Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in defense of workers and in defense of injured workers. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2005. With its title it implies job growth or encouragement of competitiveness. The bill instead deprives Americans of their rights when they are at work. H.R. 2005 is a radical change from current law. It turns all American workers into second-class citizens. Under this bill, if you are working when you are injured by a defective piece of equipment, you can no longer seek compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of limb or loss of life. This bill actually bars injured workers from being fully compensated for injuries caused by a manufacturer's defective product after an 18- year period. H.R. 2005 takes away rights of workers when they are on the job. It discriminates against workers and their families by depriving them of the right to remedies granted to all other citizens under State law. This bill could be called the ``Workers' Right to a Safe Workplace Repeal Act.'' Everyone here knows, or ought to know, that intrusion into the availability of State tort remedies is grossly inappropriate absent compelling evidence that the manufacturers need this bill's special protections. This bill fails to demonstrate legally why manufacturers should receive privileges outweighing current law that entitles workers to be fully compensated for their injuries. This bill also fails morally in attempting to deprive injured workers of just recourse due to faulty equipment. If after 18 years a manufacturer is still making money from the use of old equipment, then the manufacturer should be held liable for injuries to workers using the equipment. If a manufacturer gets a benefit, they should also pay when workers are hurt. The bill's sponsors have failed to identify a liability crisis or widespread pattern of abuse of costs associated with defending product liability cases. In fact, according to their own 1998 product liability survey, only six product liability cases went to trial, and in only one case did the jury find for the plaintiff. U.S. manufacturers do not need H.R. 2005 to be competitive. What they do need is enforcement of our trade laws that prevent dumping, something that I have been on this floor on their behalf for, and they need laws that ban the import of products made by child and prison labor, something I also support. In conclusion, there is virtually no reason to believe that H.R. 2005 will benefit manufacturers to the extent that would be worth depriving American workers of their rights and of their ability to be fully compensated under existing State laws. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 2005.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Federation of India Community Associations of N.E. Ohio on the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Indian Republic. On January 26, 1950, India proclaimed itself a sovereign nation governed by its own Constitution. Republic Day is celebrated on the 26th of January each year. It is a major national holiday in India celebrating the culmination of the Indian movement toward self-government that began on August 15, 1947, with India's Declaration of Independence. FICA has celebrated this important event with an annual dinner for over thirty years. Governor Robert Taft of Ohio recognized the significance of this day by proclaiming January 26, 2000 Republic of India day for Ohio. India is a highly diverse country with more than fourteen major languages and at least as many distinct cultures. The Federation of India Community Associations is an umbrella organization for various Asian Indian groups throughout Northeast Ohio. For the past thirty years it has published The Lotus, a monthly community newspaper, and organized celebrations for major Indian holidays and festivals. FICA maintains the India Community Center in Cleveland Heights and supports community service to the more needy in the area. The Asian Indian community in Greater Cleveland contributes extensively to the economic, social and cultural richness of the area. Members' work in government, education, business, medicine, science, law and social service has created strong and lasting relationships with the entire community. My fellow colleagues, join with me in congratulating this great cultural organization, along with all the people of India and Indian descent, on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of India.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Roger J. Sustar who has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NMTA). Roger J. Sustar's choice for the year 2000 theme, ``Training Today for Tomorrow's Workforce,'' demonstrates his dedication to education and to the skill trades workforce. Mr. Sustar, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has been involved in the Machine Trades Industry since his first job with Non Ferrous Metals Fabricating in 1965. He has been with Fredon Corporation since 1969 (celebrating its 31st anniversary this year) and in 1985 became the sole owner and President of Fredon. Fredon Corporation became the area's first Boy Scout's of America Explorer Post 2600 to offer an opportunity for students to explore the Machine Trades Industry. Mr. Sustar is a true believer and promoter of apprenticeship and training programs that advocate Machine Trades Industry and Manufacturing careers. His leadership in organizations such as the National Tooling and Machining Association, both the Cleveland Chapter and the National Association, and the Ohio Tooling and Machining Association, which he co-founded in 1990, show his commitment to the industry. Mr. Sustar is also an active member of the local community serving on many business advisory councils for educational facilities such as Cuyahoga Community College and Mentor Public Schools. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Lakeland Community College for 11 years where he established a Machine Trades Apprenticeship Program. Roger J. Sustar has been featured in many publications and has been a guest speaker at many business and education lectures where he continues to promote the industry. He has also received many awards and honors for his work in the machine trades industry. My fellow colleagues, join me in congratulating Roger J. Sustar for his achievements and for assuming the position of Chairman of the Board for the National Tooling and Machining Association.