Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Is this the best we can do: mandating private insurance, forcing people to buy private insurance policies or pay a penalty, guaranteeing at least $50 billion in new business for the insurance companies? Is this the best we can do: government negotiates rates which will drive up insurance costs, but the government won't negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies which will drive up pharmaceutical costs? Is this the best we can do: only 3 percent of Americans will go to a new public plan while currently 33 percent of Americans are either uninsured or underinsured? Is this the best we can do: eliminating the State single-payer option while forcing most people to have to buy private insurance? If this is the best we can do, then our best isn't good enough and we have to ask some hard questions about our political system, such as: Health care or insurance care? Government of the people or government by the corporations?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, health care is a basic right in a democracy and a moral responsibility of our government consistent with the preamble and the Constitution itself; yet we are being told that it's not possible to have the kind of single-payer health system which every industrialized democracy in the world has. We compromised single-payer with a public option. We're being asked to compromise a public option with negotiated rates. In conference, we'll be asked to compromise negotiated rates with a trigger. In all of this, in each and every step, the insurance companies win. They get $900 billion in new taxpayer subsidies. They get to raise their premiums, increase their copays and their deductibles, while the public is forced to pay for private insurance, and the insurance companies win big. If this is the best we can do, then it's time to ask ourselves whether the two-party system is truly capable of representing the American people or whether it's become so compromised by special interests that it can't even protect the health of our own people. This is a moment of truth for the Democratic Party in particular. Will we stand for the people or for the insurance companies? Will we have a true public option or will we be co-opted?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of defending the human rights of everyone throughout the world. The United States must seek to uphold and protect human rights here at home as well as abroad. I stand in solidarity with the people of the Baha'i faith and all faiths that endure persecution based on their religious beliefs. As such, I strongly support the stated intention of this resolution. As we aim a critical eye to the Iranian government's human rights violations, we can only do so with credibility if we turn the critical eye on our own country. For example, institutionalized discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation persists throughout the U.S. All human beings deserve security and equal protection under the law. Furthermore, supporting the Baha'i faith by condemning Iran is antithetical to principles that are central to the Baha'i faith. The Baha'i teachings are built on the values of peace and unification. Condemnation, or the act of placing blame, separates and antagonizes. Condemnation of Iran with intent to rattle the sabers of war would not be something I support; nor do I believe it would be supported by those of the Baha'i faith. In the spirit of honoring the Baha'i faith we, should work to end persecution. Rather than condemning Iran in order to forward an aggressive agenda, this body would do better to support the efforts of the Administration to engage Iran in high-level diplomatic negotiations. Engaging Iran diplomatically honors the spirit of unity that is central to the Baha'i faith and brings us closer to peace. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gentlelady. I want to join my colleagues in expressing condolences to those who were killed in connection with the attack on the United Nations World Food Program in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is so important that the world community rally behind this program and other programs like it that are really aimed at providing the kind of social service that is so urgently required in areas around the world that are economically depressed, and that is, to feed the hungry. If we make a concerted effort in feeding the hungry, there's less of a chance that we're going to be looking at the kind of social conflagration that has affected nations around the world. This program in Pakistan is urgently needed. Those who risk their lives to deliver it should be remembered now, and we should stand by them and their families in their moment of grief. But we also have a responsibility to continue to take a stand against hunger. And wherever an effort is made to try to knock those out who are trying to serve the public, we stand behind those who serve, and we stand behind our moral obligation to feed the hungry of the world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. All across the Nation, people are watching this Capitol to see if we are going to have the ability and the courage to stand up to the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies who have had a stranglehold on our politics. There is a reason why 47 million Americans are uninsured. It's because they cannot afford the rates that the insurance companies charge. There is a reason why 50 million Americans are underinsured. It's because the copays and the deductibles are so high they're driving people to the poorhouse. This is not just simply a matter of the health of our Nation and the health of our people, it's a matter of our economy and the economic well-being of the American family. Congress rightfully should be debating a single payer plan right now, which shuts the insurance companies out of this grab that they've had here for years, but we're not going to do that. The best we can do and the least we can do is at least have a public option so that people have some faith that there is some bargaining agent in there to knock down the cost of insurance. It's time we stood up for the American people and