Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly memorable Cleveland woman. Margaret McCaffery, a member of Cleveland city council for twenty-eight years, represented her community with strong dedication and service. Margaret was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and later moved to Washington state. While a teenager, Margaret was a vaudeville dancer and met her husband, James ``Mickey'' McCaffery, on tour in 1924. She raised five children through the tough times of the Thirties and Forties. James McCaffery died in July 1947 after taking out petitions to run for the Cleveland city council seat he had formerly held. Margaret took on a great burden and ran for the seat in his place. Her successful election the following fall gave her the seat that she would represent for the next sixteen years. After her seat was eliminated as a result of redistricting, Margaret moved to the near West Side and was again elected to council. Throughout her twenty-eight years on the council, Margaret chaired numerous committees and represented her ward well. She received many awards and was recognized by President John F. Kennedy as one of the most influential women politicians in the country. I had the pleasure of serving with Margaret on the Cleveland city council. I treasure our thirty-year friendship and always admired her unique ability to balance strength and gentleness, which is what made her such an effective council member. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Margaret will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My fellow colleagues, join with me in honoring Mrs. Margaret McCaffery.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly remarkable organization dedicated to promoting informed and active citizen participation in government. For the last fifty years, the Bay Village, Ohio chapter of the League of Women Voters has educated the citizens of Bay Village in each citizen's political responsibility. This organization effectively serves Bay Village in the arena of citizenship and public activism. Founded in 1920, the national nonpartisan League of Women Voters established itself on the principles of voter responsibility. Women had just received the right to vote, and this organization wanted to ensure that all voters would have the necessary resources to cast an educated vote. The League of Women Voters of Bay Village continued this proud tradition with the establishment of the local chapter in 1948. On the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of this chapter, the League continues to make an educated voter its first priority. By supporting citizen participation in government and influencing public policy through education and advocacy, the chapter clearly has an influence on the educated voter. For fifty years, the League of Women Voters of Bay Village has encouraged good citizenship and voter understanding of government. This organization's outstanding service to the community and to the country is commendable. My fellow colleagues, join me in celebrating the anniversary of a patriotic organization that is dedicated to the task of informing the average voter: The League of Women Voters of Bay Village, Ohio.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 115th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Cleveland, Ohio, a spiritual community dedicated to their church, to their neighborhood and to each other. In the mid 1800's the Bohemian community in Cleveland was thriving, Industrialization and the Civil War created a need for skilled laborers. The original Rockefeller Refinery and the Standard Oil Company were among businesses in the area that recruited immigrants from Europe to work in the refineries. By 1882, it was evident that a new parish needed to be founded to serve the growing number of immigrants from Bohemia and Slovakia in Cleveland. Father Stephen Furdek responded to the need and made the journey from his native Prague to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequent pastors have continued the work of Father Furdek by building a first-rate Catholic School, Renovating the church building and guiding the parish through good times and bad. The parish family has survived epidemics, wars, the Depression, and changing demographics in the neighborhood. Throughout the years the church, although of Bohemian ancestry, has developed into a congregation of Americans. Parishioners of various races and ethnic backgrounds are united by their common faith and dedication to their community. My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating the 115th anniversary of a truly great and devoted parish, Our Lady of Lourdes.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, my colleague Mr. LaTourette, and I rise today to honor a woman who is truly dedicated to our nation's troops, Irene Silliman. Mrs. Silliman is a harbinger of goodwill and warmth to the United States Navy, providing them with slippers to keep them warm on the decks of their cold ships. A 72-year-old grandmother from Madison, OH, Irene Silliman started what has turned in to a national project by providing hand-knitted slipper socks to sailors on her grandson's vessel. After receiving a letter from her grandson requesting a pair of the socks, Silliman determined that she would make extra pairs for his shipmates. She organized a group of friends and began a phenomenon called ``Operation Toasty Toes'' that has engulfed the senior population of Northeast Ohio. After receiving several calls from interested volunteers, Silliman spearheaded an effort to make these Toasty Toes slipper socks for the entire crew of the U.S.S. Carney, the destroyer on which her grandson is stationed. National newspapers have picked up the story and a multitude of citizens nationwide are now feverishly working on new pairs of slippers to send to the troops. Irene Silliman is truly devoted to her country and the well-being of our servicemen and women. Her selfless effort to organize a crusade to provide warmth and comfort to our soldiers is truly a testament of her patriotic spirit. Mrs. Silliman wished to show our American troops that she and others cared about them and through their efforts, this has been accomplished. My fellow colleagues, join me in saluting a true patriot whose selfless devotion to our American troops is evident through her efforts, Irene Silliman.