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Keller's twenty-five years as Pastor of St. Adalbert Church. Father Keller has dedicated his life to serving his church and community. His love and caring have touched all those who know him. Father Keller was appointed Pastor of St. Adalbert Parish on October 25, 1974. From this date on, he employed his deep faith and enthusiasm to meet whatever challenges awaited him. In addition to providing weekday and weekend masses, wedding and funeral liturgies, monthly baptisms, and annual communal anointing of the sick, Father Keller has introduced the program of Christ Renews his Parish, begun a Baptismal program for parents, chaplained the Southwest Hospital, and initiated the Spiritual Life Commission. Through the years since 1974 the Parish has also initiated Holy Hour on Saturday afternoons, retreats for parish youth, Vacation Bible School, separate Men's and Women's retreats, and parish missions. Through his selfless work and dedication, Father Keller has created a church abound with opportunities for spiritual growth. Born on April 2, 1938, to John and Josephine Keller, Father Keller entered St. Gregory's Seminary in Cincinnati in September of 1956. On May 22, 1965 Father Keller was ordained. The following day he offered his first Mass at his home parish, Nativity of the B.V.M. Father Keller was later assigned to St. Matthew's Parish, and then to St. Barnabas, a larger suburban parish with greater demands, before joining St. Adalbert Church. Looking back at the past twenty-five years, Father Keller finds that it has been a time of change and growth for himself and for his parish. For his thirty-five years of priesthood, Father Keller has provided patience and listening to all those in need. His true depth of heart is apparent in his statement to his Congregation that, ``I am more present to myself with you than when I am entirely alone.'' I urge all of my colleagues to please join me in honoring Father Keller's twenty-five years as Pastor of St. Adalbert Church.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of William J. Brown, former Ohio Attorney General, who passed away last week. He was a man who had the ability to bring true integrity and a human quality to politics. Born as a natural leader, Brown perfected the ability to get his point across in as little time as possible and still maintain context that was regarded as ``true genius''. He had the natural ability to motivate those around him with his focus and drive. Although he always had his heart and his mind focused on his goals, he refused to give in to the negativity of his work and kept the working environment free from strain and strife. William Brown had strong feelings and was dedicated to ``Ending the Political Pollution in Ohio''. It was through this issue that Brown was able to embrace the environment, soon after the first Earth Day was held in 1970. His career was colorful, successful and he was known for having strong views and the ability to back them up. Brown was a talented agent for public service. He selflessly gave of his time and support to many issues and was a strong supporter of team work. It is with a heavy heart that I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in remembering William J. Brown. His memory will truly endure in the hearts of all that he was able to touch.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Russell Manzatt. He celebrated his 100th birthday on January 1, 2000. Russell grew up in Ilasco, Missouri, where his Romanian parents first settled. Many different immigrant groups settled here, and Russell spoke Hungarian, German, Italian and his native Romanian with his playmates. It was his first day of school at the age of five when he was given the name Russell because his teacher could not pronounce his Christian name, Vasile. As a foreigner in a new land, he had to forge his own way. Russell always had a job. He started selling subscriptions to The Saturday Evening Post and The Country Gentleman. Then he delivered 25-pound slabs of ice with a horse and buggy. When his family was threatened because their butcher business was becoming too successful, the Manzatt family moved to Cleveland. The city of Cleveland impressed Russell, with his new home's flush toilet to the expanse of Lake Erie. Russell started working again, delivering telegrams during the First World War at the age of fifteen. But his legs were meant for more than delivering telegrams--Russell won a dance contest, went to New York and was cast in a vaudeville chorus show. Before the show was about to tour, his homesickness pulled him back to Cleveland. During the Depression, he was lucky enough to land a job with Colgate. Though he didn't know what a ``display man'' was, he answered that he could do it. It was when he was setting up a windowfront cosmetics display and blocked himself in, that a store owner taught him what a real display man actually did. From setting up displays, he moved up to being a sales manager in his fifteen years at Colgate until he started his own family and company. At the Manzatt's West Park Superette, his Colgate contacts helped him stock hard-to-get items after World War Two. The success of the store grew, and was profitable enough to sell for the Manzatts to buy a tavern. While their family lived upstairs from the renovated restaurant-bar, a steady clientele of other neighborhood families frequented the Rockport Inn. Their three children enjoyed the wooded acres behind the family restaurant, where they grew up until they moved into careers of their own. At the peak of the Vietnam war, Russell was 71 and decided to sell the Rockport Inn. Instead of enjoying a relaxed retirement, he worked as a top salesman of men's clothing until the store closed, at the age of 93. During this time, he enjoyed the growth of his family as his three children were married, had children, and made him a great-grandparent five times over. Though last year, at 99 years old, he decided to stop driving, Russell's former dancing legs have enough energy to take him on long walks for a haircut or just a cup of coffee. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Russell Manzatt.