Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mrs. Stella Zannoni, a retiree of the honorary consul of Italy for the State of Ohio, who died in August. Mrs. Zannoni took an active part in her community. She was appointed honorary consul by the Italian government in 1978, as well as being the co-owner and secretary-treasurer of Cleveland Imported Groceries and Wines Inc. At the store Mrs. Zannoni assisted customers in obtaining answers to questions about pensions, property matters and visas. In view of all who had the pleasure to know her and to work with her, she managed to help and touch the lives of tens of thousands of Clevelanders. The current honorary consul of Italy member was quoted saying that Mrs. Zannoni set an example for the Italian community with her selflessness and strength. Mrs. Stella Zannoni received several honors and awards for her service in the Cleveland community as well as in the Italian Community. She was a steadfast believer in the art of the possible, of providing opportunities to all, and in the idea that anything was possible with the proper amount of hard work, diligence and sense of hope and optimism. She had spirit, spunk and outgoing joy for others. Mrs. Stella Zannoni will be greatly missed. My fellow colleagues please join me in honoring the memory of Mrs. Stella Zannoni, a true beacon in the Cleveland community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to let the gentleman from Texas know how much I appreciate his sponsorship of this and to note that when we sing the Star Spangled Banner, we end up by talking about the land of the free and the home of the brave. There cannot be any finer tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King than when celebrating his day in this country that we display the flag and in a sense confirm his journey for freedom and his journey of bravery.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Cleveland, OH. The Temple begins its year long celebration on Friday, October 15, 1999 with a Shabbat service and reception. This surely will be a historic occasion for the Temple members. Just 11 years after the first Jewish settlers came to Cleveland, The Temple-Tifereth Israel was founded. In the past 150 years The Temple has been a cornerstone of the Jewish community in the Greater Cleveland Area. Rabbis with extraordinary vision and leadership and members with great commitment and activism have guided The Temple throughout its 150 years. The Temple has developed a flourishing religious school, passing on the traditions of the study of Torah and mitzvah to countless children, and currently boasts a membership of 1,600 families. Organizations like The Temple-Tifereth Israel must be applauded and recognized for passing on traditions to so many generations of Ohioans. It is not often that organizations can last as long as The Temple, let alone thrive as has been the case for The Temple. I urge my fellow colleagues to please join me in recognizing the dedication and faith of the families of The Temple-Tifereth Israel as they celebrate 150 years of service in the Greater Cleveland Area.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I stand today with a heavy heart grieving for Gregory ``GQ'' Johnson, a nineteen year old resident of Cleveland Ohio. Young Gregory Johnson died of complications of diabetes in September. Gregory ``GQ'' Johnson was an exemplary young man. As a member of the City Year Cleveland Public Service Program, he dedicated much of his time and energy to tutoring younger children. Gregory especially liked to work with withdrawn or overly aggressive children. Through his inspiration and devotion, many of the children he helped became more focused on the studies and some even began to confide in him. Gregory Johnson was one who could be trusted and relied on. The time he spent with the children he helped will be remembered and cherished. Gregory will be greatly missed. My distinguished colleagues, please join me in remembering and honoring Gregory ``GQ'' Johnson, a very special young man who dedicated his life to teaching others.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to honor Mrs. Louise Stokes by designating the Louise Stokes Post Office Building. Louise Stokes was a great American. She raised two sons; one son became a U.S. Congressman, and one son became a mayor. Mrs. Louise Stokes had three themes that guided her life: religion, education, and hard work. She lived her principles and she imparted these guiding principles to her two sons. The lives of Mrs. Louise Stokes' two sons represent an enduring tribute to her supreme love and care. The careers of Carl and Lou Stokes show that America's progress as a nation is measured not by what we do for the strong, but what we do for the weak; not by what we do for the haves, but what we do for the have-nots. Throughout their careers, Carl Stokes and Lou Stokes fought for voting rights, civil rights, education rights, and housing rights. Somehwere in America, there is a child living in adverse circumstance, maybe not even having a home. Maybe they are just sitting on a stoop marking the time, wondering if things are ever going to get better in their life, because things are very tough right now. Now, that person in America today could be black, could be brown, could be yellow, could be white. And when he or she is sitting there and feeling low, feeling down, wondering what is going to come and if things could ever get better with their life, they could think about two young African-American children--Carl and Louis Stokes--who were born in poverty, who lived in public housing, who, through the grace of God and a mother who worked for them, were able to move through the ranks, come to power, reach the pinnacle, make American history, and through it all they always remembered where they came from. I stand here with a great deal of humility, to join in honoring Mrs. Louise Stokes for her life, her accomplishments, her legacy, and her sons. It is fitting to honor her by designating the Louise Stokes Post Office Building.