Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, investing Social Security in the stock market concedes to the hysteria manufactured by Wall Street. They exaggerate Social Security's actuarial imbalance and call it a crisis. There is no crisis. With current tax and benefit rates remaining constant, Social Security will pay 100 percent of the benefits of future recipients until 2032 without any change whatsoever. That is according to the most conservative estimates which assume extremely low economic growth rates and high unemployment. What private sector initiative can promise the same? What other program backed by the full faith and credit of the United States? None. Only Social Security is guaranteed. Privatization schemes trade away Social Security's guarantee for a Wall Street gamble. What goes up must go down. All forms of privatization constitute a cave-in and a back-track. Members of Congress will soon be offering a resolution that says Congress must guarantee that all obligations to current and future Social Security beneficiaries will be paid in full. Americans need to hear Congress reaffirm its commitments to its citizens. Stand up for Social Security.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleagues from Ohio, Messrs. Boehner, Brown, Chabot, Gillmor, Hall, Hobson, Ms. Kaptur, Messrs. Kasich, LaTourette, Ney, Oxley, Portman, Ms. Pryce, Messrs. Regula, Sawyer, Stokes, Strickland, and Traficant rise to salute an extraordinary public servant, Ralph J. Perk. He has devoted his life to helping others and is beloved by the people of Cleveland, the people of Ohio, and people throughout the world. Born under the shadow of the steel mill smokestacks of Cleveland, Ralph Perk was raised in poverty. At age 7, he began his day delivering the morning paper and ended it delivering the evening paper. At age twelve he began selling ice door to door. During the Depression of the 40s when he was still selling ice, Perk routinely extended credit to poor families. ``If we don't give them ice, their children's milk will spoil,'' Perk would say. So, instead of making one-hundred dollars a week, he made twelve. That generosity and heart, paid rich dividends when Perk entered politics. Every election, the families he helped during the depression became the nucleus of Perk's campaigns. Their loyalty could not have been bought at any price. From those humble beginnings, Ralph Perk rose to serve five terms on the Cleveland City Council and nine years as county auditor. In 1971 Ralph Perk was elected the 51st Mayor of Cleveland. He was not bound by party label. Rather, he achieved his popularity by following public service rather than party politics. His motto was simple: Do hard work, keep in touch with the people, and serve honestly. He did all three. As Mayor, he deeply cared for those whom he represented. He secured hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government to improve the city. And despite high inflation and a recession, Mayor Perk delivered quality basic city services to the neighborhoods of Cleveland. Although he achieved high office in his city, Ralph Perk never forgot his humble beginnings and continued to help others. He understood people and their needs; but more important, he truly cared. He helped organize the diverse ethnic community and imbued it with a common pride in Cleveland. He was the founder of the Nationality Movement in Cleveland; and a driving force behind the recognition of the rights and cultural heritage of ethnic American in the United States. He served on numerous civic and fraternal organizations including, The Citizens League, The Council on Human Relations and The Knights of Columbus. My fellow colleagues, Ralph Perk does not seek our praise. He is far above it. Rather, I ask you to join me in recognizing him for his many contributions. For if we learn from his dedication, we will all be better public servants.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor La Sagrada Familia Parish, which is celebrating its dedication on June 21. The Hispanic Catholic community of Cleveland has wanted a parish of its own since the early 1950s. At that point there were at least five different parishes that Spanish speaking people attended. By the early 1970s the Hispanic Catholic community had grown so large that it needed its own parish. In 1973, a small group began with a special service at St. Stephen's Church. Eventually developed into the community of San Juan Bautista. There were still many people without a parish, however, so in 1980 the idea for La Sagrada Familia Parish began. It took eighteen years, but the dream is now a reality. On June 21 the dedication ceremony will take place. To understand the magnitude of the accomplishment, we must recognize the collective contribution of this congregation: Persistence, a dedication to hard work, a devotion to the community, and a commitment to progress. The La Sagrada Familia Parish has demonstrated that vision, combined with spirit, leads to boundless achievement. The Hispanic Catholic community has added a spirit of diversity and tradition to the neighborhood of the near west side. Always willing to help others, the community has made a difference, taking advantage of resources of time and caring to improve the lot of its neighbors in need. The community has waited for a long time for a parish of its own, and with La Sagrada Familia, the dream is accomplished, the prayers have been answered. The dedication of La Sagrada Familia Parish serves as a reminder of the community's devotion to the service of others. The dedication of this church should be a source of pride for all of Cleveland's Hispanic Catholic community. La Sagrada Familia Parish is the product of years of planning, fund- raising, and hard work. This is a proud moment for Cleveland and its Hispanic Catholic community. