Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the Associated Press reports that the latest Iraq supplemental funding plan incredibly will tie an increase in the minimum wage to funding the war through October. If this is true, and I hope it is not, it tells American workers that the only way they will get an increase in wages is to continue funding a war which is taking the lives of their sons and daughters. First, blood for oil; now a minimum wage for maximum blood? Aren't the American people giving enough blood for this war without having to give more to have a wage increase? What's happened to our country? We are losing our moral compass. We are losing our sense of justice. We are losing touch with the difference between right and wrong. We do not have to fund this war. We must leave Iraq now. Support our troops. Bring them home. H.R. 1234 is a plan to end the war and stabilize Iraq and give Iraqis control of their oil. We must take a new path. We must take a path of truth and justice.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Frank Jackson for his outstanding work and unyielding effort to assist the homeless population of Cleveland. Ever since Mayor Jackson was elected to Cleveland City Council in 1989, he has been a leading force for bringing Cleveland together as one city and bridging the gaps that exist between communities. As a result, Cleveland has blossomed into a city that unites the lives of its children, seniors, disabled people, families, businesses, and all vulnerable populations. During his service to Cleveland, Mayor Jackson has made strong contributions to the advancement of equality, and has worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for the economically and socially disadvantaged. Mayor Jackson has supported subsidized affordable housing in Cleveland to ensure everyone has a roof over their heads. Moreover he has labored to include low income Clevelanders in the decision making process, rather than alienating them. During his successful mayoral campaign, he empowered the homeless community by involving them in the campaign and encouraging them to organize and advocate for themselves. Mayor Jackson's tremendous service to Cleveland is a shining example of how we should all do our utmost to create a society where rather than hide from problems like poverty and homelessness, we face them and commit ourselves to their eradication. He is the first Cleveland Mayor to attend the annual Homeless Memorial Day during his term, demonstrating his solidarity with the homeless community and his commitment to addressing the concerns they face. It is therefore with great honor that I celebrate Mayor Jackson as the recipient of the lone Biggs Award. The Award memorializes lone and celebrates her lifelong efforts to breaking down barriers in our society. lone listened to everyone, including those with whom she did not agree. Mayor Jackson possesses the very same qualities, and I am proud of the work he is doing for our city. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mayor Frank Jackson for his outstanding and tireless efforts as an advocate for the homeless, as well as for bringing all people that share the great city of Cleveland together as one people.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ridgewood YMCA, for over 30 years of service to the Parma, Ohio community, and for its efforts in creating a healthier, stronger and more active Northeast Ohio. Since its groundbreaking in 1971, Ridgewood has been an invaluable resource for Ohioans of all ages. Regardless of circumstance, Ridgewood and its dedicated staff have gone to all ends to ensure community members have the resources and motivation to get fit and lead healthier lives. Their latest program, the Y Express, has just completed its first year with resounding success. As a program aimed at meeting the needs of today's busy families the Y Express, from its strategic location in the Parmatown Mall, has logged over 40,000 member visits and continues to build partnerships and programs for its members. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Ridgewood YMCA and its successful Y Express program, as well as the efforts and energies of its committed and enthusiastic staff. Northeast Ohio is fortunate to have them.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert R. Rice, for his lifelong commitment to educating our youth and for sharing his many talents with our community. Since his days with the United States Armed Service Forces Band, Robert has been graciously sharing his musical talent. In the Band, he played trumpet and sang lead vocals. After leaving the service, Robert dedicated himself to educating children and introducing them to the wonders of music. As a result of his commitment, thousands of children have cultivated an appreciation for music. Harding School has been the fortunate benefactor of Robert's musical talents for 25 years, culminating in his composition of ``The Harding March.'' Hardly one to hold back his love of music, Robert has also volunteered thousands of hours with community organizations and numerous churches. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Robert R. Rice for a life spent bringing the gift of music to the youth of Northeast Ohio. May all his students who have cultivated a love of music pass it along to future generations.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the East End Neighborhood House, EENH, whose leaders, staff and volunteers have uplifted and energized all aspects of Cleveland's urban neighborhoods for 100 years. In 1907, Miss Hedwig Kosbab formed the EENH in her mother's home as a place that offered sewing classes for immigrant women. As the classes quickly began expanding to include others, the location of EENH changed several times but found its final home on the Van Sweringen estate in 1916. Beyond providing services to residents on an individual level and six major programs for those young and old, the EENH nurtures community pride and identity while assisting individuals in uniting to identify and resolve its issues collectively. As public needs change, EENH redirects its efforts to focus on the eroding areas of community influence and life such as church, family and schools. Their efforts and services help to maintain stability in those areas and provide the lacking influence that is necessary for neighborhood prosperity, especially for children. One program provided by the EENH is the Cleveland Foster Grandparent Program, which brings neighborhood seniors and youth together. The unification of these two generations allows elders to continue to contribute by leading and sharing wisdom with the young people of the community, while providing the youth with the support and guidance that they need to become active members of the community as well. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the volunteers, staff and leaders, past and present, of the East End Neighborhood House. Their collective dedication, vision, volunteerism and work on behalf of all residents has served to preserve the historic integrity and pride of the neighborhood, promote community accord and maintain a healthy sense of neighborhood unity fo residents, young and old.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thomas P. Corrigan, the 2007 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year. Tom has been a tireless advocate for Fairview Park, and has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours in service to his neighbors. Tom has been an active leader in the community for many years, and has been a fantastic influence in the lives of hundreds of Fairview Park youth. He has provided valuable leadership to St. Angela Cub Scout Pack 401, sponsored School to Work programs for Fairview Park High School and Ohio Boys Town, has coordinated numerous fundraising programs for Fairview Park students, and chaired levy campaigns to ensure that the schools have adequate resources to educate Fairview Park children. Hardly a person to temper his enthusiasm for his community, Tom has also contributed significant time and resources to Fairview Park's economic prosperity and social growth. For many years Tom served as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on the board of the Fairview Municipal Foundation. He has been active with the Business Advisory Council, and has been instrumental in the growth and success of Summerfest. He builds benches and playgrounds, chairs golf outings, and even plays the bagpipes. His dedication to Northeastern Ohio has been an inspiration to all that know him. In addition to being an invaluable asset to Fairview Park, Tom is a doting father to Elisabeth, Rebecca, and Christopher, as well as a loving husband to Jeanne Ann. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Thomas P. Corrigan as the 2007 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year. His reliability, thoughtfulness and selflessness have been integral to the success of Fairview Park and the development of the city's vibrant personality. May Fairview Park continue to thrive from his efforts.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I submit the following for the Record: Read the Iraqi Parliament's Hydrocarbon Law: The Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'' Contains Three Sentences on Oil Revenue Sharing and 33 Pages on Privatization Dear Colleague: An issue of critical importance, the Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'', was again broached yesterday for the third time in the Democratic Caucus and I want to provide you the facts and evidence to support the concerns I have expressed. As you know, the Administration set several benchmarks for the Iraqi government, including passage of the ``Hydrocarbon Law'' by the Iraqi Parliament. The Administration misled Congress by emphasizing only a small part of this law, the ``fair'' distribution of oil revenues. Consider the fact that the Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'' contains a mere three sentences that generally discuss the ``fair'' distribution of oil. Except for three scant lines, the entire 33 page ``Hydrocarbon Law'' is about creating a complex legal structure to facilitate the privatization of Iraqi oil. As such, it is imperative that all of us carefully read the Iraqi Parliament's bill because the FY07 Iraq Supplemental puts Congress on the record in promoting oil privatization. The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, released yesterday, contains Sec. 1330(2)(A) requiring a report by the President on ``whether the Government of Iraq has enacted a broadly accepted hydro-carbon law that equitably shares oil revenues among all Iraqis.'' The Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'' is not broadly accepted and does far more than share revenues. The final 3 months of war funding are tied to the favorable completion of this report and a favorable vote by Congress. It is also important to highlight Sec. 1311(2) of the Supplemental bill, which prohibits funds ``to exercise United States control over any oil resource of Iraq.'' The crucial issue is not the U.S. government control of Iraqi oil resources. Rather the issue is Congress passing a measure that pressures Iraq to pass their ``Hydrocarbon Act'' so that multinational oil corporations (many based in the U.S.) will exercise control over Iraqi oil resources. Here are the annotated facts, according to reliable media sources: Foreign Oil Company Control ``The law, if passed, is expected to open the country's billions of barrels of proven oil reserves, the world's third largest, to foreign investors.'' ``Under the new law, the Iraq National Oil Company would have exclusive control of only about 17 of Iraq's approximately 80 known oil fields.'' ``The law would also allow the government to negotiate different kinds of exploration and production contracts with foreign oil companies, including Production Sharing Agreements, or PSAs. Energy lawyers favor these because they allow oil companies to secure long-term deals and book oil reserves as assets on their company balance sheets.'' ``The proposal would provide for production sharing agreements that would give international firms 70 per cent of the oil revenues to recover their initial investments and subsequently allow them 20 per cent of the profits without any tax or restrictions on the transferring of funds abroad. ``Energy lawyers agree. ``Pretty much all the major oil companies are taking a very close interest in the future potential in Iraq,'' says Mathew Kidwell, a partner in the Dubai office of Fulbright & Jaworski. ``We have certainly had discussions with a number of our oil industry clients about the legal framework.'' '' Iraqi Self Governance Threatened The unions were kept in the dark, as were most members of Iraq's parliament, until the draft law was leaked to the media. Even then it was still out of the reach of most of Iraq's citizens. ``Iraq will not be capable of controlling the levels--the limits of production, which means that Iraq cannot be a part of OPEC anymore. And Iraq will have this very complicated institution called the Federal Oil and Gas Council, that will have representatives from the foreign oil companies on the board of it, so representatives from, let's say, ExxonMobil and Shell and British Petroleum will be on the federal board of Iraq approving their own contracts.'' ``Under the proposed law, foreign companies would not have to invest their earnings in Iraq, hire Iraqi workers, or partner with Iraqi companies.'' ``Iraq's oil unions have threatened to shutdown production if foreign companies are allowed too much control.'' ``The Iraq National Oil Co. would restart but compete with foreign oil companies, who could win contracts giving them partial ownership of the respective fields.'' Persuasion by Foreign Occupiers ``The British Government intervened to help UK and US energy giants in their attempts to secure lucrative contracts to