Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Dick Jacobs, a prominent figure in the Great Cleveland Community and former owner of the Cleveland Indians for 15 years, who died today at the age of 83. His tenure as owner of the Indians not only revitalized the team and their fans, but also the City of Cleveland. Dick Jacobs was the Chairman and Executive Officer of the Richard E. Jacobs group, a commercial real estate development company he founded along with his brother in 1955. The Jacobs group made history by developing the tallest building between New York and Chicago, the Key Center in Public Square as well as by developing Cleveland's first retail shopping mall. He bought the Cleveland Indians in 1986, during which the Indians won the team's first American League Pennants since 1954, during the 1995 and 1997 seasons. Additionally, the Indians went on to the playoffs five straight seasons in a row and to the World Series twice during his tenure. The Richard E. Jacobs group opened Jacobs field in 1994, the stadium Cleveland fans dubbed ``The Jake'' until its renaming in early 2008. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Dick Jacobs and in recognition of his significant contributions to the Greater Cleveland Community. His tenure as owner of the Cleveland Indians and his considerable commitment to the revitalization of the City of Cleveland will continue to live on in the hearts of the Greater Cleveland Community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joan Claybrook, upon the occasion of the renaming of Public Citizen's headquarters in Washington, DC as the Joan Claybrook Building, and in recognition of 27 years of service as President of Public Citizen. Joan Claybrook was born on June 12, 1937 and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended Goucher College. Her distinguished career in public service began in Washington, DC, where she worked in conjunction with Ralph Nader addressing highway and auto safety issues. Their combined efforts on transportation issues culminated in the passage of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Highway Safety Act of 1966, our nation's first auto safety laws. Her expertise on auto safety led her to a position in the Carter Administration, where she served as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 1977 to 1981. Joan served as President of Public Citizen from 1982 to 2008, throughout her various leadership roles in public service. She currently serves on the board for a number of institutions, including Georgetown University Law Center, from where she earned her J.D., as well as on the board of the Consumers Union, Citizens for Tax Justice, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Goucher College Board of Trustees, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and the California Foundation Advisory Board. She has been honored numerous times for her distinguished work on behalf of public interest including three honorary degrees from Georgetown University, Goucher College and University of Maryland. Additionally, she was awarded the Phillip Hart Distinguished Consumer Service Award and the Excellence in Public Service Award from the Georgetown Law Center. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Joan Claybrook as Public Citizen renames their Washington, DC headquarters as the Joan Claybrook Building and in recognition of her dedication to public service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cleveland, for being awarded the 2009 Notre Dame College Medal. The Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cleveland, served the diocese as the ninth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for 25 years. A Cleveland native, he is a graduate of Borromeo College and St. Mary Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 1959. Bishop Pilla served as President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. As Bishop, he directed community-based initiatives such as Church in the City and Vibrant Parish Life. He served on numerous community boards and committees including the board of the former National Council of Christians and Jews, the Greater Cleveland Roundtable and Catholic University of America. Notre Dame College established the Bishop Anthony M. Pilla Scholarship Fund to honor him for his longtime dedication to higher education to make a Catholic education accessible to the disadvantaged. In 1994 he was presented the Fidelia Award for his longstanding work and support of Notre Dame College. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cleveland for living Notre Dame College's commitment to personal, professional and global responsibility. He is certainly worthy of the award being bestowed upon him for his longtime commitment to civic work throughout Greater Cleveland.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, despite the current focus on disagreements over funding for the International Monetary Fund and closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, the primary intent of the supplemental is to continue funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Members who remain opposed to the bill, we need to make sure and make clear our opposition and work to defeat the bill. It's notable that attempts to make important changes to the legislation, such as a call for an exit strategy from Afghanistan, or demands for increased transparency or accountability at the IMF, have been rebuffed. Continued funding of the war operations in Iraq ensures a continued occupation, thereby undermining the stated U.S. goal for withdrawal by the end of 2010. Funds for Iraq should be dedicated to bringing all of our troops home, and bringing those contractors home as well. It's time to end this war. ``No'' to any more funds for the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. And ``no'' if they try to put any other kind of legislation and tie it to the war funding. Defeat the supplemental.