Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the increase for noise abatement programs for communities that are adversely affected by low flying airplane traffic. Last year, the Federal Government spent approximately $143 million, and this year's proposal is to spend $239 million. As airports continue to expand and air traffic continues to increase, it is clear we need to take steps to mitigate the resulting noise problems. Airport noise can ruin neighborhoods by destroying the peace to which people are entitled. With the programs funded in this legislation, families that reside in the busiest flight patterns can receive new doors, acoustic window, wall and ceiling modifications, insulation, air condition and ductwork, and electrical wiring. These benefits can make the difference between a daily experience of frustration and anxiety, or a higher quality of life where people can eat dinner in peace, talk on the telephone uninterrupted, and enjoy the homes for which they have worked so hard. Six communities in my district are in the flight pattern of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. More needs to be done, therefore, it is important for the Federal Government to continue to fund noise abatement programs adequately. I urge my colleagues to support funding for noise abatement programs, and to work with a bipartisan coalition to support the highest funding possible coming out of the House-Senate conference committee.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I wish to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Wolf]. Mr. Chairman, in its committee report, the committee stated clearly its intention that the Coast Guard can, quote, ``do more to lower its operating costs through greater energy conservation,'' unquote. In 1994 the President issued Executive Order 12902, the goal of which was to encourage cost-effective uses of solar energy by all departments in the Government. Mr. Chairman, there are applications for which solar energy is the lowest-cost energy source and is a promising route towards energy savings. Would it not be consistent both with the Executive order and with the energy consciousness of this committee that the Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation and all agencies under its jurisdiction investigate the cost-effective utilization of solar technology to the maximum extent practical?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Louis L. Ferfolia, an accomplished businessman, as well as a devoted husband. This year marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of his Ferfolia funeral homes and of the marriage to his wife. Mr. Ferfolia was born in Cleveland, where he experimented in many fields of business before entering the funeral home business. After graduating from the College of Mortuary Science in 1927, he established his first funeral home on E. 81st Street. He and his family have also operated another funeral home in Sagamore Hills Township for the past 3 years. Mr. Ferfolia was a member in a number of different organizations. He belonged to the Cuyahoga, OH, and national funeral directors and embalmers associations. For over 30 years he was president of the Woodland Hills Businessmen Association. Mr. Ferfolia also belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters, West Side Slovenian Home, Newburgh- Maple Heights Pensioners, St. Monica Catholic Church, St. Monica Golden Agers, and the Martineer's Club. He was a supporter to many men's and women's bowling teams. Mr. Ferfolia was also a member of several Slovenian fraternal organizations including KSKJ, SNPJ, and AMLA. In 1980, he was honored as Maple Heights Slovenian Home Man of the Year. Mr. Ferfolia and his wife, Theresa, were active travelers. Trips were taken to the Amazon River, Europe, and to Florida. Along with his wife, Mr. Ferfolia is survived by his son, Donald of Maple Heights; his sister; 4 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the excellent work being done by the scientists and engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. NASA is an extremely important public agency and its vast array of work including space, science, aeronautics, global environment, and education, benefits the Nation on a number of levels. Under the direction of Administrator Daniel Goldin, current NASA operations are both dynamic and productive. Mr. Goldin has been an agent of positive change and reform. Programs are being carried out faster and cheaper. His dedication to the international space station has promoted an atmosphere in which nations from around the world have been willing to work in partnership. His efforts in seeking the inclusion of the Russian space agency are particularly noteworthy. They demonstrate the impact that the space program can have on international relations, encouraging cooperation toward peace. A United States and Russian joint space program is something that could never have even been dreamed of when cold war divisions were prevalent. The program highlights the mutual interests and mutual benefits of peace shared by our two great nations. Of the many missions which NASA is currently working on, Mars Pathfinder, which landed on July 4, 1997, is the highlight. The mobile geological studies of Mars which are currently being carried out, are extremely innovative and educational. I would like to commend the brilliant scientists and engineers of NASA for the success of this mission. NASA's international space station [ISS], phase I, has sought to collaborate international efforts in order to place into orbit and monitor American astronauts in space. NASA's Mission to Planet Earth [MTPE] and the Earth Observing System [EOS] have provided, and are continuing to provide, key data on the Earth's global climate change. The program, designed by the talented engineers and staff of TRW, headquartered in the Cleveland area, endeavors to evaluate the interaction between the elements and the effects