Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I support Congressman Tom Campbell's amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations bill, H.R. 4690, to prohibit funds being used for the use of secret evidence. Moreover, I strongly support the Secret Evidence Repeal Act of 1999 introduced by Representative Bonior, Representative Campbell, Representative Barr, and Representative Conyers. Recently, both Representative Bonior and Representative Campbell, offered testimony at a congressional hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. At that hearing, my colleagues Mr. Campbell and Mr. Bonior offered convincing testimony to the unconstitutional use of secret evidence. Representative Tom Campbell last year introduced an amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations Bill to stop the funding for the use of secret evidence by the Immigration Naturalization Service. I supported his effort last year on the House floor and I support his effort now. The use of secret evidence is wrong. In 1996 an amendment was added to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, authorizing the INS to use secret evidence in barring or deporting immigrants as well as denying benefits such as asylum. However, this law restricts two rights Americans hold very dear: (1) the right to due process and (2) the right to free speech. This country has always and must continue to value the right to a fair trial and the freedom to hold and practice personal beliefs. However, allowing the use of secret evidence undermines the rights and liberty of both citizens and legal aliens alike because it lessens the constraints of both Constitutional considerations and conscience on INS cases. The case of the Iraqi six clearly illustrates the flawed use of secret evidence. Six Iraq individuals were among the many Iraqi Arabs and Kurds who were part of a CIA-backed plot to overthrow Saddam Hussein. While attempting to gain political asylum in the United States after their work in Iraq with 1,200 other Iraqis, these six individuals were singled out and detained by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service on the claim that they were a risk to national security. These six individuals, who had worked with the U.S. in opposition to Saddam Hussein, were now seen as threat to our national security based on secret evidence. Evidence that no one was allowed to see. Not the 6 Iraqis. And not their attorneys. Evidence that could be used to deny them asylum and deport them back to Iraq where they would surely meet their death. After much pressure, 500 pages of this so-called secret evidence was released. Closer examination revealed the evidence was tarnished due to its faulty translations, misinformation and use of ethnic and religious stereotyping. There have been about 50 cases where secret evidence was used to detain and deport individuals. This is un-American. The cornerstone of our judicial system is that evidence cannot be used against someone unless he or she has the chance to confront it. The INS is relying more and more on the use of secret evidence. If we continue to use secret evidence against non-citizens, it will soon be used against American citizens too. There will be no limit to its use. As a member of Congress it is my duty to uphold the Constitution. As members of Congress, we must all continue to maintain and defend the civil rights of all citizens living in the United States under the U.S. Constitution. We can do this by voting in favor of this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Campbell amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Mark K. Kevesdy upon receiving the Alumni Emerging Leadership award from Cleveland State University. Mr. Kevesdy is a dedicated and gifted teacher and is being recognized for his exceptional leadership skills in his profession and in his community. Mr. Kevesdy, a current resident of Bay Village and a teacher at Big Creek Elementary School in Berea City School District, received his bachelor's degree from the College of Education in 1992. Mr. Kevesdy is the leader of a multi-age team of three teachers that works with over eighty children in grades three through five. Mr. Kevesdy, an exceptional leader, is in charge of his 847-student building, a position which requires his leadership when the principal is absent. He and a colleague have published a book entitled ``Creating Dynamic Teaching Teams in Schools.'' In addition to this tremendous feat, he has also served as a staff development trainer for other teachers on multi-age teaching and teaching teams, both inside and outside of the Berea district. Perhaps Mr. Kevesdy's greatest accomplishment is his quality teaching. He is a gifted communicator and works hard to make learning come alive for his students. He tries to give his students a well designed academic program in a warrn and encouraging environment, while at the same time making the learning relate to real life situations. Fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Kevesdy and the tremendous dedication and devotion that he has shown to his profession.