Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1824.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Herman Spero, the Executive Producer of UPBEAT an ``American Bandstand'' type television show produced in Cleveland, OH. April 13, 2000 will be considered UPBEAT Day in Cleveland. On this day, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will be unveiling their third in a series of their Rock and Roll Landmarks at WEWS TV, where UPBEAT was taped every Saturday night from 1964-1971. The show was syndicated in over one hundred cities and featured every major recording artist from the rock, jazz, and the rhythm and blues world. UPBEAT featured the first ever TV appearance of Simon & Garfunkle as well as the last appearance of Otis Redding. Other famous acts appearing in UPBEAT included the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. We all know that it takes an immense amount of passion, hard work and dedication to make dreams come true. We are grateful to Mr. Spero for having an overwhelming amount of all three. He was instrumental to the success of Rock and Roll and had a historical role in its development. When the history of Rock and Roll is written, Herman Spero will have a fitting and appropriate mention. Herman Spero, through his unique combination of vision, common touch, and entertainment flair, is certainly deserving of this well-earned recognition. I ask you, fellow colleagues, to join me in honoring a Cleveland legend, Herman Spero, who has given the city yet another reason why it is the Rock and Roll Capitol of the World.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the deployment of a national missile defense system will violate the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty. It will spark a global nuclear arms race. It will weaken U.S. military by crowding out effective and cheaper means of defending the United States. More than 162 nations, including Russia and China, have signed on to a United Nations resolution for an international ban on weapons in space. Mr. Speaker, the United States must sign on to that U.N. resolution. The U.S. Space Command calls for expanded war fighting capabilities in outer space. The guiding words in this country ought to be ``thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven,'' not ``war be done in heaven as it is on Earth.'' Let us work for peace on Earth, not war in space.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I recently testified before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations on FY 2001 Budget Request on March 30, 2000. I submit my statement for the Record. Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich's Statement before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations on FY 2001 Budget Request Thank you Chairman Callahan and Ranking Member Pelosi for offering me an opportunity to relate my thoughts on the President's budget request for foreign operations to you and other Committee members. I would like to begin by reminding my colleagues that it has been a full year since the start of the NATO air campaign on Yugoslavia. My comments will focus on United States and NATO efforts since this bombing campaign and the costs associated with these efforts, specifically with regard to peacekeeping operations and funding democracy activities in the region. To start, the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo has only compounded our failures in the Balkans. A year later we are witnessing reversed ethnic cleansing of Serbs and Gypsies by Albanians. Since June of last year, more than 240,000 Serbs, Roma and Muslim Slav Gurani have fled the province of Kosovo. The composition of Kosovo is now almost completely Albanian as Serbs and other non-Albanians continue to flee for fear of their lives. Moreover, an Amnesty International report issued last month concluded that six months of peacekeeping efforts in the region that ``human rights abuses and crimes continue to be committed at an alarming rate, particularly against members of minority communities.'' It goes on to say that U.N. police and KFOR troops have been ``unable to prevent violent attacks, including human rights abuses, often motivated by a desire of retribution, against non- Albanians.'' Many refugees are forced to live in nearby enclaves under heavy NATO protection. The U.N.'s goals of maintaining a multi-ethnic Kosovo has failed. For example, an attempt to reintegrate Serb and Kosovar children in school in the village of Plementina recently failed. In response, the U.N. Kosovo Mission (UNMIK) decided to build a separate school several kilometers away for security reasons. These failures have forced the head of the U.N. Kosovo Mission, Bernard Kouchner, to concede that ``the most one can hope for is that One of the goals of the peackeeping mission was to disarm and disband the armed militia groups. However, many members of these groups remain as active as ever under KFOR occupation. For example in the villages of Presovo, Medvedja and Bujanovac (UCPMB), which line the south Western border of Serbia where both ethnic Albanians and Serbs still live, an extremist group called the Liberation Army for Presovo is now active, though it did not exist before the peacekeeping mission began. Many members of this group are said to have been former militia members. The group has been blamed for a killing of a Serb police officer and attacks on UN staff. Indeed, armed conflict could well get worse in the future under UN peacekeeping forces. Recently, American soldiers raided a radical group's command post seizing hundreds of stashed weapons. This region seems to be