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of the most successful theatrical production in Cleveland, Ohio, ``Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.'' During the 1970's racial tensions in Cleveland were high, suburban shopping malls were gaining popularity, and interest in the downtown area was dismal. Shops and restaurants were closing and once magnificent, busy buildings were abandoned. Ray Shepardson, a guidance counselor from Seattle, had the foresight to recognize the potential of the theaters of Playhouse Square, the forgotten gems of downtown. He organized support in the community to save the theaters from scheduled demolition and to restore them to their original grandeur. He was determined to prove that downtown entertainment in Cleveland would thrive. After restoration of the theaters, the show that brought people who hadn't been downtown in decades back was ``Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,'' created and directed by Dr. Joseph Garry. The cabaret-style show features 4 extraordinary singers performing 26 songs by Jaques Brel, a contemporary French poet, philosopher, troubadour, artist, rebel, lover, cynic, and sentimentalist. In the Director's words, ``Brel'' is more than a caberet show, ``it is a series of impressions, perceptions, and truths. It is bitter, it is sweet, it is agonizing, it is loving. It is the mind, heart and soul of a sensitive contemporary man.'' On April 18, 1973 ``Brel'' opened for a planned three-week run to an audience of 300 people who fell in love with the show and with the vision of a revitalized downtown Cleveland. A record-breaking two years and 600 performances later, the show had a recording, a national reputation, and sometimes an even bigger crowd than the Indians. It proved Ray Shepardson correct--people really would come downtown to the theaters at Playhouse Square. Twenty-five years after that opening night, the historic theaters of Playhouse Square and downtown Cleveland continue to draw great crowds, and ``Brel'' is the musical phenomenon that started it all. I would like to salute the Director, Joseph Garry, the Musical Director, David Gooding, the original cast, Cliff Bemis, David Frazier, Providence Hollander, and Theresa Piteo and everyone involved in carrying on the legacy of ``Brel.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of the St. Edward's Boys Basketball Team and its coach, Eric Flannery. St. Ed's in Lakewood, Ohio won the Division I State Boys Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 28, 1998. Although St. Ed's was ranked number one in the finals, the Eagles still had to overcome their longtime rivals, the St. Ignatius Wildcats of Cleveland, in order to win the championship. This was the first time two Cleveland-area schools met for a boys basketball championship, and thanks to the skill of Coach Flannery and the teamwork of the players, St. Ed's won 70-61. The Eagles' strong offense and solid defense kept the Wildcats at bay throughout the game. This year's victory makes St. Ed's only the 15th school to win consecutive boys basketball championships. My fellow colleagues, join me in saluting the 1998 Division I State Basketball Champions from Lakewood, Ohio, the St. Edward's Boys Basketball Team and its coach, Eric Flannery.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I was happy today to cast my vote for H.R. 1151, the Credit Union Membership Access Act. I was happier still that the majority of the House of Representatives voted for H.R. 1151 as well. Credit unions are the banks of working people: Credit unions do not charge exorbitant bank fees; they do not have excessive account minimums. They make low interest loans, mainly to their members in the communities in which they live. Credit unions are run by their members, who have a voice in the operation and policies of their credit union. Small businesses depend on credit unions for those reasons because offering credit union membership as a benefit to prospective employees is a benefit that workers value. Credit unions are very small compared with banks. The average credit union has less than $28 million in assets--less than \1/16\th the assets of the average bank. The two largest U.S. banks (Chase and Citibank) combined have more assets than all 12,047 credit unions combined. Furthermore, banks today control nearly every dollar in savings (93 percent) and in loans (94 percent) in the United States. With nearly complete market dominance, banks have also chalked up record profits in recent years, posting an all-time record last year of $52 billion, much of which is due to the many new fees they are charging small consumers. But the banks were not satisfied, and in spite of their overwhelming market dominance and record profits, they lobbied to squash credit unions. In view of their power, it is historically significant that Congress did not serve today as a handmaiden to market power--credit unions and their 70 million members prevailed. So did an important, if embattled, democratic tradition in America--the non-profit, member-run and member-controlled financial institution.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, with all the talk about the supposed benefits of competition in the electric power industry, I say let us have really fair electric competition. Many consumers now enjoy the benefits of a municipally owned electric system, such as low rates and high standards and open governance and direct corporate democracy. Private power marketers should have to be as democratic and open as public power. This means they should; First, comply with State and local open meeting laws; Second, provide for a publicly elected board of directors; Third, permit the public election of all chief executive officers; Fourth, hold public hearings on budgets; Fifth, require compliance with State and local government conflict of interest regulations; and Sixth, not deduct advertising expenses from their income taxes. Really competitive power marketers would put into practice the high democratic standards of public power.