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Dr. Dezso J. Ladanyi. Dr. Ladanyi is being presented with an Alumni Lifetime Leadership Award by Cleveland State University. This is an award presented to alumni for exceptional achievements and leadership skills that have brought both pride and recognition to the University and the community. In 1942, Mr. Ladanyi graduated from Fenn College, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He continued his education at Case Western Reserve University where he earned both his Master's degree and his Ph.D. Dr. Ladanyi joined NASA two years after earning his degree from Fenn College. At the time he was one of only 14 rocket scientists in the country. In 1967, he left NASA to start his own company, Advanced Dynamics, which produced temperature sensors. Only four years later, he started another company, Noral Inc., which has grown into one of the leading suppliers of thermocouples and other temperature sensors used in the plastics industry. The firm has recently doubled its size and tripled its manufacturing capacity. Dr. Ladanyi currently serves as the chief executive officer of the corporation, overseeing three generations of the Ladanyi family. Both of Dr. Ladanyi's sons graduated from Cleveland State and his wife graduated from Fenn College. Along with leading two companies, Dr. Ladanyi has served as a role model and inspiration to students at Fenn and CSU for the past 29 years by teaching night courses in chemical engineering. He also has served in leadership positions for the Ludlow Community Organization, a former vice-president, and the First Hungarian Reform Church, an honorary trustee. Aside from these organizations Dr. Ladanyi has been an active Mason for more than 25 years, and is a member of the Magyar Club, a Hungarian professional club that celebrates Hungarian heritage through the use of music, food and culture festivals. My fellow colleagues, let us recognize and congratulate Dr. Ladanyi for his years of achievement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Fred Lick, Jr. Mr. Lick is being presented with an Alumni Lifetime Leadership Award by Cleveland State University. This is an award presented to alumni for exceptional achievements and leadership that have brought both pride and recognition to the University and to the community. Fred Lick earned his Juris Doctorate from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1961. Since his graduation, Mr. Lick has shown his leadership qualities in many fields and through diverse means. First, Mr. Lick has shown his unselfishness by dedicating himself to the national defense for nearly two decades. He joined the U.S. Army, and served for eight years. After leaving the Army, Mr. Lick joined the Ohio Military Reserve. The OMR is where Mr. Lick displayed his leadership capabilities. He quickly rose through the ranks of the OMR, earning the titles of Major General, Commander of the OMR, and Commander of the Joint State Area Command. Throughout his service to his country, Mr. Lick remained passionate about education, this is evidenced by his graduation from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces; U.S. Marine Corps Command and State College; and the Justice Advocate General's School. Mr. Lick's leadership has not been confined to simply military endeavors. Mr. Lick has served as the chairman, president and chief executive officer and currently serves as the chairman of the Central Reserve Life Corporation, now the Ceres Group. Mr. Lick also has dedicated himself to Delta Theta Pi, the national legal fraternity, and Miami University. He has held regional and national positions with Delta Theta Pi, culminating in his appointment as the National Deputy Chancellor in 1977. At Miami University, Mr. Lick spent several years serving as a member of the board of trustees and has recently been elected as the board president. In the 39 years since his graduation from Cleveland-Marshall, Mr. Lick has remained a positive influence on the College of Law. In this time Mr. Lick has served as the President of the Law Alumni Association, 1967-68, and has inaugurated the Annual Alumni Luncheon. This event now annually draws close to 1,000 attendees to honor colleagues for significant achievements in the legal community. My fellow colleagues, let us recognize and congratulate Mr. Lick for his years of dedication and leadership.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert E. Baier, Ph.D. Dr. Baier is being presented with an Outstanding Engineer Award from the Cleveland State University Alumni Association. This distinguished man has brought both pride and recognition to his alma mater and to his northeast Ohio community. Dr. Baier graduated from Cleveland State University in 1962. He furthered his higher education by attending the State University of New York at Buffalo. He graduated from this distinguished institution with his Ph.D. in Biophysical Sciences. Currently, Dr. Baier is the Director/Professor at the Industry/University Center for Biosurfaces. Robert is particularly known for his work on artificial organs and devices for use in heart surgery. His innovation and scholarly pursuit of original research has benefited the lives of many. In his endeavors, he became a founding fellow for the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring and applauding Dr. Robert E. Baier for his many contributions to science. He has served his community well, and I congratulate him on these outstanding achievements.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Edward L. Thellmann upon receiving the Civic Leadership Award from Cleveland State University. Mr. Thellmann has developed an outstanding leadership style, and he has devoted his life to public service. Graduating from Cleveland's West Tech High School, Edward currently sits in the schools alumni Hall of Fame. In 1959 he received his Bachelor of Arts Degrees from Cleveland State University College of Arts and Science. Edward had made these two alma maters proud by his inspirational civil leadership. Having served Walton Hills for 13 years as the city's honorable mayor, Edward Thellmann has contributed greatly to his community. In addition to this service, he was also President of the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association. This remarkable position enabled Edward to have an impact on the entire Northeast Ohio area. Furthering this objective still, he was also the vice president of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Trustees. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in applauding and honoring Mr. Edward L. Thellmann for his lifetime of service, dedication and leadership.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give honor to James Mastandrea, who has received the George B. Davis award for service to Cleveland State University. He has been a tireless supporter of this institution and has dedicated himself to its growth and advancement. Mastandrea, a current resident of Cleveland, received his bachelor's degree from the College of Business Administration in 1970. Mr. Mastandrea is recognized for his long and distinguished career in real estate, including his management of several firms in Illinois and Ohio. He has been the top executive of Midwest Development Corporation, First Union Real Estate, Triam Corporation, and Continental Homes of Chicago, Inc. He was also the vice president of Continental Bank as well as financial analyst of Mellon Bank. Since 1998, he has been the chairman and chief executive officer of Eagle's Wings Aviation Corporation, a private investment group. Mr. Mastandrea's continuous and generous support of Cleveland State University began during his undergraduate years at the University. It was during these first years at Cleveland State where he organized the Student Economics Club and served as its president. Currently, Mr. Mastandrea is a director on the Cleveland State University Foundation and the chairman of its Nominating Committee. In addition to these many contributions, he also chairs the College of Business Visiting Committee, has served on the search committee for a business dean, and devoted many hours to the College's strategic planning process. Let us join Cleveland State University as they honor Mr. James Mastandrea for his many contributions to the University.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. George Palko upon receiving the Alumni Emerging Leadership Award from Cleveland State University. Mr. Palko is being recognized for his great engineering work and for his dedication as a educator at the Cleveland State University. Mr. George Palko earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Fenn College of Engineering in 1988 and a master's of business administration from the College of Business Administration in 1993. Mr. George Palko is currently a resident of North Royalton. Mr. George Palko has been engaged in the Cleveland State University's cooperative education program through which he has received training at the Great Lakes Construction Company. Upon graduating from college, Mr. Palko continued working for the Great Lakes Construction Company. As an in-house engineer and project engineer, Mr. Palko worked on many projects in the city of Cleveland. He has been superintendent of many ODOT projects, including the construction of interstate 90. In August 1997, Mr. Palko became president of the Great Lakes Construction Company. Since Mr. Palko became president of the Great Lakes Construction Company the number of co-op students that the firm employs has quadrupled. In addition, Mr. Palko is teaching Construction Planning and Estimating at the Cleveland State University's Civil Engineering Department and he is a member of the College of Engineering's Visiting Committee. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. Palko's impressive career and wish him all the best as he continues his work.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. William Denihan who is being awarded by Cleveland State University with the Alumni Award for Civic Achievement. Mr. Denihan is being recognized for his community leadership and his dedicated work for the betterment of his community. People call Mr. Denihan a ``leader's leader'' because of his ability to anticipate major issues, to work as a ``change agent'' and conduct constructive process in order to handle major issues. For the past twenty years, Mr. Denihan has helped many prominent public leaders in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Ohio solve the toughest public problems. Mr. Denihan has been selected by the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners to serve as executive director of the Department of Children and Family Services. Previously, Mr. Denihan has been appointed by Cleveland's Mayor Mike White to be Police Chief and Director of Public Safety. Former Governor Richard Celeste appointed Mr. Denihan to be director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Throughout his career, Mr. Denihan has been director of the city's Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Highway Safety, chairman of the Nuclear Power Emergency Evaluation Committee, director of the Ohio State Employment Relations Board and Cuyahoga County personnel director. Furthermore, Mr. Denihan is serving on the advisory boards of the Levin College's Local Officials Leadership Academy and Public Works Management Program. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. Denihan's tremendous career and wish him healthy and productive continuation of his career.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kenneth E. Brown, a distinguished Ohio entrepreneur a former recipient of the Northern Ohio Live 1999 Award of Achievement for Neighborhood Revitalization. Since graduating from the Levin College of Urban Affairs in 1989, Kenneth B. Brown founded Progressive Urbana Real Estate. As the broker and president of this self-financed enterprise, he transformed the one- person storefront in Tremont to a 21-agent, six-person staff in a renovated, company-owned building in Ohio City. Kenneth Brown is being honored with the Alumni Special Achievement Award for his dedication and collaborative work in the Tremont Ridge Project. This undertaking uses the grid of the original 20-foot-wide housing lots plotted just after the Civil War to maintain the historic pedestrian nature of the neighborhood. there are now 39 homes completed--bungalows and colonials priced between $130,000 and $150,000 and featuring elegant 10-foot ceilings, loft balconies, hardwood floors, fireplaces, two-story living rooms, above-ground English-style basements, and rooftop decks. When completed, Tremont Ridge will total 60 units, including townhouses and scattered sites. Kenneth Brown's commitment not only beautifies the city, but also allows neighborhoods to benefit from the project, with homeowners able to apply for interest-free loans to rehabilitates their own homes. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Kenneth E. Brown for his service to the community in maintaining a beautiful historical site.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Emily Lipovan Holan, a distinguished Ohio entrepreneur and former recipient of the Northern Ohio Live 1999 Award of Achievement for Neighborhood Revitalization. Emily Holan holds a 1990 bachelor of arts degree in real estate development, city planning and architectural design from Levin College. As the executive director of Tremont West Development Corporation, she has overseen four multi-million dollar real estate developments and has spearheaded marketing and publicity efforts for Tremont. Her other achievements included being listed in Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40. Emily Holan is being honored with the Alumni Special Achievement Award for her dedication and collaborative work in the Tremont Ridge Project. This undertaking uses the grid of the original 20-foot-wide housing lots plotted just after the Civil War to maintain the historic pedestrian nature of the neighborhood. There are now 39 homes completed--bungalows and colonials priced between $130,000 and $150,000 and featuring elegant 10-foot ceilings, loft balconies, hardwood floors, fireplaces, two-story living rooms, above-ground English-style basements, and rooftop decks. When completed, Tremont Ridge will total 60 units, including townhouses and scattered sites. Emily Holan's commitment not only beautifies the city, but also allows neighborhoods to benefit from the project, with homeowners able to apply for interest-free loans to rehabilitate their own homes. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Emily Lipovan Holan for her service to the community in maintaining a beautiful historical site.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Olver amendment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment protects the younger generation, whom otherwise would pay the bill and suffer the consequences of global warming. Global warming is the largest environmental issue for young adults, because the long-term impacts could be disastrous and today's younger generation will be left to deal with the costly impacts. The human race is engaged in the largest and most dangerous experiment in history--an experiment to see what will happen to our health and our planet when we change our atmosphere and our climate. The buildup of carbon dioxide and other ``greenhouse gases'' in our atmosphere causes global warming. The main causes of carbon dioxide are burning ever increasing quantities of coal, oil, and gas. These harmful gases hold the sun's energy in our atmosphere and are causing our world's temperature to increase. Like a parked car on a hot day, the sun's heat comes in through car windows, but cannot escape. Eventually, you have an unbearably hot car and this is now happening to our planet. The United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change, a panel of the world's best scientists, have concluded global warming is a very real concern. The temperature has already risen as much as five degrees in some regions. Today, we see glaciers melting, more heat- related deaths, and a shift and increase in infectious diseases. The most important step we can take to curb global warming is to improve our nation's energy efficiency. Our cars and light trucks, lighting, home appliances, and power plants could be made much more efficient by simply installing the best current technology. Using the best technology can also mean more jobs for more Americans. But the language in this bill will hamper efforts to seek solutions to this serious problem. We can't afford to play deaf and dumb to this issue. Vote for the Olver amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Roemer amendment to H.R. 4635, VA-HUD-Independent Agencies Appropriations for FY 2001 to terminate the International Space Station. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Aerospace Caucus, I strongly support continued funding for the International Space Station (ISS). The Space Station is critical for NASA to maintain America's leadership in space exploration, research and technology. In addition, this international endeavor fosters peaceful relationships among 16 countries by collaborating on mutual goals for the benefit of humankind. The practical benefits to space exploration are countless. It is proven that for each tax dollar we spend in space, we receive a $9 return here on Earth in new products, new technologies and improvements for people around the world. Research in the Space Station's unique orbital laboratory will lead to discoveries in medicine, materials and fundamental science. Space station research will build on proven medical research conducted on the Space Shuttle to benefit diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis and AIDS. Medical equipment technology developed for early astronauts are still paying off today. For example: NASA developed a ``cool suit'' for the Apollo missions,which is now helping to improve the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients. NASA