indicative of what seems to be a broader expansionist goal of creating a greater Albania. There are reports that violent clashes may spill into Macedonia and Montenegro. According to a Reuters news report last week, ``The Yugoslav army and Montenegro policy agreed on Saturday to set up a joint checkpoint between the coastal republic and Kosovo in a bid to stop smuggling and terrorism spilling over from the province.'' Moreover, I am concerned that continued peacekeeping operations may actually facilitate an escalation in violence in the region. It is my understanding that part of the mission of KFOR is not only to ``keep the peace'' in the region, but to also train local residents into a civilian police force. My concern is that UN troops are legitimizing and institutionalizing extremist or radical elements of society there by training them to be a police force. If that's true, then our forces and our funds are propping up extremist elements in Kosovo and consolidating their power. If, indeed, UN troops are training rogue elements to become part of the civilian police force, Kosovo, then thus funding will not merely have been wasted, but will have contributed to instability in the region. I would like to put an American perspective on the proposed spending of $29 million for continued peace keeping operations in the region. You might be interested in knowing that we have a program in the United States called the Troops to COPS program, which provides law enforcement incentives to hire veterans who have served in our armed forces to serve as police officers. Funds are used to reimburse law enforcement agencies for training costs of qualified veterans. Since 1996, funding for this program has reached only $2.3 million-in 4 years. Why should we spend $29 million dollars in one year on peacekeeping operations that could put extremist elements in charge of Kosovo and that so far has provided inadequate? Maybe we should be using these funds to train law abiding US veterans to become community police officers here in America. Now, I would like to touch upon the funding request for the Support Eastern European Democracy (SEED) program--a program which, among other things, supports democratic movements in the region. The funding request has increased from $77 million in 1999 to $175 million in Kosovo and from $6 million to over $41 million in Serbia, Yugoslavia. It indicates increased and intensified US involvement in the internal politics of the area. Here, too, our efforts have backfired. Democratic opposition groups in Serbia are weaker today than they were a year ago. Milosevic is stronger. It should concern Congress that funds for promoting democracy can result in weakening the popular appeal of democracy advocates. Congress needs to place limitations on this funding to restore its integrity. Specifically, Congress should place the following limitations: No funds should be appropriated for use by any armed group or advocates of violence. No funds should be appropriated for use by any group that advocates the violent overthrow of the Serbian government. I conclude by saying that you should be skeptical of the budget request for peacekeeping operations and the SEED program in Kosovo and Serbia based on the past year's failure. I support the reduction of funding for peacekeeping forces in the Balkans.I support the advancement of peace and democracy in the Balkans. To achieve these goals, Congress will have to place limitations on spending in the Balkans. Otherwise, we will be adding to the problem of instability and a lack of democracy in the Balkans region. Thank you.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the North Olmsted High School Marching Band and Eaglets, of North Olmsted, Ohio. This 194 member marching band deserves praise for their hard work and dedication. These committed young people, most having played an instrument since 5th grade, have been practicing every morning and Wednesday evening since the beginning of the year. Because of this devotion, the band had the opportunity to play in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Cleveland, winning both the best band and best unit categories. Under the direction of John Kepperley, Martin Witczak, and William Ciabattari, the North Olmsted Marching Band and Eaglets will have the honor of playing in this years Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. on April 8, 2000. It takes a special individual to participate in marching band. You must be a team player, sacrificing the needs of the individual for the collective interests of the unit. You must be diligent, precise, dedicated, and focused. The many hours of practice can tax even the most patient of souls. The North Olmsted marching band has made a special mark on the North Olmsted community and their experience will serve them well, as both fond memories of their trip and in knowing that their efforts have brought pleasure to their audiences. I ask you fellow colleagues to join me in honoring The North Olmsted High School Marching Band and Eaglets for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on March 29, 2000, I missed six recorded votes because I was present at a bankruptcy trial in my community's effort to keep St. Michael Hospital and other Cleveland area hospitals from closing. If I had been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 80, ``no'' on rollcall 81, 82, ``aye'' on rollcall 83, 84 and ``no'' on rollcall 85.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Greek Independence Day, March 25, 2000. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire from the fifteenth through nineteenth centuries, the Greek people never lost sight of their distinct identity and deep devotion to their Orthodox Church, whose clergy played a critical function in maintaining their language and religion. As the eighteenth century ended, the Greeks began organizing a struggle for their freedom. On March 25, 1821, Bishop Germanos called for all to join the campaign for Greek independence. Despite overwhelming odds, thousands of Greeks throughout the region responded to this inspiring call and fought heroically. The combination of Greek sacrifice and bravery with the help of foreign volunteers succeeded by the end of the 1820s in establishing an independent Greek state. The Greek-American community offers a cultural bridge between the two countries and takes pride that Greek ideals contributed to America's revolution before Greeks themselves had the chance to follow a related and successful campaign for freedom. This year, Greek Independence Day will be celebrated in Cleveland with an annual parade led by his Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The parade will be a celebration of the Greek struggle for independence that took place 179 years ago. Parade Committee Chairperson Toula Spirtos stressed the value of this event when she said, ``We owe it to our children to preserve those ideas for which the fighters of 1821 shed blood to win and our fathers shed sweat and tears to preserve for us.'' My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating Greek Independence Day.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Kristen Stryker of Canton. Kristen has been named as one of Ohio's top two student volunteers for the year 2000 in the fifth annual Prudential Spirit of Community awards. Kristen, an eighth grader at Faircrest Middle School, has a vegetable garden in her backyard. The harvest from this garden is donated to needy Native Americans in her area. Kristen's grandmother is 50 percent Native American and through this Kristen feels a connection to those who share her heritage. When she heard that the nearby Allegheny Indian Center was a beneficiary of the national ``Plant a Row for the Hungry'' program, Kristen was eager to participate. After planting rows of zucchini, yellow squash and green and purple beans, she worked 1 hour every morning and evening from March through August weeding, watering and mulching the garden. The people who received the vegetables were able to enjoy the health benefits and the Allegheny Indian Center was able to purchase other necessary items with the money saved. Now Kristen hopes to encourage her 4-H club to adopt ``Plant a Row for the Hungry'' as its countywide service project. ``I think this project has helped me become more sensitive to the needs of others,'' says Kristen. Kristen was nominated by Stark & Summit Counties Extension 4-H in North Canton, OH for her ingenious service project. As as State honoree she will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all- expense paid trip in May to Washington DC. Please join me in honoring Kristen for her outstanding leadership and service in her community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Jacob Kaskey of Olmsted Falls. Jacob has been named as one of Ohio's top two student volunteers for the year 2000 in the fifth annual Prudential Spirit of Community awards. Jacob, a senior at Olmsted Falls High School, initiated a coloring book and crayon drive to benefit homeless children staying at various shelters in area. Jacob was awakened to this need during one of his regular visits to help serve meals at a homeless shelter. It was a cool night, too cold for the children to play outside, they had nothing to do. ``A toy could not be found for mile,'' Jacob said. He mentioned this problem to his minister, he was told that a lack of toys is a common problem in shelters. Jacob decided to help. But rather than toys--which are not permitted to leave the shelter--he collected coloring books and crayons. He enlisted the help of his classmates and others to help. He wrote letters and made personal visits to area businesses asking for donations of money and coloring books. Jacob received a very strong response. When they delivered the books to the shelter Jacob and his volunteers stayed to serve dinner and play with the children. Jacob was nominated by his high school for his outstanding service to the community. An effort which needed to be recognized. As a State honoree he will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip in May to Washington, DC. Please join me in honoring Jacob for his outstanding leadership and service in his community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Sherrill's Bakery, the ``Fine Pastry, Fine Foods'' bakery located at 233 Pennsylvania Ave., in Washington, DC. Sherrill's Bakery has fed Capitol Hill and countless visiting tourists from throughout the nation for generations. Established in 1922, Sherrill's Bakery has changed hands once to current owner, Dorothy Paletto, known to her employees as Dottie. Dottie and her mother, affectionately known as ``Miss Lola,'' have owned the bakery since 1941. The recipes are their own special recipes, reminiscent of a time when all restaurants were family-owned, when everybody knew your name and you knew theirs. Along with Dottie, Miss Lola, the remarkably loyal staff of Tommie Kennedy (who has worked at Sherrill's since 1941), Yolanda, and Patrick serve as the wait staff, with Leon and Ivory holding the honors in the kitchen. Upon entering the restaurant you are pulled into a comfort zone, a laid back atmosphere where you talk to the wait staff about more then just your order. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a community, with a common bond of enjoying Sherrill's unique ambiance and tasty delights. Sherril's Bakery is just like returning to your favorite neighborhood restaurant from your youth, always there and never changing. For all the changes that have taken place, on Capitol Hill and its immediate neighborhoods, the one constant has been Sherrill's Bakery. The bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 6 am until 6 pm. Saturdays hours are from 7 am until 6 pm, and on Sundays the bakery is open from 7 am until 4 pm. On weekends, the line of customers stretch out the door. Sherrill's Bakery is my favorite restaurant here on Capital Hill; I go there faithfully every morning since it reminds me of my favorite neighborhood diners back in Cleveland, Ohio. The wait staff recognizes regular customers like me and my regular waiter, Patrick, is quick to promptly place my breakfast order, which he knows by heart: two slices of plain wheat toast, a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of hot water with a slice of lemon on the side. Three bucks the entire meal, the best bargain anywhere. In 1990, a film documentary was done on the bakery for the Public Broadcasting Service. The PBS documentary was nominated for an Emmy Award for best documentary, finishing in second place. Many celebrities have relaxed in the dusty diner with dingy windows and neon lights. Celebrities such as actors Mike Farrell (from M*A*S*H*) and Robert Bedford, California State Senator, Tom Hayden; Rock 'n' Roll legend, Sam Moore of Sam & Dave; Apollo 11 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin; and former California Governor and current Oakland Mayor, Jerry Brown, have all spent time in its timeless booths and on its counter stools. Sherrill's has also been the subject of several in-depth news articles and profiles, most notably in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, and Roll Call. Please join me honoring Sherrill's Bakery for their wonderful food and presence here on Capitol Hill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office on its 100th Anniversary, on April 8, 2000. The Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office is the oldest established State Fire Marshal's Office in the United States. The office is very proud of its history of fire safety. The Ohio State Fire Marshal serves the citizens of Ohio who rely on the safety of the public buildings in the state, including hospitals, nursing homes, and hotels. They serve and train the firefighters of the state, they investigate cases of arson, and they provide fire safety and fire prevention education to the children in Ohio's school system. The mission of the Ohio State Fire Marshal's office is to ``focus on education, research, regulation, and enforcement in the area of fire safety and fire prevention.'' In order to celebrate this important day and to honor the four living former Ohio Fire Marshals, the Fire Marshal's office has planned a Fire Service Exposition on April 8, 2000. Included in the day's festivities will be safety performances by Ohio firefighters and demonstrations by the Ohio arson dogs, as well as interactive children's activities and historical firefighting exhibitions. The Expo will also honor fallen firefighters with a ``last call'' and bagpipe tribute. The Fire Marshal plays an important role in preserving the safety of all the citizens of the state of Ohio. Please join me in honoring the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and to the bill itself. Twenty-four amendments were offered at the Committee on Rules meeting yesterday, and 24 were blocked from any consideration on the House floor. High-level nuclear waste will remain deadly for a million years. But unfortunately, because of this rule, there will not be any alternatives permitted on the floor. I offered seven of the 24 barred amendments yesterday, all to improve the safety of nuclear waste transportation. My amendments offered significant, but reasonable, protections for my district and approximately 320 other districts which will see high- level nuclear waste transported through them. My amendments were critical to protect our constituents from the thousands of shipments of waste through 43 States passing in the vicinity of roughly 50 million Americans. My amendments were not poison pills. They were common sense approaches to improve the safety of nuclear waste transportation. The 24 blocked amendments are: the comprehensive transportation safety program, protecting populated communities from transportation, oldest fuel first during transportation, full-scale cask testing, State and local route consultation, private carriers must follow selected routes, advanced notification of shipments. Those seven were all ones that I sponsored. One sponsored by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) included prohibiting an interim storage facility, protecting taxpayers from nuclear waste fees, prohibiting transportation through a national forest or park, State governors must consent to a transport of high- level nuclear waste, compensation of private property is devalued, guaranteeing emergency response capabilities, funding for emergency response teams, prohibiting transportation in school zones, protecting the EPA's authority to set radiation standards, full-scale cask testing, protecting current repository capacity limits, funding for oversight by the State of Nevada and affected local counties. All those were by the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons). Why are we not protecting our community?