Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Dr. Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States and extend a warm welcome to him as he visits Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate the Fifteenth Anniversary of Ukraine's Proclamation of Independence with leaders and members of our Ukrainian-American community. For nearly 80 years, the United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater Cleveland have served as a vital coalition of historical and cultural significance, aimed at preserving and promoting all aspects of Ukrainian culture. These guardians of history have succeeded in keeping alive the rich traditions of their beloved homeland--from Ukraine's religious and social customs, to the artistic, history and world contributions that have left an indelible mark across the globe. Following the fall of the Soviet Union and the rebirth of Ukrainian statehood, the United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater Cleveland bolstered fundraising and outreach efforts that extended from the shores of Lake Erie to the sands of the Black Sea. Additionally, this organization was instrumental in the creation of the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Here in Cleveland, the Ukrainian Museum-Archives is a monument to the struggles and triumphs of the people of the Ukraine and reflects the passion and dedication of the members of our Ukrainian community who seek to keep the stories, spirit, and history of the Ukraine alive by preserving cultural artifacts, advancements, historical documents. books and photographs to pass along to every new generation. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and welcome of Dr. Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, along with the leaders and members, past and present, of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater Cleveland. Their vigilant determination to raise awareness of their struggle for liberty serves as a monument to all who have traveled to America seeking freedom and opportunity and reflects the vibrant fabric of diversity of our Cleveland community and our entire nation.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Ramon A. Torres upon retiring from his position as Executive Director of the Multilingual Multicultural Education Office in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Torres was raised in Coamo, Puerto Rico where he attended the Barrio Pedro Garcia School from kindergarten to seventh grade. At age 11, he moved to Cleveland to join family members and attend St. Augustine Elementary School. With limited proficiency in English, Mr. Torres overcame many challenges in order to assimilate to life in the United States. His hard work and perseverance enabled him to attend Cleveland State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Education and a Masters of Education in Secondary School Administration and Supervision. During his career as an educator, Mr. Torres served and inspired students in the Cleveland Public Schools for 29 years. In the community, Mr. Torres assumed responsibilities such as Project Manager and Education Teacher Consultant of Bilingual Education Programs and Latin American Cultures. Mr. Torres also served as President of Woodmen of the World Fraternal Lodge and on the Hispanic Steering Council at Cuyahoga Community College. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Ramon A. Torres. After making many notable contributions to education and the community, may he enjoy a peaceful and rewarding retirement.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Emily Stuart. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Stuart brightened the lives of family and friends in the community of Parma, Ohio. As a kind and active citizen, Mrs. Stuart played an integral role in local politics. She was a member of the Parma Democratic Club and the Woman's Democratic Club. Mrs. Stuart revolutionized the process of communication between constituents by devising a system of post cards to collect contact information. In addition, she spent countless hours making phone calls and posting yard signs for local politicians. During her involvement in local politics, she herself rose to the ranks of precinct committeewoman; a position she maintained for more than 20 years. But Mrs. Stuart is not just an integral part of Parma politics. From her home on Harold Avenue, she has enjoyed 43 years of marriage to her loving husband, Joe Stuart. Together they became involved in committees and clubs across northeast Ohio. Her brothers, Edward and Stephen Mazur and sister Janice Warner along with many nieces and nephews are among the many family members touched by Mrs. Stuart's delightful stories and laughter. While the world changed dramatically over the course of Mrs. Stuart's lifetime, she believed in maintaining the traditions of her Polish ancestry. Mrs. Stuart contributed to the culture of Parma by joining the Polish Legion of American Veterans. Close friends say she welcomed any and every opportunity to speak her native language. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of Emily Stuart; a beloved family member and friend. Over the years, her dedication to service brought joy to the lives of so many, including mine.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of George M. Nashar, dedicated father and community leader, whose lifelong service has merited him this year's North Olmsted Democrat of the Year Award. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Nashar grew with a strong sense of responsibility and family values as the oldest of seven siblings. After graduating from Detroit Institute of Technology and Cuyahoga Community College, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years. During his service, Mr. Nashar bore witness to the Berlin Wall crisis, a harsh reality of the Cold War that left a lasting impression upon him, strengthening his democratic values and call to civic duty. Back in America, after his service, Mr. Nashar fell in love with his wife Donna and settled down in Ohio, where the two have been happily married for 41 years and blessed with three beautiful daughters, Nancy, Nicole, and Noelle, and nine lively grandchildren. A devoted husband and father, Mr. Nashar has supported his family throughout the years with his employment at General Motors. After retirement, Mr. Nashar stayed active working for Gerald Fuerst at the Clerk of Courts. In addition to being a hard-working and warm-hearted family man, Mr. Nashar is an exemplary American citizen because of his enthusiastic involvement throughout his local community of North Olmsted. Actively committed to his children's education, Mr. Nashar served for several years on the St. Richard School Parent Club as President and as Chairman of fun and successful fundraisers, in addition to serving for 12 years on the Magnificat High School Board of Governors. A devote Catholic, Mr. Nashar has been ushering for Sunday Mass at St. Richard Parish for over 20 years and has made many friends within the church community. Mr. Nashar goes above and beyond his civic responsibility with engagement in the political process. As a member of the North Olmsted Democratic Club, serving as its President for two years and repeatedly sponsoring their annual picnic, he works to foster unity and political awareness. From 1990-2006, Mr. Nashar honorably served as Ward 3 Councilman for the City of North Olmsted, chairing several committees including Streets and Transportation and Safety. During these 16 years he was well-respected and repeatedly re-elected by his constituents because of his steadfast and earnest dedication to their needs as not only a representative, but a friend. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of George M. Nashar, the 2006 North Olmsted Democrat of the Year, whose unwavering commitment to serving his family, community, and country has left a lasting impression, inspiring those around him.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Lantos for his undying commitment to human rights. It was you and Mrs. Lantos who worked to see a Human Rights Caucus created, and you have kept these issues in front of the Congress, and I salute you for that. I also salute my colleague Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for her commitment to human rights. I think it is important that we always bring these issues before the House. But I think it is also important to relate to Members of Congress the context in which this resolution is occurring and to look back over the last 4 years at a similar context. The Baha'is in Iran certainly deserve to have a full according of their rights. As a matter of fact, this House has passed eight resolutions that condemns Iran for persecuting the Baha'i faith. At the same time, the House has not passed any resolutions condemning any other Nation for the persecution of the Baha'is. The 2006 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has identified three nations that persecute the Baha'i faith: Iran, Iraq and Egypt. I have quotes here that I would like to submit for the Record that establishes in each case, of Iran, Egypt and Iraq, the objections out of the 2006 annual report. This 2006 annual report also highlights concerns with the treatment of the Baha'i faith in China, Eritrea, Laos and Belarus. I think it is important to note that the Baha'i faith is one which celebrates peace and human unity. That is why it is significant for us to always defend any religion which is trying to work for peace. It is, therefore, paradoxical that this resolution is being offered at a time when some in the administration are on a path towards war against Iran. I would like to submit for the Record a copy of the current issue from Time magazine which says: ``What Would War Look Like?'' We are talking about war with Iran, and it says, ``A flurry of military maneuvers in the Middle East increases speculation that conflict with Iran is no longer quite so unthinkable.'' This particular article out of Time magazine is very significant. The Navy has said that there is a submarine, a cruiser missile, mine sweepers and mine hunters that are prepared to deploy to the Persian Gulf. It is very serious. A naval blockade of Iran would be an act of war, and if we started with that, Iran would surely escalate. There have been independent reports published in the New Yorker magazine and the Guardian that U.S. military personnel have been or are already deployed inside and around Iran gathering intelligence and targeting information, and there are reports published in Newsweek, ABC News and GQ magazine that the U.S. has been planning and is now recruiting members of MEK, a paramilitary group inside of Iran, to conduct lethal operations and destabilizing operations inside Iran. I submit articles from the New Yorker, from an antiwar.com Web site, from the Weekly Standard with regard to those facts. Our Director of National Intelligence has said that Iran is a long way away from having a nuclear capability, 5 to 10 years, and that assumes that they are working around the clock, something that has not been proffered. We should keep in mind that last week, according to the Washington Post, the U.N. inspectors are disputing an Iran report by a House staff of the House Intelligence Committee which, according to the comment to the IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency, was ``false, misleading and unsubstantiated.'' I have here a copy of the letter from the IAEA to the House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence with respect to misleading and false information that was included in a staff report that is being circulated around Congress, and I submit it for the Record. I have a copy of a letter from myself to Christopher Shays, he is the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, which asks for an accounting by the Director of National Intelligence, who was supposed to be charged with the responsibility of reviewing this particular staff report before it reached publication. I submit this for the Record. I have a copy of a Washington Post article which characterizes the U.N. inspectors' dispute with Iran or the U.N. inspector disputing the Iran report by the House panel. Why am I submitting all this in the context of a resolution that has to do with standing up for the rights of the Baha'i to practice their faith? Because, once again, the Baha'i would not want this resolution to be used as part of a series of steps to encourage an attack on Iran. I can state that with certainty, knowing the Baha'i religion as I do, and yet we are seeing a series of steps, covert operations affecting Iran, preparation of bombing targets having already occurred, preparations for a naval blockade. I mean, this all points to the United States moving in a direction of attacking Iran. That is antithetical to the spirit of the Baha'i faith, which we are here today to stand up for. There will be other resolutions that will relate to Iran which will be on the floor of the House this afternoon, and I expect to be speaking to those as well. I want to say that, as the Speaker may be aware, it was 4 years ago I warned this House that the administration was taking steps to take this country to war against Iraq, and they had not made their case, and we actually went to war against Iraq based on false pretenses. I am once again stating to the people of this Congress that we ought to be very careful about these series of initiatives which this administration is putting forth at this time so that we have to be aware that if they are making a case for war based on these resolutions, we should be very careful about what our intention is in passing these resolutions. I want to thank the gentleman from California for the opportunity to point out these matters relevant to Iran.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the gentleman from California, and I appreciate your commitment to constitutional democracies. My statement here today, while I can certainly agree with the sentiment that was expressed and the spirit of this resolution with respect to hoping for constitutional democracies, I think we need to look at the letter of the resolution and put it in the context of the administration's policies. First of all, this particular resolution expresses its profound hope that the people of Iran will once again enjoy a democratic government in the spirit of the Iranian Constitution of 1906. I would like to read from some research that is available on the Web, Recent Iranian History from Wikipedia. It says that: with the rise of modernization in the late 19th century, desire for change led to the Persian Constitutional Revolution of 1905 to 1911. In 1921, Reza Shah Pahlavi staged a coup against the weakened Qajar dynasty. During World War II, Britain and the USSR invaded Iran from August 25 to September 17, 1941, to stop an axis-supported coup and secure Iran's petroleum infrastructure. The allies of World War II forced the