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating this parish and in wishing parishioners many happy years in their new home.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Salopek, who was recently chosen to serve as Guest Conductor for the 1998 Junior Tamburitzan Festival. Tom's selection is yet another sweet note in a career marked by his love for the tambura. A member of the Zagreb Junior Tamburitzans at the age of nine, Tom was something of a music prodigy. In fulfillment of this promise, he would later become Assistant Musical Director of AZJT from 1979-1980 and then Musical Director from 1987-1991. In 1992, Tom was named the tambura instructor and musical director of Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans, a position he still holds. A dedicated musician with an unyielding and untiring vision as to his artform, Tom inspires the respect of his pupils with his dedication, spending long hours searching for and arranging the group's music. His appointment as Guest Conductor is a recognition of this dedication to craft. Tom's passion for tambura is hardly surprising when one considers his roots in the Croatian community. Tom's parents, Peter and Kay, encouraged their children's interest in Croatian tambura, becoming actively involved in their group. To this day, Tom remains close to his roots, living in Cleveland's ``Old World'' East 185th neighborhood. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating Tom Salopek on his appointment as Guest Conductor at the 1998 Junior Tamburitzan Festival. Let his sweet music continue for years to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial anniversary of St. John's Byzantine Cathedral which is located in Parma, Ohio. St. John's Cathedral had its small beginnings at St. Joseph's Chapel in 1898. There were only a few parishioners in the beginning, but as more people came the Reverend Peter Keselak deemed it necessary to construct a separate Church. The Church continued to grow, but, because of World War I, in 1918 St. John's was without a pastor. The Church struggled to stay together facing many difficulties. It is only because of the strong faith of the parishioners that St. John's managed to survive. In March of 1922 Father Stephan Gulyassy became pastor of St. John's Church, and many of the advancements can be credited to him. He bought the land for the Parma site in 1945, and in 1969 St. John's Cathedral was moved to Parma. The Cathedral is still thriving at this site today. There are many generations of dedicated parishioners who have attended St. John's, and it is the 100 years of dedication which will be celebrated at this remarkable occasion. St. John's Cathedral has provided a great service to both its people and its community. It is because of this service that I ask you, my fellow colleagues, to please join me in congratulating the St. John's Byzantine Cathedral for its 100th year of service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Cleveland, Ohio. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church was founded by a dedicated group of people on June 25, 1933. Pastors Herbert Blickensderfer, Otto Herring, James Eckert and Shari Ayers have blessed Gloria Dei Lutheran Church over the past 65 years with commitment and inspiration. During the past 65 years, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has served the community with open arms through organizations such as the Boys Scouts of America, The Martha Society, TOPS, AA, Habitat for Humanity, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Job Search and Career Transitions. The following is the mission statement of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church: In the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight (1998), we the people of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church ``Empowered by God's Spirit as forgiven sinners'' we seek to be: A witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ we celebrate in word and Sacrament, A haven for believers and non-believers, A servant to our community, and A catalyst of hope and faith for new possibilities. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has been an integral institution in the city of Cleveland from its very beginnings. Parishoners and Cleveland area residents can look forward to the many great contributions to the community that Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will make into the next millennium.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Society of Danube Swabians of Greater Cleveland. The Society of Danube Swabians of Greater Cleveland was originally founded as a member organization of the Banater Club in 1958. The organization has grown enormously over the years. The ladies' group was established on July 28, 1959, and on January 30, 1960 the German Weekend School opened its doors. In 1966, both the German Youth Choir and the ``Fleitmatgruppe'', a group for young married couples, were created. The organization has developed manifold connections with civic organizations in Germany and Austria. In 1986 they celebrated the dedication of their new building, the Danube Swabian. In order to achieve the welfare and the long term goals of the Society of Danube Swabians of Greater Cleveland, a large number of dedicated men and women have worked with tireless energy since the founding of the organization. Because of their enormous contributions, the Society of Danube Swabians of Greater Cleveland has become one of the most active ethnic organizations of Greater Cleveland. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Society of Danube Swabians of Grater Cleveland on its 40th Anniversary.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Xie Xide for receiving a Doctor of Humane Letters from Cleveland State University. Dr. Xide is a distinguished physicist, educator and internationalist. She has served as Professor and Director of Modern Physics at Fudan University, Adjunct Director of the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, and Vice President of the Chinese Physical Society. She is also a member of the Presidium of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chair of the Twenty-first International Conference of Semiconductor Physics. Dr. Xide has published seventy-six papers in prestigious international scientific journals. She was inducted as a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Third World Academy of Sciences. Dr. Xide was also elected as an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Physical Society. In addition, she has also served as both Vice President and President of Fudan University. Dr. Xide's efforts to foster international dialogue have been recognized by twelve universities in Canada, England, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States which have awarded her honorary degrees. Currently, as Adviser to Cleveland State University and Director of its American Studies Center, Dr. Xide promotes the international exchange of scholars and students. She has developed Fundan's present faculty exchange program with Cleveland State University's Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Dr. Xide has made many outstanding contributions to scientific research, education and international understanding. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating Dr. Xide on receiving the Doctor of Humane Letters from Cleveland State University.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Josephine Voinovich, a very special woman who, in her own words, endeavored to live life as ``an adventure, not an assignment.'' Josephine's adventure cast her in a number of different roles as a social worker, librarian, scout leader, and mother of six, but was always marked by her untiring service towards others. A graduate of Collinwood High School and the College for Women of Western Reserve University, Josephine intended on a career in education. However, with teaching positions scarce during the Great Depression, she became a social worker. Josephine would later become a volunteer librarian at Saint Aloysius Elementary School. In 1993, the school honored Josephine's eighteen years of service in this capacity by naming the library after her. As a wife and mother of six, Josephine's daily adventures didn't stop at home. Initially serving as a den leader for her son's and daughter's scout troops, Josephine would go on to work with the Girl Scouts for 36 years, a span in which she acted as an adult trainer, day-camp director, and president of the Lake Erie Girl Scout Council. Josephine's dedicated service as part of the council garnered her the coveted ``Thanks Badge.'' In 1993, she was named the council's Woman of Distinction. A 1992 inductee of the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and recipient of the Margarite Ireland Award from the Cleveland Women's City Club, Josephine's proud legacy is one of compassion and caring. Always offering a helping hand to those in need and guidance to individuals looking for a role model, she never sought recognition or respite from her labors, saying simply, ``I'm going because I'm needed.'' My fellow colleagues, let us recognize the adventure of Josephine Voinovich. That the adventure is now over only reinforces how much we all needed her.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Monsignor Leo Tymkiw, Pastor of St. Andrew's Ukranian Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio, who is celebrating 50 years as a priest. Monsignor Leo Tymkiw was born on April 21, 1914 in Boiany, Ukraine. He completed his elementary and secondary education in Stanyslaviv, Ukraine. In 1938, he graduated from Theological Academy in Lviv, Ukraine, with a degree in theology. Subsequently, he graduated from the School of Library Science where he studied church history for several years. On Easter Sunday, May 2, 1948, he was consecrated to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Ivan Buchko. His first assignment was as the Spiritual Director for Ukranian students in Munich. Monsignor Leo Tymkiw emigrated to America in 1950. In 1952, he organized the parish ``Under the Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary'' in Troy, New York, and he served as its pastor for three years. In 1955 he organized another new parish, also named ``Under the Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary'' in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Monsignor Leo Tymkiw served as their pastor for four years. He was pastor of a parish in Crisholm, Minnesota for several months in 1959. From 1960 to 1972 he served as pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukranian Catholic Church in Lorain, Ohio. On August 1, 1972 Monsignor Leo Tymkiw was appointed the first pastor of St. Andrew's Ukranian Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio. He has served as their pastor for the past 26 years. Mr. Speaker, let us recognize the achievements of Monsignor Leo Tymkiw, who will be honored at a dinner on June 14, 1998 for a lifetime of giving, service and achievement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I want to say with all due respect to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) my good friend, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Fawell), that I have to take