of natural and human-induced changes on the global environment. In the past the program has helped us to understand about the ozone layer and the effects and causes of destructive natural phenomena. At this time there are a number of scientific instruments aboard various spacecraft which are monitoring climatic trends. A driving force behind the success of NASA's missions is the work carried out by the Cleveland based Lewis Research Center [LeRC]. The Mars Pathfinder mission is one in which LeRC has an important role. The geological experiments being carried out by the Sojourner rover on Mars were formulated by LeRC scientists. The Lewis team is also a major participant in microgravity research. The near zero gravity experimentation has been successfully used over 80 times on 30 different missions. Eleven NASA Lewis experiments are part of the microgravity science laboratory aboard the space shuttle. These experiments will be invaluable in providing a bridge between present operations and those operations to be conducted in the near future aboard the ISS. As impressive as all of these programs are, perhaps NASA's biggest achievement lies in the fact that all of the above has been conducted while reducing spending. The Appropriations Committee proposed a fiscal year 1998 budget of $13,648,000,000. As each fiscal year budget passes, projected NASA future spending shrinks. Productivity, however, has been maximized. The Earth Observing System program, for example, was in fiscal year 1991 forecast by NASA to require $17 billion of public funds through the year 2000. In the fiscal year 1996 budget plan this projection had been reduced to $7.2 billion. NASA has managed to achieve more with less. One reason for the NASA success story is the cooperative interaction with commercial institutions and the links forged with their international counterparts. By collaborating with private sector organizations, NASA has been able to restructure certain of its operations while still achieving the desired results. For example, the technology generated by NASA in detecting and tracking tornadoes, has been used by commercial weather stations. Such links have produced a catalyst enabling more research and development to be undertaken. Mr. Speaker, NASA is the unparalleled world leader in space technology, enabling this country to maintain world leadership in science technology and in aeronautics research and in space exploration. I salute the thousands of NASA employees who help to make the program possible.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Federal Government policy has a major impact in the way that employers treat their workers. It is important that Federal policy encourage workers to take the high-skill, high-wage road. For the good of our Nation, employers need to invest in the training benefits and long-term productivity of their workers. But, Mr. Speaker, the independent contractor provision would move our economy in the wrong direction. It would encourage employers to abandon their commitment to their workers by moving them off the payroll. It would strip them of their health care and pension benefits. Employers who abandon their workers would obtain a competitive advantage over socially responsible companies. This is very unfair to the companies that respect their workers and invest in their skills and benefits. That is why business organizations such as the Information Technology Association of America oppose the independent contractor clause. With its 11,000 member companies the ITAA says the independent contractor provision will harm legitimate businesses and result in the growth of businesses with no employee benefits. Mr. Speaker, that is the wrong direction for America. The independent contractor clause needs to be deleted from the final budget bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Mink amendment. Mr. Chairman, the Congress has a duty to provide political leadership in our Nation. We hear a lot of talk these days about States' rights. I was a State Senator in Ohio, and I know about the importance of State government action. But I also know that State officials look very carefully at the policies put forward by the Federal Government. We shirk our duties if we do not convey to the States the issues and the approaches which Congress considers to be important for the unity and economic security of our Nation. Mr. Chairman, the Mink amendment provides an excellent example of the importance of Federal leadership. I have watched the progress of the vocational education bill carefully. I have seen my colleagues insert a special set-aside for rural areas, a provision that has been expanded to rural and urban areas. At the same time, I have seen a set-aside for gender equity programs eliminated from the bill. Need I point out the inconsistency here? Are people somehow more important because they live in a particular rural or urban area? What about the importance of women and girls having the opportunity to enter any and all occupations so they can make the maximum contribution to our economy? Mr. Chairman, for 13 years the Congress has felt that programs for displaced homemakers, for single parents, gender equity programs, were so important in vocational education that we required States to spend a certain percentage of the Federal funds that they received. Is the Congress now saying that this policy was wrong? Mr. Chairman, the Mink amendment is a reasonable and moderate measure to continue Federal Government policy. It would restore the vocational education equity coordinator. It would require that localities that now have gender equity programs continue those programs. If this amendment is defeated, it will send a clear signal to the States. It will signal that the rights of women and girls are not important when it comes to vocational education programs. It will lead to the elimination of dozens of very successful programs that have helped thousands of single parents and displaced homemakers. It will harm the ability of women to move into nontraditional jobs, the sort of high skill-high wage jobs that allow them to move out of the pink collar ghetto. I commend my colleagues who have exercised the commitment and determination to keep these programs alive for the benefit of all students, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in supporting the Mink amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield to my colleague, the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Woolsey].