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I am a strong supporter of maintaining our presence in Bosnia until lasting peace is established. I was privileged to visit our troops in Bosnia to witness the progress being made. Our continued presence in that region is important to the stability of the region. Yet I rise to oppose the rule and the emergency supplemental appropriation bill. It is a disservice to Americans to force Congress to vote between full funding of important domestic programs and funding for peacekeeping. It is a disservice that is not necessary. These appropriations do not have to be offset. A choice between helping the survivors of genocide overseas and the much-needed domestic programs in the United States is a choice worthy of this House. $1.9 billion in low-income housing assistance is at risk here, resulting in more than 800,000 Americans losing their housing beginning in October, many of them elderly. The Bible says, ``Who among you, when your brother asks for bread, would give him a stone?'' I ask, who among you, when your brother asks for shelter, would you turn a deaf ear? Who among you, when your brother suffers from devastation in one place, would take money from brothers in another place where they suffered devastation? We speak of the requirements of budget mechanisms. Let us also speak of the requirements of people who are trying to survive.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge sadly the passing of Bella Abzug, a former Member of this House of Representatives. Bella Abzug was a fearless defender of the rights of the people. She was always there arguing on behalf of the downtrodden, arguing on behalf of civil rights, staking out a claim for the rights of women, fearless defender of the rights of women, someone who was admired across this country for her independence, for her courage, for her willingness to stand up and speak out for what she believed in. Bella Abzug was a legendary figure not only in the politics of New York State but in the Government of the United States. She became a symbol of someone who would fearlessly represent the interests of her constituency, someone who had the ability through her personality to summon masses of people to the standards of truth and justice in this country. Bella Abzug is going to be missed in this country, and she will be missed by millions of Americans who have appreciated her dedication, her love of our Nation and her understanding that America can always be better, that it has a higher truth to resonate to, that it should be an all-inclusive Nation, a Nation where the rights of women are upheld as well as everyone, a Nation where the rights of the poor are upheld as well as everyone, a Nation where all of us have a chance to make this a better place. I will miss Bella Abzug. She was a personal friend. She was someone with whom I had the opportunity to share many moments, and I could tell my colleagues I have learned from her and I consider her a treasure for this country, and on behalf of the people of the 10th District of the State of Ohio I want to say, ``Farewell, Bella. Thank you for serving this Nation.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great American. Tony George is an entrepreneur, a civic leader and a family man who has, over his lifetime, made a deep impression on Cleveland, Ohio. Tony is known around Cleveland for his chain of sports bars, Slam Jams, and his new restaurant, the Harry Buffalo opening on April 6, 1998. All of Cleveland flocks to Tony's restaurants, and he has served host to some of America's luminaries. His fine establishment has been patronized by the Honorable William William J. Clinton and Donna Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Born in Cleveland in 1957 to Arab-American immigrant parents, Tony George is a hardworking, innovative and personable man. His sweet demeanor and generosity spring from deep within him. He is a man who has known adversity and has overcome it. When he was just seventeen, Tony's father passed away, leaving Tony, his five sisters and mother. Tony grew up quickly. He assumed the responsibility of maintaining his father's business. He continued where his father left off to provide for the family. Tony also handled all of the family's finances. He even managed to finish school, graduating from St. Edward's High School. Tony's ability to put family values into effective action made it possible for his sisters to grew up and mature into fine individuals. Tony is raising his own family in Fairview Park, Ohio with his wife, Christine. Their five children are fine young people: Joseph, Bobby, Justin, Krystle, and Jonathon. Tony George is a man who does so much for so many people. Cleveland and all those who know him around the country are fortunate to have such a man among us.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the so-called reform bill has silenced the voice of working people. It would stop them from using the organized power of their representatives, to use the political system for better wages, to obtain more benefits, to achieve better working conditions. This bill is an abridgement of free speech of workers and a violation of their freedom of association. It puts onerous conditions on when unions can represent workers in political matters, all in the name of greater political freedom for workers, saying that they should have the additional consent, that workers should be able to give their consent to their leaders. We know the essence of a union is that people declare an identity of interests right from the very beginning. This bill attacks that principle. It is an attack on unions. It is an attack on workers' rights. It is an attack on workers and the very thing that they labor for. You cannot put the house of labor outside this political process in a democracy. Working people will be watching to see who would dare to take the fruits of their labor, the very taxes which they pay our salaries with, and use that process to silence them and to try to shut them out of the political process.