Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Paul O'Dwyer, a man who fought in the interests of justice without counting the costs. As ``the people's lawyer,'' Mr. O'Dwyer dedicated his life to defend those unable to defend themselves. Immigrating from Ireland in 1925, Mr. O'Dwyer began his American experience as a foreign face on the streets of New York City, surviving purely by hard work and street smarts. Working as a longshoremen, Mr. O'Dwyer put himself through undergraduate studies at Fordham University and law school at St. John's University. As his fellow Americans faced the pressures of the Great Depression, Mr. O'Dwyer committed his legal smarts to the defense of those struggling to earn an honest living. A labor lawyer in days when labor was scarce, he often worked without compensation, guided not by self- interest or commercial impulse, but a calling to social justice. Mr. O'Dwyer's efforts on behalf of the working man earned him the suspicions of the House Un-American Activities Committee, his defense of labor leaders like ``Red Mike'' Quill raising speculation that he was a communist. Such accusation always lacked sufficient evidence. A champion of civil rights in the fifties and the sixties, Mr. O'Dwyer fought passionately in southern courtrooms to integrate publicly subsidized housing. Mr. O'Dwyer's philosophical difficulties with the Vietnam War culminated in his leading anti-war delegates as they walked out of the 1968 Chicago Democratic convention. This brave act of defiance against the establishment would later be used against Mr. O'Dwyer in his numerous attempts at being elected to public office. Mr. O'Dwyer did serve as President of the New York City Council from 1973 to 1977. My fellow colleagues, join me in recognizing the passing of Paul O'Dwyer, a man who rigidly and without pause adhered to principle at the price of self-interest. Let us aspire in our own efforts to show such a commitment to the truth.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I am inserting into the Record letters of support for the Kucinich-Sanders-Ros-Lehtinen-DeFazio-Stearns amendment to H.R. 4276, an amendment to deny funds for federal preemption of state and local laws on the grounds that they are inconsistent with international trade and investment agreements. These letters reflect the widely held conviction in meaningful, democratic government and the laws it can produce. American Jewish Congress, Stephen Wise Congress House, New York, NY, July 27, 1998. Hon. Dennis J. Kucinich, United States House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Kucinich: On behalf of the American Jewish Congress, I am writing to express our strong support for the Kucinich-Sanders-Ros-Lehtinen-DeFazio-Stearns amendment to the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill, which would protect the rights of various cities to sanction Swiss banks that continue to delay settlement of claims by Holocaust survivors. The actions of the Swiss banks and government in dealing with Holocaust assets have been unconscionable, and if local authorities want to respond in ways they deem appropriate, they should be given the opportunity to do so. If the World Trade Organization were to rule against such sanctions by American cities, the fact that the United States government would be obligated to litigate against the cities invoking the sanctions merely adds insult to injury. Under the United States Constitution, states and cities have rights that cannot be abridged by the federal government, and this includes the right to punish Swiss banks as long as those banks remain recalcitrant in making appropriate restitution. Your amendment denying taxpayer funds for litigation against American cities is clearly necessary to protect the rights of cities to impose such sanctions. Thank you for your leadership in proposing this amendment. Sincerely, Phil Baum, Executive Director.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Alliance of Poles of America on the occasion of its centennial year. The Alliance of Poles of America has a long and proud history. Its history shows how hard its members are prepared to struggle for what they believe to be right for their community, and to preserve the traditions and culture of Poland. The Alliance's early years were not easy, but the organization's spirit carried it through. The entire Cleveland community has benefited from the enduring and successful presence of the Alliance of Poles, not only in the area of insurance, but also of charity. After the challenge of its first, difficult years, the Alliance had to deal with the two World Wars. For Americans of Polish descent, it was very hard to watch their countrymen suffer under the vicissitudes of war, and later the yoke of Communism. But the Alliance of Poles was steadfast in its commitment to democracy, and successfully strove to aid the people of their home country. My fellow colleagues, on the occasion of its centenary, please join me in honoring this enduring and most worthy organization--the Alliance of Poles of America.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Church of St. Clarence. St. Clarence Church has served as a welcoming community for the citizens of North Olmsted for twenty years. Bishop James E. Hickey named the Church of St. Clarence in memory of his immediate predecessor, Bishop Clarence Issenman. He designated Reverend Thomas A. Flynn as its founding pastor in June, 1978. The Church of St. Clarence consists of the Parish School of Religion, the Gathering Room and St. Kevin's Chapel. St. Clarence uses these three components to achieve a mission statement that calls for opportunity, education, and friendship among its community's members. St. Clarence provides its members with opportunities to worship God by offering the Eucharist on a daily basis at St. Kevin's Chapel. St. Clarence's Parish School of Religion hopes to educate and nurture all its members by making available classes in religion, including those of bible study. The Gathering Room promotes a community of prayer and friendship by providing a place for members to meet outside of regular church hours for extra-curricular activities. The Church of St. Clarence clearly meets the needs of all its members. The population of St. Clarence's Parish has grown significantly since its first beginnings in 1978. I stand here today in reassurance that St. Clarence will continue to grow and serve every one of its members, past and future, with the same commitment and the same faith that has helped it develop into the thriving community it is today. Once again, congratulations and God Bless!