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, the independent contractor provision in the Revenue Reconciliation Act will do great damage to employer relations in our country. Millions of Americans would lose health care coverage and pension benefits. Working women would suffer the most. For women, being an independent contractor means much lower wages than male employees in similar jobs. What about health care and pensions? Only 2 percent of women independent contractors have health care and pensions paid by their employers. Women also would lose critical employment protections. Independent contractors are not covered by equal employment opportunity laws. They do not receive family and medical leave. Some employers have misclassified janitors and garment workers to evade minimum wage and overtime laws affecting many low-wage workers who are women. Working women have fought hard to win equal employment opportunity, fair wages, and economic security. The independent contractor provision would be a disaster for them and their families. That is why a coalition of 130 women's organizations is against this measure. Finally, Madam Speaker, the bipartisan budget bill is the wrong vehicle to carry this issue. As my colleague from Connecticut, [Mrs. Johnson] pointed out in a letter to the Speaker of the House, Congress needs to protect working women and to delete this clause from the budget bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, our country is going through a major transition in employment relations. The temporary help industry is exploding. Workers can no longer count on working for the same employer for their entire lives. Now is the time for Federal policy to promote a high-wage/high-skill economy which values workers and encourages employers to invest in the skills and long-term productivity of working people. But the independent contractor provision in the Revenue Reconciliation Act would reclassify and misclassify American working people as independent contractors without wage and benefit guarantees, without unemployment or worker's compensation, without prevailing wage, minimum wage, without protections or equal employment protections. It would reduce American workers. The last time we had a system like the independent contractor provision, we had an America that was filled with company stores. We are not going back to that era. We have to value American workers, invest in them, and give them an opportunity to support their families with decent wages and to have decent benefits.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to recognize the good work of a local organization in my congressional district, the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, and the contribution they have made to one of our Nation's memorials. Included in this bill are funds for the National Park Service, which oversees our national memorials, including the Korean War Veterans' Memorial here in Washington, DC. The Cleveland Chapter of the KWVA has an active membership and its leadership includes Mr. Joe Shearer, who serves as second vice president. Recently, Mr. Shearer brought to my attention and to the attention of Senator Glenn and others in the Ohio congressional delegation the troubling story of the condition of the Korean War Veterans' Memorial. Apparently the memorial was in a state of disrepair due to problems associated with poor construction and engineering. In true American ``can-do'' spirit, Mr. Shearer and some of his fellow veterans drove to Washington, DC, to personally inform me of this situation. Letters were sent to the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service expressing concerns about the memorial. Due to the efforts of Mr. Shearer and other veterans, I have been assured by the National Park Service that repairs are currently underway and adequate funds needed to repair the Korean War Memorial have been made available. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a tribute to those who served in ``the forgotten war.'' Our Korean war veterans deserve our utmost respect and deserve a memorial in which they can be proud. I applaud Mr. Shearer and his colleague's efforts in helping to memorialize the sacrifice that was made by our Korean war veterans. I am proud to stand in salute of a veteran who continues to honor the memories of those soldiers who gave their lives in the Korean war.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I am a firm believer in good science and common sense, and I am also a firm believer in believing my eyes and what I see and what I breathe. People across this country today are fully aware of the consequences of the ozone problems. Just go outside across this country. Temperatures over 100, in the 90's, in the 80's. People are experiencing trouble breathing. This is not just my opinion. On the front page of USA Today, ``Breathing No Fun In The Ozone,'' and it has a picture of, of all places Washington, our Nation's Capital, as seen through a haze of smog. The Capitol barely shows through the ozone haze in Washington, DC. The American people understand. There is a serious problem with smog in this country, and the American people appreciate the work that the EPA has done in addressing the pollution issues. We are talking about a practical matter here. How many of us today will walk through the tunnels instead of going outside because of the oppressive quality