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Edwin J. Schenkelburg on the occasion of his retirement. Father Schenkelburg has served St. Mel Parish in multiple capacities for the last twenty-eight years and his presence will surely be missed. Father Schenkelburg has been the backbone of an entire community, and his legacy will last for generations. A lifelong Cleveland resident, Fr. Schenkelburg has gained work experience in a number of vocations. As a young boy, he helped support his family with his earnings from stocking grocery shelves and delivering newspapers such as the Baseball News and Cleveland Press. He held his first position at a parish during high school when the pastor of St. Vincent de Paul offered him a job as parish Secretary on the condition that he attend St. Ignatius High School. Over summer and Christmas vacations while at the Seminary Schenkelburg worked in various occupations, including mail carrier, playground instructor, and construction laborer. Father Schenkelburg's ordination occurred on April 28, 1951 at St. John's Cathedral and was bestowed by Bishop Hoban. Father Schenkelburg has taken on many challenges as a parish priest including teaching religious classes and serving as the hospital chaplain at Metro Hospital and Akron Children's Hospital. An avid sports enthusiast, he played baseball with the Holy Name Society and started bowling leagues for his parishes. In addition to providing for the spiritual needs of St. Mel's parishioners, Father Schenkelburg has also been able to assist the church financially by organizing successful bingo games and raffles. The funds earned through these fundraisers allowed St. Mel to make major renovations to the Church and add a Church Hall without the need to solicit building funds from parishioners. Father Schenkelburg will celebrate his final Mass as Pastor at St. Mel on January 16, 2000, a day designated by the Parish as ``Fr. Ed Day.'' Following the Mass, family and parishioners will have the opportunity to celebrate his contributions at a formal reception and dinner. My fellow colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Father Schenkelburg on his retirement from St. Mel's Parish. I'm proud to have known Father Schenkelburg and I wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Thomas Walker on his 100th birthday, December 16, 1999. He will be celebrating this joyous occasion with family and friends on February 20, 2000. By this time he will have lived in three centuries. Born in 1899 in Cleveland, Ohio, Thomas has dedicated his life to working with his hands. He always loved to build and was very talented with his hands. As an electrician in IBEW local 38, he touched so many of his coworkers' lives. They looked toward him for leadership, advice, and friendship for so many years. Thomas also was a dedicated family man. His love for his family and friends has helped carry him so far in life. At 100 years young, Thomas continues to live a fulfilling and happy life. He has been a wonderful father of four amazing children, Ruth, Dorothy, Thomas Jr., and Dolores. Thomas is loved by his family and the many lives in his community that he has touched. My fellow colleagues, please join me in wishing a loving husband and father a very happy birthday and many more delightful years to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Bill Randle for receiving the Lifetime Achievement A.I.R. Award. Bill Randle has been a notable figure at WRMR 850 AM since his being named ``Top Jock'' by Time in the 1950's. Randle helped start up such acts as Montovani, Jonnie Ray, The Crewcuts, The Diamonds, and even Elvis Presley. Currently, Bill Randle spends 31 hours a week on the air and also practices law. The Lifetime Achievement A.I.R. Award is well deserved for a man who has built an impressive career in radio broadcasting. He has given much of his time and effort in producing quality radio broadcasts. His charismatic personality and sense of humor bring character and definition to his show. Randles colleagues and listeners appreciate and admire his professional skill and dedication. Would my distinguished colleagues please join me in recognizing Bill Randle as he is honored with the Lifetime Achievement A.I.R. Award.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph Madzelonka for his lifelong dedication to working people. Joe, retired president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 880, passed away earlier this month at the age of 67. He was a great man and an extraordinary leader. Joe began his life in the labor industry at the age of 17, when he started working as a bagger at an A&P grocery store. Soon after, he was elected a steward, and eventually a business representative for the union. Joe was an international vice president of his union and a vice president of the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of Labor. Finally, in 1977, Joe became head of the Local 880. He spent his 13 years as president fighting for improving health care and pension benefits. The members of Local 880 speak extremely highly of Joe's years as president and remember him as an individual who worked for the union through some very tough issues and difficult times. Joe also had a great commitment to his family and friends. When he finally retired in 1990, Joe was elated to be able to spend some time with his wife, Mary, and his four children. He spent much of his time babysitting his adorable and loving grandchildren. Joe was also able to relax in his final years by spending more time with his numerous friends on the golf course. My fellow colleagues, please join me in saluting a leader, an organizer, and a good man for his contributions to the labor movement and for the inspirations he instilled in us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Philippine American Society of Ohio as they gather for their Rizal Night Celebration on December 18, 1999. The Philippine American Society of Ohio is an organization dedicated to the preservation of the Filipino culture. The Rizal Night is an annual celebration commemorating the birthday of the nation's hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. In addition to honoring Dr. Rizal, the event will induct two sets of officers to the PASO board and PASO Women's Auxiliary Board. This important event will also raise funds for maintaining the newly designed cultural center in Parma, Ohio. The Philippine American Society of Ohio is a great cultural asset. As