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication celebration of the newly renovated Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (LENSC) in Bay Village, Ohio. In 1996, more than 124,000 people participated in the Center's programs. Students came from Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties, and other visitors represented 30 states and 11 countries. LENSC provides educational programs, wildlife rehabilitation, non-releasable wild animals and exhibits. The Center's goal is to involve individuals of all ages from every background in learning to care for wildlife and the earth in a fun, hands-on way. LENSC recognized the growing need for more educational programs and exhibits and planned a $2.3 million renovation project. The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 4th. Since its founding in the home of Dr. Elberta Wagner Fleming in 1945, LENSC has undergone remarkable changes and growth. This newest renovation added a new classroom designed for preschoolers, an event center, an expanded resource center, a new lobby with a nature art mural, a courtyard, volunteer room and a new conference room. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the accomplishments of the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a leader in the Polish-American community in Cleveland, Ohio, Edward Rybka, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on April 14, 1998. Edward has worked for years to promote understanding between the Catholics and the Jewish in Cleveland. His dedication has earned him the Good Joe award from the Cleveland Society of Poles as well as the Brotherhood Award from Fairmount Temple. Edward is also owner and President of a prosperous real estate agency, Rybka Realty. Edward will celebrate his birthday with a family reunion in Florida with his wife, Irene, son, Robert, daughter Michelle, and his two grandchildren. My fellow colleagues, please join me in wishing a happy birthday to Edward Rybka, a great community leader and family man.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pioneer in ending baseball's color barrier, Larry Doby. His accomplishments in the sport have earned him a spot in Major League Baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame. Doby, the first African-American to play in the American League, joined the Cleveland Indians in 1947. He was instrumental in the Indians' victory in the 1948 World Series, the first for the city in twenty-eight years. Doby led the American League in home runs in 1952 and 1954, hallmarks of a distinguished career in baseball. After leaving baseball on the field, Doby served as a manager for the Chicago White Sox in 1978 and is currently special assistant to American League president Gene Budig. His election to the Hall of Fame in 1998 reflects his life-long contributions to the game of baseball. My fellow colleagues, join me in saluting one of baseball's greats, Larry Doby--a true American hero.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert A. Poole, a man who is dedicated to his family, his country and his community. He was honored on March 28, 1998 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for his leadership in the organization. Robert served in the United States Army from 1968-1970 and was sent to Vietnam with I-Core and the 101st Airborne Division in 1969. He has been active in the VFW since 1979 and is a life member of Andrew A. Bachleda Post 2850 on West 61st Street in Cleveland, Ohio. Robert served as Post Commander twice and also became active in the County Council, serving as Commander from 1989-1990. He has been involved in District Seven and was honored as a five star Cottie Commander and all state Quartermaster. Robert has served on numerous committees and has held countless chairmanships. He is currently Cuyahoga County Council Commander. His wife, Susan, his sons, Robert, Matthew, Brian, and his grandchildren must be proud of the dedication Robert has shown to them and to his community. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing a truly great American.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arlene Ryhter for her continued service to her country and her community. Arlene was recently honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for her leadership in that organization. Arlene first joined the Local Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW in 1966. She worked her way up through the ranks serving on various committees and holding several chairmanships to become President of both the Ladies Auxiliary Bedford Post 1082 and the Cuyahoga County Council. She has also served as a flag bearer and color bearer for District Seven. In addition to her activities at the VFW, Arlene has been active in the Girl Scouts and Brownies and is an honorary Boy Scout Father in the community of Bedford, Ohio. She has also served as President of the Democratic Party in Bedford and continues to work in voting booths. Arlene also volunteers her time at local Senior Citizen Centers and Veterans Hospitals. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing Arlene Ryhter, a model American of whom her family and her community can be proud.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I want to again commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. McIntosh) for the efforts that we have made throughout many long and arduous hearings over this important bill. I regret that we have not been able to come to an agreement, but I still can say that I admire his dedication and his willingness to attempt to craft a mutual agreement, and I look forward to an opportunity to work with him again on another occasion, hopefully something that could reach a mutual conclusion. The amendment that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and I are offering today is consistent with the goals that we have set out for this legislation, to help small business while protecting the health and safety of the public. I want to tell the gentleman from Massachusetts how much I have appreciated his assistance in trying to bring this bill back to a point where it is going to benefit small business and the public. This amendment is also consistent with past action by the Congress on small business issues, issues such as SBREFA which the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) so ably spoke to a moment ago. This amendment would require, and I emphasize the word ``require,'' all agencies to establish specific policies and programs to allow them to eliminate, delay or reduce civil fines for first-time violators of paperwork requirements. In putting together those policies, agencies would be required to take into account a number of factors. Those factors would include, first of all, the seriousness of the violation and whether it involved willful or criminal conduct. Agency policies must include whether the small business is making a good faith effort to comply with applicable laws and correct the violation as quickly as possible. It would also mandate that the agency look at the previous compliance history of the business and whether the small business gained an economic advantage or competitive advantage by its action. Furthermore, the amendment includes a strict time frame for agencies to take these actions. Within 6 months agencies would have to implement these policies and report back to the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. This amendment would ensure that paperwork reduction efforts are truly relevant to the special circumstances of all industries. Agencies would be able to tailor their policies to the unique needs of the statutes that they are responsible to enforce and congressional review of these policies would become a matter of course. Mr. Chairman, in passing this amendment, Congress would be responsive to the concerns raised by the Department of Justice and other Federal agencies. During committee consideration of this bill, we heard testimony from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Transportation, the Securities and Exchange Commission and OSHA. All of these agencies raised serious questions about the impact of H.R. 3310 on drug enforcement, employee protections, drug testing statutes and our ability to ensure that investors have the information they need to make wise decisions. The Department of Justice said that the current language in H.R. 3310, and I quote, could interfere with the war on drugs, hinder efforts to control illegal immigration, undermine food safety protections, hamper programs to protect children and pregnant mothers from lead poisoning and undercut controls on fraud against consumers and the United States. Some examples. Without this amendment, the bill would protect drug traffickers. Law enforcement agencies detect drug trafficking and money laundering using reports filed by businesses. H.R. 3310 would encourage financial institutions to not report cash transactions that are more than $10,000. Without this amendment, this bill would undermine our ability to uncover illegal activity. The Drug Enforcement Administration relies on written reports to ensure that controlled substances are not diverted illegally. H.R. 3310 would encourage pharmacies to not report their distribution of controlled substances. Finally, without our amendment, it would undercut drug testing statutes and public safety. The Department of Transportation requires reports from employers showing that drivers and other safety sensitive employees have passed drug tests. The current language would give an incentive to businesses to avoid reporting. With this amendment, with the Kucinich-Tierney amendment law enforcement officials would continue to have the tools they need to combat illegal drugs, guard the environment and protect the health and safety of our citizens. We will then have legislation that I believe will attract additional bipartisan support and the support of the administration.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. It has been a pleasure to work with both of my colleagues in trying to make this a better bill. This bill that we are considering is the product of intensive bipartisan effort, and I think that since the beginning of our joint work on the bill, we have to realize that we have been focused on 2 goals: first, to help small businesses comply with paperwork requirements so that small business owners can devote more time to creating jobs for our people; and second, to make sure that the health and safety of the public and the integrity of environmental laws, worker protection and consumer protection laws are upheld. I think we are all in agreement that small business is the backbone of our country, that small business creates the vast majority of new jobs, that small business owners work hard to build their communities; that small business needs to spend their time creating jobs, and it is the duty of the Federal Government to streamline paperwork requirements to allow small business to focus on job creation and economic development. We know that most small businesses obey the law. They are good Americans, I salute them, and I agree with both sides of the aisle, I think we are in agreement that we are both for small business. But since the outset of this bill, we knew that the bill would go through improvements as we gain more and more information. I made this very clear in every statement that I made, both public and private, about the bill. In fact, every time that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and I have consulted with agencies about the impact of the bill, we have made changes that have improved the legislation. In turn, after hearing from small business owners recently, we have come up with more improvements in the bill that are consistent with our goals. Based on the results of a hearing last Tuesday, we now have the benefit of the experience of a wide range of executive agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice. All of these agencies, to one extent or the other, have implemented programs to help small businesses comply with their paperwork requirements. At the same time, all of them are required to enforce a number of statutes. Oftentimes the ability of these agencies to protect the public interest depends, depends on the information that they collect through paperwork documents. It has now