technology has produced a pacemaker that can be programmed from outside the body. NASA developed instruments to measure bone loss and bone density without penetrating the skin which are now being used by hospitals. NASA research has led to an implant for delivering insulin to diabetics that is only 3 inches across which provides more precise control of blood sugar levels and frees diabetics from the daily burden of insulin. Second,the ISS enhances US economic competitiveness by providing an opportunity for the private sector to use the technologies and research applications of space. This will increase the number of high-tech jobs and economic opportunities available today and for future generations. Third, the Space Station serves as a virtual classroom for students of all levels and ages. Innovative programs have been designed that will allow students to actively participate in research on board the Station. Our commitment to long-term research and development will encourage today's youth to consider careers in science and technology, fields where American workers are desperately needed. With nearly 90 percent of the International Space Station development completed, we are only months away from having a permanent human presence in low orbit and beginning the research that holds so much promise for the global community. Ending progress on the ISS now would require NASA to scrap billions of dollars of hardware that has been designed and developed for the ISS. Furthermore, we would be throwing away years of international cooperation and ending the peacetime collaboration in history. I urge my colleagues to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of space research. Vote NO on the Roemer amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, it has been said on this floor that you cannot reform an organization you withdraw from. Well, we forget so soon. The very ground we are standing upon to engage in this debate is the result of America's Founding Fathers and Mothers who decided to withdraw from the control of England. England was in need of reform. That is why we broke with them 224 years ago. Remember the words, ``We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,'' ordained a Constitution which established representative government and put the Congress of the United States in charge of trade, and does not give Congress the right to cede that to an international body which attacks American interests. The World Trade Organization imposes obligations on State and local governments which limit their ability to promote the local economy, promote employment, protect consumers, and establish environmental standards. The WTO attacks laws which give preference to companies bidding for State business if they employ State residents and use locally made products. It attacks laws that offer tax exemptions to companies to create jobs. It attacks laws that promote investment in recycled material. It attacks laws that impose bilocal requirements or preferences for State procurement. Mr. Speaker, 95 laws in California have been identified as WTO- illegal, according to the Georgetown University Law Center. Several States are facing legal challenges to their laws under NAFTA. California's ban of a poisonous chemical, methyl tertiary butyl ether, MTBE, is being challenged, and Mississippi is being sued for violating NAFTA. The U.S. administration wants the WTO to include NAFTA-like investor protections in the future, further undermining local and State governments. Three key WTO and NAFTA investment chapter principles caused problems for State and local lawmaking. The principles include national treatment. This is when a State favors a local corporation. It says it is discriminating against foreign corporations. So we cannot promote local businesses over foreign businesses. I mean, wake up, America. Second, general treatment. This principle prohibits State governments from regulating business by applying what is called the least restrictive trade standard. This standard can be used against State laws promoting recycling, minority business development and so on. The third principle is expropriation which makes the State governments liable for paying damages if a corporation persuades a jury or the WTO Settlement Dispute Panel that a State law has caused a foreign business losses in even potential profits. Now, these principles do not come from the U.S. Constitution, but from international trade agreements, which represents a loss in the ability of State governments to pass laws in the public interest. Mr. Speaker, we need to stand up for America and American interests. Vote for this resolution.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I call to your attention the article written in today's Los Angeles Times by Robert Scheer. It answers the call of those countless generations of Americans who have ceaselessly sung in unison the hymn, ``All We Are Saying Is Give Peace a Chance''. As John Lennon might say, ``Imagine . . .'' [From the Los Angeles Times, June 20, 2000] `Give Peace a Chance'--While the Fools Fight On (By Robert Scheer) When it comes to world politics, the best Beatle was right. Last week as the news came in from Pyongyang, I couldn't get the image out of my mind of him at some long ago peace rally singing, ``All we are saying is give peace a chance.'' Not that it didn't seem at times corny and futile trying to keep those little candles from blowing out, but the world peace he was pushing now does, at last, seem to be the happening thing. What further evidence do we need than that picture of the two Kims from Korea, North and South, holding hands and singing a song of peaceful reunification? Yoko Ono could've written the script. Mark the moment; it represents the triumph of Lennonism. John