The Tennessee State University Alumni Association has worked tirelessly to help foster a sense of dignity and honor in the young people of their communities. Countless children have been able to further their education and their futures because of the opportunity to attend college provided by Tennessee State University alunmi support. The scholarships which the alunmi association sponsors help to mold the lives of youths who might not otherwise have the resources necessary to attend such a fine institution. The intrinsic role that the alumni association has played in the lives of these young people is noteworthy. The theme of this conference, ``Don't Forget The Bridge that Brought You Across . . . Then and Now'' gives us reason to reflect upon the many opportunities which we were blessed with throughout our lives. As children, we were all confronted with many challenges, and it is important to remember the people who helped us overcome those hurdles and have allowed us to succeed. The theme of this conference should inspire us to continue to contribute to our communities, to allow us to continue to provide opportunities for our youth, and to strengthen the social fabric of our society. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the Tennessee State University Alunmi Association.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I voice support for Ukraine's continued independence and its efforts at cultivating a strong relationship with the West. Mr. Speaker, Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and since then has embarked on a long march towards democracy. Along the way, it has gradually oriented itself towards the West and embraced Western institutions. Ukraine was the first post-Soviet state to join NATO's Partnership for Peace program. It has since become party to a NATO-Ukraine Commission, which meets at various times throughout the year, and is a member of the Council of Europe. Ukraine has stated that its strategic goal is integration into Western political and security structures, including, potentially, NATO itself. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to express support for Ukraine's Prime Minister, Viktor Yuschenko, and his wife Katherine, who is American. Prime Minister Yuschenko has worked tirelessly to end corruption and carry out democratic reforms in Ukraine, recently under turmoil because of the undemocratic actions of others in power. His continued leadership will be critical to the success of this progressing nation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the Ukrainian people on His Holiness Pope John Paul II's upcoming visit in June. The Pope recently accepted an invitation from Ukraine's President to visit the country, undoubtedly answering the prayers of many Catholic Ukrainians. Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents would also like to see His Holiness Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople visit Ukraine. Ukraine has a large Orthodox population, and a visit by the Patriarch to the country would be a blessing to them and would promote harmony between Catholic and Orthodox worshippers throughout Ukraine.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. As a Catholic school graduate, I know the value of a Catholic education. I know first hand that Catholic schools teach students discipline, pride and respect for learning. I am so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay persons who taught me at St. Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, Parmadale, St. Aloysius Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John Cantius High School for their love and guidance through my formative years. I especially wish to recognize the delegation of students, teachers and parents that make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools a special day. Their commitment to ensuring an exceptional education and maintaining quality Catholic schools ensures that Catholic students in the future will continue to benefit from outstanding educational opportunities. An overwhelming percentage of Catholic high school graduates attend college, which is a sign of the excellent work of our Catholic School system. I would also like to recognize the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for their efforts to promote educational and catechnetical goals. By sponsoring programs like the Seton Awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Catholic education, the NCEA works diligently to insure better education across America. Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one of the most important goals of our society. I am encourage by the ongoing involvement of the students, teacher and parents who are observing the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, President Thomas Short of IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, ranks as one of the City of Cleveland's favorite sons. Cleveland is proud of his strong, disciplined, patient leadership which has earned him the gratitude of the rank and file of the IATSE, the appreciation of all international labor leaders, and the respect of those who sit across the table from his I/A team. As a member of the labor committee of the United States Congress and as a member belonging to IATSE Local 660 (when you are in politics it is always good to have another trade) I know first hand the powerful and positive impact Tom Short has had in protecting and advancing the economical, social, and political rights of working men and women. President Short achieves success for his members through making the use of principle, a practical