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of this bill. If HMOs are left free to determine the quality and availability of health care in America, they will have an incentive to deny care to those who need it and reward their executives and shareholders with these quote unquote ``savings''. Studies show that HMO enrollees receive \1/3\ less home visits after a hospital stay (1994 Health Care Finance Review study). HMO enrollees are three times more likely to report problems getting medical care than publicly owned and managed Medicare beneficiaries (1969 Study by the Physician Payment Review Commission, a Congressional advisory commission). Meanwhile, private HMO executives are richly- compensated. The total cash compensation received by the CEOs of just the 3 largest HMO companies totaled 33.3 million dollars. Three companies: Aetna, Inc.--$888,568, Pacifi Care Health System Inc.--$1.7 million, Oxford Health Plans--$30.7 million. Now, our job in Congress is to pass laws. But what good is a law that is not enforced? The easiest way for HMOs to limit health care costs is to deny people care to those who need it most. This bill gives citizens the opportunity to hold HMOs accountable for trimming costs at the expense of the sick. If a lawsuit against an HMO corrects the incentives and ensures that the best treatment will be given to a patient rather than the cheapest treatment, then I say, give people their day in court to enforce the law. And what we really need is a national health care system so that every person has health care coverage and has protected rights under the law. Let's pass H.R. 2723, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I support Dingell-Norwood-Ganske because I believe the people have a right to decent health care in the United States of America. This is a life-and-death matter that transcends the narrow needs of insurance companies. Do my colleagues know that the total cash compensation received by the CEOs of just the largest three HMO companies totaled $33.3 million. The insurance companies have enslaved our health system. They hold patients and doctors captive. They operate a modern-day plantation where servitude to their profit is their only objective. The old spiritual says, ``Let my people go. Go tell it on the mountain.'' Well, we are here on Capitol Hill, and it is time to send a message to the insurance companies: let my people go. My people are being denied decent health care because of the insurance companies' profit motives. My people are being denied the doctor of their choice because of the insurance companies' profit motives. Let my people go. My people are being charged confiscatory prices for prescription drugs. Let my people go. My people are being told they should not even have legal help in dealing with these same insurance companies because the insurance companies' profit motive is there. The insurance companies may rule health care like modern-day pharoahs, but soon they will have to meet the awesome wrath of the American people. If we are worthy of the promise of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we will free our people from the rule of the insurance companies, we will lead them out of this valley of tears to better health care, we will let them live longer, better healthier lives, let their children grow up healthy. We have a chance to write a new chapter in this country's history where government of the people means better health care. Pass Dingell- Norwood-Ganske.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States Customs Service Port of Cleveland. The United States Customs Service Port of Cleveland has worked hard for two centuries to make the Port of Cleveland a respected and renowned international port. Due to their extraordinary efforts in making the Port of Cleveland a success, the City of Cleveland has flourished and become a distinguished international trade center for the new millenium. Following in the tradition of the United States Customs Mission Statement, the employees at the Port of Cleveland truly are the guardians of Cleveland's borders, the Nation's borders and America's frontline. For the past two hundred years, the Port of Cleveland has indeed served and protected the American Public with integrity, innovation, and pride. Furthermore, the Port of Cleveland has achieved the purpose of enforcing the laws of the United States, safeguarding revenue, and fostering lawful international trade and travel. Not only has the Port of Cleveland fulfilled their goals outlined in their mission statement, but they have recently won the Hammer Award for their leadership in bringing national attention to the Express Consignment Industry. Placing the U.S. Customs Port of Cleveland at the forefront of trade processing, the Port of Cleveland is sure to serve as a model to be exemplified by other U.S. Customs Service Ports of Entry. Congratulations to the United States Customs Service Port of Cleveland for two hundred years of hard work, service, and dedication. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring the Bicentennial Celebration of the United States Customs Service Port of Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Polish American Congress, Ohio Division, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. On May 18, 1949, the Ohio division of The Polish American Congress was founded. The Polish American Congress is composed of individuals of Polish ancestry as well as Polish organizations. The group serves as a unifying force for both Polish Americans and Polish citizens living in America. Taking a positive stand on issues concerning the people of Poland, the group strives to attain a free market economy within the frame work of a democratic society. The goal of the Polish American Congress is to make Americans of Polish heritage more effective U.S citizens by encouraging them to assume the responsibilities of citizenship. In addition, the group supports fraternal, professional, religious, and civic associations dedicated to the improvement of the status of Polish Americans. It is evident that The Polish American Congress has played a crucial role in the Polish Community, and in its many years of service has been an invaluable contribution to the Cleveland Community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked so hard on this bill. Unfortunately, although it is a difficult bill, there are many reasons to oppose it. We have had the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) indicate some of them. Some will oppose it because of the Mexico City provisions. Some will oppose it because of various foreign aid proposals in here. I am going to oppose it because it took out the language which the House voted, in which it stopped money from going to keep the School of the Americas program. In 1980, four U.S. churchwomen were brutally murdered in El Salvador. One of them was a good friend of mine, Sister Dorothy Kazel from Cleveland. In 1989, six Jesuit priests were massacred in El Salvador. Archbishop Oscar Romero and Bishop Juan Gerardi of Guatemala were assassinated. Almost 100 of the El Mozote community in El Salvador were massacred. In 1992, nine students and a professor were killed in Peru. In 1997, 30 peasants in the Colombian village of Mapiripan were massacred. Mr. Speaker, these people were innocent civilians and missionaries working for peace and justice, and they were brutally killed by officers who received their training from the United States Government at the School of the Americas, and the rule of the House should have stayed. We should have eliminated those funds, and no one who cares about peace and justice should vote for the rule or the bill. Furthermore, another reason to oppose this bill, American tax dollars have been used to blow up water systems, sewer systems, bridges, railroad trains, buses, tractors, hospitals, libraries, schools and homes, killing and maiming countless innocent women and children. In Yugoslavia, Serbia was wrong to wage war on the Kosovar Albanians. NATO was wrong to bomb Belgrade, and we are wrong to further punish Serbia by making them a terrorist nation which stops any opportunity for democratic opposition to grow to Milosevic. If we want to get rid of Milosevic and give the Serbian people an opportunity to grow a democracy, do not make it a terrorist nation. This Congress has messed up the policy in Iraq by not forcing the administration to come to an accounting on that, and we are going to do the same thing in Serbia by letting this legislation pass which puts them as a terrorist nation. It is time that we stand up for what is right and for a future where we really can have peace. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Bill Mason for being named Parma Democrat of the Year. Bill Mason, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, has had a successful and fulfilling career. Born on April 13, 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio, he went on to attend and graduate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Mr. Mason served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office from 1987 through 1992. Here, he was able to gain valuable experience in criminal law. In 1992, Mr. Mason was elected by the voters to the Parma City Council. Shortly afterwards he was appointed as Parma's Law Director and Chief Prosecutor. During his service, Mr. Mason was able to improve efficiencies in the office over four consecutive years. By doing this, he was able to dramatically improve the enforcement of local laws, saving taxpayer resources. Recently, Mr. Mason was elected Cuyahoga County Prosecutor by an overwhelming majority of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party's Central Committee. Mr. Mason's position as the county's chief law enforcement officer is well deserved. He has been privileged to have the support of his loving wife, Carol, and his four children Marty, Kelly, Cassidy, and Jordan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Bill Mason for being named outstanding Democrat in the city of Parma.