it is probably the first group of Filipinos to build a cultural center, their determination and dedication to their heritage is an inspiration to their families and community. Countless people have contributed to the construction of the Center, through financial support, sharing their electrical and painting talents, granting interest-free loans and donations of materials. The construction of the center is testament to the cohesiveness of the Society. Moreover, I commend the strength of the Philippine American Society for the Medical Missions Projects. Missionaries not only treat patients for their physical ailment, but also provide spiritual support. Their work in reaching out to people living in the Philippines is admirable. It is with great honor that I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Philippine American Society of Ohio as they celebrate the birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal and congratulate the new board members.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Thomas Trigilio, a devoted husband, a good father, a dedicated co-worker, and a friend in need. You need to shake a lot of hands to know the measure of Thomas Trigilio. I was a friend of Thomas Trigilio and in that distinction I was in good company. Thomas was made of the stuff that so many Clevelanders love about their own friends and family. Name one of Thomas' qualities and a Clevelander would nod his or her head knowingly. He's the father who worked to give his children every opportunity to succeed. He's the husband who loved his wife above all else. He's the grandfather who couldn't help but spoil his grandchildren. He's the friend from the old neighborhood with which you could share a firm handshake and chuckle over a joke told three times over. He was the inventive genius who always looked for ways to make this a better world. Clevelanders nod their heads because they know Thomas Trigilio. To have universal qualities does not diminish the preciousness of a single human life. Thomas Trigilio's life was one well led--and precious in its priorities. Thomas' life can be characterized by focus. He was a man that made priorities. Thomas was wise in the priorities that he made. His were perhaps simple choices--but there was a wisdom in that simplicity. Thomas made his wife a priority. He made his children a priority. There is no questioning Thomas Trigilio's choices. That Frances, Josephine, Maria, Anthony, Limeri, Gianni, Alec, and Justin have countless stories to share with each in their moment of grief proves there is no questioning his focus. Thomas Trigilio was a husband, father, and grandfather. And he was good at it. My fellow colleagues, join me in offering condolences to the family of Thomas Trigilio. Let us seek to emulate his focus. Let us pray for his wisdom in making priorities. Above all, let us honor the legacy of a man we all knew, in one way or another.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Joseph A. Stewart, Sr. for his many years of service and countless contributions to the community. As a longtime friend who enriched the life of everyone around him, Joseph was a friendly, outgoing gentle man who always had something nice to say to everyone. He enriched the life of everyone he touched, including mine. Joseph Stewart, Sr. was born in Cleveland's Slavic village where he went on to graduate from St. Stanislaus Elementary School and attended Cathedral Latin School until he moved to New Milford, in Portage County. In 1935, he graduated from high school where he was an outstanding athlete participating in track, basketball and football. Joseph's commitment to community and family was demonstrated from the 1940's until the early 1960's, during which he operated Joseph's Meat Market on Sowinski Avenue. He and his wife Helen would often give meat and groceries to local customers who could not pay to make sure that these families had enough to eat. Joseph served his state and country well by joining the Ohio National Guard and served at Camp Perry in Port Clinton. Joseph, most recently serving as a budget analysts in Cleveland's Finance Department from the 1970's until he retired in 1985, lived a full, rich life of public service in the Cleveland area. He previously was employed at E.F. Hauserman Company as a payroll manager. There he became a founding member and officer of the credit union. Joseph A. Stewart was a unique ray of sunshine at Cleveland City Hall when I had an opportunity to work with him as Mayor. He leaves behind a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a brother. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Magnificat volleyball team for their tremendous accomplishments this year. Their spirit and good sportsmanship throughout the season has inspired us all. Magnificat, an all girls, Catholic high school in Rocky River, Ohio, sent their Bluestreaks off to the state volleyball tournament for the first time since 1991. Their theme this year was ``to get the monkey off their back'' and make it out of regionals. Since 1993, when Jenny Kathe took over the team, the Bluestreaks have made it to regionals each year, but never advanced. In order to keep their goal in focus and still have fun, they incorporated monkeys into everything. There were stuffed monkeys everywhere, as well as monkey logos on shirts and practice shorts. The girls were able to truly get the monkey off their back by becoming, first, the District Champions, and then the regional Champions for Division I. While at the State Championships, Jenny Kathe was named Coach of the Year for Division I volleyball as they went on to capture the title of State Runner-up. The girls closed their season with the dignity and excellence that makes us all very proud of them. Throughout the year, the girls showed team spirit, togetherness, and good sportsmanship. This year they were an extremely close knit team. There was never a moment when an individual was singled out. They shared their successes together, as well as their few defeats. They showed courage and strength both on and off the court. The team should be a role model for all sports team today. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating this extraordinary group of girls and their coaches, parents and classmates who cheered them on and made this year a tremendous one.