Shah to abdicate, in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whom they hoped would be more supportive. In 1951, a pro-democratic nationalist, Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, rose to prominence in Iran. Now, Mossadegh was elected its first Prime Minister. As Prime Minister, Mossadegh alarmed the West by his nationalization of an Anglo-Iranian oil company that was later named BP, which controlled all the country's oil reserves. Britain immediately put an embargo on Iran. Members of British Intelligence Service approached the United States under President Eisenhower in 1953 to join them in Operation Ajax, a coup against Mossadegh. President Eisenhower agreed and authorized the CIA to assist the BIS in overthrowing Mossadegh. The Shah at first attempted to formally dismiss Mossadegh, but this backfired and Mossadegh convinced the Shah to flee to Baghdad. Regardless of this setback, the covert operation soon went into full swing conducted from the U.S. embassy in Tehran under the leadership of Kermit Roosevelt, Jr. Agents were hired to facilitate violence, and as a result protests broke out across the nation, anti- and pro-monarchy. Protesters violently clashed in the streets leaving almost 300 dead. The operation was successful in triggering a coup, and within days pro- Shah tanks stormed the capital and bombarded the Prime Minister's residence. Mossadegh surrendered and was arrested on the 19th of August 1953, tried for treason, and sentenced to 3 years in prison. Now, keep in mind that on March 8 of 1951, Mossadegh submitted to the Iranian mullahs his proposal to nationalize Iran's oil. According to the Cornell University library, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, most of whose stock was owned by the British Government, had been paying Iran much less than the British Government took from the company in taxes. Mossadegh's nationalization bill scared the company into concessions that were made too late. The Premier was committed to nationalization. Much to the surprise of the British, he went through with it right down to the expulsion of British technicians without whom the Iranians could not run the Abadan refinery. Results? The West lost the Iranian oil supply, and the Iranian Government lost the oil payments. When we are talking about democracy in Iran, Iran had a democratic government which was overthrown because of oil. So let's celebrate democracy and not try to at the same time praise a process that resulted in an overthrow of democracy. I think when we look at this particular resolution, you have to read these resolutions to the letter to get an idea of what is going on here. Here we are expressing the profound hope that the people of Iran will once again enjoy a democratic government in the spirit of the Iranian Constitution of 1906. They had a democratic government. The U.S. helped overthrow it. One of the last resolutions, we talked about initiating an active and consistent dialogue with other governments in the European Union in order to persuade the Government of Iran to rectify its human rights practices. We should be talking to the Government of Iran if we object to their human rights practices. Resolution 415 says human rights will be considered a significant factor in the foreign policy of the United States with regard to Iran, but we are not stating that with the other countries that have violated the human rights of their citizens. My concern is that while these resolutions in and of themselves may have elements that are salutary, at the same time you have to put them in the context of the administration's policy, which is a buildup to war against Iran. That is why I am raising a note of caution here. You have to see why we have three resolutions on the floor of the House dealing with Iran on the same day our President is before the United Nations making a statement which characterizes Iran in much the same way that Iraq was characterized before the United Nations in another visit by the President. I think we have to be very cautious about the path this country is taking. We can stand for democracy and human rights in Iran. We can do all of those things without taking steps and letting our efforts, which might be in good faith, by the way, without letting those efforts be used as a buildup towards war. I am saying look at all of this in the context in which it is occurring. Look at Time magazine this week and look at the stories that have been published in The New Yorker. Watch the development of this administration with respect to covert activities in Iran. Madam Speaker, you might be interested to know that our House Subcommittee on Government Operations, which has jurisdiction over national security and international relations, we were supposed to have a classified briefing by the State Department and by the Department of Defense on this issue on what is going on in Iran. They refused to appear. They still refuse to appear. They are not accountable to Congress. I am raising this issue so my colleagues know that you have to look at the context in which these resolutions are being offered. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for the opportunity to present these observations.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ohio (HCCO), as they celebrate 25 years of promotion and support of the economic growth and development for Hispanic business owners. The HCCO was formed in 1981 to address the glaring absence of Hispanic-owned businesses in American society. Concerned, motivated and determined, a small group of Hispanic business owners united forces to incorporate the HCCO as a recognized non-profit in 1983. The membership and scope of services of the HCCO has grown, yet the mission has remained the same--to focus on providing assistance, services and support to local Hispanic business owners. Over the past quarter century, HCCO has vastly evolved from its diminutive beginnings to a viable coalition of business owners that represent the interests and memberships of more than 7,500 Hispanic- owned businesses in the State of Ohio. The HCCO provides a wide range of support services, including: the sponsorship of seminars, workshops and networking luncheons and dinners; technical assistance and support; discounts on medical and dental benefits; and a wide range of support services for individuals interested in starting their own business. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ohio, as they celebrate 25 years of service and promotion of economic justice for Americans of Hispanic heritage. As they work together to create avenues of business opportunity for Hispanic Americans, the pathways to economic security and stability for every American is elevated from a vision, to reality.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the United States must begin to use its influence in a positive way in the Middle East to help secure Israel by first bringing all parties together in the region, without preconditions, for peace talks. The U.S. made a mistake by standing aside during the 34-day war. We now must help to create the circumstances which stabilize the Government of Lebanon by assisting with the recovery and by helping with the restoration of housing, businesses and infrastructure. Secondly, the situation in Gaza is desperate. Unemployment is approaching 50 percent. The government workforce, 40 percent of all workers have been paid only about a dime on a dollar due in wages since the beginning of the year. Childhood malnutrition cannot even be resolved by the massive U.N. aid now, which characterizes 70 percent of the population as refugees. With no jobs, little or no electricity, limited access to water, conditions are dire. The U.S. cannot stand by and permit this humanitarian disaster to continue. We must do everything we can to help Israel secure itself. We also have to remember that we must use our influence to bring about peace by recognizing the conditions which exist.