that is, not Vladimir. The specter of communism, the threat of violent worldwide revolution died with that Kim to Kim photo, and along with it the Cold War obsessions that have made the world crazy these past 56 years. If the two Koreas, divided by the most heavily fortified military barrier left in the world, can come to terms, what warring parties can't? The message is clear; The threat from this and other ``rogue nations'' can be met far more cheaply with talk, trade and aid than with a $60-billion missile defense systems and other warrior fantasies. It is time to pay homage to that much maligned arm of pacifists like Dorothy Day, A.J. Muste, David Delinger, Bertrand Russell, Benjamin Spock, Linus Pauling and Martin Luther King, Jr. Merely for insisting that we have a common humanity that can redeem our enemies, they were scorned as dupes and even reviled as traitors. Some hard-liners thought that as well of Richard M. Nixon when he journeyed to Red China to make peace with the devil that he had done so much to define. Then came Gorbachev and Reagan burying the hatchet that their military advisors preferred be honed. Today, Pete Peterson, a former prisoner of war, sits as the U.S. ambassador in Hanoi, where the prison in which he was held has been turned into a tourist hotel, Soon, we may even have the courage to recognize that the ``threat'' from Cuba has never been more than a cruel joke. But the lesson that peace is practical has been extended to conflicts beyond the Cold War. The mayhem inspired by those drunk on the potency of their purifying religious, ethnic and nationalist visions continues, but they can smell the odor of their own defeat, The fools fight on in places like Sierra Leone, but the smartest among the world's militant revolutionaries have already abandoned violence for peace. The PLO and IRA are now partners in peace with their sworn enemies, for which another president--Bill Clinton--deserves much credit. Iran has elected a majority of moderates to run its government; Syria will have a modern new leader who may at last respond positively to the risks that Israel has taken for peace in withdrawing from southern Lebanon, Libya's Moammar Kadafi has surrendered alleged hijackers, and even the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan is now said to be uneasy with the Osama bin Laden gang of terrorists. Forgiveness of past crimes is far from automatic, and it can be more tempting for demagogues such as Serbia's Slobodan Milosevic to profit from the stoking of hatred than to engage in tedious efforts at reconciliation. But the evidence is overwhelming that peace can prevail even when the historic sense of grievance runs high. The model is Nelson Mandela, who emerged from almost three decades in horrid prisons in South Africa as a true saint of peace, shunning hate and even embracing the jailers who stole most of his life. Think of Pope John Paul II, who forgave his would-be assassin and travels endlessly to make peace with those who trampled on the religion he holds sacred. Or Egypt's Anwar Sadat and Israel's Yitzhak Rabin, who died at the hands of their own people but whose example in life had been so strong that it lasted beyond their deaths. So, too, the example of John Lennon, who risked his celebrity and was treated as a fool by a media that dismissed his Eastern pacificism as they once did that of Mohandas K. Gandhi. And King, another Gandhi disciple, who dared to link the civil rights peace movements as a common assertion of humanity and was scorned by the political establishment for it. There will be other martyrs to the cause of peace, many quite obscure, as those who serve in barely noticed international brigades like the blue-helmeted troops of the United Nations. They stand, sometimes pathetically, against chaos, but in the end, they will be blessed as peacemakers. Peace works because deep down, it's what people of all stripes want--to make love, not war.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as gasoline prices throughout the United States go from $2 a gallon and even towards $3 a gallon, I think it is instructive for this Congress to review the profits of the major oil companies even before this round of increases in the price of gas. Listen to this, the profit increases over the last year: Texaco, 473 percent increase in profit. Phillips Petroleum, 257 percent increase in profit. Conoco, 371 percent increase in profit. Chevron, 291 percent increase in profit. BP Amoco, 296 percent increase in profit. I do not know of anyone in America who is getting a raise of a few hundred percent. The American people are struggling to survive and the oil companies are ripping them off. We need a windfall profits tax. We need to make sure that there is some balance brought back in this economy. It is time to go after the oil companies.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, it is very clear here, we are being given a choice whether we are going to stand up for our veterans and make sure they get the health guarantees and to protect them, that is why we are here, or whether we are going to cave in to the tobacco interests. That is what it appears is the easy choice here.