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. America's manufacturing base is being decimated, but it's not only happening because of economic trends in our country. Yes, our gross domestic product has fallen off. Yes, we have a massive trade deficit. But this week when GM filed for bankruptcy--GM was pushed into bankruptcy, and when they were pushed into bankruptcy, we also lost 14 manufacturing plants, 21,000 jobs, and 2,400 dealerships are going to be closed. Think about this. If we take away this manufacturing infrastructure of manufacturing and dealerships and suppliers, what happens when our economy comes back? We will have permanently altered our ability to produce cars in this country. I want the Members of Congress to consider this when you think about this administration's auto task force. It hasn't gone the right way for the American worker, it's not going the right way for American manufacturing, and it's not going the right way for the American economy.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jay Leno, whose comedic talent charmed audiences across the nation, as he steps down as host of the Tonight Show after seventeen seasons. As Americans tuned in every night, Jay's hilarious insights and observations whisked away our worries, if only for a brief time. Jay began his career in night clubs across the country, perfecting his stand-up routine. As his career took off, he earned small roles in TV and film, but hit the comedic goldmine in the early eighties when he was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. For many years, Jay served as Johnny Carson's permanent guest host. Following Carson's retirement, Jay debuted as the new host of the Tonight Show on May 25, 1992. His work has been honored numerous times with several awards and nominations, including his Emmy win in 1995. Beyond his professional success and achievements,, Jay Leno's character has not changed. A humble man with a compassionate heart and strong sense of responsibility toward others, both Jay and his wife, Mavis Nicholson Leno, have consistently avoided the fanfare and flashing lights of celebrity, working behind the scenes to further the causes of many charities and humanitarian efforts. Mavis is the Chair of the Feminist Majority's Foundation's Campaign to Help Afghan Women and Girls, and has been an outspoken advocate and activist on behalf of women's rights in America and around the world. Jay has consistently invested his time, talents and resources on behalf of several charities. He has a record of supporting our men and women in the military, and has made countless free appearances to audiences made up of families and individuals in need, including most recently, laid-off auto workers in Detroit, Michigan. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Jay Leno as he steps down as host of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. From his commitment to social service and various causes behind the scenes, to making us laugh day after day, Jay Leno's contributions continue to lift the heart and soul of our entire nation, one joke and one kind gesture at a time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Brent Larkin, upon his retirement as Editorial Page Director of the Plain Dealer, where his political columns and news stories inspired emotion, provoked thought and blazed across the pages of our City's daily newspaper for nearly thirty years. A native Clevelander, Brent Larkin graduated from Brush High School in 1965. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University, and later a doctorate of law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1986. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1987. Brent's interest in Cleveland's political scene was sparked in 1970, when he was hired by the Cleveland Press to cover the news at Cleveland City Hall. In 1976, he was named the newspaper's politics editor. In 1981, he joined The Plain Dealer as a politics writer then later as a columnist. In 1991, he was named director of The Plain Dealer's opinion pages. Brent Larkin has been honored several times over the years for his work in journalism, including an induction into the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame in October of 2002. Brent's editorial columns deftly highlighted Cleveland's political and social scenes for Ohio's largest newspaper. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Brent Larkin, upon his recent retirement from The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Fearless in expressing his opinion, his columns were entertaining, informative and above all, his ability to zero in on the heart of an issue in just a few strategically written paragraphs earned him a constituency of readers that kept coming back to see what he would write next.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Dr. Henry T. King Jr., a renowned lawyer and great man of peace, and in honor of his dedication to his country, community and to international human rights. Dr. King died at home on May 9, 2009, at age 89. Dr. Henry King was a distinguished scholar of international law, international trade, and international human rights. Shortly after graduating from Yale Law School and while practicing law in New York at Millbank, Tweed & Hope, Dr. King learned about Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson's appointment as Chief Prosecutor of war criminals at Nuremberg. With the encouragement of his wife, he left for Nuremberg in 1946 with Justice Jackson as one of the youngest of 200 prosecutors. As one of the prosecutors working on the Nuremburg Trials, he worked on the convictions of many Nazi officials, including Walther von Brauchitisch, Erhard Milch, Hermann Goring, and Albert Speer. Dr. King was deeply affected by what he saw upon stepping off the train in Nuremberg. Surrounded by the rubble of bombed out buildings and people begging for food, he vowed at that time to dedicate his life to the prevention of war. Following the Nuremburg Trials, Dr. King served as Chief Counsel for the Marshall Plan. Between 1961 and 1981 he was Chief International Corporate Counsel at TRW, Inc., the position which brought Dr. King to Cleveland. For the last 28 years, he taught at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland while practicing law at Cleveland's Squire Sanders & Dempsey. Upon his arrival at Case Western Reserve, he established the Canada-U.S. Law Institute in partnership with the University of Western Ontario. The Institute holds an annual conference in Cleveland, which I have had the pleasure of participating in a number of times since my career in Congress began in 1997. This year, I had the honor of addressing the conference about the commoditization of Great Lakes water. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. King continued his activism in the struggle for peace through international law. He pushed for the creation of the International Criminal Court as a member of the international delegation in Rome to establish that court in 1998. After the delegation failed to include wars of aggression as war crimes, he continued to push for that with other delegates until they ultimately adopted a reference to the crime of war of aggression in the court's statute. Additionally, Dr. King served as a member of the American Bar Association's Task Force on War Crimes in the former Yugoslavia. He also believed that democracies which trade with one another tend to not go to war and advocated for international trade rules and statutes as another avenue toward peace. Dr. King received an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Laws by the University of Western Ontario in 2003. In 2004, the government of Canada appointed Dr. King Honorary Consul General for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Dr. King was truly a pioneer in promoting peace through international law and was cited in the Plain Dealer by David Crane, Syracuse University Professor and Chief Prosecutor of Sierra Leone President Charles Taylor as ``the George Washington of modern international law.'' Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of one of the great men of our time, Dr. Henry T. King, Jr. He will be greatly missed by those in the peace community working on issues of international humanitarian justice under the rule of law. Despite his absence, his work will continue to inspire countless activists and lawyers around the world who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend, Franklyn Kellogg, on the occasion of his 90th Birthday and in recognition of his dedication to his community and a life lived with a great sense of humor, energetic spirit, joy for living and positive outlook. Mr. Kellogg grew up in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. After high school, he joined the army and served as a military police officer during WWII. Following the war, he came back to Cleveland and began his lifelong vocation of protecting others, first as a firefighter and then as Fire Chief of City Cleveland. Mr. Kellogg was a leader in evolving safety training and techniques, many of which are still used today in Ohio and across the country. Mr. Kellogg was one of the first firefighters in Cleveland to be trained as a certified paramedic. He became a top-notch instructor, training firefighters and paramedics, even travelling as far as California with requests for his training expertise. Mr. Kellogg has earned a nationally-known reputation as being one of the best arson investigators in the country, and has been consulted numerous times by fire departments in Ohio and across the country. Several of Mr. Kellogg's arson cases are still used today as models in firefighter training courses, including courses taught at Cuyahoga Community College. He continues to be an active member of his community and of the Zion United Church of Christ of Tremont, the church he has attended since childhood. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of Mr. Kellogg's 90th Birthday. His kindness and commitment to community leadership and service continues to be evident in all he does. I stand in honor and gratitude of Mr. Kellogg's lifelong service to our community and I wish him the best as he and his family celebrate his 90th birthday.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Greek Community of Cleveland, Ohio, and the members and leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Cleveland as join fellow community members this Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the heritage and culture of Greece at the annual Hellenic Heritage Festival. The oldest Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation was officially incorporated on February 15, 1913. Located on the corner of West 14th Street and Fairfield Avenue in the Historic Tremont District of Cleveland, it was the only Greek Orthodox Church to exist in the Greater Cleveland area until 1937. Today, it remains an active parish with an internationally-accredited Greek School. For more than thirty years, members of the Greater Cleveland Community have gathered on the grounds of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation to partake in the annual Hellenic Heritage Festival, a wonderful community and family event that is enjoyed and shared by Clevelanders of all ethnic backgrounds. The event reflects the values of our community: faith, family, heritage and diversity. The festival is also a time of remembrance and honor--remembering our ancestors and relatives whose struggles, tragedies and triumphs will be remembered and revered from generation to generation, and honoring the numerous and significant contributions made to our community and our nation by Americans of Greek heritage. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Greek- Americans throughout our community and throughout our nation. I also stand in recognition of the members and leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, whose individual and collective commitment to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of their beloved Greek homeland serves to enrich the diverse fabric of the Greater Cleveland Community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ted Henry upon the occasion of his retirement from WEWS-TV. Ted is retiring after 38 years of service to the Greater Cleveland Community. Ted Henry, a household name in the Greater Cleveland Area, began his successful career in broadcasting in 1964 at a local radio station in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. He then became a news reporter at WAKR- TV23 in Akron and later at WKBN-TV in Youngstown, Ohio. He joined WEWS- TV in 1972, where he began as a news producer and later as a weekend anchor. In 1975, Ted was named weekday anchor of the 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm news, a position he has held until his retirement on May 20, 2009. Since his first year as weekday anchor, he has covered nearly every political convention and has traveled all over the world to cover a multitude of historical events, including John Demjanjuk's war crimes trial in Israel, the fall of Berlin Wall and the death of Pope John Paul II in Rome. Additionally, his riveting news coverage on political turmoil in Peru was the first time a live international feed was broadcast in Cleveland. Ted's ability to humanize the people he covered all over the world has earned him national recognition. He has won five local TV Emmy Awards during his tenure at WEWS and won numerous national awards for a documentary he produced and reported in, ``Finding Aliza;'' a documentary about two holocaust survivors from Auschwitz who were reunited by the International Red Cross. Ted's 38 year career as the weekday anchor for WEWS-TV was the fulfillment of his childhood dream and has undoubtedly inspired Cleveland's next great reporters. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Ted Henry as he retires from a 38 year career at WEWS-TV, and in recognition of his talent, innovation and tireless service to the Greater Cleveland Community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support of S. 986, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. Although I supported H.R. 1106 earlier in this Congress, and I will vote for this bill, I remain concerned about many aspects that attempt to fix the problem without addressing the fundamental issues. S. 896 makes additional changes to the HOPE for Homeowners program despite evidence that it is a seriously flawed model that has failed to effect the type of large-scale mortgage modification that our economy needs if it is going to recover. Despite the changes made, success of the HOPE for Homeowners program continues to be contingent on the active participation of the mortgage lender or mortgage servicer. Once again, we throw money at Wall Street--at the bankers and lenders--and leave individuals and families with nothing. The bill also reauthorizes programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. I am grateful that the plight of the homeless and the growing homeless population has finally merited the attention of Congress; however I am dismayed by some of the provisions in the final bill as well as the process used to arrive at the terms of the relevant language. The problem of homelessness in this country deserves more attention in the House of Representatives than a mere fraction of debate time on a suspension bill. If we had more time and different circumstances, we might have had the opportunity to correct some of the privacy concerns as well as the provisions that limit eligible uses of funds. Despite the shortcomings in this bill, it represents a small step in the right direction on the whole. I remain hopeful that Congress will continue to improve the HOPE for Homeowners programs as well as the plight of the growing numbers of homeless citizens. In the end, we must adopt a default posture that accommodates communities, families, and individuals, rather than a default posture that accommodates bankers and financial institutions. Only then will we be able to repair our economy and put our country back on a path of prosperity and growth.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Ohio Aerospace Institute, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary on 20th of May, 2009. The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) is a non-profit organization whose work is supported by several institutions, including the NASA Glenn Research Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The institute works in conjunction with ten public and private universities in the State of Ohio by offering students the opportunity to study aerospace engineering for their graduate work, as well as with numerous companies around the country. The OAI leads research projects and develops technology partnerships in order to connect universities, laboratories and industries working in the field of aerospace engineering. Their partnerships with local universities educate and mentor local students, creating the future leaders of our aerospace workforce. The OAI also brings together various representatives of the governmental, industrial and educational sectors--fostering and improving stronger cooperation between them. Since OAI's inception 20 years ago, they now have 80 employees and have led more than 250 research and development projects funded by 206 million dollars from the space industry sector and the federal government. The OAI is continuing Ohio's instrumental and historical role in space research by inspiring our future John Glenns, Wright Brothers, and Neil Armstrongs. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the tireless service and significant contribution that the Ohio Aerospace Institute has provided to the State of Ohio and to our entire nation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, as they become the first business ever in the City of Cleveland to implement wind technology by constructing a wind turbine at their place of business. Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking, owned by the Kaplan family for four generations, will generate nearly 100% of the electricity needed to run their business from a wind turbine. I also rise in honor of Susan Spear and the entire staff of EcoWatch Ohio, who collaborated with the Kaplans to make this project become a reality. The wind turbine will be set upon a 140-foot tower, capturing the north coast drafts high above Pearl Road near Interstate 480. For years, current owners Myron Kaplan, and his sons, Jon and Kevin, worked toward realizing their vision of constructing a wind turbine on the property. Their innovative ideas are part of the legacy of the Kaplan business and for nearly eighty years, the owners of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking have been leaders in implementing environmentally progressive practices, including solid waste reduction, fuel reduction and other recycling programs. Moreover, the Kaplan family of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking is active in community programs and events, and has reflected an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. As leaders in community arts as well, from 1980 to 1990, residents gathered free of charge at the Auto Parts lot as Kaplan family hosted live theater, musical and poetry performances. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Kaplan family, the entire staff of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking, and EcoWatch Ohio, for their collective vision and persistence in being the first ever to construct a wind turbine to run a business, inspiring others to follow in their path. Whether catching gentle breezes or gale force winds rushing south across Lake Erie, the wind turbine holds the promise of clean power, renewable resources and endless possibilities in alternative energy programs and job development throughout our community and our nation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Across the United States, the word in the last few weeks is that America is going to lose many auto plants that provide thousands of jobs that have kept the economy of communities going for generations. And with that, thousands of dealerships now will close. Think about it, America. America is going out of the car business. We are going out of the steel business. The things that enable us to defend our country we are giving up. We have a resolution, House Resolution 444, which says that it is time that America took a stand and had a strategic industrial policy which declares that the maintenance of steel, automotive, aerospace and shipping is vital to our national security. With China now getting bragging rights about how they are moving their auto industry forward and with America having about a $700 billion trade deficit with China, isn't it time that America woke up and started restoring our auto industry instead of pushing it into bankruptcy?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Kenneth E. Zaremba and in recognition of his dedication to his family, community and to the field of space exploration through his work at NASA. Kenneth Zaremba had a distinguished thirty year career at NASA, most recently serving as Chief Protocol Officer. Earlier this year, he was recognized by his peers for his leadership, innovation and implementation of NASA's Future Forums--forums held around the country to educate diverse communities about NASA's vital work in the fields of science, space exploration and education. Through his connections to the local community and the expertise he accumulated during his career at NASA, Kenneth shared NASA's vision with non-traditional communities around the country--including school groups, state governors and teachers. As a leader for this agency-wide team, he and his colleagues inspired audiences throughout the country, highlighting NASA's vital work for our nation and communities. Kenneth is survived by his wife and best friend, Elizabeth and his three children: Zachariah, Alexander and Cassandra. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Kenneth E. Zaremba and in celebration of a life dedicated to his family, community and country. Despite his absence, his work at NASA will continue to inspire the work of his colleagues and all those who were touched by his leadership in NASA's Future Forums project.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, the American people have a right to know or ask what's going on here. We have trillions of dollars for war, trillions of dollars for Wall Street, and trillions of dollars for health insurance companies; but now we hear we have less money for Social Security and less money for Medicare. Is there a connection? We must begin restoring our Nation by restoring the peace. And we begin today when we defeat the supplemental appropriation that keeps us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats were elected on a promise to end the war in Iraq; we are continuing it. Democrats were elected to get us out of Afghanistan; the war is escalating. And to top it all off, Members of Congress, we have a rule, it's in the rule, which keeps Guantanamo open, keeps the prisoners there, despite the fact that many of them may have had their basic rights violated. It's time for America to come home, start paying attention to creating jobs, health care, education, retirement security, investor security. It's time for us to start paying attention here instead of running around the world trying to tell other people how to live.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH. Well, of course I will be voting against the rule. I want the war to end.

Mr. KUCINICH. America went to war against Iraq based on a lie. We were told in 2002 Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. The previous administration even pursued torture to try to extract false confessions to try to justify the war. It's time to tell the truth. The truth is, we should not have prosecuted the war against the Iraqi people. The truth is, the Democratic Senate could have stopped the Iraq war in 2002. The truth is, we Democrats were given control of Congress in 2006 to end the war. The truth is, this bill continues a disastrous war which has cost the lives of thousands of our soldiers. The truth is, the occupation has fueled the insurgency. The truth is, the Iraq war will cost the American and the Iraqi people trillions of dollars. As many as 1 million innocent Iraqis have lost their lives as a result of this war. Don't tell the American people you're ending the war by continuing to fund the war. Don't tell the American people that the war will end when their plans leave 50,000 troops in Iraq. Don't tell the American people that the way out of Afghanistan is to escalate and more counterinsurgency. Get out of Iraq. Get out of Afghanistan. Come home, America. Come home. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2346, War Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2009. This bill devotes an additional $84.5 billion to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for fiscal year 2009. I believe that the U.S. has a moral obligation to fulfill in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must remain dedicated to reconstruction, stability and prosperity in these countries and in the region. The U.S. cannot be in and out of Iraq at the same time. The U.S. has agreed to withdraw all combat troops from Iraqi cities by July of this year. However, recent news reports indicate that some combat troops will remain beyond this date. Our continued funding of war operations in Iraq only ensures our continued presence and undermines our stated goals for withdrawal by 2011. Funds for Iraq should be dedicated to bringing all of our troops and contractors home. We must meet our moral obligation to rebuild Iraq and support viable solutions to the refugee and internally displaced populations. We must hold ourselves responsible for the death of over 1 million innocent civilians in Iraq. Funding of expanded combat operations in Afghanistan will not meet the security objectives of the U.S. Sending additional brave American service members to Afghanistan does not increase security and it is not an act of diplomacy. Sending additional troops sends one message: The U.S. is ramping up combat operations. This message only encourages the Taliban and other insurgent groups to do likewise. We have ensured that the months and perhaps years ahead will be bloody. And we have failed to present an exit strategy. Bombing raids and drone attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan have inflamed the civilian populations in these countries. Innocent civilians are killed in these massive and unpredictable attacks. This includes innocent children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters and brothers. Communities, homes and infrastructure are destroyed. The number of refugees and the internally displaced continue to rise from the destruction. The brutalities of war produce more than news reports of so-called ``collateral damage.'' Taliban and insurgent recruitment profits from these failed policies. The drone attacks are propagating extremism in the targeted areas. Former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell maintains that drone attacks are not an effective counterinsurgency technique. If the Administration will not stop the drone attacks, Congress must use the power of the purse to ensure their cessation. Ninty percent of the resources devoted to Afghanistan over the last eight years have gone to support military resources. This is contrary to the counter-insurgency strategy put forth by General Petraeus that calls for an 80-20 split, that devotes 80 percent of resources to political solutions and only 20 percent of resources to military operations. General Eaton, who trained Iraq Security Forces in 2004, has echoed this strategy. This bill fails to correct the imbalance and continues the failed status quo. We need to provide for the traditional sense of security by first ensuring economic security, health security, and job security for all. The roots of terrorism begin not in hatred, but in desperation. All people seek the basic necessities such as food, clothes, shelter, good health, and the ability to earn a decent living. If we can level this playing field, there is no desperation that may potentially evolve into hatred. We have failed to meet these objectives in Afghanistan. Stability in Afghanistan requires that aid dollars reach local Afghans, Afghan institutions and organizations. The current instability of Afghan institutions must be replaced with strong education and health care systems, judiciary and law enforcement systems, workforce development and transportation systems. These institutions must be built and run by Afghans. The current practice by which foreigners fill high-skill and high-level positions will leave Afghanistan without the skills and leaders to ensure sustainable, long-term stability in the country. The U.S. must partner with Afghans to empower women and girls. Currently, one in six women die in childbirth in Afghanistan; 80% of women are illiterate; and development assistance has not reached Afghan women. We can encourage and foster reform by investing in Afghan institutions that create educational, economic, social and political opportunity for women. National security will not be achieved through military might but rather through our dedication to supporting Afghans as they build a foundation of human security, social security and economic security. Security cannot blossom from the ravages of war. Terrorism will not be stopped by acts of terror. [From the Nation, May 12, 2009] The Politics of Escalation (By Tom Hayden and Joseph Gerson) Congressional leaders are cooperating with the Obama administration in quashing any serious criticism of growing military escalation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Indications are that there will be no benchmarks or conditions set on the $96 billion supplemental appropriation before Congress beginning this week. The administration, which once promised no more rushed supplemental appropriation, is rolling funds for war and swine flu into one package, while not yet disclosing how much is earmarked specifically for Afghanistan. Rep. David Obey says he wants to give the Obama administration a one-year deadline for results, which likely means making it more difficult to withdraw from a deepening quagmire. The only current Congressional vehicle for dissent is a proposed amendment by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass) that requires the secretary of defense to report on an exit strategy from Afghanistan by this December, six months after Congress has appropriated funds for escalating the war. Even that modest measure, with fifty co-sponsors at present, has met with administration resistance to an exit strategy with benchmarks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, under fire for what she knew about Guantanamo waterboarding and when she knew it, is going along with the administration by preventing the McGovern