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the grand opening of the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland's new athletic, a state-of-the-art expansion to the historic Bohemian National Hall. After considerable planning and construction, the new facility opening this month will provide a variety of health, fitness, leisure, and cultural activities to everyone in the community. In the tradition of the American Sokol Organization, the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland's new athletic facility will provide Cleveland citizens with the opportunity to strengthen both their physical and mental character allowing them to enhance their celebration of life and vitality. With membership open to the community, this new facility is sure to provide Cleveland citizens with an opportunity to cultivate a harmonious and total person. The Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland's new athletic facility promises to be a popular place for fitness enthusiasts who will enjoy the volleyball, gymnasium, cardio-conditioning area and strength training center. Additionally, the facility will serve as a center for community development where both young and older generations can display their abilities and knowledge in dance and gymnastic performances. In short, the health and quality of life for everyone in Cleveland will improve greatly with the opening of this new facility. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing dedication of the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland for building this new athletic facility for the benefit of the Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say farewell to a good friend and great leader, Australian Ambassador, Andrew Peacock. Ambassador Peacock will retire from his duties as the Australian Ambassador to the United States. There will be a celebration in his honor to commend him for his many accomplishments and his lifetime service to his country and to the world's diplomatic corps. Ambassador Peacock has had a brilliant career and has succeeded in every endeavor, at every level, and has done so with a joy of life. His life in public service began at the young age of 17, when he joined the Young Liberals in his native country, Australia. In just a few short years, his incredible leadership skills and great wit carried him to the position of President of the Young Liberal Movement. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Peacock became Vice-President and then President of the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party. Andrew Peacock made a great endeavor and entered Federal Parliament in 1966. As a parliamentarian, Mr. Peacock was instrumental in the nation's foreign affairs and industrial relations for almost 30 years. He redefined the Liberal Party in Australia and has proved his love of Australia throughout his career. Mr. Peacock came to the United States from Australia in February 1997 after resigning from the Federal Parliament. His accomplishments here have been immeasurable and noteworthy. Ambassador Peacock has helped preserve the outstanding relationship between the United States and our loyal ally, Australia. Recently, Australia and the United States were able to move side by side in the peace-keeping efforts in East Timor, thanks to the enviable diplomatic skills of Ambassador Peacock. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Ambassador Peacock for dedicating his life to his native land of Australia, to the cause of human dignity, and to the cause of world peace. Not only has Ambassador Peacock proven to be a true hero in Australia but also a great friend to the American people through his great efforts as Ambassador. On a personal level, I am blessed to consider him a friend of many years, and I will miss his presence in our nation's capital. His laugh, his charm, and spirit has touched this city in so many ways. He has had a profound effect on Australia, America, and the world. I wish him well on all of his new endeavors.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus on their 50th Anniversary in America. The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is an all-male musical ensemble consisting of 20 instrumentalists and vocalists. The chorus was originally founded in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1918. The ensemble relocated in Detroit, Michigan in 1949. This internationally recognized ensemble has performed at such well-known theaters as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Bolshoi Theater, and Massey Hall. In addition, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus has entertained many world figures and personalities with their exciting programs of folk songs, religious works and the exotic sounds of the bandura. Three generations of members have passed through the ranks of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus since its displacement from Ukraine in 1942. In addition to its mission of carrying the tradition of the bandura to the 21st century, the Chorus is also charged with preserving its past for future generations. The history of the Ukraine Bandurist Chorus can be traced directly to the 12th Archeological Congress in Kharkiv, Ukraine in 1902. The first professional bandurist chorus was formed in Kyiv in 1918 during the height of the country's brief period of independence. During a time of increased popularity and resurgence of the Ukrainian arts and culture, the group developed into a professional touring group. Following this time of heightened regard, the Chorus' history evolved into a turbulent one. The bandurist ideal of God, truth, freedom, and human dignity herald through song were under attack by the newly formed Soviet Union. As a result many of the original members of the Ukrainian bandurist Chorus were executed. After years of persecution and exploitation the Chorus was forced to immigrate to Detroit. During a time of devastation and uncertainty, Hryhory Kytasty, the long standing director acted as a role model and inspiration to the young bandurists. Kytasty worked hard to further the art of the bandura in the free world. Today, the majority of the Chorus members are 2nd and 3rd generation Americans and Canadians. Fortified by a whole new generation of young musicians, the Chorus has captivated audiences in major concert halls in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia for more than 