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for his own commitment to human rights and thank Mr. Lantos for the lifetime of work that characterizes not only himself but Mrs. Lantos as well. This is an important moment for this Congress because through recognizing the Dalai Lama with the Congressional Gold Medal, we also recognize his lifetime of work which has been about elevating the human spirit. Because in that we transcend the little labels of Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative, and we come to an understanding of human unity, those principles which unite us all. We learn through celebrating the Dalai Lama's life and his contributions the transformative power of love, the transformative power of compassion. In his work, he has challenged us to look at those things in our lives which cause anger, to look at those things in our lives which relate to negativity, and to consciously work on those things so that we become more perfect. Wasn't that really the message of our Founders with respect to the creation of the United States itself, that the work of our government should ever be to form a more perfect Union? So it is that the spiritual work of the Dalai Lama informs all of us that we can perfect ourselves, that we can practice daily, taking a walk down the path towards a more meaningful life. He teaches us patience. And certainly, in this great body, patience is something that lends us to understanding of each other, to having compassion for each other. This is an important moment for this Congress, when we understand that the Dalai Lama's teachings involve karma, an understanding of the power and the consequences of every thought, word, and deed, knowing that for every action there might be another action that follows. The symmetry between Buddhism and some of the teachings of Christianity is instructive here. Buddhists talk, and the Dalai Lama talks, about the law of karma. Christianity, we know of teachings that say as you sow, so shall you reap. So much of our lives are penetrated by spiritual dimensions that we often don't pay much attention to. But in moments like this when we celebrate the life and the work of a single person, we come to an understanding of not only his relationship to us and our relationship to him, but of our relationship to each other. And so when we celebrate him, we are celebrating ourselves, too, and our higher potential, not only as public servants but as human beings. The Dalai Lama speaks about a path to tranquility. Is it possible in a public forum which is centered on such vigorous debate that we can find tranquility? His teachings would say, yes, because tranquility is an inner condition. So, Mr. Speaker, the honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, our leader Ms. Pelosi, this is an important moment for this Congress, and I am proud to play a small part in recognizing the great work and person of the Dalai Lama.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Hyde and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. I want to present a different perspective here because I think it is possible to address 9/11 in a way that is not particularly partisan, and maybe it is time that we do that as a Nation. As jarring as 9/11 was to all of us, what is even more jarring is that many of us have forgotten who we were on 9/10, what our dreams and aspirations were for America before 9/11. I ask you to think about this because if we are going to create for America a new direction, it is really imperative that we reconnect with the high aspirations that we had for ourselves, for our community, our Nation and the world. 9/11 caused a truncation of that kind of thinking, and it really detached us from our higher aspirations. It was many years ago on September 13, 1814, that Francis Scott Key was inspired by the American defense of Fort McHenry to write the Star- Spangled Banner. We should remember that the Star-Spangled Banner is a map to our future, it is not just about the past because Francis Scott Key raised the question: ``O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'' In that he made a connection between freedom and bravery, between freedom and courage. We have a moment in this country's history that challenged us to our core on September 11; but we should never let it be a point at which we cause ourselves to be so fixed that we forget who we were on September 10. For that reason, Mr. Chairman, my wife came up with this idea that I want to share with you right now. It is to create what is called a 9/10 Forum, discussions all over the country, Republicans, Democrats, whatever your politics, so we can reconnect with the deeper truths of who we are. In a 9/10 Forum, we would talk about who we are as Americans. It goes way beyond Republicans and Democrats, to create new possibilities and a new future for America. The 9/10 Forum is born of this idea that there is something more essential in all of us than the partisan politics that has racked this Nation for the last few years. We need to find a way to transform this tragedy, but we can do it in a way that remembers the strength of who we are and who we were. So we are having discussions like this around the country, but it is important that we bring it into this forum. We can find our way. We can become secure again. We need to remember those times in our lives when we felt the most secure, felt courage and felt a deep love of our country. I think that Lincoln, who looked at a Nation that had been racked by a Civil War, at his second inaugural Lincoln said ``with malice towards none and charity towards all.'' I think that could be a guiding principle for America as we seek to heal our Nation in the face of this great tragedy of 9/11

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Chairman, I rise today in honor of our country's beloved horses. It is my hope that Congress will pass H.R. 503 unamended, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This bill will end horse slaughter for human consumption in the United States and the cruel practices associated with this inhumane industry. When horses are sold to slaughter they are often transported in overcrowded trucks, deprived of food and water, exposed to the elements and made to stand in their own waste. The slaughter bound horse can be sick or injured but forced to suffer a lack of appropriate veterinary care. The stress that horses are subjected to, both during transportation and at the slaughterhouse, triggers horses' natural flight response. At the slaughterhouse a horse can be ineffectively stunned before dismemberment, meaning that a horse may remain conscious while being bound and then elevated by one leg prior to having its throat slit. H.R. 503 encourages responsible horse ownership. For horse owners, who are no longer able or willing to care for a horse, H.R. 503 finds appropriate alternatives to slaughter that may range from finding a new home for the horse to humane euthanasia preformed by a licensed veterinarian. Documentation from the three remaining equine slaughterhouses in the United States show that America's wild horses have been among their victims. Additional victims include stolen, as well as healthy horses. This legislation will stop the sale of wild, stolen or healthy horses to slaughter houses for human consumption at a profit. The word humane is defined as being marked by compassion, sympathy and consideration for animals. The question we must ask ourselves is if subjecting horses to this kind of circumstance is indeed humane? Is horse slaughter marked by compassion, sympathy and consideration for the animal? The only realistic conclusion is no. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 503 and to oppose all amendments designed to weaken this important bill.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary. This month, the congregation will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1956 uprising against communism in Hungary. The Church has supported its members and community faithfully during its 100 years of service. In has served as a haven for immigrants and refugees during various stages of its historic pilgrimage. The Church has become a spiritual community comprised of Hungarian old timers, newcomers, and others associated with the congregation through family and religious ties. All the people of the greater Cleveland area have benefited from the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church's participation in the community's social and cultural activities. People of the Cleveland area have joined the congregation to honor Hungarians who, half a century ago, resisted oppression, fought in a heroic attempt to restore freedom to Hungary, and made sacrifices to advance the cause of liberty. My official congratulations and best wishes are extended to the Reverend Zoltan Sandor Kelemen, as well as to the members of the congregations, past and present, for their selfless efforts to serve the church and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in offering a proclamation of congratulations to the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church on its 100th anniversary.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Cleveland Police Detective Jonathan Schroeder, who bravely and selflessly heeded the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our community. Family, friends and service to others enveloped Detective Schroeder's life. He drew personal strength and faith from those close to him, especially his wife, Amy, and infant son, Eric. His generous spirit and humble nature made him a role model for those around him. He would often help shovel neighbors' driveways and sidewalks, and when his premature son left Fairview Hospital in a healthy condition, he vowed to make an annual donation to the hospital. Detective Schroeder's steadfast focus on hard work and serving the public were evidenced throughout his life. He grew up in Monroeville, Pennsylvania and was a 1992 graduate of Kent State University. Detective Schroeder finished the police academy in 1996 and heroically served the Cleveland Police Department for ten years, five of those years as a detective. His calm demeanor and sense of fairness reflected in his colleagues' deep admiration and respect for him, as a police officer and as a human being. Detective Schroeder had a reputation for handling victims, as well as suspects, with an equal amount of respect. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Detective Jonathan Schroeder. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and many friends. The ultimate sacrifice, significant service and true heart that framed the life of Detective Schroeder will live forever in the memories and hearts of all those who knew and loved him best. His legacy of service and courage will be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community, today and for all time.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Herman Boone. As a high school football coach in Alexandria, Virginia, Mr. Boone inspired players to set aside racial differences and unite into one of the most successful teams in Virginia's history. In 1971, Mr. Boone was named head football coach of TC Williams High School, a high school recently formed from smaller, segregated schools. In order to promote cooperation and teamwork, Mr. Boone used a game plan that was as strong on the field as off the field. Mr. Boone's leadership and love of the game led his team to an undefeated, 13-0 season. But his most memorable win was helping the community of Alexandria traverse a racial divide. Mr. Boone's affect on the people of once segregated towns was an unconscious one, fueled by his willingness to put prejudice aside and cooperate with coaches and players from white schools. With an open mind, Mr. Boone set the standard and fans followed. Today, Mr. Boone travels the country as an inspirational speaker. His story, which inspired the Disney movie, ``Remember the Titans'', has been brought to northeast Ohio. Mr. Boone will be honored at the 40th anniversary luncheon of the West Side Ecumenical Ministry this month. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition of Herman Boone. His leadership as a high school football coach tackled the challenge of racism. Now more than 30 years later, he continues to lead players, coaches, and teams to victory through his message of persistence and teamwork.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute and recognition of Gregory D. Jackson, Fire Chief of Bay Village, Ohio. Mr. Jackson is retiring after serving and protecting the people of Bay Village for over 33 years. Gregory Jackson served our country as a member of the U.S. Air Force in Korea. Upon his return from military service, Mr. Jackson became a firefighter, working at NASA's Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, before joining the Bay Village division in September 1972. During his career, Jackson became one of the first firefighters trained as a paramedic. In 1976, he helped create the WeShare--West Shore Area Rescue program--that raised the standards of fire fighting skills. Mr. Jackson volunteered countless hours as an Emergency Medical Technician and fire academy instructor, training future generations of emergency responders. With a genuine concern for his community, it is no surprise that Jackson was also involved in the establishment of a centralized emergency response center for nearby suburbs. In August 1979, Jackson was sworn in as fire chief. His tenure is the longest in Bay Village's history. Throughout his career, his wife, Kim; daughters, Michelle and Connie; and the people of his community have been thankful for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, please join me in tribute and recognition of a man whose career has been spent sacrificing his own safety, for the safety of others. His commitment to the protection of the people of northeast Ohio will be missed tremendously. May he enjoy a retirement filled with happiness and good health.