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Faith Lutheran Church of Lakewood. Faith Lutheran Church was established in 1924 by the Home Mission Board of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio. Services were first held in a storeroom at 15635 Madison Avenue next to Scherzer's Bakery. Reverend Edward W. Schramm served as the first pastor. The Madison School Building, now known as Harding Middle School became a second place of worship until the current church was dedicated on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1932. An additional educational building and chapel were dedicated October 6, 1957. Faith Lutheran Church was designed in the Gothic style by Cleveland Architect William E. Foster. Especially noteworthy is the Reuter pipe organ designed specially for the church by the Reuter Organ Company. With 1,439 speaking pipes ranging from eighteen feet to one-fourth of an inch, the organ is recognized for its tonal richness. Today, Faith Lutheran Church has a 582-member congregation. Reverend Richard G. Schluep serves as pastor. Upholding a longstanding tradition of goodwill, the people of Faith Lutheran Church work together to serve local community charities and agencies. Congratulations to Faith Lutheran Church for 75 years of service and religious celebration. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring Faith Lutheran Church, a community that has dedicated their lives to God, freedom and the well being of all people.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Big Dawg Thompson. John Big Dawg Thompson, legendary Cleveland Browns superfan, is the heart and soul of the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Browns' Dawg Pound. Nationally recognized, Big Dawg's passion for the Cleveland Browns has touched the spirit of football fans everywhere. Members of Congress have even felt Big Dawg's devotion when he testified before a House committee as the Browns fan who could best convey the trauma to fans from the teams' sudden move to Baltimore. Driven by heartfelt emotion and determination, Big Dawg served further as a crucial player in saving the team's name and colors and in bringing the Browns back to Cleveland. Big Dawg's big heart was never silenced throughout the years Cleveland was deprived of a team. Due in large part to his efforts, the Cleveland Browns are now back. Celebrated as one of football's most famous fans, Big Dawg was inducted this year into the Visa Hall of Fans at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Big Dawg's role evolved back in 1985 when he donned a dog mask after Browns players Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield coined the term Dawg Pound to refer to the barking bleacher fans at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Soon thereafter, the media discovered Big Dawg influencing Browns backers everywhere to wear, not only orange and brown, but dog masks and dog collars. With a new meaning to Cleveland's home field advantage, the Dawg Pound became an explosive force in leading the Browns to victory. Not just a football fan, Big Dawg also serves as a community leader and a devoted family man. As a kid-friendly fellow, Big Dawg has made numerous appearances at local schools and local events. He is also featured on the box of his new Big Dawg Crunch cereal. Big Dawg has even earmarked royalties from cereal sales to go toward the American Diabetes Association and the Lomas Brown Jr. Foundation. Congratulations to Big Dawg for his charitable services, his devotion to his family, and for being the Cleveland Browns' number one fan. Keep the tradition alive! My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring John Big Dawg Thompson.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Tomasz Wyszynski as he is being honored for promoting his Polish Heritage through his outstanding accomplishments by the Polonia Foundation. Tomasz Wyszynski is a man of many personal and career accomplishments. After joining the Army, Tomasz had the opportunity to live in Russia, Iraq, India, South Africa, France, and England. In addition, he has exhibited a tremendous aptitude for languages, he learned to speak not only his native Polish, but English and enough Russian, German, and Hindi to make himself understood to communicate. When Tomasz Wyszynski later settled in Akron, Ohio, he joined the Polonia of Akron Lodge and took his first position as a Trustee. Soon after, he developed an interest in insurance sales to assist others in providing necessities and security. Tomasz Wyszynski has been a tireless worker, coordinator, and recruiter for the Polish National Alliance. To date he has recruited over 2,000 people to the Polish National Alliance membership in addition to being a member since the organization's inception. His contributions to the Polonia Society have been continuous and awe- inspiring, he has always been willing to help others. I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in commending Tommy Wyszynski for his dedication, service, and leadership in the Cleveland community. Our community has certainly been rewarded by the true service displayed by Tomasz Wyszynski.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Monsignor Leo Telesz as he is being recognized by the Polonia Foundation of Ohio, Inc. for promoting his Polish Heritage through his accomplishments. In 1988, Reverend Monsignor Leo Telesz was named Prelate of Honor by His Holiness Pope John II, receiving the title of Reverend Monsignor. In addition, he has time to serve as chaplain of Polish Army Veterans Post #1 and #2 as well as the Polish Legion of American Veterans, G Washington Post. Reverend Monsignor has been blessed with the unique gift of being able to touch the lives of all he encounters. Through his tireless compassion for others he has been able to assist the needs of many throughout his pastoral vocation. The City of Cleveland is quite grateful to him for his devotion to his duties. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Reverend Monsignor Leo Telesz for his achievements in the City of Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Dr. Wojciech Rostafinski as he is being honored for promoting his Polish Heritage through his outstanding accomplishments by the Polonia foundation. In 1961 Dr. Wojciech Rostafinski began working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Lewis Center. While working as a scientist for NASA, his work on the motion of waves in nonlinear conduits was published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. In a series of five papers, Dr. Wojciech Rostafinski solved one of the fundamental problems of acoustics. Following this achievement he went on to make more scientific discoveries. In addition to his work with NASA, he has published several new developments in applied mathematics, including a new indefinite integral that is now incorporated in all U.S. mathematical tables. While Dr. Rostafinski worked with NASA he received five NASA awards and certificates of recognition. For his contribution to the Polish culture, Dr. Rostafinski was decorated in 1992 at the Polish Embassy in Washington, with Commander Cross of the Order of Polonia Institute. Recently he was awarded the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring Dr. Wojciech Rostafinski for his scientific achievements.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Gloria Karpinski Battisti, Immediate Past President, Catholic Charities Corporation Board, as she is honored for promoting her Polish Heritage through her outstanding accomplishments by the Polonia Foundation of Ohio, Inc. Gloria Karpinski Battisti has dedicated a substantial portion of her life to helping others through social service. As an active member of the Cleveland community, Gloria Karpinski Battisti has led a remarkable career of civic, church, and ethnic service. Gloria has been involved in the Polish-American community through her position as Director of the Polonia Foundation of Ohio. She is also a member of the Polish Women's Alliance, the Alliance of Poles, and the Polish American Congress. Through her resolute dedication and enthusiasm for helping others, Gloria Karpinski Battisti has participated and served with various groups and organizations. Most notably, Gloria Battisti served as the past Chairman of Catholic Charities. She was the first women elected to office in the Corporation and she served as Treasurer, Vice Chair and two terms as Chair. I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in commending Gloria Karpinski Battisti for her dedication, service, and leadership in the Cleveland Community. Our community has certainly been rewarded by true service displayed by Gloria Karpinski Battisti.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank Mr. Bereuter for introducing this necessary and timely resolution and for his ongoing effort effort to ensure peace and justice. I would also like to commend the brave people of East Timor for their courage in participating in the August 30th referendum in the wake of the escalating violence that occured. This resolution makes it a sense of Congress to congratulate these brave citizens and to call on the Government of Indonesia to end the current civil unrest and violence in East Timor, and it supports the UN multinational force for East Timor. In addition, this resolution says that the United States should take steps to help end the human rights abuses that have for so long taken place in East Timor by suspending military and economic aid to Indonesia. Human rights abuses by paramilitary forces have taken the lives of more than 200,000 East Timorese. In the past 24 years, the United States has spent more than 1.5 billion dollars in economic aid to Indonesia. In the past 24 years, the United States has spent more than 510 million taxpayer-dollars on military assistance and training in Indonesia. We know the Indonesian military openly associates and arms the paramilitary forces in East Timor who continue to provoke violence and spread terror among the citizens of East Timor. Just this week two missionary nuns were among 16 people killed by gunmen in the latest attack on Roman Catholic clergy in East Timor. All military and economic assistance to Indonesia must end. If America seeks to advance democracy, tolerance and equality in the region, we must send a message to the Indonesian government that the United States will suspend all of its support permanently if human rights continue to be violated. Passing this legislation will send the message to Indonesia. And with my support for Mr. Bereuter's resolution, I would also like to express my support for another bill recently introduced by Mr. Patrick Kennedy. It is a binding resolution which would make it U.S. policy to end both military and financial assistance to Indonesia until the East Timor's vote to be independent is honored and human rights are upheld in East Timor and certain conditions are met. If you support the restoration of human rights in East Timor, if you support the brave citizens of East Timor, then I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Cudell Improvement, Inc., on their 25th anniversary. They will be marking this anniversary with a celebration on September 29, 1999. Cudell Improvement, Inc., founded in 1974 as a neighborhood-based improvement association, has grown over the past 25 years into a sophisticated community development corporation in the city of Cleveland. They have developed, or played a significant role in the redevelopment of, over $8 million in real estate. In addition to Cudell Improvement's real estate achievements, the firm has established programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life and revitalize the community as well. They have implemented a summer and after-school program for thousands of area youth. Cudell Improvement has also been responsible for the continuous implementation of the county's first citizen-based crime prevention program. Throughout their 25 years, Cudell Improvement, Inc., has brought thousands of residents and business persons together to foster communication, achieve community improvements and instill civic pride. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the members of Cudell Improvement, Inc., on their anniversary and salute them for 25 years of civic service. I wish Cudell the very best wishes in their continued dedication to community improvement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Helen Karpinski on her 100th birthday, October 7, 1999. She will be celebrating this joyous occasion with her family on October 10, 1999. Born in 1899 in Cleveland, Ohio, Helen Karpinski has dedicated her life to government and civic service. She has actively participated in the American Polish Women's Club and has been a member of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation. Additionally, she has spent her life being a political activist, promoting and supporting women aspiring to public office. She helped catalyze the women's movement in government by such accomplishments as being the first woman to survive a primary election for Cleveland City Council under the current city charter. The work she has done for women in politics has been immeasurable. At 100 years young, Helen continues to live a fulfilling and happy life. She has been a wonderful mother of three beautiful daughters, Gloria, Mercedes, and Diane. Helen is loved by her family and the many lives in her community that she has touched. My fellow colleagues, please join me in wishing a great lady a very happy birthday and many more delightful years to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1875, the Interstate Class Action Jurisdiction Act. As someone who has served as a State Senator in Ohio, I am here to confirm that the purpose of State courts should not be diminished. State courts exist to assure the people of the State access to justice, equal protection under the law, right to due process and right to redress for injuries. Now, I represent the people of the United States through being a Member of this Congress, but I also represent the people of the State of Ohio. The people of my State will not yield their legal rights to H.R. 1875. The fact that a legal issue may have national implications should not and does not mean that the State does not have an abiding interest in the legal architecture which has been set up to provide the people of a State with access to the justice system, and this legislation constitutes an attack on the legal right, not only of the people of the State but of the State itself. It protects the makers of dangerous products by taking away the rights of consumers to get their day in court. It will give the makers of dangerous products the special right to shop for a court they believe will favor them. How many other accused can choose the judge that will judge them? We should not give those who make dangerous products advantage over our constituents in that way. It will delay justice for injured consumers. Makers of dangerous products will be able to choose courts that are seriously backlogged. We should not delay justice for injured consumers. It would deprive consumers of the right to have their case heard by State court judges and, as such, represents a manipulation of the jurisdictions and a depriving of people the right of due process at a State level. I believe that economic rights and the right to justice are interconnected. This law would be an attempt to deconstruct those rights simultaneously and individually. This legislation ought to be defeated, and I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 1875.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Reverend Alan Davis, an activist who fought in the interests of justice for the poor and the oppressed without counting the costs. Reverend Alan Davis dedicated his life to helping the underprivileged. Reverend Davis spent more than 23 years serving as a pastor at St. Phillip's Christian Church on E. 30th St. near one of the city's poorest housing projects. He led the church community in providing emergency food supplies and tutoring for area families. During this time he was also the executive director of the City Club where he brought in diverse philosophers and speakers from around the world to discuss issues important to the club. As City Club executive director, and as pastor at St. Phillip's, Reverend Davis devoted much of his time to the Volgograd Forum, a free speech forum similar to the City Club in Volgograd, Russia. As a veteran of World War II and serving in the signal corps, Reverend Davis demonstrated his commitment to both God and country. From 1953 to 1961, Reverend Davis served at North Royalton Methodist Church and then moved on to Aldersgate Methodist Church in Warrensville until 1968. Since then he spent 23 years serving St. Phillip's Church in Cleveland. His commitment also extended to serving society and defending the civil rights of all Americans. As a social activist he was associated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and affiliated with numerous programs to feed and house the poor. Reverend Davis soon went on to Yale University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree and then a graduate's degree from Yale Divinity School in 1953. My fellow colleagues, join me in recognizing the passing of Reverend Alan Davis, a man who consistently and without pause adhered to the principles and values of God at the price of self-interest. Let us aspire in our own efforts to show such a commitment and passion to truth.