50 years. The current director of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is Oleh Mahlay, a recognized prized musician and a member of the chorus since 1987. Mahlay, who hails from Cleveland, Ohio, received a bachelor of arts in music history and literature from Case Western University. He also studied voice and piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Mahlay has received numerous accolades for his musical abilities and contributions such as the Kennedy Prize for Creative Achievement in Music from Carnegie Mellon University. He has participated in the Chorus' two triumphant tours of Ukraine in 1991 and 1994, and had his premier as a conductor of the group in 1994. It is truly an honor for me to recognize this exceptional group. The music of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus is as captivating as it is moving and visibly heartfelt. The songs of the group are full of emotion and stand testimony to the ideals of the bandurist. My distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring the very special anniversary of the magnificent Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, with all the talk about the meeting of the WTO in Seattle, it is worth answering the question, what is the WTO? The World Trade Organization, the Uruguay Round of the GATT, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, is a broad-ranging set of international trade rules that, number one, imposes obligations on foreign countries that are beneficial to U.S. multinational companies and, number two, it imposes obligations on the Federal and State governments that place tight limitations on Congress and the State legislatures that are beneficial to foreign multinational companies. The WTO makes the world the oyster of large multinational businesses, because the WTO takes away the inability of national governments to set the laws of their countries. National governments, including the United States, lose the ability to pass laws affecting the import of products that are dangerous or that are made where there are no worker protections, child labor prohibitions, minimum wage standards or where workers are deprived of the right to organize into unions and bargain collectively. Even if the import of those products would put U.S. workers out of work or would endanger consumers or the environment, the WTO says no. At the current time, there is a WTO panel hearing arguments against France's ban on asbestos, a proven carcinogen in humans and a substantial workplace danger. According to the Congressional Research Service, legislation passed in the U.S. Congress to ban imports of products made with child labor, quote, would be inconsistent with GATT articles, unquote. In other words, the WTO would not permit Congress to ban products made with child labor. So here is the imbalance: The WTO permits measures that make it easier for large companies to locate anywhere in the world but the WTO forbids a country from banning a product made with child labor. What would happen if the U.S. passed a law that banned the import of products made with child labor? Any one of the 131 member countries could seek a tribunal in Geneva to overturn the U.S. law. Companies that profit from products made from child labor would be expected to lobby countries to bring such a case. It is possible that companies would be able to bring such a case themselves, without persuading a country government to do so, if the WTO is expanded some more. If a WTO panel of trade bureaucrats ruled that any child labor ban violated the WTO, the U.S. would have to repeal the law or pay damages. According to the Congressional Research Service, that is just what the WTO tribunal would rule. So when the World Trade agreement was negotiated, we gave away the United States' greatest negotiating leverage, access to the U.S. market, to improve the rights and living standards of workers in the U.S. and around the world. The U.S. has basically unilaterally ceded this. In the next few weeks, trade ministers from many of the world's countries will be meeting in Seattle to discuss how to expand the WTO. The U.S. is sending many negotiators, but will they be bargaining for what we need? What we need, what the working people in the United States and overseas need, is to renegotiate the WTO before any expansion occurs. We need to place limitations on the WTO. We need to explicitly enable the United States and other countries to prohibit import of products made with child and forced labor. We need to be able to use the leverage of access to the U.S. market and other markets to guarantee the rights of workers to organize into unions and bargain collectively; to be protected by workplace safety and right-to-know standards that are minimally equivalent to current U.S. standards; and to benefit from legal minimum wage levels. We need the WTO to be limited to improve conditions for workers in the U.S. and around the world. American workers would benefit. They would have less reason to be pressured into abandoning efforts to improve wages and conditions by employer threats to move plants and equipment to the Third World.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) on their recent award for Outstanding Overall Achievement for large Metropolitan Planning Organizations presented by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. This prestigious award, given to only one organization nationwide each year, was well deserved. The Outstanding Overall Achievement for large metropolitan Planning Organizations Award recognizes exceptional work in metropolitan transportation planning. NOACA's award nomination focused on the newly adopted transportation plan, Framework for Action 2025. This plan is a 25-year innovative, goal-oriented plan that supports transportation investments that boost economic redevelopment in the region's core cities. Framework for Action 2025 also focuses on preserving the environment, improving the efficiency of the transportation system and providing greater transportation choices for the local commuters. In the past, the NOACA has made significant achievements by making cooperative planning efforts. Their newly adopted plan shows that they are still committed to this in the future. NOACA has made tremendous efforts to reach out to Northeast Ohio and make innovative improvements in the transportation industry. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring this fine organization as they accept the Outstanding Overall Achievement Award for large Metropolitan Planning Organizations. This is a significant achievement and tremendous honor for the organization.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Embie R. Bostic as he is recognized for his outstanding achievements and humanitarian contributions to the community by the Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120. Embie R. Bostic is a dedicated citizen of the city of Cleveland where he was born and raised. He is a member of St. John A.M.E. Church where he has been a Steward for the past fifteen years. Embie embodies a strong faith and belief in God and will eagerly tell anyone his personal belief that ``we should treat one another as we desire to be treated, and each day we need to rededicate our lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ''. In November of 1998, Embie received an award for Employee of the month from the city of Cleveland for his commitment to responsibility and going beyond the call of duty. Embie Bostic is dedicated to his family, job and community. He gives of himself to the fullest in every endeavor. He eagerly shares the knowledge of his profession with the students of the public school systems on their career day in addition to holding story hours with some of the younger students. Embie Bostic entertains the students as well as illustrates moral principles and character. Mr. Embie R. Bostic is an outstanding and inspirational individual. It is an honor for me to acknowledge his notable accomplishments and achievements among my distinguished colleagues.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, this resolution has privilege because only the House has the authority to alter existing revenue provisions. Allowing the administration to negotiate antidumping and countervailing duty laws would further diminish the loss of the constitutional power the House has suffered over time. Under article 1, section 7 of the Constitution, the House of Representatives has the authority to originate revenue provisions, not the Senate, the administration or the U.S. trade representative. By not giving the administration the clear message that Congress has antidumping and countervailing duty laws, that those laws are not to be placed on the table for negotiations, we are essentially allowing the administration to act on authority it does not have. Furthermore, section 702 of House rule IX entitled General Principles concludes that certain matters of business arising under the Constitution, mandatory in nature, have been held to have a privilege which superseded the rules establishing the order of business. This is a question of the House's constitutional authority and is therefore privileged in nature. The WTO antidumping and antisubsidy rules concluded in the Uruguay Round have scarcely been tested since they entered into effect and certainly have not proved effective. Opening these rules to renegotiation could only lead to weakening them which in turn leads to even greater abuse of the world's open markets, particularly that of the United States. There is a precedent, Mr. Speaker, for bringing H. Res. 298 out of committee and onto the House floor immediately. For instance, H .Con. Res. 190 was brought to the floor on October 26 under suspension of the rules because it concerned the upcoming Seattle Round. This measure had only 13 cosponsors, while H. Res. 298 has 228 cosponsors. The majority of the House should be heard.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right which supercedes the banking industry, the securities industry, and the insurance industry. In a democratic society, the right to privacy facilitates the pursuit of happiness. It is the right to be left alone by powerful government, by powerful corporations. The growth of databases requires government to be a vigilant watchdog to protect the right to privacy. S. 900 puts the watchdog to sleep. If we look under title V, where it says ``Exceptions,'' This subsection shall not prevent a financial institution from providing non-public personal information to a non- affiliated third party to perform services for or functions on behalf of the financial institution, including marketing of the financial institution's own products or services, or financial products or services offered pursuant to joint agreement between two or more financial institutions. So much for the right of privacy. Madam Speaker, I include for the Record a copy of an article by Robert Scheer from the L.A. Times: Your Privacy Could Be a Thing of the Past (By Robert Scheer) Do you really want your insurance agent, bank loan advisor or stockbroker to have a list of the movies you've rented, the medical tests you've taken, the gifts you purchased and the minute details of your credit history and net worth? That's what can happen if this Congress and president get their way with landmark legislation permitting insurance companies, banks and stockbrokers to affiliate and thus merge their massive computerized data bases. This will permit surveillance of your personal habits on a scale unimaginable even by any secret police agency in human history. Your life will be an open book, to be plumbed and exploited for profit, thanks to financial industry deregulation about to be passed with massive congressional support and the blessing of President Clinton. Lobbyists for the financial oligarchs defeated a crucial amendment to this legislation proposed by Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) that would have required bankers, stockbrokers and insurance agents to get consumers' permission before sharing what should be personal information about you. Any congressional representative who votes for this bill thus is denying you your basic right to privacy and ensuring that the most intimate details of your life can be freely bandied about throughout our wired world for gossip if not solely for profit. When it comes to serving the interests of the banks, insurance companies and stockbrokers that represent the most important source of campaign money for Republicans and Democrats alike--$145 million in the last two years--there is but one political party. That's the bipartisan party of political greed representing corporate conglomerates, and it has no qualms about skewering