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill. I will quote from the Good Book, not the Internal Revenue Code, but the Bible, Mr. Speaker. Isaiah 10th Chapter, First and Second verse: ``Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people. . . .'' Tonight we debate an unjust law which steals from the poor to give to the rich. It is unjust to attach a minimum wage increase to tax cuts for the rich. It would cost about $26 billion a year to give a $2.10 increase in the minimum wage to the least wealthy workers. The estate tax cut could give about $80 billion per year for 10 years to 3 families out of every 1,000. Some call it a death tax, cut this poison pill will be the death of the minimum wage increase for millions of working Americans. It is unjust that here, in the richest country on earth, there is no guarantee that a full-time job will lift a family out of a situation of dire poverty. That's because full-time year-round minimum wage earnings at $5.15 an hour leave a family of three $5,000 below the poverty line. Since 1997, the last minimum wage increase, the cost of living has increased for all Americans. The cost of putting food on the table, of keeping a roof over your head, the cost of gas--all going up, up, up. The only thing that hasn't increased is the minimum wage. Congress's response: Give a tax cut to the wealthiest Americans. This is a perfect example of single-minded economic policy--surpluses: tax cuts to the wealthy; deficits: tax cuts to the wealthy; war: tax cuts to the wealthy; high gas prices: tax cuts to the wealthy. A much needed increase in the minimum wage to the humblest of workers: tax cuts to the wealthy. ``Woe to those who make unjust laws'' said Isaiah.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I sent the attached letter to the Secretary of OSHA, inquiring about the Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work Safety and Health Information Bulletin on July 12, 2005. House of Representatives, July 10, 2006. Mr. Edwin G. Foulke, Assistant Secretary, Occupation Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. Dear Assistant Secretary Foulke: In 2002, OSHA began work on Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) regarding exposure to asbestos-containing brakes. The Bulletin was completed in 2005. OSHA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) met to discuss the matter in August 2005, whereupon the draft SHIB was sent to Dan Crane of OSHA for technical review. Mr. Crane gave it a favorable review, agreeing that mechanics should be warned about the health risks of exposure. However, seven months later, the Baltimore Sun reported that OSHA was delaying issuing the SHIB. When does OSHA intend to issue the SHIB? If the Sun's article is correct, what are the reasons for the delay? Was this decision made by OSHA or OMB? Please provide a copy of any meeting minutes and a list of attendees of the August 2005 meeting between OMB and OSHA. Please also provide any correspondence between OSHA and OMB regarding the SHIB during the time period beginning in 2002, extending to July 10, 2006. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Dennis J. Kucinich, Member of Congress.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, ExxonMobil profits surged 36 percent to $10.4 billion in just the last 3 months. That means they made $1,310 a second in profit. In the 1 minute I have to address this Congress, ExxonMobil will make $79,080 in profit. In 1 minute they will make more than most hardworking Americans make in a year. As consumers are being gouged at the pump, Big Oil runs the administration, bringing us war and environmental disaster and economic decline. Oil was at about $23 a barrel at the start of this administration. Now it is at $74 a barrel. If this administration goes ahead and attacks Iran, it will go to $130 a barrel and about $5 a gallon for gas. This Congress must do more than genuflect with tax breaks and subsidies to Big Oil. It is time we took the side of the consumers whose budgets are being crushed and mobility being crushed by $3 a gallon gas. It is time for a 100 percent excess profit tax on the oil companies. That is what my bill, H.R. 2070, does. It will lower the price of gas because it will tax excess profits of oil companies and it won't increase the price of gasoline. My minute is up, but the oil companies' profits are eternal, unless we stop the price gouging with a 100 percent excess profits tax.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I sent the attached letter to the Director of the National Eye Institute, inquiring about the role of publicly funded research in the development of the drug on July 12, 2005. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, July 12, 2006. Dr. Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D. Director, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Dear Dr. Sieving: I write to request your assistance in understanding NIH's contribution to research and development of the drug, Lucentis. According to your website, ``the NEI alone has spent nearly $95 million and has sponsored more than 300 research studies that have investigated neovascularization in the eye.'' The studies have ``discovered specific biological pathways and proteins that trigger the growth of new blood vessels.'' Specifically, a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was found to be ``important in the growth of new blood vessels in retinal degenerative diseases such as advanced AMD. The abnormal blood vessels leak blood and fluid, causing severe vision loss.'' Subsequently, ``several pharmaceutical companies began developing anti-VEGF therapies.'' Please provide a detailed overview of the research NIH has funded in this area. Please also indicate whether NIH supported any of the research that led to the Lucentis patents, or any of the research that was undertaken by Genentech or partners, including support for clinical testing, related to Lucentis. The intent is not to be able to review the findings of each of the relevant studies. Rather, it is to understand the role and contribution of NIH in the development of this important product. Thank you for your assistance and your time. Sincerely, Dennis J. Kucinich, Member of Congress.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I sent the attached letter along with my colleagues to the Director of the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences regarding environmental health research on July 11, 2006. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, July 11, 2006. Dr. David A. Schwartz, Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC. Dear Dr. Schwartz: We are writing to encourage you to ensure the continued focus of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) on preventable health risks associated with environmental sources and exposures, as you develop a program of greater relevance to human disease. An emphasis on discovering the role of environmental exposures in human health, disease, and disabilities will increase the importance of your proposed ``roadmap'' for NIEHS. We look forward to the future support and growth of the following established initiatives: research on community health and environment Environmental exposures, and often diseases, occur with disproportionate impact on the health and well-being of local communities, particularly those already impacted by other risk factors for health disparities. Thus, continuing the focus of NIEHS support for community-based research will serve the health needs of the American public. It will also contribute to increased knowledge of acquired factors in complex situations involving other preventable risks that too often track with economic and political inequalities. The men, women, and children of unfairly impacted communities often must work, live, play, and attend school in environments that are contaminated at levels that exceed national averages, and sometimes even exceed legal limits, but often lack the resources to initiate