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of the opening and building of the parish elementary school on September 22, 1999. On September 6, 1949, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church opened its doors to the Cleveland community under the leadership of its first pastor, Father Vincent Caruso, O.de M. Father Vincent Caruso, who on this day celebrates his 94th birthday, was born on September 22, 1905 in Italy. He was ordained as a Priest on September 24, 1927 in Orvieto, Italy. He then made the long journey across the Atlantic to the United States in 1927 and was assigned to Saint Rocco where he soon began to take on more responsibility at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Father Vincent Caruso, realized the need for a Catholic School to teach children of the parish neighborhood about the Gospel and give them a solid education so that they may grow up to live and know their human dignity. Father Vincent Caruso continued his service to the community which culminated in the opening of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School for elementary students on September 6, 1949. Trinitarians Sister Mary Valentine Delfino was the first principal of the school and has continued teaching and serving children ever since. She has taught all grades from 1 to 7. Sister Valentine Delfino was also a principal and teacher at St. Marian's in Cleveland, at Mother of Divine Grace in Philadelphia, PA and at Saint Rocco's in Cleveland. She is presently the regional delegate for the Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity in the USA, residing at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Euclid, OH. My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring Father Vincent Caruso and Sister Mary Valentine Delfino for their leadership and dedication to the children and the families of the Cleveland area. Their piety, sincerity and devoted service to God and to the local parish enabled the expansion and development of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Grade School which now celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robert F. Busbey and in recognition of Cleveland State University naming their natatorium the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium on October 2, 1999. I am honored to have been invited to this dedication ceremony. Beginning with his enrollment in 1946 to Fenn College, later Cleveland State University, Robert F. ``Bob'' Busbey has contributed more to the history of Cleveland State athletics than any other single individual. As a four-sport athlete (swimming, baseball, track, and fencing), he was Fenn College's first All-American and achieved this honor in both 1948 and 1949. After graduation, Mr. Busbey served as the head swimming coach at Cleveland State for 30 years. During his coaching tenure, Mr. Busbey was named the assistant swimming coach for the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team, served as chairman of the NCAA Swimming Committee, served as Cleveland State's athletics director, and was responsible for bringing five NCAA swimming championships to the Cleveland State natatorium. Robert Busbey's accomplishments led to his receiving the 1982 National Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy, one of the sport's highest awards. Mr. Busbey served as the athletic director until 1990, developing a program of 18 intercollegiate sports and was a prime force in the planning and building of CSU's Physical Education Building, housing the world class natatorium. After serving as Cleveland State's Director of Athletics, Mr. Busbey served as the associate vice president for athletic affairs until his retirement in 1994. In recognition of his outstanding athletic legacy and generous support, Cleveland State University is honoring him by naming the natatorium the Robert F. Busbey Natatorium. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Busbey on his many accomplishments and commemorate him for his continuous support of Cleveland State University.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the leadership of the American Muslim Alliance (AMA) and all the convention participants on the occasion of the Fourth Annual AMA National Convention being held in Orlando, Florida. Political participation in the electoral process is important for every American. I commend the participants of AMA for its activity in gaining knowledge and making the necessary contacts for full involvement in the American political process. I commend the AMA for its ability to rise above basic participation to motivating American Muslims to become active participants in public office. AMA local and national organizers, through leadership training sessions held in several states, have set the groundwork for American Muslims themselves to run for elected positions. By encouraging Muslims to run for public office, the AMA has brought political participation among the Muslim community to a higher level. It is evident that AMA has played a crucial role in training and educating American Muslims nationwide about the political process. My colleagues, please join me in honoring AMA and its convention participants for this conference that will hopefully motivate more Muslims to consider a future in public service.