exploit Iraq's ruined oilfields.'' ``The Foreign Office delivered a report by the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC)--a Washington- based think-tank backed by a host of multinationals, including oil companies such as Shell and BP--to Iraqi officials in Baghdad, it has emerged.'' ``The British ambassador to Iraq formally sent the `road- map' study on the Iraqi oil industry to the then Iraqi minister of finance, according to documents seen by The Independent on Sunday. The study recommended the Iraqi government sign long-term production-sharing agreements with foreign oil companies.'' ``The ITIC hosted a conference in Beirut in January 2005 to give a formal presentation to Iraqi ministers. Executives from BP, Shell, ChevronTexaco, the Italian oil company ENI and its French rival Total attended.'' If the above quotes are not persuasive, then I highly encourage you to read the Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'' yourself. It is available, not because the Iraqi government released it, but because the Kurds released it. This version passed the Iraq Cabinet, and was referred to the Parliament. http:// web.krg.org/uploads/documents/Draft%20Iraq%20 Oil%20 and %20 Gas %20 Law %20 English _2007_ 03_09_ h17m2s47.pdf The following highlights are the major concerns of the Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'': The legislation ensures that the ``Chief Executives of important related petroleum companies'' are represented on the Federal Oil and Gas Council, which approves oil and gas contracts. This is akin to the foreign oil companies approving their own contracts. The legislation ensures the Iraq National Oil Company has no exclusive rights for exploration, development, production, transportation, and marketing. The Iraq National Oil Company must compete against foreign oil companies with rules that benefit the foreign oil companies. The legislation gives the Iraq National Oil Company some control of developed oil fields and ``rights to participate'' in undeveloped oil fields in Annex I and II, but these Annexes have never been made public. The legislation gives the Iraq National Oil Company temporary control of the oil pipelines and export terminals, but then directs the Federal Oil and Gas Council to turn these assets over to any entity with no further instructions. The opportunity for a foreign oil company to have control over the Iraqi oil pipeline and export terminals would give that company enormous control of the Iraqi oil market. The legislation demands that ``contracts must guarantee the best levels of coordination'' with the Oil Ministry, Iraq National Oil Company, the regions and oil companies. The legislation mandates that undeveloped oil fields be developed quickly and oil companies are given explicit authority to ``collaborate.'' The legislation does not require contracts to be published for public review up to two months after the approval. The legislation contains only three sentences in regards to the fair distribution of oil, but do not resolve any of the issues facing this challenge. The legislation simply requires that future legislation be submitted for approval. Thus, this legislation does not even meet the President's benchmark. The legislation provides up to 35 years of exclusive control over oil fields for foreign oil companies. The legislation provides for a preference to Iraqis for jobs and services, but only if these benefits do not place extra costs or inconveniences on the foreign oil companies. This war was about oil. We must not be party to the Administration's blatant attempt to set the stage for multinational oil companies to take over Iraq's oil resources. The war in Iraq is a stain on American history. Let us not further besmirch our nation by participating in the outrageous exploitation of a nation which is in shambles due to U.S. intervention. Please join me in seeking to remove any reference to the Iraqi ``Hydrocarbon Law'' in the war spending bill. Sincerely, Dennis J. Kucinich, Member of Congress.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The administration sets several benchmarks for the Iraqi Government, including the passage of the hydrocarbon law by the parliament. The administration misled this Congress by emphasizing only a small part of this law, the so-called ``fair'' distribution of oil revenues. Consider the fact that the Iraqi hydrocarbon law contains a mere three sentences that generally discuss the ``fair'' distribution of oil. Except for these three scant lines, the entire 33-page hydrocarbon bill is about creating a complex legal structure to facilitate the privatization of Iraqi oil. As a matter of fact, yesterday, Vice President Cheney was in Baghdad specifically to tell the Iraqi legislature they must stay in session to pass this hydrocarbon bill which hands Iraqi oil over to foreign oil companies. It is imperative that all of us look at this carefully before we cast our vote today. Mr. Speaker, this war will never end if the Iraqi people believe the U.S. government is trying to deliver its oil over to U.S. oil companies.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Day 2007, and to celebrate the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community to the growth and prosperity of Northeast Ohio. Held May 15 and May 19, Heritage Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the many contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the well-being of Northeast Ohio. I marvel at the beautiful ethnic and cultural diversity that has developed over the years, and I am grateful for the generations of immigrants who have brought to Cleveland the customs and rich heritage from every corner of Asia. As Clevelanders forge ahead, building new institutions, relationships and bridges, it is my hope that future generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will continue their invaluable contributions to our social, economic and cultural health. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Day, and honoring the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the rich cultural tapestry of Northeast Ohio.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, Congress has the power to end the war in Iraq simply by refusing to pass any legislation to continue to fund it. The money is in the pipeline there right now to bring the troops home. H.R. 1234 provides a plan for bringing the troops home, ending the occupation and stabilizing Iraq. This war will never end if Congress advances administration plans to privatize Iraq's oil through insisting on the passage of a so-called hydrocarbon act by the Iraqi legislature. Today I will be distributing to Members of Congress a detailed report that explains how the legislation that we are advancing moves to privatize Iraq's oil.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Ford Motor Company has announced the closing of a casting plant in Cleveland where they're going to be outsourcing their engine casting business, and idling production at another engine plant for a year. We are seeing all these blue collar jobs outsourced in this country, and many white collar jobs as well. We're losing millions of manufacturing jobs. And it's not enough to just let this slide by without trying to challenge it. We have to have a new manufacturing policy in America where the maintenance of steel, automotive and aerospace is considered to be vital to our national economic security. We have to have a new not-for-profit health care system which covers all workers, so American businesses are not collapsed by the high cost of health insurance. And we have to have a new trade policy, which means the end of NAFTA and the WTO, and the beginning of trade based on workers rights, human rights and environmental quality principles. Our community in Cleveland is going to rally behind our auto workers. We're going to do everything we can to see if it's possible to save those plants and to make it possible to find ways of using those plants. But all across this country, we have to rise to meet this challenge.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Robert P. Binkley for his unyielding dedication to the Social Security Administration of Northeastern Ohio. Robert Binkley has been a devoted member of the SSA for over 40 years. He worked at the first social security teleclaims taking center in Cleveland, where he provided all the agency's beneficiaries with the prompt and courteous service they deserve. He continued his personal commitment to help those in vulnerable positions as a field representative in Michigan. Robert later returned to the Cleveland area as a supervisor in the Akron office. It was no surprise to his peers when he was promoted the Manager of the Teleservice Center in Cincinnati, and then Cleveland. While manager of the Cleveland Teleservice Center, Robert spent time at the SSA's headquarters in Baltimore, where he was instrumental in developing a national 800 number service guide for the nation's teleservice centers. Because of his ingenuity, many telecommunication services across the country are able to better serve their clients. Robert's continued dedication to improving the customer experience led to the development of a nonreceipt method so that SSA beneficiaries could receive replacement checks seven to ten days sooner. With the same enthusiasm Robert demonstrated when assisting the public, he encouraged his staff to attain higher positions within the agency. He continuously offered advice and expertise and many careers have been cultivated under Robert's tutelage. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Robert P. Binkley for his exceptional public service. His selfless devotion to the Social Security Administration and his staff has left an indelible mark on the community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the reunion of the Bolzan, Milluzzi and Venier families, and to acknowledge their indestructible family bond that has spanned numerous decades and generations. All too often, as technology makes communication with loved ones easier, it also drives us farther from the ones we care about. As families drift apart, we must take time to recognize those among us who, having dedicated themselves to preserving those ties that bind, remind us all of the enduring power of family love. It is with much admiration that I recognize the Bolzan, Milluzzi and Venier Families on the occasion of their reunion in Esch sur Alzette, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. As the Bolzan, Milluzzi and Venier families share their fondest memories and exchange news and other current events, I would like to recognize in a special way Amelie Haan-Bolzan, Fernand Bolzan, Clemy Berg-Bolzan, Aldo Bolzan, Sylvia Kieffer-Milluzzi, and Robert Wengler, whose efforts were instrumental in coordinating this intercontinental gala and ensuring a memorable time for all. The Bolzan Family now spans the Atlantic Ocean and can be found across the United States and Europe; their heritage could not be richer and their lineage could not be stronger. As they enter a new era, I wish that their family continues to flourish as they honor their traditions and create new ones. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the Bolzan Family on the occasion of their reunion. May their dedication, love and commitment to each other endure for generations to come and act as a model for us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, today's news indicates the Iraqis are beginning to be upset that the Bush administration, with the unfortunate help of this Congress, is trying to force the sovereign Government of Iraq to pass a hydrocarbon act which will give the U.S. oil companies control of $6 trillion worth of Iraqi oil assets. Now, the wealth of Iraq, the oil wells, ought to be decided by an Iraq Government not under U.S. occupation. But yet, in the bill that was vetoed yesterday, there was a provision that would have forced Iraq to have privatized its oil assets or the U.S. would pull our troops without having an international security and peacekeeping force in its place. That is nothing but extortion. As Congress comes together to put a plan to get us out of Iraq, let's stop trying to steal Iraq's oil. Let's bring our troops home. Let's have an international peacekeeping and security force that can come in as our troops leave. It is time to take a new direction, and that is exactly what H.R. 1234 is about.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, because our Nation is one. I rise today in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Crime, violent crime in particular, has repercussions beyond the individual perpetrator and victim. It impacts family and friends and the surrounding community. Hate crimes, whether motivated by the race, creed, or sexual orientation of an individual, terrorize a community. In 2005, 7,163 hate crimes were reported to the FBI. Over half of those hate crimes were motivated by race-related bias. Seventeen percent were crimes based on religion. One in six hate crimes is motivated by the victim's sexual orientation. The purpose and intention of these crimes extends beyond the crime itself. They serve to instill fear in others sharing that trait. This legislation does not punish thoughts or speech; it punishes crimes motivated by bias against the race, religion, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation of the victim. It gives law enforcement additional tools to punish violent crimes. Hate crimes are inherently divisive. Regardless of the group targeted, hate crimes undermine our collective ability to look past our differences and find common ground. If we as a Nation seek the eradication of acts of violence, we must address the underlying causes of that violence. We must uncover and address the hatred and discrimination that motivates these crimes. This legislation is step towards that goal. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1592.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The President's veto will stand, but now what will we stand for? We say we want the war to end, but will we give the President the money to continue the war? We say we want our troops home, but will we continue to support the occupation? We know that U.S. contractors have been stealing from U.S. taxpayers and the Iraqi government, but will we leave our troops in Iraq to protect them? We know oil has had a lot to do with this war, but will we let this President get away with attempting to privatize Iraq's oil wealth in the name of reconciliation? We can still change course. We can deny the administration funds to continue the war. We can bring our troops home. We can stabilize Iraq with an international security force once we end the occupation. That is exactly what H.R. 1234 is about, and it is time that we started to look for alternatives which reflect this Nation's highest aspirations.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory and honor of Lance Corporal Daniel R. Scherry. He served our country courageously until his death on April 16, 2007. His brief but passionate career is an inspiration to the community and the brave Marines who continue to fight. Daniel, born in Cleveland, was a graduate of Rocky River High School. He was an invaluable member of the varsity football team, where his determination and leadership helped the Pirates transform into a dominant football team. Daniel's presence extended off the playing field as he continued to mentor the students of his alma mater before he was deployed to Iraq. After his graduation in 2005, Daniel continued to be an active member of the community and enrolled himself as a student at the Tri-C Fire Academy. He received hands-on training and underwent intensive classes that fueled his desire to serve our country. In April 2006, Daniel fulfilled his dream and enlisted in the Marine Corps. In September, Daniel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 of the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, NC. Daniel served as an infantry mortar man and his diligence and hard work did not go unnoticed. Within his first year of duty, Daniel was quickly promoted twice to the level of Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Daniel Scherry is survived, but greatly missed by his parents, siblings, and extended family. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Scherry. He is an American hero and his sacrifice will always be remembered by the lives he touched.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, 4 years ago, the President declared: ``Mission Accomplished.'' I would ask the President, Madam Speaker, whose mission was accomplished by the invasion and occupation of Iraq? Was Halliburton's mission accomplished? Was the oil companies' mission accomplished? Was the defense contractors' mission accomplished? I was at Arlington Cemetery this morning where so many of our brave young men and women responded to the call of duty. Their mission was to put their lives on the line for America. They accomplished their mission. This Congress has not accomplished its mission. We must stop funding the war. We must end the occupation. We must use the money in the pipeline to bring our troops home. We must reach out to the nations of the region to create an international peacekeeping and security force to stabilize Iraq. And we must bring to justice under our Constitution and under the laws of this Nation those in high office who took us into a war based on lies. Then we will have accomplished our mission. Then we will have restored America's honor, America's greatness.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. I rise in support of this resolution honoring the 45th anniversary of John Glenn's historic flight, making him the first American to orbit the Earth. His journey in the Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 spacecraft was made all the more incredible by the complications that ensued during the flight. Scheduled for three orbits, the final two had to be piloted on manual control after a malfunction in the automatic controls. Still on manual control, Mr. Glenn piloted the capsule during reentry into the earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft also sent a signal to the ground that the heat shield, designed to prevent the craft from burning up on reentry, was loose. Though ground control did not tell him, Mr. Glenn quickly deduced there was a problem. An external piece of the craft called a retropack, which was supposed to be jettisoned before reentry was left on to try to keep the heat shield in place. During the reentry, pieces of retropack flew past the capsule's window in flames. Still, Colonel Glenn landed safely in the Atlantic Ocean to the relief of the Nation. During the flight, John Glenn was subjected to 7.7 Gs and traveled 76,000 miles. His success helped lay the groundwork for the continuous string of successes NASA has since accumulated. John Glenn went on to continue his lengthy record of public service as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, even returning to space flight in 1999. When we stand here and look back 45 years, it is almost impossible to imagine that a man would step into a small container with a huge rocket behind it that would propel him into an orbit. And when you think of the kind of courage that he demonstrated then, what is interesting about John Glenn is that all of the attention, the fame and adulation that came after that didn't affect him one bit. He was basically someone who served his country in the military, then went on to serve his country as a U.S. Senator, and while this historic occasion is being recognized, I think also we pay tribute to John Glenn the man, who has demonstrated that it is possible to be able to walk with kings and never lose the common touch. And also, we celebrate his wife, Annie, who has been a constant companion at Senator Glenn's side and has always represented the finest tradition of American couples. John and Annie Glenn have so much to be proud of, and this Nation owes both of them a debt of gratitude, and I am glad to see that we are honoring the 45th anniversary of his historic flight. Also, I am so pleased that so many of my colleagues from Ohio are here to join in paying tribute to John Glenn.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I stand in opposition to the amendment and in support of the underlying bill, Mr. Rahall's bill, to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros. A lot of people bet on horses. Today, the horses are betting on us. They are betting that we remember something essential about the America of long ago to which these wild horses and burros connect us, betting that we do not misuse our power to cause these horses, these wild animals to be subject to slaughter. They are betting that we have the sense to put together policies that can provide for the protection of the wild horses and burros. Now, it is the responsibility of the Bureau of Land Management to enforce the laws on public lands that related to the bill that Congress passed 36 years ago that established as national policy that wild free- roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, and death. And this Bureau of Land Management has not done the job. They haven't properly managed their responsibilities, they haven't enforced the law. Why should we permit the wild horses to be further victimized by the Bureau of Land Management? This legislation exposes part of the spirit of America to an attack because of the ineffectiveness and inefficiency and indeed the callous disregard of those at the Bureau of Land Management. Rather than pass a law which opens up wild horses to commercial sale and slaughter, we should be looking at a dramatic revision of the Bureau of Land Management's responsibilities here. We should be looking at that agency which took the responsibility by law in 1971 to make sure that these horses were protected, because they haven't done that. And now we are having Members advocate that we continue a condition where these horses are subjected to slaughter. I think that occasionally we reconnect to our greatness as a country when we remember where we came from, when we remember our connection with the land, when we remember our connection with Native Americans, when we remember our connection with the sky, when we remember our connection with the water, and when we remember our connection with God's creatures who still, through the grace of God, freely roam the plains of this country as wild horses and burros. Support the Rahall bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, it has been long recognized that the Government of Sudan has tremendous responsibility to protect human rights and to maintain law and order. However, I would submit that the policies of the United States, since the Government of Sudan has said to be cooperating in the dubious war on terrorism, the Government of the United States has not been aggressive enough in causing Sudan to assert its responsibility for matters affecting Darfur in the first place. Furthermore, there has to be a commitment obtained by that government to, first of all, investigate any of the war crimes and to see them taken to the ICC. I think that it is imperative that this Congress not just pass this resolution but makes this the beginning of an ongoing effort to address the issues in Darfur.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my good friend Mr. Ackerman for the opportunity to address the Congress on this issue. As some of my colleagues are aware, on July 19, 2006, I introduced legislation to this Congress calling on the President to appeal to all sides in the crisis in the Middle East for an immediate cessation of violence and to commit the United States diplomats to multiparty negotiations with no preconditions. This resolution specifically related to the events that brought violence to Lebanon and to Israel as well. I want to say from the start that I took that position because I believe that Israel has a right to survive and Israel is entitled to its security and so, too, the people of Lebanon have a right to survive and were entitled to their security. I think that it is regrettable that our government did not become immediately involved in diplomatic relations so that we could have been able to forestall the disaster that was visited upon south Lebanon where tens of thousands of structures were leveled. I am not speaking about this theoretically, Madam Speaker, because my wife and I went to south Lebanon and surveyed the damage, and it was utter destruction. I would refer my colleagues to Amnesty International's report regarding the destruction in south Lebanon. I also would like to put into the Record a copy of H. Con. Res. 450 which called on the President to appeal to all sides in the crisis. H. Con. Res. 450 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress-- (1) calls upon the President to-- (A) appeal to all sides in the current crisis in the Middle East for an immediate cessation of violence; (B) commit United States diplomats to multi-party negotiations with no preconditions; and (C) send a high-1evel diplomatic mission to the region to facilitate such multi-party negotiations; (2) urges such multi-party negotiations to begin as soon as possible, including delegations from the governments of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt; and (3) supports an international peacekeeping mission to southern Lebanon to prevent cross-border skirmishes during such multi-party negotiations.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, American families are hardworking, good people and deserve financial security. American families do not deserve to have their physical, emotional and financial security compromised by predatory lending practices engaged in by the subprime mortgage industry. Subprime mortgage lending includes a wide range of loan products. What these loans have in common is they are marketed to hardworking people made vulnerable by credit scores that disqualify them from traditional loans, or who have limited credit history, thereby limiting their borrowing power. Subprime lending is associated with significantly higher levels of foreclosure than prime lending. Subprime lenders make excessive mortgage loans of up to $1 million, and often the borrower can obtain ``cash out'' refinancing. Additionally, subprime lenders offer 100 percent financing to those with poor or limited credit. Subprime lenders are known for their forceful marketing techniques which have included ``stated income'' loans in which the borrower is not required to provide documentation. This places American families in danger of borrowing a substantially greater amount that what is reasonably affordable and places them in danger of being unable to meet their mortgage payments. These predatory lending practices are forcing large numbers of American families into foreclosure. Said another way, American families are losing their homes, homes they worked hard for. They are enduring undue stress and emotional instability when confronted with this prospect. In 2002, approximately 2.2 million American families who had borrowed money from a subprime lender had either lost their home to foreclosure or were thought to be in danger of foreclosure. The Center for Responsible Lending conducted a study in which they found that millions of American households will lose their homes and as much as $164 billion due to foreclosures in the subprime market. In Ohio, my home State, Ohio leads the Nation in the rate of foreclosure. Ohio's foreclosure rate is roughly three times the national rate, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, my hometown, had 11,000 foreclosures in 2005, more than triple the number a decade earlier. In Cleveland in 1995, local depositories held about 60 percent of the market share of mortgages. By 2005, that number dropped to 20 percent. What has happened to my city in the past decade is a story that is reflected nationwide. Furthermore, foreclosure has a detrimental effect on the greater community. Neighborhoods with foreclosed properties are likely to experience declining property values. These lower property values and the corresponding decline in owner equity can contribute to additional incidents of foreclosure. Foreclosed homes are often left vacant for extended periods of time and can subsequently attract crime to neighborhoods. I began my political career as a representative in the inner city. Later I became the mayor of Cleveland, and during my tenure, Cleveland became the first city to sign the Community Reinvestment Act agreement pursuant to the newly enacted CRA of 1977. The Community Reinvestment Act was passed to prevent lending institutions from withholding home loans or insurance from communities labeled as economically risky. The act was intended to expand credit and depository services to low- and middle-income communities. The CRA extends and clarifies the longstanding expectation by hardworking Americans that financial institutions will serve the convenience and needs of their local communities. The CRA established a regulatory regime to monitor the lending, investment and services offered by banks in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, and has resulted in significant benefits. Lenders and community organizations have signed 428 CRA agreements totaling $4.1 trillion in reinvestment dollars between the CRA's enactment in 1977 and the beginning of 2005. The CRA has also facilitated a surge of home loans to low-income and minority households. Despite these positive gains, significant financial problems continue to exist in low- and moderate-income communities. When you look at a map of Cleveland, a pattern begins to emerge that is not unlike that being experienced by other communities. The pattern is this: In geographical areas where the number of subprime mortgage loans is the highest, the number of foreclosures for the same geographical area will also be high, while the number of prime loans made by depository banks will be relatively few. Looking at the same geographical area, we find that neighborhoods experiencing these trends are predominantly African American neighborhoods. Lack of access to prime loans, a high frequency of subprime loans and a high rate of foreclosures are by no means specific to any racial group, but the pattern certainly carries an overtone of America's historic denial of equal rights based on race. A recently published report entitled ``Paying More for the American Dream'' found that Citigroup, Countrywide, GMAC, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo all originated a substantial volume of both higher-cost subprime and lower-cost prime loans. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue that I am proud to join my colleagues, including my friend and colleague from Cleveland, Mrs. Tubbs Jones, and I thank her for the work she has done on this issue. American families are hard-working, good people who deserve financial security. American families do not deserve to have their physical, emotional and financial security compromised by predatory lending practices engaged in by the subprime mortgage industry. Subprime mortgage lending includes a wide range of loan products; what these loans have in common is that they are marketed to hardworking people made vulnerable by credit scores that disqualifies them from traditional loans or who have a limited credit history thereby limiting their borrowing power. Subprime lending is associated with significantly higher levels of foreclosure than prime lending. Subprime lenders make accessible mortgage loans of up to $1 million and often the borrower will be able to obtain ``cash out'' refinancing. Additionally, subprime lenders offer 100 percent financing to those who have poor or limited credit. Subprime lenders are known for their forceful marketing techniques which include ``stated income'' loans in which the barrower is not required to provide documentation supporting claims of income. This places American families in danger of borrowing a substantially greater amount than what is reasonably affordable and places them in danger of being unable to meet their mortgage payments. These predatory lending practices are forcing large numbers of American families into foreclosure. Said another way--American families are loosing their homes; homes that they have worked hard for. They are enduring undue stress and emotional instability when confronted with this prospect. As 2006 came to an end, approximately 2.2 million American families who had borrowed money from a subprime lender had either lost their home to foreclosure or are thought to be in danger of foreclosure at some point in the near future. The Center for Responsible Lending conducted a study in which they found that ``millions of American households will lose their homes and as much as $164 billion due to foreclosures in the subprime mortgage market.'' My home state of Ohio leads the nation in the rate of foreclosure. Ohio's foreclosure rate (3.3 percent) is roughly three times the national rate, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, my home town, had 11,000 foreclosures in 2005, more than triple the number a decade earlier. In Cleveland in 1995, local depositories held about 60 percent of the market share of mortgages. By 2005, that number had dropped to 20 percent. What has happened to my city in the past decade is a story that is reflected nationwide. Furthermore, foreclosure has a detrimental effect on the greater community. Neighborhoods with foreclosed properties are likely to experience declining property values. These lower property values and the corresponding decline in owner equity can contribute to additional incidents of foreclosure in our communities. Foreclosed homes are often left vacant for extended periods of time and can subsequently attract crime to our neighborhoods which further hurts our communities and threatens our families. I began my political career as a representative of Slavic Village in the Cleveland City Council. Later I became the mayor of Cleveland and during my tenure, Cleveland became the first city to sign a Community Reinvestment Act Agreement pursuant to the newly enacted Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. The Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, was passed to prevent lending institutions from withholding home loans or insurance from communities labeled as economically risky. Additionally the Act was intended to expand credit and depository services to low and middle income communities. The Community Reinvestment Act both extends and clarifies the long standing expectation by hardworking Americans that financial institutions will serve the convenience and needs of their local communities. The CRA established a regulatory regime to monitor the lending, investment and services offered by banks in low and moderate income neighborhoods and has resulted in significant benefits. Lenders and community organizations have signed 428 CRA agreements totaling more than $4.1 trillion in reinvestment dollars between the CRA's enactment in 1977 and the beginning of 2005. The CRA has also facilitated a surge of home loans to low-income and minority households. Despite these positive gains, significant financial problems continue to exist in low and moderate income communities. When you look at a map of Cleveland, my home town, a pattern begins to emerge that is not unlike what is being experienced by cities around the country. The pattern is this: In geographical areas where the number of subprime mortgage loans is the highest, the number of foreclosures for the same geographical area will also be high, while the number of prime loans made by depository banks will be relatively few. Looking at this same geographical area we find that the neighborhoods experiencing these trends are predominately African-American neighborhoods. Lack of access to prime loans, a high frequency of subprime loans and a high rate of foreclosures are by no means specific to any racial group, but the pattern certainly carries an overtone of America's historic denial of equal rights based on race. A recently published report entitled Paying More for the American Dream found that Citigroup, Countrywide, GMAC, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo all originated a substantial volume of both higher cost subprime and lower cost prime loans. The report also found that for these seven lenders, the percentage of total home purchase loans to African Americans that were higher-cost was six times greater than the percentage of higher cost home purchase loans to whites. (41.1 percents vs. 6.9 percent). Loans to Latinos that were higher-cost loans were 4.8 times greater than the percentage of higher cost home purchase loans to whites (32.8 percents vs. 6.9 percent). In each of the cities examined, the seven lenders combined showed larger African American/white and Latino/white disparities than those exhibited in the overall lending market. Foreclosure and discrimination in lending practices are serious problems for America's cities. We are now on the brink of a massive wave of foreclosures in this country. Although there are a significant number of individuals and organizations working to reverse existing problems in the lending system and create viable alternatives to foreclosure and subprime mortgages, the tide will not be turned because the magnitude of the problem outstrips even the best of their abilities and efforts. To turn the tide of foreclosure in America's cities, leadership at the federal government level is necessary as well. We must examine the problem and the steps that can be taken before it becomes bigger and beyond us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Keith Sorensen for 25 years of volunteer service with the Northeast Ohio YMCA. His inspirational work has made an impact on many lives in our community. Keith has never strayed too far from the water, and began his affiliation with the Southeast YMCA Riptide Swim Team as a student of Bedford High School. Upon graduation, Keith joined the United States Navy. As a sailor, Keith was a passionate leader and represented himself and our Country as a competitive swimmer. After completing his service to our Country, Keith continued to devote himself to helping the community. For 30 years, he worked as a frozen food manager for Reider's Stop-N-Shop, and was the daily lifeguard of his old alma mater, Bedford High School. In 1996, Keith assisted the head coach and together they trained a talented group of students who would go on to be Ohio High School Athletic Association Northeast District and State Swim Meet qualifiers. In addition to the countless hours Keith has dedicated to high school athletics, he has tirelessly spent the last 25 years coaching thousands of swimmers at the Southeast YMCA. Under Keith's direction as head coach, the YMCA focused on a program that stressed the importance of swimming fundamentals. As a result of his discipline and specialization in the breaststroke, many of his former students went on to have successful high school and collegiate swimming careers. Keith's commitment has not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous awards, most notably YMCA's Triangle Award by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, and he was named ``CitiSun of the Year'' by the Sun newspapers for his volunteer work with the community. However, Keith's greatest accomplishment has been coaching his three daughters. Together, Keith and Maureen have watched their daughters set numerous records as swimmers for the Southeast YMCA and Bedford High School swim teams. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Keith Sorensen for his commitment to the Northeast Ohio community. His dedication is the embodiment of selflessness and he brings great pride to us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eugene Bak for his outstanding efforts and devoted work to Polonia and America, and his tremendous amount of civic work for the benefit of the Polish American Cultural Center. Gene and his family immigrated to the United States in 1952, after spending a total of seven years in deportation in Siberia as well as Polish refugee camps. He obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University and attended business programs at the University of Michigan, Harvard University and Syracuse University. Gene has spent his entire career in the chemical industry and retired as Board Director of OM Group (OMC) in 1999. In 1982, Gene's affection for his beloved homeland led him to help the Americares Foundation raise funds to ship medicine and medical supplies to the people of Poland. He has since been a vital asset to efforts to expanding Polish culture in the Cleveland area, and as cofounder and Executive Director of the Polish American Cultural Center he has refurbished facilities to house distinguished Polish speakers, artists, shows and displays. Under his leadership, the Polish Heritage Museum opened as part of the Cultural Center to celebrate Polish history, as well as the history of Polish Americans. Gene serves on a number of boards, such as the Advisory Board of Marymount Medical Center. Moreover his concern for people, both here and abroad, is impressive and admirable. As part of his titanic work he is helping the people in Poland to raise funds for the Laski Institute for the Blind as well as the Polish Children's Heartline Foundation, and he has significantly contributed to the cooperation between Poland and the United States. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Eugene Bak for using his unique skills and numerous talents in service to the people of Polonia and Northeast Ohio. May his tireless dedication and his achievements continue to inspire us all.