exception with the import of this bill, no matter how well- crafted it may seem or well-intentioned it may be. Mr. Chairman, for 60 years the Fair Labor Standards Act has operated to protect workers from excessive hours on the job by requiring employers to pay time-and-a-half for overtime. Most Americans except this and expect it. Work overtime, expect to be paid for it. This measure before us, the Sales Incentive Compensation Act, would undermine the Fair Labor Standards Act and open up an enormous loophole. It would allow employers to avoid paying overtime to certain categories of employees. This bill would enable companies to declare that certain workers are in sales positions and then deny them a salary or an hourly wage for the time they work over 40 hours per week. For these specialized employees, companies would only have the obligation to pay them commissions as a substitute for the time-and-a-half pay. About 1.5 million workers would be affected by this loophole. This bill would provide a powerful incentive for employers to push their employees to work as many hours as possible. It would lead to endless litigation as the courts battle over who does and does not qualify under the vague and broad provisions in this bill. In addition, the Department of Labor has concluded that this bill would impose new paperwork and recordkeeping requirements on businesses. So there are unintended consequences. Mr. Chairman, I would agree with my colleague that many of the same arguments put forth here parallel the discussion we had on comp time. The reason people work overtime is to get paid for overtime. They do not work overtime to give the money to their employer. They work overtime to give the money to their family. I believe that the argument that people who work overtime ought to get time off in the case of comp time, or a commission or not at the election of their employers, is a misplaced argument. Now, there are some proponents of this bill who would say that they just want people to make more money, not less, and to do that they are going to cut out time-and-a-half for overtime and replace it with a sales commission. I think that assertion challenges common sense notions of why people work overtime. The harder people work, the more they should get paid from their employer. This legislation affects employees. So if employees work more than their full-time allotment, they should be paid for it. And if their diligence, their labor produces a higher benefit, then let the employer take the benefit. But let the employee be able to get at least time- and-a-half. In a sense, we are asking the employees to take the risk when it is the employer who gets the benefit. I say let the employee get the benefit and the employer take the risk. Let the employee get paid time-and-a-half for overtime. This bill benefits employers at the expense of employees. It is going to result in workers being required to work more hours. The simple fact is, and every American worker knows this, it is the employer who controls the hours that people work, not the employee. The employer controls how long the employee is going to work. This bill unfortunately discourages employees and it encourages employers to require workers to work overtime. It exempts employers from the requirement that they pay an employee any wage at all for overtime hours. How many people out there would want to work overtime and not get paid anything? Who would take that deal in this country? Years ago there was an American humorist who said, ``Never give a sucker an even break.'' Working people in this country deserve to be paid time-and-a-half for overtime and employers ought to be challenged to do that.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I first want to say how much I appreciate a chance to work with the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn) on issues of this import in the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology. I congratulate him for his tireless dedication to the American taxpayer. I also want to congratulate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Neumann) for bringing this resolution forward and for working with us in crafting the language which would enable it to have bipartisan support. I think it is important that we proceed in a bipartisan manner here, because the American people expect us to, and they know the only way we can make Government accountable is if we insist from both sides that Government be accountable. Certainly it needs to be said again that the Clinton administration has taken the lead in highlighting and addressing the problems that have been discussed here today. In 1993, Vice President Gore recommended annual consolidated financial reports and comprehensive Governmentwide accounting standards as part of his Reinventing Government Initiative. The Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board completed basic Federal Government accounting standards in record time. And as has been previously stated, the administration submitted the first Governmentwide financial audit by the statutory deadline of March 31, 1998. President Clinton has sent a memorandum to each agency head requiring that specific agencies prepare action plans to ensure that the government receives an unqualified opinion on its fiscal year 1999 audit. Mr. Speaker, the administration needs both of us, needs all of us, to work with it to make Government work better. I remain dedicated to that cause. I know that is a dedication that I share with my colleagues, with the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), with the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Neumann) and with everyone else. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I think it is important for the American people to have a progress report at this moment as to Federal financial management, because that is what this resolution lends itself to. We have stated earlier that prior to the administration taking office, that there were no general standards, but now a structure has been put in place to assure fiscal accountability for the American people. Qualified chief financial officers and deputy chief financial officers have been appointed so there is accountability and there is a system of command. Accounting standards have been issued. We have had a foundation for agency financial statements, the accounting standards that have been developed by the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget and GAO, working together through the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, and that was initially created in 1990 to fill a void. But so far, through the help of OMB, we have seen some real strength put into that process, and accounting standards have been issued. And that information has been transmitted down through the departments. The OMB has issued financial system requirements, and the agencies are now issuing audited financial statements. I would also like to point out that it was on March 31, 1998, that the Department of the Treasury issued the first ever audited, consolidated financial statement for the Federal Government. The President's budget states the objective of having an unqualified audit opinion, a clean audit on the government's 1999 financial statements, so the President has firmly stated the administration's goal of receiving a clean opinion on the 1999 governmentwide financial statements, and also the administration has been very interested in identifying weaknesses in the audit as far as the first ever governmentwide statement for fiscal year 1999. As I am sure many Members know, the President has directed agency heads to submit action plans to address impediments to an unqualified audit opinion on the government's 1999 financial statements. Mr. Speaker, we could ask, as we are thinking of our financial status and whether or not the American people are getting a good accounting, we could look at a glass and say, is it half full or is it half empty. We can point today to deficiencies which do exist, and we could say the glass is half empty. But we could also say that with all the water that has gone under the bridge, we have a lot of progress that has been made towards rebuilding the financial accountability of the country. I know with some testimony I heard in committee, it would seem as though the glass is neither half empty nor half full, it is missing. Wherever that is the case, we certainly want to make sure that our audits work to identify wherever there is waste and inefficiencies in the Federal Government, and we need to work to rid it out. Again, Mr. Speaker, we have come a distance. We have a great distance to go to have the kind of accountability which the American people have a right to expect, but I think at this time a progress report has been in order. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think that every American agrees that we want fiscal responsibility and accountability. I think both sides of the aisle can agree on that. And I think what is important, as we set higher standards of accountability for our government is that we take an accounting of the measure of progress which has occurred under the Clinton administration, because the people of this country ought to know that before the Clinton administration took office there had never been a comprehensive review of how the government handles our tax dollars. As a matter of fact, after hearing a similar recitation to that just offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Neumann) in our Government Management, Information, and Technology Subcommittee, I questioned officials of the Department of Defense and found out that in fact for decades, for centuries, the Department of Defense has had its problems keeping track of their materiel. It does not excuse it for one year or one minute, but I think we have to establish a context of this discussion this afternoon. When the Clinton administration began their efforts, there were no accounting standards for the Federal Government. Most Federal agencies had never issued a financial statement and there had been no governmentwide financial statement. Furthermore, there had been no independent verification of the agencies's estimates of their financial positions. Now, thanks to the changes that have been put in place through the administration and, I might say with the help and the constant vigilance of people like the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn), we have more agencies than ever issuing financial statements and having them audited. As Members of Congress are aware, the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology headlined a series of hearings recently on the financial audits of the Federal Government. We conducted those hearings in a bipartisan manner because the issue of good financial management is not a partisan issue. And we need to continue to work in this manner. The sponsors of this particular resolution have accommodated our concerns, and while I may not completely agree with their positions, the need for increased attention to financial management and strong efforts leads me to support this resolution. Without question, there is a need for intensified financial management by Federal agencies. The governmentwide audit and many of the agency audits shows that the Federal Government has a long way to go. House Resolution 447 is based on the results of the first governmentwide