become clear that one provision of the current draft of the bill, the mandatory waiver of civil fines, would in fact have the unintended consequence of making it more difficult to protect the health and safety of the public, of workers, of consumers, of all of those who are protected by law enforcement officials. That, of course, was never my intent as a cosponsor, and when I heard this testimony from the U.S. Department of Justice, I have to say, Mr. Chairman, it gave me pause, because what the U.S. Department of Justice said was, ``The civil penalty waiver would have adverse effects that I am confident neither you nor any of the bill's other sponsors would intend. As I will describe, this position would interfere with the war on drugs, hinder efforts to control illegal immigration, undermine safety protections, hamper programs to protect children and pregnant mothers from lead poisoning, and undercut controls on fraud against consumers and the United States.'' The Department of Justice said that this result would put law-abiding businesses at an unfair competitive disadvantage, and could endanger the public. They go on to say, and I think it is critical that this be introduced into the Record in this debate, that the existing statutes and policies of the administration, and in particular, the President's memorandum of April 21, 1995, where he asked all agencies to reduce small business reporting requirements and to develop policies to modify or waive penalties for small businesses when a violation is corrected within a time period appropriate to the violation in question, and in addition to that, the Department of Justice's current policies, where they say that the components with regulatory functions provide for the waiver of civil penalties in appropriate circumstances, we have policies right now that respect small business. We need to go further, but the Department of Justice has said about this bill, as it is currently constituted, that we have to recognize that we have statutes and policies appropriate to recognize a good- faith effort to comply with the law, the impact of civil penalties on small businesses and other factors that may appropriately be considered in insisting on civil penalties. This policy compliments ongoing agency efforts specifically designed to help small businesses understand and comply with the law. The Department of Justice says, and I agree, that we must continue our search for effective ways to streamline and simplify reporting and recordkeeping requirements that apply to small businesses. But efforts to streamline reporting need not undermine law enforcement or regulatory safeguards that protect the public from safety, health, or environmental hazards. After hearing this, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and I drafted an amendment which we think will meet the needs of small business for relief, and at the same time provide continued protections for the people of this country with respect to public health, public safety, and the environment. I believe that we have provided an opportunity to produce a bill which can be agreed on, not only on both sides of the aisle, but will get the approval of the administration. But lacking that, we are missing an opportunity to be of service to small business. I want to commend the efforts of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. McIntosh), the chairman, to try to develop a better bill. We are not there just yet, Mr. Chairman, but we can keep trying. We have another hour. I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) for the leadership he has shown on repeatedly insisting on protecting the rights of small business, at the same time regarding our obligation for the safety, the health, and the environment of the people of this country.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I do not think there is anyone in this Chamber who believes other than that most small businesses are law abiding. And the earlier reference that those who are standing up for environmental protections, workplace protections, fighting money laundering, and promoting drug testing somehow believe that small businesses represent a criminal class is fairly ridiculous, and it is unfortunate to have that kind of reference in what has been otherwise an important debate. The problem with the bill is that, and this is a central part that has to be remembered, is the process of agency determination only kicks in if a violation has been discovered, because a business which has failed to file paperwork, that violation may never be discovered. This is a matter of what we do not know may very well hurt us. It is not useless paperwork to require filings that have to do with drug testing, food safety, to avoid stock fraud, to stop money laundering, to promote workplace safety, to promote air passenger safety, to promote a safe environment. I mean, this is part of the responsibility of the government. This is our government, the government of the people; and one of the things we have to do is to promote for the general welfare of the people. That is why we are here. And so the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and I will be offering an amendment which seeks to install in this legislation that essential imperative of our responsibility as government officials. The violations that are discussed here, once they are uncovered, the onus is still on the agency to prove that one of five conditions has been met in order for the business to be fined. This bill would tie the hands of law enforcement in this country, and I urge its rejection.