challenge these insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I join my colleagues in celebrating the amazing life and accomplishments of Mahatma Gandhi. Through his fearless leadership in promoting civil rights and justice for the people of India, he demonstrated the power of non-violent civil disobedience to effect change. He has contributed immeasurably to the legacy of peace. While I wholeheartedly support this resolution, the best way for this body to recognize Gandhi's accomplishments is to stop funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stability in Iraq and Afghanistan cannot be achieved as long as war and occupation are the tools with which we purport to build peace. When the U.S. kills innocent civilians and destroys families, homes and communities, the results often incite fear and rage. After more than 8 years of war in Afghanistan and more than 6 years of war in Iraq it is clear that lasting peace and stability cannot emerge from such beginnings. Rather, stability is best fomented through the seeds of peace such as upholding human rights, promoting social and economic justice, and ensuring education, employment and access to basic goods and services. Regrettably, the billions of dollars of funding that this body has dedicated to the wars have devastated Iraq and Afghanistan. If this body wants to see peace and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. must stop engaging in policies of aggression. I strongly support this bill, the powerful accomplishments of the great Mahatma Gandhi, and urge my colleagues to honor his vision.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution. Tropical Storm Katsana caused horrible suffering to the people of the Philippines and wreaked havoc on their communities. Just six days later, Typhoon Parma brought additional death and destruction to the region. I extend my deepest sympathies to those who have lost friends and loved ones in these natural disasters. My thoughts and prayers are with them. On October 2nd I sent a letter to President Obama regarding the devastation in the Philippines caused by Katsana. I urged swift action to provide aid to the already devastated region especially in light of the proximity of Typhoon Parma. I would like to submit this letter for the record, as well as a letter from the UN General Assembly in response to my request. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, October, 2, 2009. Hon. Barack Obama, President of the United States, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. President: I write to request your immediate assistance and intervention in speeding humanitarian aid to the people of the Philippines who are suffering from the effects of Tropical Storm Katsana. As you know, Tropical Storm Katsana hit Manila and rest of the Philippines on September 26, 2009, causing a disaster. I have just spoken by teleconference with an Akron, Ohio businessman, Mathew Freeman, who is currently in Manila. Mr. Freeman, through the cooperation of Channel 5 in Cleveland, has shared with me a gripping personal account of the situation on the ground in Manila: there is no evidence of any aid reaching the people. Survivors are without shelter, food and water as another series of storms are quickly approaching. I understand that the Department of Defense is providing assistance with logistics in the region and that today a relief flight delivered aid for 20,000 affected individuals. I further understand that the U.S. has committed an additional $1 million of aid money to the region, which I applaud. Nevertheless, first hand accounts indicate that additional efforts to expedite humanitarian aid must be made and made immediately. The situation is desperate and countless lives are at risk. As such, I urge you to accelerate delivery of additional humanitarian aid to the region. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, Dennis J. Kucinich, Member of Congress.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of William J. ``Bill'' McCarthy, a U.S. Navy Veteran who was devoted to his family and friends. His leadership and work on behalf of the American laborer continues to strengthen and protect workers' rights throughout the Cleveland community. Mr. McCarthy was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he later raised his own family. In 1956, he met and married the late Margaret J. Pawlak. Together they had four children: Marge, Kelly, William and Kevin. Their children, ten grandchildren and great-granddaughter were the most important part of their lives. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. McCarthy began working as a meter reader with East Ohio Gas Company. He quickly ascended the union ranks to become one of the most powerful and effective labor leaders in Cleveland. He represented thousands of workers at East Ohio Gas, and led numerous strikes that won significant concessions in wages, benefits and safety improvements for workers. He was known for never giving up or backing down from what he believed was just and right. Mr. McCarthy's work on labor issues extended throughout Northeast Ohio, where he forged strong bonds with labor leaders, elected officials and workers. He served as Chairman of the AFL-CIO, President of the Ohio Joint Council of the Service Employees International Union, vice-president of Union Eye Care and as a board member with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of William J. ``Bill'' McCarthy, who had an unwavering devotion to his family and country, and whose work on behalf of workers' rights will continue to reinforce the labor foundation of the Cleveland community. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. McCarthy's daughters: Marge and Kelly; his sons, William J. Jr. and Kevin; his ten grandchildren; his great-granddaughter; and his sister, Noreen.