financial audit conducted in 1997. I want everyone to listen very carefully. In 1997, we had the results of the first governmentwide financial audit conducted that year. The law mandating this audit was passed by a Democratic Congress, with the active support of the Clinton administration. The Clinton administration is addressing financial problems at Federal agencies that date back decades. And I feel it should get credit for serious attention to this longstanding problem, just as we must place on their shoulders, because they are there now, the responsibility for making increased progress. But real progress has been made by this administration. The key to a financial audit is whether the financial information presented in the balance sheets is reliable. When the financial information is reliable, auditors issue what is called an unqualified opinion or a clean audit. As we can see on this chart right here, Mr. Speaker, in 1990, only two agencies had an unqualified opinion. But by 1997 under President Clinton, nine CFO agencies had unqualified opinions. Clearly, additional improvement is needed. Getting an unqualified opinion is not sufficient. Adequate internal financial controls and compliance with laws and regulations are two other areas where agencies must improve. However, it is clear that the Clinton administration has come a long way. And by 1998, the goal, as can be seen from this chart, is to come further and to keep reaching what I think is the next plateau of 16 clean and unqualified opinions. The current administration is committed to these additional improvements and to achieving a clean governmentwide audit for fiscal year 1999. To that end, the President issued a memorandum to agency heads requiring that specific agencies prepare action plans to ensure that the government receives an unqualified opinion on its fiscal year 1999 audit. Federal chief financial officers now predict that at least 15 of the 24 Federal departments will receive clean opinions of their fiscal year 1998 financial statements. Good financial management of taxpayers' money is too important for it to become bogged down in partisan warfare. There is simply too much to the done. For that reason, I am glad we have been able to address this issue in a bipartisan way. Again, look at this, Mr. Speaker, 1997, how far we have come from 1990, and, again, when the administration began, there were no accounting standards for the Federal Government. Most Federal agencies never issued a financial statement. There had been no governmentwide financial statement, no independent verification of the agencies' estimates of their financial positions. So we have come a distance. We have a great distance to go. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman).

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the achievements and contributions of Fr. John Charles Dalton, on the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination. Father Dalton entered St. Mary Seminary in 1943 and was ordained five years later, by Most Reverend Edward F. Hoban. In his years of service, Father Dalton baptized over 2,000 parishioners and united 545 couples in marriage. He served as Associate Director of Services to the Deaf, Counselor to self-help groups, and role model to his community. Throughout his distinguished life of service, Father Dalton has been a powerful force in the ministry. From the physical exertion of constructing a ballfield, to the patience of teaching, to the compassion of working with the deaf, Father Dalton has proven himself as a gentleman driven to help his community. He continues to visit the homebound and the hospitalized, and remains active in the Parish Ministry at Holy Name, Cleveland. From him, we can all learn of dedication, selflessness, generosity and wisdom. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing the community service of Father John C. Dalton, and celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centennial Anniversary of Saint John Cantius Church. One hundred years ago, the ``Heights'' area of Cleveland was a quiet community near the Cuyahoga River. Many of Cleveland's steelworkers and other laborers were Polish immigrants who, although financially poor, were rich in faith. Their religious fervor transcended their small numbers and His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Ignatius Horstmann appointed Reverend Orlowski to serve the parish of St. John Cantius. Masses were originally held in a two-story barn, but the hard-working parishioners looked forward. The poor immigrants understood the importance of a good education. So, they created a pastoral residence, a school, and a Sisters' home in separate apartments behind the barn. From those humble beginnings, the community built a magnificent Romanesque church, a grade school and high school, and a convent. Yet the parish never forgot their heritage. Still comprised of, in some instances, fourth generation Polish-Americans, St. John Cantius is as active and vital as ever. Parishioners serve their church and those around them. They belong to service organizations including the Parish Councilmen, 111 Order of St. Francis, Knights of Columbus, St. Stanislaw Kostki Lodge, and the Booster Club. And like their forefathers, today's parishioners also look toward the future. To reflect the changing neighborhood, the Church has brought in two sisters with experience in Latin America and hold Mass in Spanish on Saturday. They recognize the effects of world communication and urbanization on their children; so, they attempt to combine the sophistication of today, with the goodness and humility of their past. My fellow colleagues, please join me in applauding this committed congregation and the centennial anniversary of Saint John Cantius Church.