of the air? We are experiencing this. We have to consider the reality of what we are faced with rather than abstract ideas about what the effect of this law may have in the future, when we know right now we need strong air quality standards in order to protect the health of the American people. Do not take my word for it. Just go outside and take a breath of air. In trying to clear the air here today on behalf of those who are concerned about the EPA regulations, I also offer for submission into the Record the USA Today's article where they talk about ozone danger, ``What You Can't See Can Hurt You.'' Listen to what they describe as some of the problems of dangerous ozone levels, particularly in connection with these very high temperatures, soaring smog levels and stagnant high- pressure systems. They talk about ground level ozone, and it is the main ingredient in urban smog. Naturally occurring ozone in the upper atmosphere protects life by filtering the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and ground level ozone is produced by vehicle or industrial emissions combining with sunlight and high heat during times of little or no wind. And they have some of the effects and the health hazards. For example, and people know this, anyone who has experienced the problem of air pollution knows that we can get headaches from it, can irritate our eyes, nasal discharge, shortness of breath, lung damage, sore throat. These are all factors which the EPA actually took into account when they drew up the standards. They did it to protect the American people. The health hazards, high concentrations of ozone can cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Ozone can increase asthma and allergy problems and susceptibility to lung infections. Ozone damage to lungs can continue days after exposure has ended. Mr. Chairman, people know this from their own experience. This is why the EPA has stepped forward. USA Today goes on to talk about who are the most vulnerable people. Mr. Chairman, we know. We know people in our family are vulnerable to it. They say the most likely to suffer ozone pollution effects are people with lung diseases, the elderly, children, and healthy adults who exercise outside. Children are especially vulnerable because they often play outside and in muggy heat, breathe more rapidly and inhale more air pollution. Mr. Chairman, is it any wonder then that according to a recent poll an overwhelming 84 percent of voters believe that the current levels of air pollution are dangerous and pose a threat to the health of senior citizens, children, and others? People just have to look outside, and that is why they agree. Now when informed the EPA is putting in place stricter air quality standards that would strengthen regulations on particulate pollution and ground level ozone, 70 percent of Americans favor those standards. Fully two-thirds of the voters agree with scientists from EPA and the American Lung Association that the best available science indicates the current levels of air pollution can create serious health problems. That is current levels. Now we need to have standards in place over the next decade so that we can protect many more Americans from experiencing the adverse effects of increase in ozone and particulate matter. Two-thirds of the people agree with statements that certain businesses have tried for decades to scare people by saying that environmental regulations will hurt the economy and will cost jobs. But the regulations always ended up costing less when businesses have made a profit.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Juvenile Crime Control and Deliquency Act of 1997, a bill that comprehensively addresses the rise in youth-related violence. I am pleased to join the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Riggs of California, as an original cosponsor of this measure. The result of bipartisan efforts, H.R. 1818 is a balanced bill that combines firm efforts to hold youths accountable for theie actions, while promoting measures that work toward the prevention of juvenile delinquency. The combination of accountability measures and promising new prevention programs is, in my view, the proper approach to take. As juvenile crime has increased throughout communities across the Nation, including some of the communities in my congressional district, it is the emphasis on prevention that will truly reduce the number of youths who commit acts of violence. In this way, H.R. 1818 puts forth measures that genuinely address the social and economic root causes of youth crime. H.R. 1818 assists State and local governments by providing them with the resources and the flexibility to effectively face the challenge of youth crime through the development of programs for runaway and homeless youth, as well as programs for the recovery of missing and exploited children. However, while it is important to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth before they become involved with the criminal justice system, it is also essential to address the needs of those juveniles already in the system. Mr. Speaker, this bill places the responsibility for developing intervention programs on local communities. The potential for innovatible community based programs for rehabilitation of youth, as provided by this bill, is critical to the prevention and control of juvenile crime. These programs include treatment for victims of child abuse, mentoring services, youth clubs, recreation, peer counseling and teaching, educational programs, as well as job training and employment, in addition to numerous other anticrime related services. Intervention programs for at-risk youth have been proven in several studies to be cost-effective in reducing crime rates. They clearly reduce crime and save taxpayers' money. That, Mr. Speaker, should be the bottom line for this reauthorization legislation; reduce crime and save taxpayers' money.