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I want to express my concern about this amendment. I have read the amendment and I understand the concern which is behind it, but I would offer this cautionary note, that States feel very strongly about their prerogatives with respect to oversight and enforcement. States' attorneys general, the attorneys at various district levels, county health officials, are all very much involved in enforcement processes, and as a matter of fact, I think one can argue that in some cases, they are the closest to it. So to amend this law by taking the State out of it, by saying no State may impose a civil penalty on a small business concern, and then it goes on in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection, it takes the power away from the States. I think that we should be very cautious about doing that without having full hearings on this to hear testimony from State officials as to how this could impact their ability to enforce the law. Mr. Chairman, I think there are instances where Congress needs to respect the rights of the States, and certainly this amendment calls into question whether we are really doing that; and for that reason, I have to reluctantly oppose the amendment by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. McIntosh), my good friend.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3246 is a terribly unfair bill, but it is part of a wider assault on the rights of workers to free association. This bill would turn back the clock to a time when employers had absolute power over the lives of workers and their families. It would effectively blacklist people who believe that employees need to band together to pursue their collective interest. This bill would have a huge negative impact on the rights of all working people, making it far more difficult for the NLRB to carry out our Nation's industrial relations laws. This bill would have a devastating impact on our Nation's workers and the building and construction trades. Every day millions of men and women go to work building the roads and bridges, building the high-rise office towers, building the schools that our Nation depends upon. These workers risk their lives every day to build America and to maintain our infrastructure. They work under harsh conditions. They are compelled to move from job to job, from one employer to another, to make a decent living. What keeps these workers productive is the skills that they have received from thousands of joint apprenticeship programs, high-quality programs that are only available to them because of their affiliation with construction unions. It is their union membership and their dedication to training, to education, to quality work which allows them to contribute to our economy. And they are proud to carry their union membership from job to job. This bill would make these hard-working Americans second-class citizens. It would allow employers to fire construction workers, or not hire them in the first place, simply because they have chosen union membership. This is blatantly unfair. It is discriminatory. It is unworthy of the democratic traditions of the Nation. The right to organize, the right to join a union are not simply political rights, they are moral rights essentially to protect liberty and equality and justice.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the opening of the Strongsville Recreation and Senior Center, a state-of-the-art facility with something for everyone in Strongsville, Ohio. After nearly a decade of planning and construction, the 157,000 square foot facility opening this month will provide a variety of health, fitness, leisure, and cultural activities to everyone in the community. The residents of Strongsville expressed their collective need for such a complex when they approved a one-half percent increase in the city income tax in 1993 to fund construction. Now, they no longer have to leave their community to participate in fitness classes, or senior programs. The Complex promises to be a popular place for fitness enthusiasts who will enjoy the swimming pool, gymnasium, cardio-conditioning area and strength training center. Young people from the community can entertain themselves in the game area playing pool, air hockey and video games. Parents will appreciate the child care services offered. Seniors will gather for craft classes, socializing, and the wellness clinic. In short, the health and quality of life for everyone in Strongsville will improve greatly with the opening of this Complex. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing dedication of the residents of Strongsville to building largest Recreation and Senior Complex in Ohio, and in congratulating Strongsville mayor Walter Ehrnfelt and the city council for their contributions to improving the quality of life in their fine city. Recreation, Senior Complex to Benefit Entire Community After nearly a decade of planning, discussions and actual construction, the new Strongsville Recreation and Senior Complex will open this month, providing the community with a state-of-the-art facility with 21st Century amenities for everyone who lives or works full time in the City of Strongsville. The unique 157,000-square-foot facility, which is the largest of its kind in the State of Ohio, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Strongsville by providing a wide variety of leisure and cultural activities, special events, facilities and services that encourage health, fitness, relaxation, enjoyment, cultural enrichment and learning, as well as providing opportunities for community involvement. As Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt points out, the center is family-oriented and offers something for everyone. ``This recreation and senior complex is designed to satisfy the needs of seniors, of young people and of everyone else so that we can all enjoy a greater quality of life within the City of Strongsville,'' the mayor said, adding: ``We do not have to leave our home (community) for physical fitness classes, senior programs, health care services and even a food program. This facility covers the spectrum for all generations in Strongsville now and in the future.'' Planning for the center actually started back in 1989 when a committee of various individuals in the community studied and identified the recreational needs of the city. Committee members and city officials worked with numerous architects and engineering firms with extensive experience in building recreation centers and sports complexes to determine what was needed to make a great recreation/senior facility. The project moved closer to reality in 1993 when the city's voters approved a one-half percent increase in the city income