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield three minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, imagine that your hometown or state passes a law that promotes restitution for Holocaust victims whose gold was pulled from their mouths, melted down, and then deposited in Swiss accounts by Nazis. And imagine that the World Trade Organization, an international tribunal of unelected trade bureaucrats, decides in Geneva that the law is inconsistent with international trade and investment agreements. Then the mayor and town legislature are hauled into federal court by the administration of the United States Government. According to the GATT and NAFTA implementing legislation, the administration can sue to preempt the law and enforce the WTO decree, a power that was formerly reserved only for the United States Congress. The amendment that I offer this evening would deny funds for a Federal legal challenge against our State and local governments. I offer this amendment because Congress gave too much power to the administration by permitting it to preempt the laws of local and State governments on the grounds that they are inconsistent with international trade and investment agreements. That is the function of Congress. My amendment would effectively restore the separation of powers that has existed until 1993. It would protect important and valuable State and local laws. The administration has already stated its opposition to New York City's Holocaust victims compensation law. Unless we pass this amendment, the administration will be able to sue New York City and any other jurisdiction that dares to adopt such legislation. At risk, too, are the Burma selective purchase laws that 22 cities and four States around the country have enacted or are considering. Those are laws like the ones passed by Massachusetts, New York City and Portland, Oregon that limit municipal tax dollars from going to the military regime in Burma through companies that do business in Burma. Nearly every State in the Nation has laws that are at risk if we do not pass this amendment tonight. Besides giving a club to the administration, the GATT and NAFTA implementing legislation has sent a chilling effect over local lawmaking. Earlier this year the State of Maryland considered passing a selective purchase law to promote human rights and to correct environmental abuses in Nigeria. The Federal Government showed up in Annapolis to warn lawmakers that the Maryland law would be GATT illegal. The threat of a Federal lawsuit backed up the State Department official's warning. In the face of such pressure, Maryland backed down. Not long ago, a repressive racist regime ran South Africa with an iron fist. Our cities and States responded with selective purchase and divestment laws. As Randall Robinson, President of TransAfrica said, ``Had we been bound by such trade rules as these during our struggle to free South Africa, Nelson Mandela might still be imprisoned.'' Mr. Chairman, some opponents of this amendment have claimed that State laws such as New York City's contemplated Holocaust victims compensation law are unconstitutional. That is not true. We agree with the conclusion of Ronald Reagan's Justice Department that State and local governments have the constitutional authority to determine with whom they do business. That opinion is founded firmly on Supreme Court decisions. Some opponents have said the administration is not required to sue State and local governments on the basis of any WTO decision, so this amendment is not necessary. That is not true. Consider the GATT panel order in the case commonly known as Beer II. There the GATT panel wrote that the States had to comply with GATT decisions and the Federal Government was required to force compliance. The GATT panel said, ``GATT law is part of Federal law in the United States and as such is superior to GATT-inconsistent State law.'' Now, Mr. Chairman, this amendment, the Kucinich/Sanders/Ros-Lehtinen/ DeFazio/Stearns amendment has received widespread support from a representative coalition of civic organizations: B'nai B'rith, Sierra Club, American Cause, the U.S. Business and Industry Council, Public Citizen, American Jewish Congress, Free Burma Coalition, TransAfrica, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Africa Fund, American Lands Alliance, Ralph Nader, Randall Robinson, Pat Buchanan and Bay Buchanan, Citizens Trades Campaign, the Preamble Center, Co-op America, the PEN American Center, the Front Range Fair Trade Coalition of Colorado, Alliance for Democracy, Open Society Institute's Burma Project, Citizens for Participation in Political Action, Seattle Burma Round Table, and the list goes on. Why have all these groups endorsed the amendment? Because all the citizen groups from the entire political spectrum share a common need for access to a meaningful democratic process. The GATT/NAFTA implementing legislation closed access to the democratic process. Support our amendment. Support your hometown's constitutional right to legislate on important matters. Support Holocaust victim compensation law. Vote ``yes'' on Kucinich/Sanders/Ros-Lehtinen/ DeFazio/ Stearns.