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, at this hour the ailing Russian astronaut Tsibliyev is aboard the Mir space station awaiting help in outer space to see if an American astronaut, Michael Foale, can take charge to make critical repairs to the space station. As often happens in the universe, the drama in the sky above mirrors that on the Earth below, because we are faced with the possible elimination of $100 million in the fiscal year 1998 appropriations for NASA's Russian Program assurance activities. This $100 million is needed to continue NASA's contingency against Russian delay in the delivery of the International Space Station service module. The majority of these funds will be spent in the United States to develop and modify hardware needed to ensure that the International Space Station will be built on time. The elimination of these funds would put the program at risk and delay the critical research that is being planned for the space station. Mr. Chairman, NASA has made significant progress towards the on-orbit assembly of this unique international research facility. The $100 million allows NASA to fulfill a mandate that has been emphasized by Congress, the importance of contingency planning to prepare the United States to deal with delays in Russian hardware for the space station. The day is near when the International Space Station, the product of an international partnership between the United States and 13 other countries, will begin to be assembled in orbit around the Earth. When it is completed soon after the turn of the century, it will serve as a world class laboratory for microgravity research. Mr. Chairman, the International Space Station represents the future of aerospace technology, medical research, international cooperation, and space travel. The continued support of this orbiting laboratory is critical. We wish the Russian astronaut well and Godspeed, and we wish our American astronaut good luck as he faces this critical moment. We are with him, and I hope that we will support the continuation of the International Space Station.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise with great concern about the United States' efforts in the space station program, not agreeing with my colleague from Indiana who so eloquently stated the achievements of the space program, but specifically stating that the United States has made a very strong commitment in elevating the vision of this Nation and the potential of this Nation in building a space station, in paving the way for international cooperation, which would have been undreamed of in those fiercest days of the cold war; and that the space station presents not just a bridge to outer space but a bridge across the oceans for cooperation and for peace in our time and for the future. The very thought of people being up in outer space working together shows certainly what the manifest possibilities here are on earth. And any efforts to try to change that program, any effort to try to lessen the resources that program needs to be successful inadvertently attacks the underpinnings of this great effort that has been made to try to achieve peace. It is the cooperation of the United States and Russia in space which has shown the world that great powers can work together. How can we put a dollar value on that? We must in the program and we have. And I submit that the benefits of the space station have not only been certainly for the private sector programs, which are looking for that public-private partnership that enables the growth of many industries, but even more importantly than that, the benefit of that station has been to enable this country to achieve peace that we would not have been able to dream of.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Senate's recent vote to raise Medicare's eligibility age from 65 to 67. Millions of seniors know they are being pushed toward an early retirement. If this provision were accepted today, 4 million seniors would no longer be eligible for Medicare and 200,000 would have no insurance at all. This ill-advised change will create gaps in health care coverage, gaps which could be covered only by expensive private insurance, which would further jeopardize seniors' retirement security or force seniors to forgo needed health care. The number of uninsured seniors would soon rise to almost 2 million. Ultimately American families will be called upon to sacrifice the health of their parents or grandparents. That is where the real intragenerational financial challenge will be faced, in family budgets. Such hasty changes in Medicare will reduce public confidence in a program which has provided solid health care and security for tens of millions of Americans. We should protect Medicare, not weaken it with a proposal to increase the Medicare eligible age.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the Revenue Reconciliation Act contains a very destructive provision that would destroy employment relations in our country and eliminate key economic benefits essential to working families. I am speaking of the independent contractors proliferation clause. This provision would reward employers for reclassifying their employees as independent contractors. It would let employers avoid paying Social Security taxes and overtime pay. Workers who are classified as independent contractors would lose health insurance, lose jointly- funded pensions, lose family medical leave, lose workers' compensation and lose unemployment benefits. Millions of American workers would be exploited and an American tradition of respect for workers would be lost as well. This radical change in worker classification will enable the companies which can reassign workers to independent contractor status a competitive advantage over socially responsible companies. This will reduce American workers, rob them of their benefits, harm the American family and steal from the U.S. Treasury. It is financially and morally bankrupt and it should be defeated.