amendment from being voted on. Congressional leaders believe that war opponents are not sufficiently powerful to either require a vote on the McGovern measure to achieve more than two hours of debate on the supplemental, which could also include soliloquies on the swine flu. The Congressional Progressive Caucus has met with President Obama and, according to sources attending, will not be opposed at this point to his Afghanistan-Pakistan policies. Instead, the caucus is sponsoring a series of informational hearings on public policies for the region. The Senate, with the possible exception of Sen. Russ Feingold, is not expected to question the Obama policies, either. Insiders say the dominant message behind closed doors is a political one, not to embarrass the president. On policy, one knowledgeable expert reports, doubt is widespread in Congress and ``no one has any idea where it will all end.'' The desire to protect the resident may shy Democrats away from demands that were routinely made of the Bush administration: requiring regular reports on an exit strategy, transparency in the budgets for war, clear definitions of casualty levels on all sides, application of human rights standards in detention centers, and others. It is understandable that the economic crisis and high expectations for the new president have deflected Congressional Democrats away from their oversight role. As the quagmire deepens, however, antiwar questioning will rise again. The danger is that by then the Obama administration will be engulfed in the politics of escalation, as happened to earlier Democratic presidents.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Cynthia Dettelbach, Rob Certner and Alice Fingerhurt as they retire from the Cleveland Jewish News (CJN) this year following a combined 80 years of service to the Cleveland Jewish community. I stand in recognition of their dedication to their community and their work as they celebrate the upcoming 45th anniversary of the Cleveland Jewish News on June 18, 2009. Cynthia Dettelbach retires after an illustrious 31-year career at CJN, 29 of which she served as the newspaper's editor. In her capacity as a journalist, she traveled to Lebanon in 1982 to cover the Israeli- Lebanese war; visited refuseniks in the Soviet Union in 1985 and again in Israel and the United States after the fall of the Iron Curtain. During her time in Israel, she attended numerous international press conferences, met with members of the Ethiopian Jewish community and visited Palestinian refugee camps prior to the first Intifada in 1987. Cynthia was recognized countless times for her columns and articles from the Society of Professional Journalists, American Jewish Press Association and Women in Communications, among others. During her time at CJN, she expanded their coverage to include the arts, politics and controversial opinions which were formerly marginalized or omitted. In 2006, she was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. Rob Certner worked at CJN for 11 years, many of which he served as its Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the expansion of CNJ to include the Source, JStyle, CJNs first website and its move to its current location in Beachwood. Rob served as treasurer of the American Jewish Press Association for 3 years, and served as its president for 1 year. He also served on the executive committee as Treasurer of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure as CEO, Rob nearly doubled CJN's revenue. Alice Fingerhut began her career at CJN in 1971, writing each subscriber's name by hand in a ledger and stamping each mail label. As the Executive Assistant for the paper, she was the public's first point of contact with the CJN offices and stayed with the paper as its offices moved around Cleveland and as the operations changed to include faxes, copiers and computers. For the last 38 years, Alice provided compassion, understanding, and empathy to the Cleveland Jewish community as they would deliver obituaries and news of happier occasions for the paper through CJNs front door. While working at CJN, Alice raised her 2 daughters, Ruth and Lisa, and her son Eric, who served the Cleveland community as a Member of the House of Representatives in the 1990s. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Cynthia Dettelbach, Rob Certner and Alice Fingerhut upon their retirement from the Cleveland Jewish News and in celebration of CJNs upcoming 45th anniversary on June 18, 2009.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Yesterday, health care executives indicated to the White House that they were going to slow the rate of growth over a period of 10 years, thereby saving $2 trillion. Wake up, America. You have to look at the underlying numbers here. What it means is that their share of revenue for our health care spending is going to rise to $12.8 trillion by 2020. At 1.5 percent, slowing the rate of growth times 10 years--15 percent. You multiply that times your $12.8 trillion, you get about $2 trillion. This is a hoax. It is a swindle. They're trying to tell the American people that these insurance companies that make money--not providing health care--are suddenly going to give the American people a break, when in fact the rate at which we're going to be paying is going to be 35 percent more than it is now. Wake up, America. The only plan that we can have that can work is universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care. Break the chains, the shackles that these insurance companies have on our political process.