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, for many years, I have advocated for high- level, diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran without preconditions. Under the previous administration I was compelled to do so with fervor due to the use of reckless saber rattling that accomplished nothing save for heightened tensions between our two nations. I opposed this bill because I do not believe that additional economic sanctions at this time support U.S. actions to engage Iran diplomatically. Furthermore, it sends a mixed message: On one hand, the U.S. President wishes to engage in diplomacy. On the other hand, the U.S. Congress is punishing Iran during diplomatic engagement. During my time in Congress, I have called for the kind of diplomatic dialogue that the U.S. and Iran engaged in for the first time in three decades on October 1st, 2009. These negotiations brought together not just Iran and the U.S. but France, Great Britain, Russia, China and Germany. The talks proved a successful beginning to reinstating U.S. diplomatic ties with Iran. The two countries now have a foundation from which we can build. This must be nurtured so that mutual understanding and opportunities for collective action can be had on even the most difficult issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, Iraq and the protection of human rights. Additional economic sanctions only serve to threaten further engagement. I question the wisdom of bringing a sanctions bill before this body when, after 30 years of isolationism and antagonism, the Obama Administration is finally beginning a new path forward with respect to diplomatic engagement to bring Iran into the international community in a way that promotes international security. In the past, sanctions have had little impact on influencing the behavior and decisions of the Iranian government who have managed to remain insulated from the intended effects of sanctions. Instead it has been the people of Iran who bear the brunt of the impact. I do not think it is the intention of this body to punish the Iranian people; particularly in light of their bravery following the elections of June 12th. It is clear that the people of Iran desire change and are willing to endure that which is necessary to achieve it through peaceful means. We must support their actions by doing all that we can to ensure their voices are heard rather than passing legislation that is intended to cause further harm to their economy. Passage of this bill fails to recognize the sensitivity and importance of the dialogue that was begun on October 1st. And it fails to support the bravery of the Iranian people who will be the ones to feel the impact of the legislation. I oppose the legislation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Richard C. Shadyac Sr. who served on the Board of Directors and Governors of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) for more than forty years. Mr. Shadyac had a true passion and devotion to the children and families that fight catastrophic pediatric diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Mr. Shadyac began his illustrious and influential career as a member of ALSAC and of St. Jude Hospital Boards of Directors and Governors in 1963. He also served as ALSAC's general counsel. In 1992, after the passing of Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Mr. Shadyac became the CEO of ALSAC. Upon taking on his new leadership role, Mr. Shadyac worked tirelessly to continue the legacy and dream of his friend, Danny Thomas who said, ``No child should die in the dawn of life.'' Mr. Shadyac served as the CEO until his retirement in 2005. During the 13 years he led ALSAC, public funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital quadrupled. By 2005, ALSAC had become the third largest health-care charity in the U.S. and is currently the second largest. During Mr. Shadyac's tenure, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was also able to undergo a $1 billion expansion that strengthened the hospital's capacity to focus on patient and family care and to conduct research for children with catastrophic diseases. His compassion and dedication to provide free care for the children and families who seek treatment was immeasurable and the driving force of his work. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Richard Shadyac Sr. who spent years of his life working on behalf of the countless sick and struggling children who come to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to fight, treat and care for what are often life threatening illnesses. It is clear that without his dedication and hard work, the triumphs in research, treatment and patient and family care that the hospital provides would not be possible. Mr. Shadyac will be missed by those whose lives were in some way touched by him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I have been a strong supporter of the friendship between the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the United States, and I have supported efforts to strengthen the bonds between the countries as well as efforts that address our mutual security interests. The current economic situation is the primary challenge to achieving these mutual goals. Unfortunately, the economy of Pakistan is under considerable stress right now. The value of the rupee is at a historical low relative to the dollar, and international reserves have declined by $7 billion-- more than half--in one year's time. Additionally, the current inflation rate is 25 percent and consumer prices are the highest they have been in over 30 years. The U.S. wishes to disrupt and dismantle the existence of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan to bring stability and peace to the region. As such, it is important to examine the root cause of terrorism, desperation. This desperation is best addressed by ensuring that U.S. foreign policy promotes worldwide economic stability. We must lay the foundation of human security and capacity building which includes ensuring educational opportunities, economic and social justice, and physical and mental health care for everyone. As such, I have not supported the current plans by the Administration to provide military training and defense articles to Pakistan. The foundation of a peaceful society is rooted not in military might, but by ensuring that people's basic needs are met. This is the key component to achieve human security. In Pakistan, where approximately two-thirds of the people of Pakistan are living on less than $2 a day, there is much that must be done to ensure that this key component to human security is achieved. Additionally, I have vociferously opposed U.S. drone attacks on Pakistan. These attacks cause devastation to the innocent civilian population. I understand the opposition to the drone attacks by the government of Pakistan. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to address this issue and pursue a dialog with Special Envoy Holbrook. Some have proposed establishing free trade agreements with Pakistan. The current U.S. model for free trade is flawed. For example, labor and environmental protections are inadequate. With the current lack of stability in Pakistan it is difficult to imagine that these protections could be assured.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Patrol Officer James Simone, a Cleveland Division of Police officer, who is one of just 12 officers to have been honored at the 2009 Police Service Awards. Officer Simone was born on Cleveland's Eastside and attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School. His family later moved to Lakewood, Ohio in 1966 where Officer Simone graduated from Lakewood High School. In 1968 Officer Simone joined the U.S. Military's 101st Airborne Paratrooper unit during the Vietnam War and received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his service. After returning to Cleveland, Officer Simone became an officer for the Cleveland Police Department at the age of 25. Officer Simone has now served the residents of Cleveland, Ohio as a police officer for 36 years in the capacity of a homicide detective, member of the SWAT team, undercover agent and currently serves as a patrolman for Cleveland's second district. Throughout his career, Officer Simone has been shot, stabbed and run over numerous times, and despite it all, he continues to serve as a dedicated officer. While it is not the first award for the decorated Officer Simone, it is his heroic actions on January 10th, 2009 that has earned Officer Simone the honor of being named one of America's Top Police Officers this month. On that night, a woman fell through the ice-covered Cuyahoga River and was unable to get out of the freezing water. Officer Simone arrived at the scene and when a life-preserver failed as a rescuing device, he risked his life and jumped into the water to save the victim. Both the woman and Officer Simone suffered from hypothermia but survived because of his selfless and heroic decision. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Patrol Officer James Simone who has been the awarded an honorable mention in the 2009 Police Service Awards. While his heroic actions on January 10th, 2009 have earned him this honor, the residents of Cleveland have been awarded with Officer Simone's 35 years of dedicated service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts and express appreciation for his leadership. I seldom find myself in disagreement with the gentleman from Massachusetts, but I want to take exception to this particular legislation. In 1996, Congress passed the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which sanctioned foreign investment in Iran's energy sector. There are those who have said that there was not that much accomplished from that particular sanction act, and there are those who are saying now that if we move forward with sanctions, that it will be actually undermining the business interests of people on the Security Council that the United States needs to work with to try to bring Iran into the international community in a way that promotes international security, and that would be China and Russia. The fact is that U.S. policy towards Iran for the last three decades has consisted of pressure primarily in economic sanctions, threats, and isolationism. While U.S. economic sanctions have hurt Iran's economy, U.S. policy over the last 30 years has not created any meaningful change in the behavior of the Iranian Government. On October 1st, there was a change. For the first time in the recent past, high level delegations from Iran and the U.S. and other industrialized nations sat down to diplomatic talks. There was significant progress. Among the steps forward was an agreement by Iran to allow access by the International Atomic Energy Agency to the recently revealed planned enrichment facility. Yet, with signs of progress in these highly sensitive talks, we're proposing to set the stage to punish Iran. I think we should be doing everything we can to ensure that diplomacy and that President Obama's efforts here succeed. I think when we talk about sanctions, we're saying sanctions before the talks, sanctions before any hope for agreements. I don't think the sanctions are going to help with the talks. I don't think sanctions are going to assist us in our efforts to try to bring Iran into a new position in the world community. I reluctantly oppose this bill, and I'm hopeful that our nuclear posture review will come to an understanding that the United States cannot be in a position of picking nuclear winners and losers. Ultimately, we are going to have to get everyone involved in nuclear abolition.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2647. Throughout my time in Congress I have been a champion for human rights. My opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and by extension, the inclusion of an authorization for an additional $130 billion to fund these wars, is in part predicated on an understanding that war violates the human rights of the affected populations. The war and occupation in Iraq has taken the lives of over one million people. Thousands more innocent lives have been lost due to military operations in Afghanistan. These lives are often referred to as ``collateral damage.'' But in reality these lives represent innocent children, mothers, sisters, brothers, and fathers, among others, that were killed because a war and occupation has been imposed on them. Military operations have caused their homes to be invaded, their communities to be bombed and their resources, including food and water, to be increasingly scarce. Unemployment in both Iraq and Afghanistan is devastatingly high; access to humanitarian aid is limited; medical care and education are difficult to obtain or completely unavailable. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have clearly violated the human rights of the civilian populations in which they are being waged. The people of Afghanistan are suffering horribly from 8 years of war. During that time the Afghan central government has become increasingly corrupt and has failed to meet the needs of the Afghan people. Iraq has been decimated during more than six years of war and occupation. The people of Iraq continue to wonder when the killing of the innocent will be enough to satisfy the U.S. and question when the U.S. will end the occupation of their country. The majority of the Iraqi and Afghan people are not extremists or insurgents, but they are the victims of the global war on terror whose daily lives now entail little more than struggling to feed their families and survive the violence of the war. Furthermore, the war in Iraq was based on false intelligence and an inaccurate, government sponsored, propaganda campaign. I ask this body: Where is our dedication to the human rights of the innocent people around the world who will be killed, maimed or displaced by the bombs, weapons and death machines that this bill funds? As a staunch supporter of human rights I have consistently supported, voted in favor of, and advocated for passage of hate crimes legislation. I am fully committed to ensuring that the human rights of all individuals are protected. Therefore, I believe that passage of hate crimes legislation is essential to ensuring strong human rights protections for the victims of violent crimes that are perpetrated based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability of the victim. But there is a deep-seated irony in including a human rights provision in a funding bill that will inevitably ensure the continuation of human rights violations in parts of the world. I believe that, as a Nation and a part of the global community, we cannot fully ensure the protection of our own human rights here in the United States without being equally diligent in ensuring the human rights of our global society. I cannot trade the human rights of some for the human rights of others.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Thank you, Mr. Weiner, and I want to thank Mr. Poe, Mr. King, and Mr. Kingston for their support, as well as Ranking Member Smith, along with Chairwoman Lofgren and Chairman Conyers for their thoughtful consideration and support to ensure floor consideration of this bill. As a sponsor of H.J. Res. 26, legislation to grant honorary citizenship to Casimir Pulaski posthumously, I rise in strong support and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. I also wish to extend my deep gratitude to the Polish community leaders in Cleveland, Ohio, who have long championed this cause. In Cleveland this includes John Borkowski, who's the president of the Polish American Congress; Mitchell Bienia, vice president of the Polish American Congress; and Francis Rutkowski, also vice president of the Polish American Congress. Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski was a hero of the American Revolution. Casimir Pulaski left his native Poland and fought on the side of the colonists against the British in the American Revolution. Although Pulaski met his untimely death on the battlefield in Savannah, Georgia, in 1779, consideration of this bill in his honor is timely because October 11, 2009, will mark the 230th anniversary of Pulaski's last breath. Indeed, after bravely fighting at Brandywine and ejecting the British occupiers from Charleston, among other battles, General Pulaski was mortally wounded in Savannah, Georgia, and was taken aboard the American ship, USS Wasp, where he died at sea on October 11, 1779. Casimir Pulaski's courageous charge in this engagement averted a disastrous defeat of the American Cavalry and is credited with saving the life of George Washington. On September 15, 1777, George Washington bestowed the rank of brigadier general on Pulaski, who organized a legion of cavalry known as the Pulaski legion. Brigadier General Pulaski was a dedicated freedom fighter who's credited with being the Father of the American Cavalry. He famously said: ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'' His actions speak to the strong bonds that have historically existed between the people of the United States and the people of Poland. They are also a reminder of the important contributions of Polish Americans to our Nation and communities. This legislation is supported by the Polish Legion of American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., and the Polish American Congress. It is my sincere hope that Brigadier General Pulaski will not have to wait any longer before he is bestowed with this honorary citizenship he so deserves for his sincere commitment and ultimate sacrifice for freedom for the people of the United States of America. With passage of this legislation, this body will ensure that General Pulaski is one step closer to receiving the honor and appreciation he deserves. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation granting honorary citizenship to Casimir Pulaski posthumously.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The recent economic report indicates that unemployment is approaching 10 percent. That means that close to 15 million Americans officially are out of work, but tens of millions more are underemployed. We have a Nation that is yearning for a major jobs program. We have to go beyond the weak stimulus that spent a hundred billion--seems like a lot of money--but $100 billion for capital improvements, when the fact of the matter is we have close to $3 trillion in infrastructure needs. If we can match the unemployment in the country with infrastructure needs, we can go back to what FDR did in the 1930s, which is to create a new WPA that puts millions of Americans back to work, restoring our economy and giving people a chance to restore their own lives. It's time for a new WPA program. Let's put America back to work. Let's address this unemployment crisis directly.