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today l honor Diana Marie Falat upon her reception of the Gold Key Award at the National Scholastic Art Exhibition in Washington, DC. Diana's ceramic pieces have won several awards in the Cleveland area, including three Gold Keys, a Silver Key, and an Honorable Mention, as well as various monetary awards. For her piece entitled ``Petunia'', Diana was named in the Top 25 at the Ohio Governor's art show. This weekend, Diana will be honored at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National Scholastic Art Exhibition with a Gold Key award--the highest award ever achieved in art by a Berea School District student. Diana's accomplishments are not limited to the field of art. Diana, age 18, is a recent graduate of Berea High School in Berea, Ohio where she was a member of the National Honor Society, RSVP, and the Big Sibs program. She earned a varsity letter in her senior year for girls' golf, and is an accomplished figure skater as well. For the past two years, she has also attended Cuyahoga Community College. In the fall, Diana will attend Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she plans to continue her ceramics and figure skating. Diana's involvement in her school, her community, athletics, and the arts are a testament to her committment to better herself and the world around her. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Diana Marie Falat for her many various achievements, and especially on her reception of the Gold Key award at the National Scholastic Art Exhibition at the Kennedy Center.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment to ensure that the Fish and Wildlife Service pays close attention to the ecological impacts from genetically engineered fish. This amendment asks the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a study that would examine the ecological effects of genetically engineered fish and anticipate regulatory actions. Although such fish are not on the market yet, the Food and Drug Administration is currently evaluating a genetically engineered salmon. There is a scientific explanation that I would like to go over here, starting with chart 1. Genetically engineered fish are engineered to grow faster and bigger. Scientists from the University of Minnesota and Purdue University foresee harmful ecological impacts. On chart 2, scientists have determined that a larger fish has an advantage in mating. This handsomely big GE fish is more successful than the lonely natural fish, and scientists have also determined that these GE fish may survive for only a limited number of generations in the wild. Now, in chart 3, mutant fish are created as GE fish escape into the wild and mate with natural fish. The mutant fish's larger size gives an advantage in mating, forcing new genetic traits to be spread into the wild. But these mutant fish may survive only for a limited number of generations in the wild, because when genetic engineering is performed, the opportunity to disturb or disrupt other genetic traits is possible, including disturbing the trait of longevity. The implications are serious. Chart 4 speaks of the Trojan Gene Effect. These are serious implications, because many fish populations are under consideration for genetic engineering. After several generations, natural fish may go extinct because larger genetically engineered fish are much more successful than natural fish in mating. Such mutant fish may also go extinct because their mutant genes can decrease the survivability of the species. This is what is called the Trojan Gene Effect. The end result is the loss of genetic diversity, disruption of ecological systems, possible extinction of important commercial fish species, and, of course, effect on the food supply. I am certainly expecting to withdraw this amendment, hoping that the chairman and the ranking member will work with me by advocating report language for a study to examine the ecological impacts of genetically engineered fish and anticipate regulatory actions that might be necessary. I would let the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) know that I would appreciate any consideration in conference for any report language.

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I include the following articles for the Record. Biosafety Assessment of Aquatic GMOs: The Case of Transgenic Fish (By Anne R. Kapuscinski) A growing number of groups around the world are pursuing research and development of transgenic fish, shellfish, and algae. Transgenic Atlantic salmon are poised to be one of the first transgenic animals farmed for human consumption. Ecological risk assessments of transgenic aquatic organisms have been comparatively underfunded and understudied. Comparisons of the few risk assessment studies on transgenic fish confirm the need to conduct case-by-case risk assessment of each line of transgenic organism. Risk assessment should focus on tests for intended and unintended changes in six components of fitness. These include viability, fecundity, fertility, longevity, mating success, and developmental time. Muir and Howard have shown the critical importance of testing for the joint effects of changes in these fitness components because disadvantages in one fitness trait can be offset by advantages in another fitness trait. For instance, the reduced viability of growth-enhanced transgenic fish could be offset by increased mating advantage of larger transgenic adults, possibly driving a wild population towards extinction (the Trojan gene effect). Risk assessments need to actively search for this and other biologically feasible off-setting mechanisms. The state-of-the-art way to do this, called the Net Fitness Approach, is to: (1) Test GMOs for altered fitness components in confined experiment; (2) quantify the net fitness of the GMOs and mathematically predict effects of escapees on wild fish; and, wherever feasible, (3) test mathematical predictions on multiple generations of GMOs and non-GMOs interacting in simplified, confines ecosystems. Muir's lab recently produced two lines of transgenic medaka bearing a sockeye salmon growth hormone construct (sGH) that promotes dramatically faster growth rates and earlier sexual maturity, as previously shown in coho salmon and tilapia. Both this construct and another salmon GH construct that is in the transgenic Atlantic salmon being reviewed by the