tax. ``City Council financed the complex out of the general fund with money generated from the additional income tax which was provided by businesses through jobs within the city,'' the mayor said. ``We now have the finest recreation/senior facility in the State of Ohio and perhaps in the country for a reasonable charge.'' Membership packages are available at special rates for city residents and for anyone who works full time for a business located in the city. Mayor Ehmfelt said the city is asking for nominal membership fees to offset the cost of operating the facility, which is estimated at $1.8 million per year. In a letter of invitation to the community, the mayor said, ``The completion of the new Strongsville Recreation and Senior Complex brings our residents a facility that compares to no other in the State of Ohio. This facility is another great step for Strongsville's future and continues in providing the very best for all citizens.'' ``Please take the time to visit and become a member and use the facility to the maximum to improve and maintain your health and quality of life. Remember to use the facility. . . . Just for the `Fun of it.' '' Recreation Center Central attraction in the recreation area is the Aquatics Center which features an eight-lane, 25-yard-long competition pool with three diving boards and a bleacher seating area for approximately 500 spectators. Another highlight of the center is the activity pool with zero depth entry, a circular water slide and even a pirate's ship with a water cannon. The aquatics area also has steam and sauna rooms and an 18-person whirlpool. The four-lane indoor track circles the upper level of the recreation area. Thirteen laps are the equivalent of one mile. The main gymnasium has two high school regulation basketball courts and a volleyball area. The auxiliary gym is a utility gymnasium which can be used as one high school regulation basketball court, volleyball, indoor soccer, and tennis. The cardio conditioning area on the upper level is equipped with treadmills, stair steppers, bikes, ski machines, rowing machines, Gravitron and AB trainers. The strength training center on the complex's lowest level offers Nautilus ZST resistance training equipment, plate loading equipment, free weights, and accessories. A popular spot for teens will be the game area on the main level which is equipped with billiard tables, air hockey and foosball machines, video/arcade games and snack, soft drink and juice/water vending machines. The Recreation Center also features two wood floor aerobics and activity studios (1,400-square-foot each), meeting and conference rooms, a tot room for morning and evening child care services and two sets of locker rooms for men and women. The center, which has ten full-time employees and 75 part- time employees, will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Senior Center The spacious Senior Center located at the west end of the complex is designed to promote the physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being of all seniors in the community. A major attraction is the Community Room which has a casual and comfortable atmosphere where people can relax, read a book, watch TV, visit and hold meetings. The back porch off the Community Room is equipped with benches where guests can relax and enjoy the view of the city park. The center also has a woodworking room which will be used for classes and open shop time; a craft room for quilting, knitting, sewing, needlepoint and other projects; two meeting rooms for seminars, lectures and club meetings; an art room for all types of projects, and a wellness clinic which will be operated in partnership with community health care providers. A wide variety of activities will be offered for seniors. Including arts and crafts, line dancing, card games, bingo, physical fitness programs and many types of educational and fun classes. More information on the senior programs can be obtained by calling the center at 238-7111. Cultural Center The Cultural Center on the complex's main floor is a common area which will be shared by users of both the recreation and senior centers. It seats 400 at tables and chairs and has an area of entertainment. The center will be open to the public for breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and for discounted lunches for seniors each weekday at noon. The dining area and many of the other facilities in the recreation/senior center will be available for rental by the public for nominal fees. Grand Opening Everyone in Strongsville is invited to come and join the fun and excitement during the Community Open House Monday, March 16, through Saturday, March 28, and for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies on Sunday, March 29. The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce joins with Mayor Walter F. Ehrnfelt and other city officials in welcoming the opening of this state-of-the-art facility and encourages everyone to join the Strongsville Recreation and Senior Complex . . . Just for the ``Fun of it.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of working people to urge Congress to reject H.R. 3246, a bill to restrict workers from organizing. H.R. 3246 will make it much more difficult for workers to organize other workers for better pay and benefits. It would allow employers to refuse employment to workers on the basis of their outside group affiliations. It would do this by overruling a Supreme Court decision which held that employees who took jobs at nonunion employers to assist other workers to form a union, that those employees could not be fired for disloyalty. H.R. 3246 turns the clock back to the 19th century when workers had few rights. I urge my colleagues to defend the rights of workers. Let us unite to declare, people have a right to a job, a right to decent wages and benefits, a right to safe working places, a right to compensation if they are injured on the job, a right to decent health care, a right to organize, a right to join a union, a right to grieve about working, and a right to participate in the political process. We in Congress have an obligation to protect the rights of working people.