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mort Weisberg, recipient of the Jewish National Fund's Tree of Life Award. The Tree of Life Award is one of the Jewish National Fund's highest honors; a humanitarian award given in recognition of outstanding community involvement, leadership and service. Furthermore, the award is a symbol of a strong and improved Israel and allegiance to American- Israeli friendship. Mr. Weisberg is the president and chief executive of Multi-Care Management, a nursing home operator, in the Greater Cleveland area. In addition to running a successful care-taking facility, Mort is the chairman of the Ohio Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. His active and generous participation in numerous Cleveland area charities further exhibits his commitment to the community. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Mort Weisberg for being presented the Tree of Life Award by the Jewish National Fund. I offer my congratulations to Mort as he is recognized for his service to the communities of Cleveland and dedication to a strong American-Israeli relationship.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant Adam F. Benjamin, who courageously and selflessly rose to the call of duty, and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin grew up in Garfield Heights and graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1993. Shortly after graduating, he followed his dream to serve our country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He quickly rose up the ranks and by 2006, at the age of 31, was promoted to the position of Gunnery Sergeant. He was a loyal, courageous and dedicated Marine, who loved every aspect of serving our nation in the military. Throughout his youth and career in the military, Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin was known for his positive outlook on life, caring nature and great sense of humor. He touched countless lives with his kind heart, generosity and sense of concern for others. Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin was a brave and honorable United States Marine and an exceptional human being. The sacrifice, service and courage he has displayed will be forever honored and remembered by the entire Cleveland community, and by the nation. Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin's warm smile, generous heart, easy laugh, and joy for life will live on within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew him best--his family, friends and fellow Marines. He will never be forgotten. Madam Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant Adam F. Benjamin. His life, gone far too soon, was framed by his great love of family, friends and country. I extend my deepest condolences to his mother and father, Judy Watters and Frank Benjamin; to his step-father, Robert Watters; to his brothers and sisters: Aaron, Amanda, Asa, Abram, Abigail, Amos, Amaryah, Aric, Anyah, Alexis and Allen; to his grandmothers, Yolanda and Mary; and to his extended family and many close friends.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the founders, members and performers of the Csardas Dance Company of Cleveland, Ohio, as they celebrate fifteen of years of promoting the history and heritage of Hungary, through the ageless and colorful expressions of the songs and dances of Hungary. Richard Graber, who grew up in Cleveland as the son of Hungarian immigrants, founded Csardas Dance Company in 1994. He is now the Director of Programs and Services with the Houston, Texas Arts Alliance, and serves on the Board of the Hungarian American Cultural Association of Houston. Christopher L. Smith, former Artistic Director, set a precedent of historical authenticity and keen attention to detail, which still reflect in the brilliant colors and fabrics of the dancers' wardrobes, and also, in the artistic direction of Csardas. Stuart Meyer and Judith Horvath have both served as Csardas Youth Ensemble Rehearsal Instructors, drawing on their backgrounds as professional dancers and instructors. Toni Gras, Managing Director, has been with the Company for the past ten years. As a child, she performed with Hungarian dance troupes, and her daughter danced for nine years in the Csardas Youth Ensemble. Over the years, hundreds of young dancers have had the enriching opportunity to be part of the Csardas Dance Company, which continues to inspire and delight audiences throughout Ohio. Since it creation in 1994, the mission of the Csardas Dance Company has not wavered: To preserve and promote the dance, music and song of the people of Hungary. The Company also strives to bolster the public's support of, and appreciation for, the performing ethnic arts. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Csardas Dance Company, for enlightening, entertaining and engaging audiences with song and dance that reflect a certain vibrancy in movement and music--bringing to life the age-old stories of village life in Hungary. The Csardas Dance Company is an arts treasure in Cleveland, and its continued existence is vital to the performing ethnic arts foundation of our entire community--serving as an audiovisual record of our heritage and our history and connecting us all through the universal language of dance and song.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the John Adams High School Class of 1969 as they commemorate their 40 Year Reunion Celebration. The 1969 alumni of the John Adam's Rebels will observe this momentous occasion on Saturday, August 8th, 2009. John Adams High School opened in 1923 at East 116th Street and Corlett Avenue. The school was home to generations of Cleveland teenagers for decades, until it was closed in 1995, along with West Technical, and Aviation High Schools, to help cut the cities budget. John Adams High School was representative of the strong public education system, working class family environment and racial and cultural diversity that characterizes the city of Cleveland. After eleven years, John Adams High School was rebuilt and reopened in 2006. The class of 1969 was a cohesive and talented group who has since moved throughout the country, spanning from California to New York. But they maintained a strong base in the Cleveland area. This group of alumni is clearly dedicated to each other, and they have gathered for several reunions throughout the decades since their graduation. This reunion will surely be another success as they come together again to celebrate each other and the significant and momentous occasions that have taken place throughout their lives. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the John Adams High School Class of 1969 as they gather for their 40 Year Reunion Celebration. Their dedication to their past educational achievements and city of Cleveland is sure to provide for a joyous and memorable occasion.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Frances Wolpaw, devoted wife, mother and accomplished professor, whose passion, integrity and wisdom served to inspire, guide and motivate countless young lives, including my own. Professor Wolpaw was a former assistant dean and communications professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her scholarly research in speech and rhetoric led her to become a renown expert on the life and words of Abba Hillel Silver, a rabbi from northeast Ohio and advocate for issues affecting Israel on the national and international political stage. She began her career in education in 1961 as a lecturer at Case Western Reserve University. In 1969, Professor Wolpaw was named assistant dean of Case Western's former women's college--the Flora Stone Mather College. Undaunted by the lack of opportunity for women in academia, Professor Wolpaw forged ahead, and her work earned her a high level of respect and admiration from students and faculty. Throughout her career, she had the loving support and encouragement from her husband, the late Ralph Wolpaw, who was a physician at Mt. Sinai Hospital of Cleveland. Her accomplishments as professor and leader at Case Western Reserve University opened doors for countless women who would follow in her path. As a professor, Frances Wolpaw's reputation reflected toughness, yet her high expectations for her students was also accented by kindness, fairness and her genuine concern for the welfare of her students. She taught by example, living each day with a sense of wonder, joy and integrity. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Frances Wolpaw, whose joy for life, kind heart and scholarly work and guidance will forever reflect within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew her best--especially her family, friends, and former students. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Professor Wolpaw's sons--Jonathan, James and Daniel; her grandchildren and great- grandchildren; her sisters, and her extended family members and many friends. Frances Wolpaw's loving devotion to her family and to her community--especially in the way of inspiring and guiding students of all ages--has made our community a better place, and she will be remembered always.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and in remembrance of United States Army Sergeant Richard Allyn Walters, Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio. Sergeant Walters was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the country. A graduate of Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio, Sergeant Walters followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a ten-year Navy veteran and served in Operation Desert Storm. In 2006 Walters re-enlisted in the Army and became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in March of 2009. He worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC before being assigned to the 14th Combat Support Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia. Sergeant Walters' military service is a reflection of excellence, loyalty and achievement. He was awarded the Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Sergeant Walter's pending posthumous awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Madam Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in honoring and remembrance of Sergeant Richard Allyn Walters Jr., whose heroic actions, kindness and love for those closest to him will always be remembered. Sergeant Walters was a courageous United States soldier, and a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Stephanie; to his daughters, Rachel and Piper; to his mother, Margaret; to his brother Greg; to his sister-in-law Stacy and nephew Benjamin; and to his extended family and many friends. Sergeant Walters will live on within their hearts and memories for all time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I strongly support many provisions in H.R. 2918, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act of 2009, including funding for the Census Bureau, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Government Accountability Office, GAO, and the Ryan White AIDS Program. I cannot, however, support the inclusion of approximately $10.8 billion in war funding and as such, I oppose the bill. As an ardent supporter of the U.S. Postal Service, USPS, I commend the inclusion of provisions in this bill that would reduce the amount USPS must contribute to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund to $1.5 million from $5.4 million, ensuring its survival through the end of this month. Congress has a responsibility to the communities it represents to ensure that the USPS and the irreplaceable services it provides as a universal mail delivery service are maintained. This legislation appropriately increases the funding for the U.S. Census Bureau to $7.1 billion to ensure that the agency can meet the demands of the upcoming census in 2010. The census is vital in fulfilling our Constitutional duties under Article 1, Section 2, which are intended to ensure that the people have equal representation in government at the state and federal level. I also fully support the provisions in this bill providing $328 million for the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and $572 million for the GAO. I strongly oppose the inclusion of funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in this bill. The war in Iraq was based on false intelligence and an inaccurate, government sponsored, propaganda campaign. This body was given a mandate by the American people in 2006 to get out of Iraq. Congress has the ability, through