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jane Scott of Cleveland, Ohio. A Cleveland native, Jane has covered the rock `n' roll scene since September 15, 1964. Born in Mt Sinai Hospital April 30, 1919, Jane graduated from Lakewood high school in the Class of 1937. After which she attended the University of Michigan where she studied English & Speech and received a teacher's certificate she admits to never having used. During World War II, Jane served in the Navy as one of Cleveland's first WAVES where she was a code breaker. March 24, 1952, Jane joined the Plain Dealer as an assistant to the Society Editor and with a salary of $50 a week. She became the newspaper's rock writer when she took over as the ``Boy and Girl'' editor. She gradually switched the emphasis from the ``schooly-dooley stuff'' to music. After seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show she immediately realized that was what American youth really wanted to hear. Jane's first interview was with the Beatles on September 15, 1964. Over the years Jane has interviewed countless legends, and is on a first-name basis with most of rock's finest performers. Jane has been a familiar face in the audience at concerts. The image most Cleveland-area concert goers have of Ms. Scott is, Jane swooping down upon a group of fans with notebook in hand to drill them on their opinions and to ask her infamous question, ``What high school do you go to?'' Jane's spirit and attitude sets her apart from many rock journalists; she has always tried to tell a piece of her story through the eyes of the fans. At age 80, she says she doesn't understand the word retirement and has a notion to cover the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. Please join me in honoring Ms. Jane Scott for her 81st birthday and almost 40 years of rock `n' roll coverage.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I voted today for H.R. 1000, the Aviation and Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century, because airport expansion is important to our national economy and the local economies surrounding each airport. In my district, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a tremendous asset to the people of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. However, the value of Hopkins to business and recreational travelers, as well as the resource economy of the Greater Cleveland area, must be balanced to protect residents living near the airport, or who are otherwise affected by Hopkins operation and expansion. Many issues have arisen at Hopkins, including the failure to look at other alternatives, the significant noise impacts from increased air traffic, and finally environmental concerns that include water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, and wetlands. The current approach to Hopkins expansion assumes that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will continue to be the sole airport serving all the needs of passengers and air cargo traffic for the next twenty years. Any expansion plans must include regional planning that considers use of already existing resources, including greater use of Burke Lakefront Airport, the Akron/Canton Regional Airport, and other local airports, as contributors to Northeast Ohio's air transportation mix. The Greater Cleveland business community criticized the Hopkins expansion proposal for its failure to include simultaneous operations under poor weather conditions. Greater use of other airports will allow for simultaneous runway operations under conditions of poor visibility. Communities near Hopkins are already over-burdened with airport and train noise. The current Hopkins expansion proposal fails to consider the cumulative effects of the noise burden to neighboring communities. The Hopkins expansion proposal needs to consider greater use of other area airports to alleviate additional noise in the direct flight path, affecting Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, and Cleveland Wards 21, 20, and 19. If the FAA approves the expansion as proposed, a displaced threshold must go into effect to protect communities in the flight path as a superior alternative than the fan-out procedure recommended in the DEIS. The displaced threshold would protect surrounding communities such as Bay Village, Berea, Brook Park, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Parma, Parma Heights, Rocky River, Strongsville, and Westlake, by preventing the need for the fan-out. The FAA must also focus on beefing up its noise prevention procedures, such as noise monitoring and Noise Abatement Departure Procedures. Greater attention must be focused on clean-up of hazardous materials buried at Hopkins and the NASA Glenn Research Center, the proposed site of a new 5L/23R runway. Costs must also be considered: the public needs to know how much such a cleanup is going to cost. Wetlands have important features that help protect the environment by filtering out runoff and contributing to biological diversity. The federal policy on wetland protection is to first avoid impacting wetlands, then minimize the effects, and finally, if no alternative is available, to mitigate by restoring other wetland areas. Current expansion plans make no attempt to avoid or minimize the loss of 87.75 acres of wetland and 7900 linear feet of Abram Creek. Alternatives that avoid wetland loss, such as greater use of other airports, must be considered. If mitigation is the only alternative, a full accounting of how, and at what cost, these resources will be mitigated. Expansion proposals must account for how culverting Abram Creek will affect the water quality of the Rocky River and Lake Erie, explain how it will remediate these effects, and how much it will cost the taxpayers. Alternatives must be considered that will minimize the contributions to the poor air quality that already exists and that will increase with an expanded Hopkins. Once these issues are resolved, further expansion at Hopkins will be achievable, and the landmark legislation passed today will ensure funding can be made available.