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles ``Big Chuck'' Schodowski and ``Li'l'' John Rinaldi as they celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their television program, ``The Big Chuck and Li'l John Show.'' First launched in 1978, ``The Big Chuck and Li'l John Show'' has served as the vehicle to Cleveland's most beloved practitioners of broad comedy, providing late night laughs to generation after generation of Clevelanders. That the show continues to thrive in a competitive late night television landscape dominated by syndicated programming attests to the popularity of Big Chuck and Little John's crazy antics. Charles Schodowski initially entered into Cleveland television as an engineer at WJW Channel 8 in 1960. By 1963, he was a writer and occasional, if nervous, actor on a popular show hosted by the legendary Ernie ``Ghoulardi'' Anderson. Big Chuck's problems with stage fright were apparently short lived, however. When Anderson left for Hollywood in 1966, the show's producers tabbed Big Chuck to co-host the show with popular Weatherman Bob Wells, who was known as ``Hoolihan the Weatherman.'' ``The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show,'' which featured a movie interspersed with short skits performed before a live studio audience, enjoyed a successful run until Wells' retirement in 1977. Making his debut as ``Bridget the Midget,'' John Rinaldi became a regular contributor on ``Hoolihan and Big Chuck.'' Li'l John then joined Big Chuck as a co-host of ``The Big Chuck and Li'l John Show'' in 1978. Today, ``The Big Chuck and Li'l John Show,'' the recipient of numerous Local Emmy nominations, is one of the longest running shows in the country. My fellow colleagues, join me in congratulating Big Chuck and Li'l John for twenty wild years of ridiculous blond wigs, coconut creme pies, and that distinctive laugh track that is instantly recognized throughout the city of Cleveland. Let us all hope that those laughs keep on coming for twenty years more.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Howard Metzenbaum, former Senator from the State of Ohio. Serving nineteen years in the United States Senate, he represented his constitutents with passion and guile, demonstrating both a fierce dedication to justice and a keen understanding of legislative procedure. It is these qualities that will be commemorated with the renaming of the U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio as the Howard Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse. Howard Metzenbaum's long career of public service began with his election to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1943. After serving two terms in the House and two terms in the State Senate, he sat on the Judicial Council of Ohio and the Ohio Bureau of Code Revision. In 1976, Howard Metzenbaum was elected to the U.S. Senate. Ohio voters would later return Senator Metzenbaum to Washington for two more terms. During his nineteen year career, Senator Metzenbaum would establish himself as an outspoken leader for the principles and causes in which he strongly believed. The Washington Post called him ``an uncompromising, indefatigable and often irascible champion of liberal causes.'' Initially gaining notoriety for his skillful use of the filibuster in blocking legislation, Senator Metzenbaum became in later years an important coalition-builder and legislator. He authored or co- authored countless amendments and bills, including the Plant Closing Notification Act, the Nutrition and Food Labeling Act, the Brady Bill, the Alzheimer's Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia once said of the Senator, ``I have often felt that if we did not have a Howard Metzenbaum in the Senate we ought to make one.'' My fellow colleagues, I can think of no more fitting a symbol of Howard Metzenbaum's legacy than his serving as namesake to the U.S. Courthouse. May the Senator's high standard of justice, fairness, and dignity for all men and women serve as an unyielding challenge to all those who enter the Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Father Albert Evans who celebrates his Fiftieth Jubilee Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel on May 31, 1998. Father Al, as he is known to friends, was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1932, Father Al joined the unemployed masses of the Great Depression. For the next ten years, he would hold a variety of odd jobs, working as an orderly in Cleveland City Hospital, a factory worker, a dock worker, and a truck driver. In 1939, Father Al enrolled in Saint Mary's College in Kentucky. It was while studying at Saint Mary's that Father Al found his calling, applying for admission to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He began his studies for the priesthood three years later in Washington, DC and was ordained in 1948. Upon his ordination, Father Al received an obedience in Japan. For the next twenty years, he presided over a little mission north of Tokyo. His work in Japan ended after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, resulting in the removal of a portion of his left lung. Father Albert recovered upon his return to the United States, dedicating himself to mission promotion. My fellow colleagues, let us recognize Father Al's fifty years of service to the world's underprivileged and congratulate him as he celebrates his Fiftieth Jubilee Mass.