the power of the purse, to end the occupation of Iraq and bring all troops and contractors home immediately. Failure to do so continues to put our brave and honorable troops in harm's way. I also oppose dedicating more resources to Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are suffering horribly from 8 years of war. During that time, the Afghan central government has become increasingly corrupt and has failed to meet the needs of the Afghan people. Violence in Afghanistan continues to grow. The United Nations General Assembly Security Council reports ``an average of 898 incidents in the first seven months of 2009, compared to 677 during the same time frame in 2008. Incidents involving improvised explosive devices have risen dramatically, to an average of more than eight per day, 60 per cent higher than the average during the first seven months of 2008. Complex attacks now average one per month compared to one per quarter in 2008.'' This past August was reported to be the ``deadliest month since the beginning of 2009.'' I am also dismayed by the inclusion of language that unilaterally bars all funding for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, ACORN. I have serious concerns that such language constitutes a bill of attainder. The Constitution expressly prohibits Congress from legislatively punishing an individual or specific class of people, and I believe that this action is an effort to circumvent the protection that the Constitution affords to all people and organizations. This country has a robust judicial system that has been created precisely for this purpose; we ought to let it do its job. If a crime has been committed, we should prosecute the people who have committed that crime. Congress and the American public simply will not tolerate an open- ended commitment of money and troops while millions of Americans are losing their health care, their homes, their jobs, their pensions, their investments. I support the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill by itself. I cannot support it when it is used as a vehicle for perpetuating the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to acknowledge the presence in our Capitol of a group of physicians who have traveled across the country rallying public support for a single-payer health care system. The group, which calls itself the Mad As Hell Doctors, is expressing the concern of millions of Americans about a health care system which is failing to meet the people's needs: that there are 47 million Americans without any health insurance, that 50 million Americans are underinsured, that people are literally going broke, not being able to pay their hospital bills. We clearly recognize that this system is not sustainable. That's why John Conyers and I drafted a bill, H.R. 676, that provides for universal single-payer, not-for-profit health care. We're already paying for such a system. It's just that we're not getting it because $1 out of every $3 goes for the activities of the for-profit system for corporate profits, stock options, executive salaries, advertising, marketing, the cost of paperwork. It's time to take that $800 billion a year and put it into care for people. Everyone is covered then for vision care, dental health care, mental health care, prescription drugs, long-term care. It's time for single-payer.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the U.S.S. Cod's 50 Years in Cleveland celebration on August 14th, 2009. The celebration featured a special free admission day for the public and ceremony to mark the golden anniversary and restoration of the Cod's Cleveland-built diesel engines. The ceremony concluded with a salute to the people of Cleveland with the firing of the Cod's deck gun. On March 21, 1943 the U.S.S. Cod was launched and its engines, built in a General Motors plant on Cleveland's west side, powered the submarine around the globe. According to Dr. John Fakan, president of the non-profit U.S.S. Cod Submarine Memorial, ``GM built Cod's five diesels right here in Cleveland, but it didn't end there. Much of the steel plate that forms her hull was made in Cleveland and Youngstown steel mills from Great Lakes ore.'' Through her heroic missions in World War II, Cleveland-based training programs during the Cold War, and place as a historic site and submarine memorial in Cleveland, the U.S.S. Cod has become a national symbol. After her successful WW II service in the Pacific Ocean, the Cod continued to protect America in the Cold War by training NATO anti- submarine forces in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1959 the Cod was brought to Cleveland to serve as a dockside trainer for reservists, and instantly became popular with the public. Citizens were allowed to tour the sub when the Navy wasn't conducting training aboard, and these civilian tours continued even after the Navy declared the Cod obsolete in 1971 and began the scrap process. Despite the Navy's decision, the people of Cleveland saved the Cod from being scrapped. School children, veterans groups, Scouts and ``Save the Cod,'' a group formed by local business leaders in 1972, all banded together to raise money and save the historic and symbolic submarine. In 1976 the Navy turned the Cod over to her civilian caretakers, who immediately began restoring the Cod to the original beauty that she was while defending America. In 1986 these efforts were recognized by the Federal Government which declared the Cod a National Historic Landmark. The Cod's world-class restoration continues today, focusing on her Cleveland-built engines. The Cod's caretakers estimate that more than a million people have toured the Cod in the 50 years she has called Cleveland home. In addition to being a popular attraction on Cleveland's lakefront, the Cod has also helped bring revenue into downtown by hosting television and film documentaries as well as military reunions and other special projects. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the celebration of the U.S.S. Cod's 50 Years in Cleveland. The U.S.S. Cod (SS 214) is both a floating memorial to U.S. submariners who gave their lives defending freedom as well as a unique piece of Cleveland's industrial history.