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support raising the minimum wage over a period of 2 years instead of 3 years. The current minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. At this rate, a full-time year-round minimum wage earner in the United States makes approximately $10,712 per year. In 1998, the yearly salary determined necessary for a family of three to rise above the poverty level in this country was $13,003, an amount $2,291 more than the minimum wage salary provides. Clearly, the current minimum wage is too low. Congress has already inexcusably allowed the value of the minimum wage to fall 21 percent lower than in 1979. If the minimum wage is not increased by the year 2001, recent studies show that the inflation adjusted value will fall to $4.90 per hour. It is essential that the minimum wage is raised over the course of 2 years instead of 3. That is why I will support the Traficant amendment, and I urge everyone to support the Traficant amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, on March 8, 2000, I missed 5 recorded votes because I was a witness in a legal action to keep St. Michael Hospital in Cleveland from closing. If I had been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Cleveland's Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians as organizations integral in maintaining and promoting appreciation for Irish culture, history and traditions in the Cleveland community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest Catholic lay organization in America. Its roots in America can be traced to 1836 in New York. The group began to assist Irish immigrants to the new world in obtaining jobs and social services. Today, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has shifted its purpose to charitable activities in support of the Church's missions, community service, and the promotion and preservation of their Irish cultural heritage in America. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians was first organized in 1894 in Omaha, Nebraska under the name ``Daughters of Erin.'' The motto of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is ``Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.'' Its purpose is to promote Irish history, traditions and culture, and to support the Church through Mission work and Catholic Action activities. On March 17, 2000, Cleveland's Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians are hosting the 133rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet accompanying Cleveland's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. These are the oldest and longest running events in the state of Ohio honoring the Irish patron, St. Patrick, and sharing Irish culture, history and traditions with the community. At the 133rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet, The United Irish Societies Honorees for the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade will be recognized. These individuals have given selflessly of themselves to insure the proud Irish heritage will continue. The honorees include: Mr. William Chambers, the Grand Marshall of the Parade; Ms. Nora Carr, the Irish Mother of the Year; Ms. Linda Carney and Mr. James McGuirk, Parade Co-Chairs; and Mr. James McGuirk, the Hibernian of the Year. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Cleveland's Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and all of The United Irish Societies Honorees for the 2000 St. Patrick's Day Parade. The contributions and achievements of these groups and Irish Americans have inspired us all to respect and appreciate the Irish Culture.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Americans already pay more for pharmaceuticals; yet prescription drug prices continue to rise that are well beyond the means of millions of Americans. Seniors are often forced to choose between medication, food, and daily living. Should seniors have to suffer because they cannot afford overly priced drugs? I have held four prescription drug surveys in my district which compared prices at different stores of the 12 most commonly used drugs by seniors. The surveys revealed that independent mom-and-pop pharmacies, such as Oliger's, offer lower prices than the same medicines that are charged by drugstore chains. Many changes are needed to bring prices down. One factor should not be discussed. Large retail chains add to the problem of high drug prices because they routinely charge more than the mom-and-pop pharmacies. Meanwhile, it is time for Medicare prescription drug benefits to take the economic pressure off senior citizens.