scientific investigations. NIEHS research and outreach provides critical data that supports strategies to prevent or treat disease and disabilities among these communities, as well as regulatory action to identify contamination sources for targeted clean up. research on children's health and environment Chronic diseases that show up later in life are frequently the result of preventable environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and many other exposures that occur early in life. For this reason, continued support for research programs focused on children's health and environmental contaminants is a priority for our constituents and for the future of America's health. Examples of this kind of research currently supported by NIEHS include: pesticide impacts on cancer and brain development among children of agriculture communities; air pollution impacts on asthma and allergies among inner city children; and, industrial pollution impacts on learning and behavior among school children. timely and complete report on carcinogens In order to efficiently manage environmental health risks like chemicals, we must have accurate information on their toxicity. The Report on Carcinogens (RoC) is a biannual, congressionally mandated report that scientifically evaluates the scientific evidence to compile a list of all substances known or suspected to cause human cancers and to which Americans are exposed. The RoC is a reference standard for the private sector, for certain legislation, and is even used overseas as an authoritative text on carcinogens. The timely release of this critical Report is a priority for state and federal regulators, for international regulatory bodies, for communities, and for Members of Congress. Sustaining these strategic initiatives in connection with your new initiatives will contribute to the success of new research directions at NlEHS, and ensure that research findings on environmental factors are fully translated into protecting public health. We look forward to working with you to properly fund and support these programs. Sincerely, Dennis. J. Kucinich. Louis Capps. Rush Holt. Bart Gordon. Barbara Lee. James E. Clyburn.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I made the attached statement in the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science Committee, regarding the National Academy of Science's Decadal Plan for Aeronautics on July 18, 2006. Thank you Chairman Calvert, Ranking Member Udall, and members of this subcommittee for the opportunity to speak today about aeronautics. Under your leadership, this Congress has been tremendously supportive of aeronautics and I am grateful for that. I am also grateful to my colleague, Representative JoAnn Davis who has fought for strong aeronautics programs. NASA's role in aeronautics is fundamental. Its research is important because NASA is able to develop long term, high- risk enabling technologies that the private sector is unwilling to perform because they are too risky or too expensive. In fact, this has historically been the role of government-sponsored research. This is true not only with aeronautics but also with pharmaceutical research, defense research, energy research, and environmental research. When the government sponsored basic research yields information that could lead to a service or product with profit potential, the private sector transitions from research to development in order to bring it to market. While it is not always as simple as this, it is clear that where there is no basic research, there can be no development. This research has resulted in monumental innovations that affect our daily lives. Its contributions are especially significant in the areas of national security, environmental protection, and airline safety. NASA's aeronautics programs also contribute substantially to the nation's economy. The NASA Glenn Research Center in Brook Park, Ohio, for example, is a cornerstone of the state's fragile economy and a stronghold of aeronautics research. In FY04, the economic output of NASA Glenn alone was 1.2 billion dollars per year. It was responsible for over 10,000 jobs and household earnings amounted to 568 million dollars. Civil aeronautics is also the major contributor to this sector's positive balance of trade, contributing $29 billion in 2005 alone. Aeronautics contributes to a stronger economy by lowering the cost of transportation, enabling a new generation of service based industries like e-commerce to flourish by performing the research that leads to inexpensive and reliable flights. These are only a few of the reasons that the proposed cuts to aeronautics are so pernicious. Many of the recommendations by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) are already headed down the path of irrelevancy because we simply won't be able to pay for them. We will be feeling the effects of the proposed cuts--about 25% in FY07 alone--immediately in terms of economic jolts and then in the long term from the loss of innovation. In addition, the Administration's projected further decline of aeronautics research in the out years erodes our workforce by sending a clear signal that funding in the long term is unstable at best, a concern echoed by the NAS reports. Our NASA workforce is the reason for our aeronautics dominance. It is that simple. But the cuts are already causing us to struggle against rising expertise in countries like China as well as an aging scientific and technical workforce at NASA. This subcommittee and this Congress have spoken unequivocally in the past few years on this issue by keeping aeronautics strong in NASA authorization and appropriations bills. Yet the NASA budget requests have not changed. We are still underfunding the Vision for Space Exploration, forcing the agency to take money from smaller programs like aeronautics, the first A in NASA. In the process, we run the risk of taking away one of NASA's great strengths--diversity. If NASA becomes a one trick pony focused almost exclusively on space exploration, NASA as a whole is vulnerable to political wind shifts. Our priority should be to correct this. Earlier this year, I attempted to offer a bipartisan amendment to increase funding for aeronautics in the Budget Resolution by $179 million dollars, which would have left funding flat for FY07. But it was blocked by the Rules Committee. However, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported a bill last week that adds 1 billion dollars to cover the emergency costs associated with the loss of space shuttle Columbia. That would free up money for Aeronautics. It also included a ban on involuntary reductions in force, protecting the most valuable part of NASA, its world-class workforce. The House should support these provisions in conference. In the long term, my hope is that this subcommittee will continue to defend aeronautics at NASA. I will most certainly do what I can to help.