the ordinary consumer. Once again, everyone who mattered--except consumers--was taken care of when the big congressional deal was cut last week in a closed back-room conference committee meeting. The scam brokered at 2 a.m. eliminates the firewall what has existed for 66 years between your bank, your insurance company and those who trade your securities. The newly formed conglomerates handling everything from credit card bills to medical records would be allowed by this legislation to freely exchange the details of your personal profile, accurate or not, and without your permission. Given the immense databases of information that now can be rapidly searched and exchanged, no detail of your personal life will be off limits to those who snoop for profit. That cross-referencing to all aspects of your life is what the lobbyists paid for. ``I would say it's probably the most heavily lobbied, most expensive issue'' that Congress ever has dealt with, said Ed Yingling, the chief lobbyist for the American Bankers Assn. Yingling told the New York Times, ``This was our top issue for a long, long time. The resources devoted to it were huge, and we fought [for] it tooth and nail.'' Yingling isn't kidding about those resources, $163 million on financial industry lobbying in the past two years, much of it to the major congressional players. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, received $325,124 between 1993 and 1998 from the insurance industry, which gave the committee's chairman, Phil Gramm (R-Texas), even more--$496,610. Gramm also got $760,404 from the securities industry and $407,956 from the bankers. The bipartisan toadying to the industry lobbyists is a disgrace. ``I'd say this is about consumers versus big business,'' Shelby said. He added, ``This is an issue that won't go away. We won't let it go away. People are going to be raising hell about it more and more and more.'' It is a shame that Shelby's is such a lonely voice of alarm. But there is still time for voters to demand to know where their legislators in Congress stand on this surrender of the basic right to privacy. It also is not too late to pressure the White House to veto this bill if it does not contain the Shelby privacy amendment. The leading presidential candidates in both parties-- Democrats Al Gore and Bill Bradley and Republican George W. Bush--all have obtained massive contributions from the financial industry. This issue is the best litmus test of whether any of them can muster the gumption to bite the hand that feeds them. If they can't, when it comes to the most decisive consumer issues, it doesn't really matter which one becomes president.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ohio Environmental Council on their 30th Anniversary. I am honored to join them in their anniversary celebration being held on December 4, 1999. The Ohio Environmental Council is a non-profit advocacy organization committed to solving the ecological problems in the state of Ohio. They have dedicated the last 30 years to advocating for clean air, safe water and conservation of our natural resources in Ohio. They have truly carried out their mission ``to inform, unite and empower all Ohio citizens to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.'' The OEC has made tremendous efforts to be a leader in some recent environmental issues. The organization is helping the effort to correct a terrible situation of a public school that was built upon a toxic- laced former Army dump. Several graduates have leukemia and others have been diagnosed with other forms of cancer. The state health department acknowledged that the number of graduates with leukemia was statistically significant. The Ohio Environmental Council most recently has led the effort to save the Wayne National Forest and the plethora of benefits it offers. The OEC has spent the last 30 years informing communities about environmental threats and uniting them around opportunities to help protect Ohio's natural environment. They have made tremendous improvements to better the air we breathe and water we drink. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the Ohio Environmental Council for their tremendous efforts to improve the environment for the state of Ohio.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the beloved rock and roller, Johnnie Johnson, for his monumental contributions he has made to American music over the past half-century. The rock and roll community will recognize him for his accomplishments by naming December 1, 1999 ``Johnnie Johnson Day'' at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. It all began on New Year's Eve 1952. The saxophonist for the Johnnie Johnson Trio fell ill and could not perform. Johnnie knew of a local guitar player named Chuck Berry, who agreed to sit in for the occasion. The evening was a smashing success and Berry instantly became a member of the Johnnie Johnson Trio. As their popularity grew, it was evident that Berry had a flare for entertaining audiences. Because of Berry's business insight, Johnnie agreed to make him the headliner. They decided that Berry would write the lyrics, and then he and Johnnie would put the music behind them. They eventually went on to record their first album, Maybellene, in 1955 and later great hits including Roll Over Beethoven, Rock and Roll Music, and Back in the USA. Although not fully credited in the past, Johnnie Johnson has become widely recognized as the best blues pianist in the world and holder of the trademarks ``Father of Rock & Roll'' and ``Father of Rock & Roll Piano.'' Recently, Johnnie Johnson has won several ``Best Pianist'' awards as well as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Riverfront Times Music Magazine and the city of St. Louis in 1996. In a recent book about the man of music, author Travis Fitzpatrick tells the story of the music and the man that shaped the rock and roll world. Father of Rock & Roll: The Story Of Johnnie ``B. Goode'' Johnson secures the unsung hero his rightful place in history. Johnnie Johnson is finally on the way to receiving the credit he so rightfully deserves. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring this great musician, Johnnie ``B. Goode'' Johnson, for his unselfish dedication to music. ``Johnnie Johnson Day'' is only a small recognition that we could give the man who's music moved us time and again.