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lt. Margaret O'Malley, who passed away recently after battling with liver cancer at the age of 44. Lt. O'Malley had been in charge of security at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport since 1993. Lt. O'Malley received much accreditation for her hard work and innovative ideas. She was awarded several commendations from the Secret Service for her assistance in providing security when President Clinton landed at Cleveland Hopkins Airport aboard Air Force One. She accommodated numerous celebrities throughout her seven years of work at the airport, including Bette Midler and Melissa Etheridge, and also worked to ensure the safety of the Cleveland Indians when fans poured into the airport to greet the team in the wee hours of the morning after their pennant-clinching victory. According to Capt. Margaret A. Downding, who was Lt. O'Malley's domestic partner for the past 19 years. ``Often, when celebrities arrived, she expedited their travel through the airport.'' Also, in order to aid her staff, the Lt. arranged for the donation of several bicycles so that officers could patrol the airport by bicycle. Although her primary concern was the safety of travelers in the airport, she also worked to enhance the experience of visitors to the city and to accommodate the local residents who came to the airport to greet friends and relatives. The Cleveland native followed in the footsteps of her father Michael, who is also a Cleveland police lieutenant. The elder O'Malley has the most seniority of any officer in the 1,850-member department. The younger O'Malley grew up in Cleveland and Fairview Park. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Edgecliffe College, now part of Xavier University. She was accepted into the police academy in 1979, was promoted to sergeant in 1985, and promoted again to lieutenant in 1993. Lt. O'Malley also excelled when she was not in uniform. She coordinated women's sporting events for police officers and friends, including volleyball matches and softball games. Last summer, she organized a charitable golf outing that benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Her zest for life invigorated all those around her. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Lt. O'Malley's hard work and dedication to her community. The great lengths she took to ensure safety to all and her commitment to the people of Cleveland will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Commander Gregory Baeppler, a thirty year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department. Gregory Baeppler was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on October 17, 1969. Throughout his career Gregory Baeppler has excelled at civil service tests as well as in the field. Baeppler was promoted to Sergeant on November 6, 1976, to the rank of Lieutenant on July 26, 1982, and then the rank of Captain on July 18, 1985. On April 14, 1986, Gregory Baeppler was appointed to the rank of Commander of Police and he has successfully held the rank of Commander longer than any other person in the history of the Cleveland Police Department. Commander Baeppler was in charge of the sixth district from his appointment until August 29, 1988, when he transferred and was assigned as Commander of the Second District. From August 29, 1988, until the retirement of Commander Baeppler, the Second District usually led the city in every measurement of importance. Throughout his years on the force Commander Baeppler has shown leadership qualities that have caused him to be pursued by the private sector. He has been in charge of security for a vast array of sporting events and concerts. Commander Baeppler's retirement brings a close to an exemplary thirty year career. My fellow colleagues please join me in honoring Commander Baeppler, a true beacon in the Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Justice Michael Moriarty, pillar of the legal community in Ireland and a man who has dedicated his life to justice. Mr. Moriarty was born in Belfast, later relocating to Dublin, Ireland in 1960. He attended college in Dublin, completed his legal education in Kings Inn, and was called to the Bar in 1968. In 1982, he became a senior counsel, and four years later he was appointed Chairman of the Employment Appeals Tribunal. In 1987, he embarked on his judicial career when he became a Circuit Court Judge. He was then appointed to the High Court in 1996. Recently, Justice Michael Moriarty was appointed as the head of the tribunal of Inquiry, a body responsible for investigating and reporting financial irregularities involving government officials in Ireland. The scope of the investigations and the zeal Mr. Moriarty has shown for his work has caused the media to rename the Tribunal of Inquiry the Moriarty Tribunal. Justice Michael Moriarty is married to Ms. Mary Irvine, Senior Counsel. He is the father of a son and two daughters. Currently, he and his family reside in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. My fellow colleagues, please join me in welcoming Mr. Moriarty to Cleveland as the honored guest at this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade on march 17, 2000.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judy Lachvayder, a science teacher at Parma Senior High School in Parma, Ohio, and recipient of a 1999 Ohio Teacher Achievement Award. Ms. Lachvayder is one of ten Ohio teachers to be honored by the Ashland Oil Company for her exceptional accomplishments in teaching. Judy Lachvayder is an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. She has three personal teaching principles--know your subject, keep alive, and be inspired. Lachvayder does all these things, and does them well. First, she possesses great knowledge in the subject of science. She is a former Christa McAuliffe grant recipient; a two-time participant in the Human Genome Project; a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship to study neurobiology at Princeton University; an Access Excellence Fellow; and a recent participant in the ``Forging a Link'' conference of the National Science Foundation. She follows her second principle, ``Keep Alive'', by staying current with her subject matter and through personal self-discovery and growth. And finally, she stays inspired by challenging her students to get excited about science and to think critically. Lachvayder says, ``Just as new pathways were opened for us by various explorers, teachers help to open new pathways of exploration for their students.'' Lachvayder encourages her students to become independent learners with the ability to think both critically and creatively. Her caring and devoted style of teaching is an inspiration. My fellow colleagues, please join with me in honoring Judy Lachvayder on her receipt of the 1999 Ohio Teacher Achievement Award.