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Philip Plantner of North Olmsted, OH, who will be honored on August 10, 1997 for his attainment of Eagle Scout. The attainment of Eagle Scout is a high and rare honor requiring years of dedication to self-improvement, hard work and the community. Each Eagle Scout must earn 21 merit badges, 12 of which are required, including badges in: Lifesaving; First Aid; Citizenship in the Community; Citizenship in the Nation; Citizenship in the World; Personal Management of Time and Money; Family Life; Environmental Science; and, Camping. In addition to acquiring and proving proficiency in those and other skills, an Eagle Scout must hold leadership positions within the troop where he learns to earn the respect and hear the criticism of those he leads. The Eagle Scout must live by the Scouting Law, which holds that he must be: trustworthy, loyal, brave, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, clean, and reverent. And the Eagle Scout must complete an Eagle Project, which he must plan, finance and evaluate on his own. It is no wonder that only 2 percent of all boys entering scouting achieve this rank. My fellow colleagues, let us recognize and praise Philip for his achievement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate my city, Cleveland, OH, for its outstanding debut as America's All-Star city last night when the American League beat the National League 3 to 1 at Cleveland's Jacobs Field. The All-Star victory was brought about through a dramatic two-run home run by Cleveland Indian Sandy Alomar, who was named the game's most valuable player. The midsummer night's classic showed Cleveland at its best, an All-Star city, a still-shining new Jacobs Field, the most enthusiastic fans anywhere, a first-rate, first-place team, the most valuable players. When Sandy Alomar hit a home run to win the All-Star Game, he showed that Cleveland hits a home run every time it steps up to the plate nationally. Baseball, what a sport. The All-Star Game, what a game. Cleveland, what a city.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Father John Protopapas on his retirement from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, OH, after 30 years of service, guidance, and friendship. John Protopapas was born in the village of Pano-Zodnia, Cyprus in 1927. His grandfather was the Protopresbyter of his village, and his father was the psalti. Following family tradition, John Protopapas was destined to serve the church. In 1949, an uncle sponsored him to enter the United States. He enrolled in the Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary in Brookline, MA. After graduating in 1952, he attended Andover Newton Theological School earning the degrees of bachelor of divinity and master of sacred theology, majoring in pastoral clinical psychology. In June 1955, he married Catherine Lianides and was ordained. The couple spent 10 years in Bangor, ME, at St. George Church. During this time, their three children, Christopher James, Paula Joanne, and Mira Lynn, were born. After brief assignments to the Holy Dormition Church in Oakmont-Verona, PA, and Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Alliquippa, PA, Father Protopapas was assigned to Cleveland's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on July 15, 1967. The community has enjoyed his selfless leadership in spirituality, education, and culture ever since. Father Protopapas is a prominent humanitarian. As a result of his sponsorship, several patients from Greece have traveled to local hospitals to receive open-heart surgery. He was appointed honorary mayor of Cleveland in 1989 for his important work in the progress of the city. Among the many other honors he has received throughout his life, Father Protopapas currently holds the positions of member of the Diocesan Council, chairman of the Diocesan Greek Education Committee, and chairman and secretary of the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court in Ohio. When he is not working to enhance the spiritual, cultural, and civic life of the community, Father Protopapas is an avid gardener. His plants and flowers, as well as his parishioners and the community as a whole, have certainly flourished under his care. My fellow colleagues, please join me recognizing the lifetime achievements of Father John Protopapas as his friends and family celebrate his prestigious career on July 26, 1997.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Andrew J. Kocerka, a union man, a family man, and a great American from Cleveland, OH. Mr. Kocerka devoted his life to the cause of the common person. He spent much of his life defending working people. His commitment to the plight of ordinary individuals is reflected in his dedication to the United Auto Workers, of which he became president of local no. 1045. He will be much loved and remembered by the members of that organization. Mr. Kocerka is survived by sister Helen Skvarch, and brothers Jack and George, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Golden Agers of SS. Cyril and Methodious Church in Lakewood, OH on the 25th anniversary of their senior group on July 13, 1997. The Golden Agers were formed in July 1972 by Father Humensky and Abbott Theodore Kojis for seniors of the parish. Approximately 59 members of the church attended the first meeting at which Lucy Misencik was appointed the first president of the Golden Agers by Father Humensky. Lucy served as president for 2 years until her death in 1974. At this time Helen and John Kolesar were appointed copresidents. By 1975 there were 270 members of the Golden Agers. Marie Vaxman was appointed president of the organization in 1980 by Father Onderjka, the current priest of the parish. Marie presided over the organization until 1990. During this time card parties were instituted to defray expenses for pilgrimages and other trips taken by members. After Vaxman's term, Mary Jacko served as president until 1992, at which time Lenore Steve filled the position. Clara Zbin took over the duties of head of the organization until February 1996. Irene Tomcik is the current president of the Golden Agers. Members of this nonprofit organization enjoy social get-togethers on the third Wednesday of each month. My fellow colleagues, please assist me in extending congratulations to the Golden Agers of SS. Cyril and Methodious Church on the 25th anniversary of their valuable organization.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of the Very Rev. Hankavich who was the pastor of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH for 37 years. Very Rev. Hankavich graduated from St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Seminary in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and was ordained in 1950. Hew was first assigned as pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church in North Hampton, PA, where he remained until his transfer to St. Vladimir 10 years later. He also served as dean of the Penn-Ohio Deanery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne; daughters, Mary Ann O'Neill, of Baltimore and Donna Kominko of Independence; five grandchildren; and a brother. His lifetime of accomplishments are evident in his loving family, his parish and the community as a whole. He will be greatly missed by the parishioners of St. Vladimir and by all who knew him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eddie Blazonczyk, whose name is synonymous with polka music. Eddie Blazonczyk is an innovator, composer, band leader, and virtuoso. Eddie's innovation has been in combining his Polish polka roots with `50's rock'n roll, Cajun flavor, and country flair. The sound, known as Chicago hop or hop style, has reached new audiences around the country. Eddie has recorded 47 albums since he got his start in 1963. In 1986, Eddie won a Grammy award for his album, ``Another Polka Celebration.'' Ten other albums have been nominated for Grammy awards. Eddie and his band, the Versatones, have played all over the country. The founding Versatones were: Chet Kowalski and Jerry Chocholek on trumpet, Bob Sendra on drums, Ricj Sendra on accordion, and Jim Bagrowski on clarinet and sax. Mr. Speaker, Eddie Blazonczyk is a giant among musicians and an ambassador to the world. As Eddie says, ``you don't have to be Polish-American, Slovenian-American, Ukranian-American, or German-American. All you've gotta do is have ears!''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Philippine American Society of Ohio [PASO] as the group inaugurates the PASO Cultural and Civic Center on June 29, 1997. PASO was founded in 1967 with the purpose of uniting all Filipinos in the Cleveland area. The handful of pioneers has grown over the past 30 years into a solid organization which embraces cultural, civic, social, and humanitarian programs. Since World War II, Filipinos, mostly professionals, emigrated to America in the thousands. The Filipino population in the Cleveland area is estimated to be close to 3,000 families. The rich traditions of Philippine culture in Cleveland continue to flourish with the help of PASO. In 1985, PASO purchased a 4.9 acre piece of land on which these visionaries hoped to build a Cultural Center. On June 29, after many years of hard work and fundraising, the organization will celebrate the groundbreaking for its Cultural and Civic Center in Parma, OH. With the completion of the Cultural Center, PASO will be able to hold more events and activities in order to better accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization. My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring PASO in its efforts to keep the Philippine culture alive in Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of the 1997-98 NASA Administrator's Fellows of Cleveland, OH. Four NASA employees of the Lewis Research Center; Maria E. Perez- Davis, Jon C. Goldsby, Yolanda R. Hicks, and Mark D. Kankam have received this award. They plan to teach and conduct research at various universities for a period of 6 months to 2 academic years. Their knowledge of NASA programs and real world experience will assist them in the teaching process. The Fellowship Program is designed to enhance the development of science, mathematics, and engineering faculty at historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and tribal colleges. Let us join NASA in acknowledging the efforts and accomplishments of Maria E. Perez-Davis, Jon C. Goldsby, Yolanda R. Hicks, and Mark D. Kankam.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Father Ibrahim of St. Elias Church in Cleveland, OH, on the 10th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. Father Ibrahim was born in a small village in South Lebanon. There, he attended school and entered the Seminary of Saint Savior of the Basilian Salvatorian Order. He took his first religious vows in 1980, then moved to Jiita to start his college education. In 1984, he was sent to Rome to continue studying philosophy and theology. On November 3, 1985, he took his perpetual vows. After returning to Lebanon to receive his deaconal ordination on July 9, 1987, and his ordination to the priesthood on July 18, 1987, he continued his studies in Rome, specializing in moral theology. Father Ibrahim overcame the obstacles of war and worked to educate future priests in Lebanon for 2 years as the director of the seminary of his order. In 1991, he was assigned as pastor of St. Elias Church in Cleveland, OH. Since his arrival, he has been appointed protopresbyter for the midwest region for the Diocese of Newton and was awarded the Interfaith Commission Award by Bishop Anthony Pilla. My fellow colleagues, please join me in recognizing Father Ibrahim in his efforts to promote Christian unity and interreligious dialog. The parishioners of St. Elias and the city of Cleveland are lucky to have such a positive and dynamic force in their midst.