FDA yield dramatic increases in growth rates, earlier smoltification (ability to survive in seawater), and growth promotion that overrides the natural environmental cue to slow growth in colder (winter) water temperatures. In one sGH medaka line, the transgenic fish are larger at sexual maturity and have a viability disadvantage (Muir et al., unpublished data). This is precisely the combination of traits predicted to trigger the Trojan gene effect! Empirical experiments are underway to test for this. In summary, the publicly available data on transgenic fish confirm the need to test for ecological risks of each line of GMOs on a case-by-case basis and in a manner that integrates data on all modified traits, not just the target trait. These same scientific principles were used by the interdisciplinary Scientists' Working Group on Biosafety (1998) in designing the Manual for Assessing Ecological and Human Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Organisms (available at www.edmonds-institute.org). The Manual applies to small- and large-scale uses of any genetically engineered organism, including fish and other aquatic organisms. Users generate a specific trail of questions and responses that makes the scientific claim of risk or safety. The Manual follows the precautionary approach and encourages users to avoid type II statistical errors (i.e., concluding no adverse effect when the effect indeed occurs). Under the current state of inadequate information on fitness components of transgenic fish, application of the Manual leads the user to the conclusion that there is insufficient information to answer a key question and to the recommendation to apply several confinement measures (sterilization, mechanical barriers, physical barriers) to prevent ecological harm. The take home messages for existing and future proposals to commercialize transgenic fish are: (1) The scientific data indicate that some lines of transgenic fish will pose a real ecological risk; (2) application of the Net Fitness Approach should be a minimum requirement for testing the ecological risk of all transgenic fish intended for aquaculture (or other uses that could affect the environment); (3) any transgenic fish approved for aquaculture (or other uses that could affect the environment) should be made sterile and individually screened to confirm sterility; (4) DNA markers distinguishing each line of transgenic fish should be registered in a publicly accessible central clearinghouse to allow tracing of escapees; and (5) regulatory agencies need to establish the information base and institutional mechanisms required to monitor for and quickly respond to surprising outcomes of transgenic fish escaping into the wild.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cornucopia and Nature's Bin on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. Cornucopia, a nonprofit organization, helps people with disabilities achieve successful integration into the workplace. Since 1975, this organization has devoted its time on training programs in their natural food store, Nature's Bin. Originally known as ``The Bin,'' this shop started as a humble little storefront on Madison Avenue in a section of Lakewood known as ``Birdtown.'' At the time, The Bin only sold produce. Since then, Nature's Bin has become the training site for Cornucopia's vocational programs for people with disabilities. Through encouragement and direction, Nature's Bin has helped bring many disabled persons into the workplace. It is an important task that they have undertaken. Upon graduation from one of Cornucopia's training programs, a person can enter the workforce as a skilled and confident individual. It is evident that Cornucopia and Nature's Bin has, over the years, played a crucial role in the community, and that its many years of service have been an invaluable contribution. Cornucopia and Nature's Bin will be celebrating its 25th anniversary June 23rd through June 25th. The celebration will include several speakers throughout the weekend and will be capped with a late afternoon of jazz. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Cornucopia and Nature's Bin for the service they have provided to those with disabilities for 25 years.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Student Environmental Congress of Greater Cleveland, who held their fourth annual Earth Day Coalition Student Environmental Congress Day on March 22, 2000. The Student Environmental Congress brings together students from the Greater Cleveland area who are dedicated to working towards a cleaner and healthier environment. The Congress develops environmentally-aware students throughout northeast Ohio, encouraging them to take action within their communities to form eco-groups committed to the conservation and preservation of the environment. This program empowers high school students to be a voice in their community, to grow into environmentally literate citizens, and to network with environmentally conscious students from other schools. The Student Environmental Congress Program assists high school students in the design and implementation of community-based, environmental service-learning projects. Students from Cleveland public schools unite with students from suburban schools to educate one another at an all-day, student-led conference. These students work together towards creating a more sustainable environment. The accomplishments of this program are important for the future preservation of our environment. I take pride in recognizing the environmental leaders of northeast Ohio, and congratulate the Congress on another successful Conference Day in March. My fellow colleagues, please join with me in honoring the Student Environmental Congress for their important and note-worthy goals and achievements.