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

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote and, pending that, I make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, may I ask the Chair how much time remains on each side?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey).

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the Hefley amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. And not the Hefley amendment or any other amendment?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, does this relate solely to Kolbe amendment?

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work of United Auto Workers Local 1050 as the chapter enters its fiftieth year in defending the rights of working men and women. Dedicated to the cause of forging an equitable partnership between labor and management, Local 1050 has played a formidable role in Cleveland's labor history and promises only to grow in influence as industry continues to expand. Receiving its charter in 1948, Local Chapter 1050 has benefited from the far reaching vision of twelve presidents, beginning with the election of Fred Barbeck. Today, Don Slaughter continues Local 1050's tradition of strong leadership. The contributions of Mr. Barbeck and Mr. Slaughter, and all of those that have served Local 1050 so capably, demand respect. The United Auto Workers was, at its brave beginnings, a social movement, an institution that derived its energy from the mistreatment of the working class. The UAW undertook with courage the daunting task of providing representation to those who had no voice, refusing to yield in the face of injustice. It was men such as Fred Barbeck and Don Slaguther who led this fight. It was workers like the men and women of Local 1050 who had the courage to follow. All of the men and women at every level of Local 1050 share in the United Auto Worker's proud legacy. Today, Local 1050 boasts a membership of 1,146 workers. With the recent addition of two New Auto Wheel Plants, membership in Local 1050 promises only to grow. Let us hope that, under the leadership of Mr. Slaughter, these newfound numbers will provide Local 1050 with the strength to effect greater change in the interests of its members. My fellow colleagues, let us congratulate Local 1050 on the fiftieth anniversary of its charter. Let us hope that, with a sense of their own proud past, they will continue to show courage in protecting those who do not have a voice.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important contribution that Hulett ore unloaders have made to mechanical engineering. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the invention of the Hulett ore unloaders. Hulett ore unloaders have played a significant role in the industrial history of Cleveland, Ohio. For over 40 years, men had to manually unload ore coming in from the Lake Superior region. After the first shipment in 1852, the men of Cleveland had to manually unload about two tons of ore. A 300 ton shipment could take a week to unload. George Hulett's invention of the Hulett ore unloader revolutionized the shipping process of iron ore by making it a less timely and less costly process. It gave men a break from hard labor and allowed them to enhance their mechanical skills. These skills in turn made them more employable and more capable to take care of their families and provide them with the necessities of a good home and a decent education. Hulett ore unloaders fostered the developments of steel mills and factories throughout the Great Lakes region, creating jobs and industrial progress along the way. This year the American Society of Mechanical Engineers will designate the last four Hulett ore unloaders as historical landmarks. On behalf of the Congress of the United States I stand today in recognition of George Hulett and his outstanding contribution to the engineering world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the year 2000 will herald the start of a new millennium. However, if our country doesn't address the Year 2000 or Y2K technology problem, the millennium may begin with numerous disruptions. Meeting the challenges presented by the Year 2000 conversion will require the commitment of significant resources from both the public and private sectors. The federal government, in particular, must take a leadership role. The federal government is fixing its own systems and must facilitate private sector conversion. Today Mr. Horn and Mrs. Morella have introduced the ``Year 2000 Information Disclosure Act''. I am cosponsoring this bipartisan legislation which will serve to encourage businesses to share information on solving the Y2K bug. This legislation protects from liability claims those who in good faith share information on solving the Y2K problem. Without timely sharing of data on the Y2K fix, many small-to-medium size companies may not meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2000. This could have serious repercussions for the economy. Small to medium size businesses who face disruptions from the Y2K bug may simply not make it because they may not be able to continue business. Many business sectors are dependent on each other. They exchange information electronically every day. For this reason, it's crucial to limit liability for sharing information on Y2K solutions. Currently, the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion has determined that concern over liability is impeding the transfer of information on the Y2K bug between companies. The ``Year 2000 Information Disclosure Act'' is of national importance. I encourage this body to act on this legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very important issue in my district, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Just yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed the Transportation Appropriations bill, an important piece of legislation for this country. The Honorable Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Committee, Mr. Wolf, has crafted a bipartisan piece of legislation that will serve this country's transportation needs for the coming fiscal year. Accompanying this bill is the House Committee Report (105-648). I would like to clarify something in the Record that is contained in this report as it relates to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Cleveland Hopkins is vitally important to Northeast Ohio. It not only connects Northeast Ohio with the rest of the world, it provides jobs and economic opportunity