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I made the attached statement in the House Government Reform Committee regarding global warming on July 20, 2006. Statement of Representative Dennis J. Kucinich, U.S. House of Representatives, Government Reform Committee Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this important hearing on Climate Change, the first such substantive hearing in the House in recent memory. If we are to successfully deal with global warming, it cannot be a partisan issue. It will require our full attention and an inestimable share of our resources, which requires united leadership. This hearing, therefore, is a major step in the right direction. However, I was disappointed to hear the Administration's testimony today which is decidedly partisan. Indeed it continues to try to put a happy face on bad policies and take credit for work it has not done. A good place to start is the Administration's claim to have reduced greenhouse gas ``intensity'' during its tenure. Efficiency gains make the ``intensity'' go down anyway. Moreover, this deceptive rhetorical device diverts attention from its failure to set a goal for greenhouse gas emissions reductions that is consistent with that which is justified by the current science. California has done so, calling for an 80 percent reduction. Holland is now cutting emissions by 80 percent in 40 years. Tony Blair has committed the UK to cutting emissions by 60 percent in 50 years. Germany has obligated itself to cuts of 50 percent in 50 years. Several months ago, French President Chirac called on the entire industrial world to cut emissions 75 percent by 2050. In fact, this is only one of the instances in which this Administration has thumbed its nose at the international community. There is not only an unwillingness to move forward with substantive action on global warming, there is active resistance, and, in fact, bullying of other countries. The Administration started by walking away from the Kyoto protocol. I was in Johannesburg for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. Nothing of significance from the U.S. I went to Buenos Aires for the Conference of the Parties in 2004. Nothing of significance from the U.S. In Montreal, Harlan Watson walked out of negotiations in what was perceived in international media as a tantrum when the Administration didn't get its way. There was an agreement in the G8 that the U.S. re-engage on the issue. It did not happen. Instead, we see not only rhetorical red herrings, but we see Enron accounting techniques being used to create the illusion that something is being done. The GAO released a report in August 2005 called Climate Change; Federal Reports on Climate Change Funding Should Be Clearer and More Complete. This report listed suspect activities claimed by the OMB as spending on global warming, including such efforts as the ``Andean Counterdrug Initiative.'' Making matters worse, the Administration advocates for dealing with global warming by advocating for nuclear power. Nuclear power has been shown to be greenhouse gas intensive, it is far less cost effective than renewables, far less polluting than renewables, and facilitates further proliferation of nuclear weapons materials. We are trading our addiction to oil and all the problems that go with it, for nuclear power and a whole new set of equally pernicious problems that go with it, when common sense alternatives are readily available or within our reach. In the meantime, it is becoming increasingly clear that the effects of global warming are already being felt. The United Nations has declared that at least 5 million cases of illness and more than 150,000 deaths every year are attributable to global warming. The 2003 European heat wave killed over 20,000 people. The 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the last 15 years. Two consecutive record-breaking hurricane seasons. Exactly how bad does it have to get?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I sent the attached letter along with my colleagues to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding avian flu data on July 6, 2006. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, July 6, 2006. Mr. Mike Leavitt, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Leavitt: As the looming threat of a pandemic flu continues, the need to take cost effective and time- saving steps to boost our capacity and response speed is vital. The free flow of information, in particular, can accelerate research, and the development of vaccines, saving lives. In the case of Avian Flu, the very properties we fear the most--the ease with which the virus is transmitted and its ability to kill its host--are encoded in the virus' genome. Yet the genetic sequences are currently only immediately available to a select group of researchers, a practice which is hampering and delaying our ability to respond to the threat of the pandemic influenza. We will need as many scientific eyes as possible examining the problem. Though an adequate response to a future pandemic will require the cooperation of all involved countries, the US should show leadership commensurate with its expertise and wealth. We therefore applaud your request of the World Health Assembly, the decision making body of the World Health Organization, that they ``pledge with me to abide by four principles of pandemic preparedness: Transparency, rapid reporting, data sharing, and scientific cooperation.'' We ask that you set these principles into motion by requiring data from HHS-funded research on avian influenza and genetic sequences, in particular, to be promptly deposited in a publicly accessible repository such as GenBank, the sequence database of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers for the Human Genome Project published their sequences in a public database within 24 hours. Calls for the immediate deposition of sequence data have come from some of the most renowned scientists in the world in the field of avian influenza. Some scientists and countries are reluctant to release their genetic and clinical data for fear of loss of scientific credit or that the information will be used to create a technology, such as a vaccine, that will then be priced out of their reach. In particular, certain countries are refusing to release their sequences. Unfortunately, those countries are reported to include several current or past hot spots for H5N1. These concerns can be satisfied. There are already public databases holding tens of thousands of genetic sequences that have intellectual property protections in place to prevent just such problems. While many countries may have policies in place to prevent the open sharing of such information, stressing the importance of rapid response worldwide is vital. In the event of a pandemic, the public will need to be able to trust that their government and scientists are acting with the transparency, speed and cooperation you requested. The United States can take this opportunity to take on a critical leadership role. Sincerely, Dennis J. Kucinich, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Jim McDermott, John Conyers, Jr., Wayne T. Gilchrest, Tammy Baldwin, Diana DeGette, Ellen O. Tauscher, Lynn C. Woolsey, John W. Olver, Major R. Owens, Barbara Lee, Dale E. Kildee, William J. Jefferson, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Bernie Sanders.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, casualties are mounting on all sides in the Middle East, and yet our government, representing the most powerful Nation in the world, stands aside and watches as civilian casualties mount everywhere. Why in God's name aren't we getting involved to call for an end to the violence, to bring the parties together so that they can find a way to create peace? We are required, by virtue of our standing in the world, to bring people together. Not to create more isolation, not to create more war, but to bring people together. We must get involved as this continues to spiral out of control. The whole world is watching and the entire world is at risk.