and pragmatic goal. As a veteran of both labor and politics, I am aware of the challenges which confront my brothers and sisters in the entertainment world. Surely this, the most dynamic of all industries, with so many exceptional individuals blessed with depth of talent and breadth of vision--surely you can call upon the limitless reservation of spiritual and creative energies always available to you, to design an environment of benevolence and co-operation where all are winners in the collective bargaining process. Over thirty years ago, when I began my career in public service, I worked closely with Tom Short's father, Adrian, who led Cleveland's stage hand union. Adrian Short introduced me back then to his sons, Dale, a labor leader in his own right, and Tom, our honoree. How very proud your father would be of this well deserved moment of grace, Tom, for you embody every dream he had--in your quest to elevate the dignity of all working people.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a distinguished public servant and a truly remarkable woman, the current Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Jolene Molitoris. A true champion of railroad safety, Jolene Molitoris was appointed by the President of the United States William J. Clinton, to be the first female Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration in 1993. In her tireless effort to improve safety in the United States and around the world, Administrator Molitoris established zero tolerance for any safety hazard as the industry standard. In addition, she created partnerships with rail labor and management, achieving historic increases in all safety categories. As a testament to the outstanding leadership of Administrator Molitoris, the FRA began its transformation from a traditional regulatory agency into a result and consumer-focused organization. Under Administrator Molitoris' management (1993-1999), the public enjoyed the safest seven-year period in history. During this period there was a 43-percent reduction in employee injuries and fatalities and a 30-percent reduction in grade crossing injuries and deaths. Throughout her years of public service, Administrator Molitoris has received many honors, including being named by Railway Age Magazine as one of the 16 most respected and admired ``Great Railroaders of the 20th Century.'' In 1999, Administrator Molitoris received three awards: the Ellis Island Medal of Honor awarded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation, Inc; and the Jolene M. Molitoris Golden Spike Award created by the Indiana High Speed Rail Association. Also, in 1999, the New Jersey Division of the Polish American Congress honored Administrator Molitoris as their Millennium Woman of the Year. On a personal note, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Jolene Molitoris on a great many initiatives. I have great respect and admiration for her public service career. She is a person of solid integrity who possesses a true desire to serve the public's best interest. She is an individual of tremendous talent and her leadership of the FRA will be long remembered. I ask my colleagues to join me in rising to honor this truly remarkable public servant for her distinguished years of service, and her dedication to making our Nation's railways safer.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Coast Health Ministry for their exemplary work in helping the uninsured and underinsured access health care services. As a volunteer organization, it fills an important need in my district for thousands of working families. North Coast Health Ministry operates clinics that are staffed by physicians, nurses and other staff who volunteer their time and services to provide comprehensive health care services. Started in 1986, NCHM has established relationships with health care professionals and three local hospitals to treat referred patients when they need additional care and treatment, including surgery and recovery. Since its inception, it has linked with other free clinics in the area to establish the Ohio Association of Free Clinics. This expanded network improves access to health care for the working poor throughout the state. Through the determination and initiative of the NCHM, the Ohio Association was recently awarded a $600,000 grant to continue and expand its services. I ask my colleagues to rise in recognizing the exemplary efforts of the North Coast Health Ministry and the many volunteers who have contributed to it. I commend them for their kind works and congratulate them on their grant.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable man and true American patriot, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez. He passed away on November 28, 2000 at the age of 84, after 37 years of dedicated service in the House of Representatives. ``Henry B,'' as his friends affectionately called him, was first elected to Congress in 1961, becoming the first person of Mexican- American heritage to represent Texas in the House. A well-known champion of the poor and the downtrodden, Henry B. fiercely defended his principles and was unafraid to stand up against the powerful from the moment he was sworn into office. To this day, his constituents in San Antonio and thousands of people across the country continue to reap the benefits of this courageous fight for safe and affordable housing. An unabashed pioneer for populism, Henry B. was perhaps best known for his prominent position on the Banking Committee, and its Chairman for three terms. He used his leadership role on the committee to help repair the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., monitor the activities of the Federal Reserve System and pass numerous pieces of legislation aimed at cleaning up the savings and loan scandal. Henry B. began his legendary political career shortly after his admirable service in World War II, when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council. In 1957, he reached the Texas Senate where he made a name for himself with a 22-hour filibuster to block legislation that would have reinforced school segregation policies. Henry B.'s reputation as a staunch defender of civil rights stayed with him throughout his career in the House, spanning nearly four decades. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in remembering the Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez. Henry B. truly set a standard by which all Members of Congress can be measured, and he will be sorely missed by everyone in this body who had the pleasure of working with him. His honor, his vision, and his passion for equality will live forever in the hearts of all those whom he touched. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to Representative Charlie Gonzalez and his family during this extremely difficult time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Ohio State Senator Grace L. Drake. As senator she held a most distinguished political career, marked by numerous accomplishments and awards. Today, as her 17 years of service to the Ohio State Legislature is coming to a close, I offer my recognition and admiration for her exalted work. Appointed to the office of State senator in May 1984, Senator Drake was re-elected handily in November of the same year. She has served on numerous committees throughout her tenure. Most recently, she served as chair of the Senate Health Committee since 1989, and as a member of the committees on Rules, Reference, and Ways and Means. Widely recognized as one of Ohio's outstanding legislators, she has introduced over 146 pieces of legislation, passing over 60 of them. This remains a record unmatched by any current member of the Ohio General Assembly. Recognizing Senator Drake's hard work and dedication to the people of Ohio, Ohio Governors, and Senate Presidents have rewarded her with key State appointments to the powerful State Controlling Board, chairman of the Retirement Study Committee, and the first chairman of the Women's Policy and Research Commission, among numerous others. Senator Drake has also served as chairman of the Senate Economic Development and Small Business Committee, and has used her knowledge of Ohio's economy to hold economic development seminars in Cuyahoga and Medina Counties. Credited with stimulating economic growth in Northeast Ohio, she was recently appointed to serve on the Ohio Development Financing Advisory Council. Senator Drake has played key roles in forming and building three major statewide organizations, namely, the Ohio Dairy Strategic Planning Task Force, to address the needs of the Ohio Dairy industry; the Ohio Higher Education Business Council, in cooperation with the Ohio Board of Regents and all of Ohio's public and private universities; and the Ohio Farmland Preservation Task Force, which addresses the issues of farmland loss and the need for preservation. Due to all of Senator Drake's commitment, she has been the recipient of many awards and honors. The United Conservatives of Ohio chose her to receive the Watchdog of the Treasury Award four times, for her commitment to keeping the costs of government down. She has also been awarded three Outstanding Legislator of the Year Awards from the Ohio Speech and Hearing Association. In 1955, she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, the first State senator to be granted this honor. In 1997, Senator Drake received the Ohio State Bar Association's Distinguished Service Award. Most recently, she has been awarded an honorary doctorate in public administration by Cleveland State University and an honorary masters degree in anesthesiology from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing the dedication and distinguished law-making career of Senator Grace L. Drake. The General Assembly, as well as the people of Ohio, are losing a unique legislator who understood the value of public service. Let us commend her on 17 years as an Ohio State Senator.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the memory of Mrs. Grace F. Sinagra, a long-time resident of Lakewood, OH who passed away on November 22, 2000 at the age of 87. This remarkable woman owned and operated Sinagra's Food Market in Lakewood for 51 years along with her husband of 60 years, Nate Sinagra, who passed away in 1990. The couple was known locally for their tremendous generosity and concern for their fellow citizens. During the Great Depression, the Sinagras frequently extended credit to those in need, so that they could afford to feed their families. However the end of the depression did not mark the end of the Sinagra's charity. The two continued to donate food on a weekly basis to the Sisters of the Poor Clares. For Grace Sinagra, this altruism began at a very early age. In 1916, when she was only 3 years old, Sinagra left the comfort of home in Alexandria, Virginia and traveled with her family to Sicily to bring her grandmother to the United States. However, due to the outbreak of World War I, the family was forced to delay their return until 1919. This experience must have made a significant impression on her, for she continued this type of heroism and selflessness for the rest of her life. Mrs. Sinagra is survived by her son Anthony Sinagra of Lakewood, OH, her daughters Theresann Santoro of Lyndhurst, OH and Sister Annette of Adrian, MI; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one brother. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in remembering Grace F. Sinagra. The memory of this great woman will surely endure in the hearts of all those whom she touched.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I honor Ohio's oldest municipally owned bus system, the North Olmsted Municipal Bus Line (NOMBL), which is celebrating 70 years of service to the community of North Olmsted and surrounding suburbs. NOMBL, located in North Olmsted, serves over one million customers annually, having come a long way since the line's first red and white- painted bus made its first official trip to Cleveland at 5:15 a.m. on March 1, 1931; the first day's revenue was $24.65. NOMBL was founded after Southwestern Railway decided to discontinue trolley services for the region. Mayor Charles Seltzer, Clerk Elroy Christman, Solicitor Guy Wheeler and resident John Schindler borrowed money to lease two used buses and drove them to Columbus, Ohio to get the vehicle licenses necessary to operate a bus line. With consistent and continued dedication to service and commitment to excellence, NOMBL buses became a landmark in Cuyahoga County. Today, the active 40-coach fleet operates seven different routes under a contract with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Operating under this agreement since 1975, NOMBL maintains operation and city ownership while having access to new buses and equipment, technologies, natural gas fueling capabilities, and garage space, enabling the line to better serve customers. Evolving through appearance changes, service expansions and various partnerships, NOMBL has remained committed to dependable and faithful service, with much thanks given to and appreciation for its dedicated and responsible employees. Mr. Speaker, let us recognize the achievements of the NOMBL, which will be honored at the 70th Anniversary Luncheon on March 1, 2001, for 70 years of service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Lou ``the Toe'' Groza for his years of involvement in the Cleveland area. Mr. Groza was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio and remained in state attending Ohio State University in 1942. Just one year into his college education, Mr. Groza was drafted by the U.S. Army for service in World War II. In the Army he served as a surgical technician in a medical battalion. In 1946, after his service had ended, Lou Groza returned home to Ohio and promptly tried out for the Cleveland Browns. Just one year after joining the team, Groza was promoted to starting tackle and helped guide the Browns to a perfect (14-0) season and the All-America Football Conference title. During his extraordinary twenty-one year career, Mr. Groza helped steer the Cleveland Browns to eight championships and led them into another five championship games. In addition to the team glory that Mr. Groza promoted, he also earned individual honors being named to six All-National Football League (NFL) teams, nine Pro Bowl squads and left the league as the all time points and games played leader with 1,349 and 216 respectively. In fact, so impressive was his kicking ability that he still ranks in the top fifteen points leaders in NFL history. In 1968 the Cleveland Browns showed their respects towards the incredible talents of Mr. Groza by retiring his number (76) in a ceremony at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The National Football League also paid homage to Mr. Groza by inducting him into their Hall of Fame in 1974. With his football career over, Mr. Groza did not disappear from public life, instead he remained a fixture in the Berea, Ohio community for more than three decades. The city recognized him by renaming the street of the Cleveland Browns training camp ``Lou Groza Way'' and assigning the Browns' headquarters the street address 76. Lou Groza was a patriot, football legend and a city treasure. He will be missed by the entire Northeast Ohio Community. My fellow colleagues, let us recognize Mr. Groza for his years of achievement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to honor the memory of an actively involved Cleveland citizen and leader of the Indian-American community, Raj Mathur. His recent death at the age of 59, is a sorrowful event for the whole community of Cleveland. After moving to the United States in the late 1960s to further his education at North Carolina State University, Mr. Mathur went on to teach economics at the University of Akron. After several year of sharing his knowledge with students, in 1974 he shared a piece of his culture with the Greater Cleveland community, opening the Taj Mahal restaurant, which is believed to be the first Asian Indian restaurant in the area. Dedicated to getting Indian-Americans and Asian Indians involved in the U.S. political process, Mr. Mathur was a founding member of Asian Indians for Better Government. Furthermore, he was a key member of the community helping to start the Federation of Indian Community Associations's Project Seva, which provides Thanksgiving meals for those in need. In recognition of these efforts, Mr. Mathur received the federation's 1999 Community Service Award. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude for his tireless work in organizing and uniting our community, and for his exemplary record of public service. We ask the House to join with us today in honoring the memory of this great community leader and role model.