for the people who live there. Cleveland Hopkins is also within the city limits, and is surrounded by residential communities that are being asked to adjust to the growing demands being placed on the airport. Because the airport is very close to reaching overcapacity, the city of Cleveland has embarked upon a plan to expand the capacity of the airport and to improve it so that it may meet the needs of the 21st century. Improving the airport and expanding its capacity in the least intrusive manner to surrounding communities is something that I wholeheartedly support. However, there is language in the Transportation Appropriations Committee Report that needs to be clarified. The language states on page 78, ``The Committee urges the FAA administrator to give priority consideration to a request for discretionary funding for site and engineering studies for the proposed runway expansion at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The case to expand a specific runway has not yet been made, and singling out this one aspect of the proposed expansion could be misleading. Expanding the capacity of the airport to handle increased air traffic would not necessarily be advanced by merely lengthening one runway. It is my understanding that it was not the intention of the Committee to determine particular airport improvements. The Committee wishes to urge the FAA to give priority to necessary studies of airport improvements at Cleveland Hopkins. Such studies might include a wide range of possible projects. All legitimate proposals for expanding the airport deserve equal consideration, as well as scrutiny by the FAA, air traffic controllers, local officials from the affected communities, residents, and my Congressional office. To this end, I intend to work with the House-Senate Transportation Appropriation Conference Committee to clarify that the House Committee did not mean to specify a runway expansion, but to instruct the FAA to make Cleveland Hopkins airport improvements generally a priority for engineering and site studies. Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to clarify the Committee's intention for the Record.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memories of Officer Jacob Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson. The untimely and tragic deaths of these two men demand from all of us contemplation as to the awesome costs of freedom as well as the delicate nature of life. The freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy today are a direct result of a brave decision made long ago by the first Americans, a decision reaffirmed by every generation of the nation's citizenry. This was the decision made by Officer Jacob Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson this past Friday. The measure of America's greatness, a greatness in which Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson share, is this brave commitment to a free society. The burden of this commitment is an unflinching vigilance against those who threaten our freedoms. Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson devoted their lives to providing the very security that allows our free society to flourish. It was in providing this security that these two men lost their lives, a sacrifice which demands the reverence of a grateful nation. My fellow colleagues, let us learn from the sacrifices of Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson. The legacy of these two patriots offers important lessons to us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a specific provision in the Patient Protection Act. According to the Washington Post, and I quote: ``The Republican- crafted Patient Protection Act of 1998 would allow anyone who collects health information . . . to provide that data to any health care provider or health plan''. In other words, no one's personal health care information will be private. From your broken leg, to your HIV status, to your genetic makeup, to your psychiatric records--all of it can be bought and sold between hospitals, health maintenance organizations, doctors, pharmacies and insurers. Anyone in the health care business will be able to find out the most intimate details of your life under the Patient Protection Act. As Mr. Dingell said, ``This is one of the worst outrages that I've seen.'' It is an outrage. It is also unconstitutional. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees ``The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.'' The taking of personal health information under the false pretense that this information is private, and selling or giving that information away violates the right of the people to be ``secure in their persons''. Rifling through a persons' health care files for the purpose of selling that information is an unlawful search. And accepting this information without the patient's consent is an unlawful seizure. It is no accident that the bill actually does protect patients is the Patient Bill of Rights. The Dingell-Ganske Patient Bill of Rights reforms the HMO industry without invading the constitutionally protected right to privacy. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Dingell-Ganske Patient Bill of Rights.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the achievements of Ralph Vasey on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Ralph Vasey, a boxer in his teens, joined the Marine Corps and served diligently in the second world war, where he was wounded three times. He returned home to the honorable trade of Roofer, Waterproofer and Allied Worker. He held offices, including that of the president, for Local 44 through three decades; and was among the founders of the Pension Fund and Health and Welfare Fund for Local 44. Ralph Vasey has been a hard and industrious worker in all his pursuits and exemplifies the American Spirit. He worked with his hands and built a life he can be proud of. He has not only helped himself, but also persevered to help those in his community. Ralph Vasey is also a devoted family man. He is the proud father of Michael. And his two granddaughters, Jenelle and Carrie, have made him a great grandfather of Jonathan, Brandon, Michael, Nicholas, Mikayla and soon to arrive Justin. In all his pursuits, Ralph Vasey has not lost sight of what is truly important: His family. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing the life accomplishments of a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a veteran of our country, Ralph Vasey, on his 80th birthday.