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Anthony ``Tony'' DiBiasio for his tireless efforts on behalf of the school children of Lakewood, Ohio for the past fifty years. After serving his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Second World War, Tony went on to receive a B.S. and Masters from Ohio University and continued doctoral studies at Western Reserve University. For fifty years, ``Mr. D.'' has demonstrated this love of learning as a teacher, administrator, coach, and currently, as Executive Director of the Lakewood Public Schools Foundation. He has also served as president of both the Lakewood Education Association and the Lakewood PTA. In addition to his work with Lakewood schools, Tony has also served as Director of Project Read, conducting reading workshops at colleges and universities throughout the country. He has also sat on the Board of Directors of Keep America Beautiful and was a valued member of the Lakewood Kiwanis Club. Tony has been published in a number of professional journals. Having made a significant contribution to his community, it comes as little surprise that Tony had made something of a ``name'' for himself. The street in front of Lakewood High School has been dubbed Tony DiBiasio Square. A scholarship fund at the high school and the Fitness Center at the Lakewood YMCA also bear his name. Tony's service towards others has been honored by the American Legion and the American Red Cross. My fellow colleagues, let us join the entire Lakewood community in thanking Anthony DiBiasio for his commitment to the young people of Lakewood, Ohio. May his many years of service to community and country serve as an example to us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Third Federal Savings Association, which has served as a leader in Cleveland's banking community for sixty years. Third Federal Savings continues to build upon its legacy as a strong civic institution by spearheading the Broadway Development Initiative, a group of 100 organizations dedicated to the revitalization of Cleveland's Broadway-Slavic Village area. The initiative includes a diverse assortment of community groups from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland to government entities. The crown jewel of the redevelopment area will be Third Federal's $17.3 million operations center, which will be completed in November 1999. In addition, the bank has pledged to invest $10 million in the community within the next ten years. Third Federal will also ally with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity in combating the problem of homelessness, donating $10 to the organization for every mortgage loan made by the bank. This partnership will finally make possible the development of the Worsted Woolen Mills site, the former location of a factory destroyed by fire in 1993. Prior to Third Federal's donation, Greater Cleveland Habitat had trouble finding financial backing. My fellow colleagues, join me in recognizing Third Federal Savings Association's commitment to its surrounding community and in congratulating the bank of its 60th Anniversary.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, like all working families in this country and Members of this body, I am committed to the fight against illegal drugs flowing into our country across our borders. We need to strengthen our efforts to halt the flood of drugs to our cities and suburbs and States. This is the context, Mr. Speaker, in which I rise to oppose H.R. 3809. I believe that the drug issue is too important to clot it with anti- Customs Service worker provisions, wherever those provisions came from. This measure is far too controversial to be considered under the suspension calendar. It needs to be sent back to the Committee on Rules for full consideration. This bill has a number of laudable aspects. It increases funds authorized for Customs Service to use for drug interdiction activities, earmarks money for the hiring of more than 1,700 new Customs inspectors, special agents, K-9 enforcement officers, provides for a variety of new high-tech equipment. But illegal drugs will not be stopped by technology or money alone. Drugs will be halted by the motivated and dedicated people who work for the Customs Service. These civil servants are the first line of defense against the drugs flowing into our country. Why attack them? They did not create the drug problem. This is where H.R. 3809 becomes an extreme and radical measure. Customs agents have freely chosen to belong to a union, and they worked with Customs management to establish one of our Nation's most innovative labor-management partnerships. This bill would punish them for their efforts. This bill would allow the Commissioner of the Customs Service to unilaterally cancel any aspects of the collective bargaining agreement. The bill would destroy the collective bargaining process in the Customs Service. This is wrong. Government workers have rights. Why, in the name of the fight against drugs, do we have legislation in front of us which attacks the rights of working people? Mr. Speaker, I submit that there ought to be rehabilitation for those who want to knock down wages and benefits of workers in the name of fighting drugs.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of entering into a colloquy with the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach). Mr. Chairman, there is some uncertainty about what, and I quote, ``any other provision of Federal law'' means in section 104(b)(1) of the bill. Some consumer groups expressed concern that this language might be unnecessarily broad and might unintentionally preempt a broad range of consumer laws. Will the gentleman from Iowa work with me on this matter as this bill moves forward to conference, through the Senate to conference, that this language will be reviewed so as not to be interpreted in an overly broad manner? Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach).