Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Four years ago this week, in violation of international law, standing upon a mountain of lies, the United States went to war against the people of Iraq. The U.S. now has a moral responsibility for the deaths of as many as 1 million innocent Iraqis, for the destruction of Iraq and the theft of billions in Iraq oil assets. Those who told lies to take us into war should be held accountable under the U.S. Constitution and at the International Criminal Court. Instead of true accountability on the war, the President and the Vice President could get over $100 billion to keep the war going through the end of their term. More war, more civilian deaths, more soldiers killed or maimed. Less money for housing, for health care, for education, for seniors as we borrow money from Beijing to fight a war in Baghdad. Instead of accountability, the appropriations bill will mandate the privatization of $6 trillion in Iraqi oil assets and provide money which can be used to attack Iran to try to grab another $7 trillion in Iranian oil assets for the oil companies. Support the troops. Stop the war. End the occupation. Support H.R. 1234.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor of Justice Kevin Haugh, a guardian of the people and the Constitution of Ireland. In 1966, Justice Haugh earned his position as a barrister, and in doing so became part of a 450-year legacy. During his tenure as a barrister, he was involved in a multitude of high-profile criminal cases and developed the experience and legal acumen to serve as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. Due to his exemplary legal knowledge and professional judgment, Justice Haugh was appointed to Senior Counsel in 1983. His experience in the practice of law made Justice Haugh an invaluable member of the counsel, and for thirteen years he served his profession with grace and dignity. After he was called to the bench in 1996, Justice Haugh was a Circuit Court Judge for nearly a decade and became an active member of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal. His knowledge made him a perfect candidate for this position, and he worked with other international representatives dealing with cases regarding employment and staff members within the United Nations. In 2005, Justice Haugh was appointed to the High Court Justice. As a servant of the people, Justice Haugh determined the validity of any law in regards to the Irish Constitution, while overseeing all appeals of civil matters from the Circuit Court. A year later, he was appointed to the newly established position of Chairman of the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. As the Chairman of the Garda Siochana, Justice Haugh oversaw Ireland's National Police Force by helping ensure openness, transparency and accountability within the department. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Justice Haugh for his work in preserving the foundation of rights for all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dale Lytkowski, to acknowledge his extraordinary accomplishments and unparalleled leadership of the Cleveland Society of Poles. Since 1923, the Cleveland Society of Poles has endeavored to expand awareness of Polish heritage through committed civic, social, and philanthropic participation. Under the leadership of former President Lytkowski, the Society's role in Northeast Ohio has become ever more pertinent to contributing to the region's diverse cultural background. Throughout his life, Dale Lytkowski has shown tremendous dedication to his wife, Dolores, three daughters, and three granddaughters. He has demonstrated this same dedication to his community. As a certified public accountant, he has been active in guiding numerous professional organizations. He held national leadership positions with CPAmerica and CPA Vision. As a resident of Southeastern Cuyahoga County, Mr. Lytkowski exemplifies civic participation. He has selflessly risen to meet the needs of area citizens through his involvement with the Marymount Hospital's Board of Directors and Community Advisory Council, the City of Independence Planning Commission, the Union Club of Cleveland, and the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Over the past eight years, Dale Lytkowski has served as membership committee chairman, treasurer, and vice president for the Cleveland Society of Poles. In 1998, Mr. Lytkowski served as 48th president during the organization's 75th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, Mr. Lytkowski generated $5,000 in support of the University of Virginia Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies campaign. Currently, this program affords students the opportunity to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Poland's past, present, and future. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Dale Lytkowski, a worthy recipient of the Polish Heritage Good Joe Award. He is an incomparable representative of the achievements of Polonia in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Lytkowski continues to inspire others through a life of integrity, responsibility, and commitment to his heritage.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ideals of the Good Friday Agreement, and to celebrate the efforts of the English and Irish governments to create a more peaceful and prosperous Ireland. Signed on Good Friday in 1998, the Agreement marked a watershed moment in the history of Eire's glorious but at times tumultuous history, and laid out specific provisions and benchmarks for all involved parties. The Agreement created programs and transgovernmental institutions to engender dialogue across borders and parties; deconstructed obstructionist legislation on both sides of the English Channel; reformed security and law enforcement institutions; and set timetables for disarmament. More than just an accord between governments, the Agreement signaled a new commitment to the life and liberty of the Irish people. The Agreement established new civil and human rights standards; ensured the dignity of all communities by promising new cultural and economic standards; and aspired to create relationships based on principles of peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. The electorate, and indeed the world, has responded in kind. The Good Friday Agreement was embraced by citizens in the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. National governments around the world have applauded the efforts to create a lasting peace, and local governments throughout the United States have enacted resolutions in support of the Good Friday Agreement. I applaud the City of Cleveland for their support of Peace in Ireland, and I am hopeful that one day we will look back on the Good Friday Agreement, having reached our destination of a peaceful Ireland with a thriving population united in their efforts to cultivate that peace. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the pursuit of a lasting peace in Ireland. It is my eternal hope we one day may have a response to William Butler Yeats' pained question: ``Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it suffice?''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mark R. Bohn for his dedication to his colleges and for his 32 years of federal service to his country. Mark began his federal career back in 1974, where he served in the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. In 1978, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. He worked in various facilities, including Cleveland Hopkins Air Traffic Control Tower, where he ably served for 15 years. Mark has, throughout the years, shown a strong commitment to and care for his colleagues. He was a founding and charter member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and has been elected the union facility representative at three different facilities. Additionally, Mark has offered his service on national, regional, and local committees for both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Throughout his career, Mark has received numerous performance awards, letters of commendation, and incentive awards for his great work and effort. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mark R. Bohn, whose 32 years of federal service for this country, as well as tremendous commitment to and care for his colleagues, is a shining example for all of us.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion, and to celebrate the commitment of this patriotic group of individuals that has defended our country valiantly. The Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion is one of the oldest regiments in the Nation. It is also the most decorated military organization in the State of Ohio. During the American Civil War, the Ohio National Guard played a crucial role in the watershed defeat of Morgan and his Confederate cavalry. During World War I and World War II the 112th Engineer Battalion was deployed overseas and was later regarded as being one of the ``most well disciplined and highly competent'' engineer units. Ever humble about their job, the 112th, when deployed to support an Air Force unit, sent tokens of appreciation to those that offered assistance during the Battalion's deployment. The 112th Engineer Battalion unit exemplifies the honor that comes to mind when looking toward the past, present, and future of the Ohio Army National Guard. The courage of the Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion does not merely extend to matters abroad. When disaster shook the South, the 112th Engineer's Battalion swiftly acted to help the victims of Hurricane Rita. This unit was and is always ready to help when needed. When called to help their brothers and sisters fight the war on terrorism, the 112th Engineer Battalion exemplified the National Guard mantra to ``Respond when called and be ready. `` The never waning support and readiness to help has made the 112th Engineer Unit the pride of their community. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Ohio National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of George Becker, a man who was an activist, a respected union organizer and a tireless champion that protected worker's rights. George Becker was the sixth international president of the United Steelworkers. For 7 years George provided a booming voice that expressed the frustrations and concerns of the steelworkers, while demanding that they be treated with dignity and decency. He sought to unite the workers by educating them, and launched a program aimed at involving the workers in addressing their interests to politicians. When his brothers and sisters faced job insecurity, George courageously fought for their rights. The campaign by George and the union workers was victorious, and showed Americans that a union still had the ability to protect the rights of members. He believed that only a union could protect the working class, a sentiment he expressed after visiting the workers of many non-unionized corporations. George's concern for the mental and physical well-being of union workers led to the proposal of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) safety standards for those exposed to lead and arsenic. Because of his endless work on implementing OSHA safety standards, workers whose health was affected by their job would not suffer loss of pay when taking time off. George died February 3rd, 2007 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his wonderful sons, George, Greg and Matthew; his ten grandchildren; his great grandchildren and his sister Jacqueline Straus. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of George Becker, a major proponent for worker's rights in the industrial workforce.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Serbian National University ``Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich'', which is affiliated with the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio. Founded in 1987, this prestigious university has dedicated itself to promoting and educating the public on Serbian culture and history. Among its many achievements, Serbian National University established an endowment fund at The Ohio State University's Hilander Room, which provides an environment for students to advance the language, heritage, and traditions of the Serbian people. In addition, the University supports the Serbian Orthodox Church, Cleveland Institute of Music and similar schools in Serbia. The Serbian National University is dedicated to and inspired by the works and achievements of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich. During the 18th and 19th Century, Vuk Karadzich founded the modern Serbian language and developed the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet. Vuk Karadzich received a degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Jena, Germany and was knighted by the country of Russia. One of the many legacies of Vuk Karadzich that the Serbian National University carries on today is the mission of bridging the gap between Serbian and American cultures. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Serbian National University ``Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich'' for all the amazing contributions they have made to the advancement of Serbian and American culture. May the good work that they have done endure into the future.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong achievements of the Godfather of Soul, James Joseph Brown, who changed American music forever. Over his more than five-decade-long career, Mr. Brown affected and evolved countless music genres while leaving his enduring signature style and grace for everyone to admire. Born in rural South Carolina during the Great Depression, Mr. Brown learned very quickly the value of hard work and dedication, from picking cotton to shining shoes to washing dishes. A self-taught musician and performer, Mr. Brown arrived on the music scene in 1955 and soon started releasing hit records. Mr. Brown's influence was not isolated to merely music, but extended into local communities by sponsoring youth programs, investing in African American businesses, and speaking at high schools across the country. Throughout the 1960's, Mr. Brown was not only a frequent name atop the music charts by releasing singles like ``Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'' and ``I Got You (I Feel Good),'' but also an outspoken advocate for the Civil Rights movement. Mr. Brown's trendsetting stage performances and groundbreaking musical innovations are just a few of the many legacies he has left behind. From his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1968 to being a 2003 Kennedy Center Honoree, Mr. Brown not only has paved the way for numerous artists, but also has left a lasting impact on music that is still being felt today. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, James Brown, whose inspiration and genius will continue to touch the lives of generations to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. This House cannot avoid its constitutionally authorized responsibility to restrain the abuse of executive power. The administration has been preparing for an aggressive war against Iran. There is no solid, direct evidence that Iran has the intention of attacking the United States or its allies. The U.S. is a signatory to the U.N. Charter, a constituent treaty among the nations of the world. Article II, section 4, of the U.N. charter states, ``All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.'' Even the threat of a war of aggression is illegal. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution makes such treaties the supreme law of the land. This administration has openly threatened aggression against Iran in violation of the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Charter. This week, the House Appropriations Committee removed language from the Iraq war funding bill requiring the administration under Article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution to seek permission before it launched an attack against Iran. Since war with Iran is an option of this administration and such war is patently illegal, then impeachment may well be the only remedy which remains to stop a war of aggression against Iran.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. At present, Congress has before it, for consideration in committee, an Iraq funding bill which will keep the war going perhaps through the end of President Bush's term. It would order the privatization of Iraq's oil and open the door for the President to order an attack on Iran without congressional authorization. Democrats were brought to power not to spread war, but to stop it. The administration took us into war for oil. We should not be confirming that purpose by promoting privatization in the Iraq funding bill. The President desires to attack Iran without Congress asserting its constitutional authority. We should be asserting our constitutional authority to restrain another administration abuse of power.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. A very simple proposition is facing this House; do we keep the war in Iraq going or do we end it? Do we use the money to bring the troops home or do we use the money to keep them in Iraq? The lives of our troops are on the line. The war cannot be won militarily. Why do we stay? Why do we tell our troops to keep fighting? Who is going to explain to the families of the troops the consequences of Congress' decision? And why isn't our Democratic Party taking the leadership to immediately end the war? We can do it. We don't have to give the administration another $120 billion to keep the war going. We don't have to let more troops die and have more civilian casualties. My bill, H.R. 1234, provides a path to bringing our troops home, ending the occupation, closing our bases and stops the occupation of Iraq. We do not have to keep funding this war. The money is in the pipeline to bring the troops home. Let's end the war, bring the troops home, and bring in international peacekeepers to stabilize Iraq. We can do it once we end the occupation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing life of Macaria Mabini on the occasion of her 90th birthday, and to thank her for all her contributionsn to northeast Ohio. Born in the Philippines on March 10, 1917 as the granddaughter of Apolinario Mabini, the first prime minister of the Philippines, Macaria was destined for a life of distinction. She was a studious and talented youth, committed to her studies and her musical development as a pianist. Macaria received her bachelor of arts degree as well as her master of education from National University in Manila, but her irrepressible wanderlust and curiosity about the world left her craving more. In 1954, that curiosity--and the SS Wilson--brought her to the United States. After arriving in the United States, Macaria quickly invested herself in her new community. She obtained her second master's degree, in guidance counseling from John Carroll University and dedicated herself to giving voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless. Macaria helped couples mend broken relationships and empowered them to make healthier decisions; she came to the aid of people battling abuse and addiction; and, in founding the Giving Tree, she provided solace for men and women in recovery. Macaria's dedication to her fellow brothers and sisters has hardly waned; indeed the scope ofher work has increased. With the Association of Philippine Physicians in Ohio, she now returns annually to her homeland to administer medical care to the underserved and rural populations of the Philippines. Amazingly, in retirement Macaria still finds time to satisfy that wanderlust that brought her to northeast Ohio over 50 years ago. She makes an annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, and can claim pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, and the summit of Medjugorje among her accomplishments as well. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Macaria Mabini on her 90th birthday, and to celebrate a lifetime of pouring herself out for her fellow brothers and sisters. May her constant affirmation of the human spirit serve as inspiration for us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James Metzler, a devoted police officer for the Cleveland Police Department for 25 years. Mr. Metzler is an exemplar for this community in his efforts to make Cleveland a safer and more vibrant city. Mr. Metzler was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on June 15, 1981. After graduating from the police academy, Mr. Metzler was assigned to Basic Patrol in the Forth District. Detective Metzler's commitment to his community shone through in his work, as he ascended the ranks. He later joined the First District Basic Patrol and eventually the First District Detective Bureau, before being dispatched to the Homicide Unit. Police officers have the awesome responsibility of maintaining peace and order within the community. On a daily basis, they have to display courage and just decision-making. Throughout his career, Detective Metzler embraced this responsibility. He led by example and defined what it meant to wear a badge. Detective Metzler personified integrity, hard work, and dedication. For 25 years, Detective Metzler served Cleveland with distinction, with unyielding pride, and with an abiding concern for the welfare of our community. In an age that has seen the disintegration of the community, Detective Metzler's unwavering commitment to the fabric of Cleveland has left us safer, healthier, and better equipped to face our challenges. Madame Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring a true American hero, Detective James Metzler, and in celebrating his life of serving others and striving to make Cleveland a better place. We all owe a debt of gratitude to James Metzler.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a role model who committed 27 years to the Cleveland Police Department, James Gajowski, and to recognize his efforts toward making Cleveland a safer place. Mr. Gajowski was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on July 29, 1979. After graduating from the police academy, Mr. Gajowski's first beat was the Third District Basic Patrol. As his career progressed, he served in the Third District Detective Bureau as well as the Third District Strike Force Unit. Eventually Detective Gajowski ascended to the Homicide Unit, in which he served with distinction and dedication. One of duties of police officers is to place others' well being before their own. They are the first to respond in times of peril, and as a community we ask them to risk their lives continually in order to preserve the peace and safety of our own. For 27 years, Detective Gajowski did just that, standing guard in our great city so that we might sleep well, that we might live in peace. Although police officers are an indispensable component to living in a civil society, they frequently go underappreciated and overlooked. Detective Gallows served with distinction and served with pride, but never demanded attention or recognition. The safety and well being of Cleveland was reward enough. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring James Gajowski for his life long commitment to law enforcement and public service, and giving him the recognition he so richly deserves. Through his commitment to justice, Mr. Gajowski set a shining example for all to follow.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard J. Wild upon his retirement as athletic director of Saint Ignatius of Antioch School, and to celebrate over 30 years of service to the Church as well as the surrounding community. Rich began his avocation in the 1970s as an engaged parent, hoping to be more involved in the development of his children. As his children grew and moved on, Rich recognized the importance of the athletic program to the St. Ignatius parish as well as the community as a whole. In 1979, Rich agreed to become the Activities and Athletic Director; he quickly set out to revitalize the program and ensure that all youth who wanted to participate in sports had a place to go. The early years of Rich's tenure were challenging. As the parish community shrunk and enrollment at the school shrunk, St. Ignatius faced the dim proposition of cutting back programming or eliminating whole sports. However, Rich refused to accept the idea that limiting access to athletics was the only course of action. Instead, Rich developed an innovative athletic program that adapted to the changing parish environment and expanded its reach to the whole community. As a result, the St. Ignatius athletic program thrived while serving more youth. Today, the St. Ignatius of Antioch parish athletic program serves 345 youth from over fifty schools. Rich Wild has taken a parish-based program and, with three decades worth of compassion, commitment, and unfailing determination, has turned it into a community institution. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Rich Wild on the occasion of his retirement, and in celebrating his dedication to St. Ignatius of Antioch parish. As Rich enters into the next phase of his life accompanied by his loving wife Georgia, three children and seven grandchildren, the fruits of his labor will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. In a few short days, this Congress will make a momentous decision as to whether or not to fund the continuation of the war in Iraq. And yet, at this time, the American people clearly want our troops brought home. Funding the war will keep the troops there. Stopping the funding will enable us to bring them home. Barbara Lee has an amendment that will fund the orderly return of our troops. I have offered H.R. 1234, which is compatible with the Lee amendment. The money is there right now in the pipeline to bring the troops home. Once we bring the troops home or a plan is put forth to bring the troops home, we have to have a plan to stabilize Iraq. That's what H.R. 1234 will do. This Congress cannot stand by as the casualties pile up. We have to remember that the families of the troops are waiting for us to take action. Let's act now. Support the Lee amendment and support H.R. 1234.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 700, the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act, is designed to help communities with current or impending water shortages. I support the bill. We know that such shortages can have many causes. For example, global warming is likely to cause or exacerbate water shortages in the U.S., especially in the Southwest. Under those conditions, alternative water sources will be more important than ever, but communities all over the United States are also fighting to protect their water supplies from overpumping by bottled water companies, who are making billions of dollars from this public resource. My amendment would remove from consideration for these Federal subsidies those areas where bottled water companies are contributing to the demise of the water supply. According to the International Bottled Water Association, the volume of water privatized has increased between 8 and 12 percent every year since 2001. In 2006, bottled water companies enjoyed $11 billion in revenue from the United States alone. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the bottled water consumed in the United States comes from municipal water supplies. The effects of the excessive influence of the bottled water industry can go beyond the regional confines of water source depletion and environmental destruction. It codifies a preference for corporate access to water over public access. I represent the Cleveland area, that, like many cities nearby, relies on Lake Erie for drinking water. A few years ago, there were two instances in which a company received a permit to privatize Great Lakes water in bulk. In both instances, the projects were abandoned because of the public outcry. In response, the Great Lakes States, with assistance from Canadian Premiers and other stakeholders, attempted to negotiate the conditions under which water could be withdrawn from the lake. As the negotiations closed, bottled water companies managed to wedge their language into the final agreement. The language also allowed virtually unlimited withdrawals for bottled water companies, while attempting to protect against other privatization attempts. Such unprecedented favoritism can actually represent a giant step backwards for the notion of water as a public trust. The loophole leaves the entire agreement open to commerce clause challenge or to a challenge in the World Trade Organization. If such a challenge were successful, there would be no limits to privatization of Great Lakes water. It would open the water of the Great Lakes to use by the growing and increasingly thirsty regions where they are having water shortages and where water shortages make it financially viable to pipe water across several States. We would not just be back to square one; we would take a giant step backwards. This is a classic example, Mr. Chairman, in which greed of the bottled water companies is garnering profits at the expense of the public. I have not even talked about the overeffect of pumping, like the increased cost of finding a replacement source, the loss of connected streams, lakes and rivers, the land subsidence, the salt water intrusion near coasts that render the water undrinkable, and the loss of wildlife habitat. Another example is emblematic of conflicts between communities and bottled water companies all over the United States. In two small towns in New Hampshire, Nottingham and Barrington, a company called USA Springs is attempting to drill wells that would pump 310,000 gallons a day in an area populated with homes that get their water from small private household wells. The community is worried about a loss of water supply, loss of water quality, and degradation of nearby wetlands. A very conservative estimate said that USA Springs is looking at about $303 million per year in revenue from this site alone. With that kind of revenue potential, it can be expected they will spend big to make this project happen. This is exactly what they are doing. The result is that USA Springs is now dangerously close to winning a battle that started in 2001. The basic building blocks of life, like water, must be accessible by people before corporations, period. When access to the essentials is threatened by outside excessive private gain, I will stand firmly in defense of the public every time. Mr. Chairman, I intend to explore this issue deeply as Chair of the Domestic Policy Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. I ask the chairman, my good friend from Minnesota, to work with me as Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure on the broader issue of water privatization and its effects on quality and access. I yield to Mr. Oberstar.

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the chairman for his comments and his dedication to the public good. I look forward to working with you on this to protect public water supplies and to protect the public's right to access. Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings during the recess be printed in the Record.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago we heard King Abdullah of Jordan declare the imperative of peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians as central to assuring peace not only in the Middle East but throughout the world. Speaking not only of Israelis and Palestinians but of Lebanese and Iraqis and of people all over the world, King Abdullah said, ``Let them have a life of peace.'' Indeed, it is our responsibility as leaders of the United States to respond to such an eloquent call by creating a restart of the peace process, which brings security, justice and peace to both Palestinians and Israelis. When our brothers and sisters are killing each other, it is for us to use the power of compassion and love so that all may survive and prosper in security and peace. This is a good moment for us to make a restart. This is a good moment for us to create a new context. This is a good moment for us to join with King Abdullah in speaking of people in the Middle East and throughout the world and saying, ``Let them have a life of peace.''

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, it appears that Congress, in the name of supporting the troops, will soon give President Bush the money he needs to continue the war in Iraq even though we don't take care of the troops when they come home. If Congress funds the war, what will happen next? More troop casualties; more innocent civilians die; more destruction to Iraq; more destruction to our budget here at home; cuts in health care and education and job creation and housing and, yes, in veterans care. Unless Congress cuts off funds and brings our troops home, we will be in Iraq for years to come. And for what? I have introduced H.R. 1234, a bill to bring our troops home and stabilize Iraq. Congress must take the first step and stop funding the war. Support the troops. Bring them home. Support H.R. 1234

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, in a few short days the Congress of the United States will have an opportunity to end the war in Iraq if it so pleases, or we will vote to approve the supplemental and give the President of the United States the money that he is asking for to continue the war possibly through the end of his term. In the next 5 minutes, I would like to discuss the implications of Congress's action and a plan that would enable us to take a new direction in Iraq, to bring our troops home, to stabilize Iraq, to close our bases, to end the occupation, and to end the war. Last week, I submitted to this Congress such a plan embodied in H.R. 1234. H.R. 1234 is a plan to end the war, and it contains a number of elements which were arrived at with the help of people who have long experience at the U.N. in peacekeeping missions and security missions, experts in international relations, and military experts. Two days ago, the administration said that it has no plan B for Iraq. As a matter of fact, a senior general said, ``Plan B is plan A,'' which means that the administration is committed to a course of action which would keep our troops in Iraq through the end of its term. That is simply not acceptable. In November, the American people voted for a new direction. In November, the American people changed the leadership of the Congress, voted to turn both the House and the Senate from Republican control to Democratic control, and I submit the issue was the war. All across this country there is a great concern about the rising number of casualties; about that even when our troops serve and they come home after being injured, they are not being cared for; about the costs of the war, how we are seeing our budgets for housing and health care, for education, for seniors services, and, indeed, for veterans affairs reduced. America is losing not only the lives of our soldiers, not only are we going into a great financial debt borrowing money from Beijing to fight a war in Baghdad, but we are losing our moral position in the world, continuing to prosecute a war that is simply based on lies. Let's face it, every assertion made that took us into Iraq has been ripped away as being a lie. So what are we to do? H.R. 1234 does the following: It is predicated on Congress taking action to end the war, stop the funding. At that point, the administration will go to the world community and say, ``Look, the money is no longer here for the war. We are going to close our bases, we are going to end the occupation, we are going to bring our troops home.'' Only by asserting that we will end the occupation will we be in a position to be able to get help from the world community, which really doesn't want anything to do with this war absent the United States taking a new direction. The insurgency is fueled by the occupation. It is well understood. So we end the occupation. But then that is not enough. We need the international community to help us build a peacekeeping and security force that would move in as our troops move out. The elements of the plan embodied in H.R. 1234 are the following: Not only do we end the occupation and bring our troops home and get the international community involved, but we also create the context for a program of reconciliation between the Shiites, the Sunnis, and the Kurds. Right now there is no movement towards reconciliation, because with the U.S. occupying, the Shiites don't have any incentive at all to do that. We need to move out so that we can set in place a program of reconciliation and a program of honest reconstruction. No more theft from the American taxpayers or the Iraqi people by these contractors whose performance has been absolutely abominable, who have stolen billions of dollars. Give the Iraqi people a chance to have their own reconstruction program, with the jobs going to the people of Iraq so they can feed their families. In an economy with 50 percent of the people unemployed, we need to take a new approach and end the reconstruction program as it exists and start a new one. In future presentations to this Congress, I intend to lay out the rest of H.R. 1234, which is the plan to end the war, bring our troops home, stabilize Iraq, and take a new chapter in America's relationship with the world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I am totally opposed to any attack on Iran. It would have disastrous consequences for Iran, the U.S., the region and the world. It would put 140,000 U.S. troops in great jeopardy. It would expose Israel to maximum peril. Even the talk about such an attack should be subject to a review not only by Congress, but by an international tribunal. Iran has neither the intention nor the capability of attacking the United States, yet the administration has been preparing for some time for an aggressive war against Iran. Congress must insist the administration come forward now with facts, not fiction, regarding Iran. We must not allow the President to remain unchallenged while he continues to use the media to create a pretext for an illegal war. Congress must insist the President come to the full Congress for permission to take any action against Iran. If the President proceeds to attack Iran after an express congressional authorization under article I, section 8, both he and the Vice President should be subject to impeachment. We must take a stand against aggressive war or we will lose our democracy.