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Father David Francis Fallon, founding Pastor of La Sagrada Familia Parish. His love, kindness and faithful service on behalf of the people of our community will always be remembered, especially in the hearts and memories of those whose lives he impacted the most--the poor and disenfranchised of our society. Father Fallon was born and raised in Cleveland as the second oldest of thirteen children, where he learned at a young age the significance of family, faith, hard work and connection to community. Following his graduation from Borromeo College, then Saint Mary Seminary, Father Fallon was ordained into the priesthood on May 30, 1970. His first assignment was at Holy Family Parish and later as Associate Pastor at Saint John Bosco Parish. In 1975, Father Fallon was transferred to Saint Clement Parish in Lakewood. He served for two years before joining a mission team in El Salvador, where he brought faith, hope and a sense of security to his parish there. Though not of Hispanic heritage, Father Fallon became fluent in its customs, language and culture, and he became warmly embraced as a true son of the people of Cleveland's Hispanic community. He celebrated Masses in Spanish, and began bilingual services for young churchgoers. Reflecting a generous heart, joy for life and humble demeanor, Father Fallon easily drew others to him and his leadership became a guiding light that brought people and organizations together. His diplomacy and commitment to community was evident in the 1998 merging of two Hispanic parishes, San Juan Bautista and Cristo Rey, to form La Sagrada Familia parish. Under the direction of Father Fallon, La Sagrada Familia has risen as a foundation of strength, support and resources for people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds who seek guidance and support. Father Fallon initiated numerous programs, including a food pantry and clothing outlet where individuals and families in need can obtain free food, clothing and furniture. He organized church volunteers to serve the community in social service, employment and education. Additionally, Father Fallon inspired others to empower themselves and take pride in their community. He was an active attendee and member of various neighborhood, civic and municipal organizations, and he led numerous efforts in organizing voter registration drives in the Hispanic neighborhood. Moreover, Father Fallon's commitment to ministering to those who suffered emotional or physical hardships never wavered. He never missed his weekly visits to those who were homebound or those living in the neighboring nursing home. He brought each person the sacrament of communion, a compassionate presence and kind and calming words, comfort, faith and hope to our most vulnerable citizens. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Father David Francis Fallon, whose immeasurable service to others, compassion, faith, and a true belief in community has brought healing, hope and restored faith in all of us. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Father David Francis Fallon. Though he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him well, Father Fallon's compassionate service to others will continue to serve as an example and as a source of hope at La Sagrada Familia parish

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following poem by Mary-Ann S. Stanky of Cleveland, Ohio: Those Memories Should Not Be Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Said the new enlistee A new defender of democracy Salute, stand tall, and be proud. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! In line with his comrades Wearing alike uniforms Issued a gun to defend democracy. We are ready! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Turning a corner. . . . Rapid bursts of gunfire, from where? Shouts from everywhere Roof tops, windows noise all-around Heads swirling left to right, up and down. Quiet . . . an eerie quiet finally descends Labored breathing Eyes burning red, mouths dry, Ears ringing from uncommon sounds Minds fighting to stay in control. Streaks of red trickle down, blood? Look again, no! Look again, yes! Blood spills from open wounds medic! There! go there! hurry! Pick-up the gun Defender of democracy My friend has gone home to a Flag flying half-mast. --Mary-Ann S. Stanky

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Polish American Congress, Ohio Division, as they join together on May 3 to celebrate Polish Constitution Day--a day when the Americans of Polish heritage reflect on the struggles for freedom and celebrate the victories, customs and history of their beloved Polish homeland and share their cultural gifts with the entire Greater Cleveland Community. The first written European constitution, the Governmental Statute of Poland, was instated on May 3, 1791. Poland's Constitution was the result of nearly five centuries of struggle and perseverance by the people of Poland to diminish the power of the King and to create facets and institutions of government vital to the foundation of a constitutional government. An important document in the world history of democracy, the Polish Constitution established the separation and balance of powers, freedom of religion, and social justice by abolishing key elements of serfdom. Formed in 1949, the Polish American Congress is a national umbrella organization representing over ten million Americans of Polish descent and origin, and serves as a unifying force for both Polish Americans and Polish citizens living in America. The Polish American community in Cleveland is deeply rooted in their commitment to the values of family, faith, democracy, hard work and fulfillment of the American dream. Since its founding, the Polish American Congress has created programs to successfully integrate people of Polish decent in the U.S., including the Displaced Persons Program, which allowed almost 150,000 Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after World War II. The Polish American Congress has a legacy within our Cleveland community and across the nation of offering services of support to veterans, families and individuals. As in years' past, the Greater Cleveland Community will join in celebration of Poland's rich history and culture by joining Cleveland's Polish community in attending events such as the Polonia Ball, the Grand Parade and the Photographic Exhibition. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of the leaders and members of the Polish American Congress, as they celebrate Polish Constitution Day. Their collective and individual efforts in sharing, preserving and promoting their heritage, history and culture with Greater Cleveland serves to strengthen and illuminate the textured and diverse fabric of our community.