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I also want to thank the gentleman and the gentlewoman for their indulgence. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2366. This bill would strip society of the important tools it uses to deter bad behavior by corporations. At stake is a wall of legal safeguards that protect people from malicious conduct by businesses. Title I of this bill encourages a company to act egregiously and to act with flagrant disregard to the rights and safety of American consumers. Additionally, despite the title's deceptive suggestion, Title II unfairly exempts from liability both small and large business retailers for the sale of defective products. Title I of H.R. 2366 takes the bite out of monetary damages imposed for malicious corporate conduct. The punitive damages are designed to punish corporations for willful misconduct and it deters future reckless behavior. This bill caps punitive damages to the arbitrary amount of a quarter of a million dollars. H.R. 2366 takes away the deterring effect of punitive damages and sets a price at which companies can figure in the expense of conducting business maliciously. This bill deprives the jury from the ability to hold a company morally responsible for their willful misconduct. Title II of H.R. 2366 unfairly protects all business retailers in their ability to profit from dangerous products. Under current law, a seller warrants that the product it sells is safe. The consumer then has the confidence of being able to use the product without risking injury. H.R. 2366 takes away the only legal reason a consumer would have confidence. It changes the law and allows the retailer to sell and make money from a defective product that the retailer knows or should have known is dangerous. If the seller gets a benefit, they should also pay when consumers are hurt. In conclusion, H.R. 2366 takes away corporate incentives to produce and sell safe products. This bill puts profit before product safety. Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 2366.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Theodore Karabinus, a community leader, political activist, and a good friend. A true patriot, Mr. Karabinus was a highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Marines who served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was also a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Association. After retiring from the military, Mr. Karabinus embarked on a career with a local telephone company, where he worked for thirty years. He was dedicated to the advancement of working men and women and was a highly respected union leader in Cleveland, Ohio. He also served as President of the Communication Workers of America. Mr. Karabinus's extensive humanitarian efforts demonstrate his commitment to improving the lives of others. He was actively involved for fifty years in organizations that supported civil rights. As a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Karabinus shared his experience and wisdom with young men in Cleveland. He also reached out to the senior citizens in the community and assisted those who needed help with completing their tax return forms. Mr. Karabinus was a political activist in Northeast Ohio and has been involved in numerous political campaigns including local and presidential campaigns. He also worked with the Committee on Political Education, which strives to encourage the youth of America to be involved in our democratic process. I treasured my friendship with Mr. Karabinus and am certain that his contributions to our community will never be forgotten. He was an outstanding American and will be missed greatly by those of us privileged to know him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools. As a former Catholic school student, I know first hand the value of a Catholic education. Catholic schools teach students faith, discipline, pride, and a respect for learning. They instill a strong moral foundation necessary for children to grow while distinguishing right from wrong. Catholic schools are unique in that they allow students to grow and learn in a spiritual environment, establishing the body as a whole; mind and soul. 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 Catholic 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 students in our Diocese of Cleveland attend college, which is a sign of the excellent work of our local Catholic School systems are doing. I would also like to recognize the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for their efforts to promote educational and catechetical goals. By sponsoring events 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 excellent educational opportunities for all children is one of the most important goals in our society. I am encouraged by the involvement of the students, teachers and parents who are observing the National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools.