Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, at least 30 percent of the $3.2 trillion spent annually for health care in the United States goes to the for- profit system while 50 million Americans, many of them working, are without health insurance. About $660 billion goes for corporate profits, executive salaries, stock options, advertising, marketing, and the cost of paperwork. If we took all that money and we put it into a public health system, a national health care plan, we would have enough money to cover everything for everyone, all medically necessary care, including dental care, vision care, mental health care, prescription drug and long-term care. Health care is a big money maker for corporate America, however, and people we know can't afford necessary health care because premiums, co- pays, and deductibles keep going up. About half of the bankruptcies in America are health-care related. It is time for this country to break free of the shackles of the insurance companies, and we can do that by Members of Congress supporting H.R. 676, the Conyers-Kucinich-McDermott bill, which calls for a universal health care plan where all people are conferred and, finally, we meet the moral challenge that this country has of providing health care for all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman and I thank Mr. Miller for his motion to instruct. With all due respect to the chairman, the Miller motion to instruct establishes in the language that in no case shall the wage be less than $7.25 an hour. It is not a cap. It actually establishes a floor, not a ceiling. We all understand that for many people even $7.25 may not be enough, but the Miller amendment creates some progress in an area where the American people haven't seen much progress. Think about it. Do you know, if the minimum wage had kept pace with increases in corporate executive compensation over the last dozen years, do you know what the minimum wage would be today? It would be over $16. That is how far and fast the top executive salaries have gone up. But those people who provide the service for those executives and for all of us, those people who work in restaurants, who work in hotels, those people who are humble working people, $5.15 an hour, and it has been frozen there while the cost of everything keeps going up. My constituents talked to me over the July 4 break about the high cost of gasoline. If you are making $5.15 an hour and gasoline goes up to $3 or more a gallon, what does that do to your family budget? We have some practical considerations we need to look at here and we are not looking at them. That is why I am rising in support of the Miller motion to instruct conferees, because vocational education and training are vital parts of workforce development in America, and they help to provide the highly trained, skilled workers that our Nation needs. But you can get training and you can get education, but that doesn't assure you of a decent wage. That is because full-time, year-round, minimum- wage earnings of $5.15 an hour leaves a family of three 31 percent below the poverty line. We are all told in this country that if you work hard, you will get ahead; if you get a good education, you will get a decent job. What is happening in America, people are working hard and they are not getting ahead. They are getting an education and they are not getting a decent job, they are not getting decent pay. Seven million Americans have been frozen at this $5.15 minimum wage. How do people survive? How do they feed their families? How do they have health care? How do they pay the rent and the mortgage on $5.15 an hour? There is a moral dimension to this as well. How can we, in a country which has such enormous wealth, turn our backs on our brothers and sisters who are frozen at $5.15 an hour and say, No, no, you can't have more money to feed your family. No, you can't have more money to pay the rent. No, you can't have more money to pay for gasoline. No, you can't have more money because if we give you more money, the whole economy is going to be in trouble. Come on, we all know that is not true. We all know that America has the capacity to create even more wealth, but there is a maldistribution of the wealth, and the proof of the fundamental maldistribution of the wealth is the fact that we are not able to raise this minimum wage to a level that presents a living wage. It is estimated that over 7 million workers would receive an increase in their hourly wage if the minimum wage were raised to just $7.25 an hour as Mr. Miller's legislation, the Fair Minimum Wage Act, proposes. An additional 8.2 million workers earning up to a dollar above the new minimum wage would also benefit. This country has always been about our aspirations to lift everyone up. When we stop doing that, we become less than America. When we forget those who have less, what does it matter who we are? The Scriptures command us, Whatever you do for these, the least of our brethren, you do for the Lord. Whose work are we doing here? Are we doing the Lord's work when we turn around and cast out those who are the humble workers in our society? No, we are not. It is time to remember where we came from as a Nation. It is time to remember our higher aspirations. Vote for the Miller amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago today, on July 11, I introduced legislation to create a Cabinet-level Department of Peace and Nonviolence, which would employ the principles taught by Christ, Gandhi, Dr. King, Mother Teresa and others to create a new hope for violence-free homes, schools and communities through peace and character education, a new hope that through peace education we can even challenge the notion of the inevitability of war. Today, thanks to hundreds of community groups, led by The Peace Alliance, momentum is building. Fifteen cities have passed resolutions endorsing a Department of Peace, and 74 Members of the House have signed on to the bill. More and more, Americans want a compassionate, focused, organized approach to dealing with the violence in our communities, to dealing with domestic violence, spousal abuse, child abuse and other types of violence. The Department of Peace represents the end of fear and the beginning of hope for a new Nation and a new world.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Anna Chatman, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, businesswoman, community activist and friend and mentor to many. Mrs. Chatman lived her life with great joy and in endless commitment to her faith, family and community. Together, she and her beloved husband, the late Reverend Marcellus Chatman, raised their daughters, Marcella Caffie and Ruby Alexander. Her devotion to family extended outward into the community, where she touched the lives of countless individuals through her focus on social justice and political empowerment. In 1969, Mrs. Chatman founded the Harvest Day Care Center. As owner and operator, she secured funding in order to provide quality day care for mothers on welfare, which enabled numerous parents to break through the wall of poverty by having a safe and affordable place to bring their children while they worked. The Harvest Day Care Center remains in operation today, run by Mrs. Chatman's daughter, Ruby Alexander. Mrs. Chatman's inner light, dynamic personality and her ability to connect with people created lasting impressions on those around her and served to forever change the landscape of the Democratic Party in Cuyahoga County. Even though she had no prior experience in politics, then U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes asked Mrs. Chatman to accept the role of executive director of the 21st District Caucus (which became the 11th District Caucus), knowing she could rally the support of African-Americans who felt overlooked by the Democratic Party. Mrs. Chatman inspired and guided countless individuals to become empowered and involved in the caucus. Under her direction, the caucus evolved to become one of the most powerful political organizations in the Nation, attracting up to 50,000 people to the caucus's annual Labor Day picnic and existing as a catalyst of political action and societal justice. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Anna Chatman, whose joyous life reflected great joy and an unwavering focus on lifting the lives of others. I offer my deep condolences to her daughters, Marcella and Ruby; to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and to her extended family members and many friends. Although she will be greatly missed, her singular life, framed by love, integrity, conviction and strength, will shine forever in the hearts of her friends and loved ones and will forever illuminate the soul and hope of our entire community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Judge John Manos, devoted father, grandfather, veteran, community leader and outstanding jurist. Judge Manos grew up in Cleveland, OH, the son of Greek immigrants. He attended Lincoln High School followed by the Case School of Applied Sciences. There, he was captain of the football team and earned a degree in metallurgical engineering. Judge Manos served in the Navy for 2 years before returning to Cleveland to become an engineer. Over the next 4 years, he earned a law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School. Judge Manos practiced law for 13 years before then Governor James Rhodes selected him to fill a vacancy in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. He remained at the court until 1969 when he was appointed to the Eighth Ohio District Court of Appeals, and finally to United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio by President Ford in 1976. Judge Manos developed a solid reputation for preparedness and fairness during his tenure in the courtroom. Even through extreme illness and hospitalization, Judge Manos continued hearing legal matters and continued to render thoughtful and poignant decisions. His commitment to quality lawyers and judges went beyond the bench when he set up an intern program where students witnessed proceedings and then performed research in order to grasp the multifaceted prism that is the American legal system. Aside from his professional achievements, Judge Manos was an active member and leader in numerous civic and legal organizations, including the Cleveland Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, Federation of Community Planning, the visiting committee for physical education and athletics of Case Western Reserve University, and a member of the Board of Overseers at Cleveland-Marshall Law School. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Judge John M. Manos. Please also join me as I offer my deep condolences to his companion Gloria Donahue; to his sons, Michael and Keith; to his daughters, Donna and Christine; to his son-in-law, Patrick; to his 12 grandchildren; and to his extended family members and many friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his steadfast devotion to family and friends and unwavering focus on legal equality and justice highlighted his life, and his memory and impact will live on within the hearts of his family and friends, today and for all time, and he will never be forgotten.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that Congress act now to raise the minimum wage. In 2004, 37 million Americans lived below the poverty line, a 1.1 million increase from the year before. In 2004, 13 million children in America lived below the poverty line and more than one in six children was poor. Yet 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 and need. That's because full-time year round minimum wage earnings of $5.15 an hour equal leaves a family of three 31 percent below the poverty line. A minimum wage worker, working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year earns $10,700 a year, $5,000 below the poverty line for a family of three. The current minimum wage fails to provide enough income to enable minimum wage workers to afford adequate housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, an employed full time worker would need to earn an hourly wage of at least $15.78 to afford a two- bedroom rental nationally. At the current minimum wage, a family with two full time year round minimum wage earners would fall short of this standard by $5.48 collectively. It's no wonder that so many families struggle to put a roof over their heads and food on the table. A 2005 study found that 40 percent of adults seeking emergency food aid were employed. We can directly help these families and children by increasing the federal minimum wage. It is estimated that over 7 million workers would receive an increase in their hourly wage if the minimum wage were raised to just $7.25 an hour, as proposed in Congressman Miller's legislation, the Fair Minimum Wage Act. An additional 8.2 million workers earning up to a dollar above the new minimum wage would also benefit. What kind of Nation have we become when work ceases to be a bridge out of poverty? A nation in which a basic full time job doesn't protect against hunger, homelessness, or poverty. It is a travesty that in the face of these realities, the realities that working Americans confront daily, Congress has not raised the minimum wage since 1997. We can and must change this by increasing the minimum wage now.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Michael Owen O'Malley, devoted family man, dear friend, United States Veteran and decorated Lieutenant with the Cleveland Police Department, Mr. O'Malley's courageous and compassionate heart framed his 45-year tenure with the Cleveland Police Department as Patrolman, Sergeant and Lieutenant. Mr. O'Malley was born on June 30, 1930, to Michael and Mary O'Malley of County Mayo, Ireland. He was raised on the West side of Cleveland, where he was taught by his parents the significant lessons of family, faith and giving back to others. He graduated from Wes High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army and honorably served in the Korean War. In 1954, he married Mary Ginley O'Malley. Then, as today, family is the center and foundation of their lives. Together, Michael and Mary raised their six children: Patricia, Margaret, Michael, Patrick, James and Mary K., and remain a foundation of love and support for their children and nine grandchildren. He was awarded several citations for bravery, one of which reflected his courage and selflessness as he placed his own life in danger when he entered a burning building and carried a resident out to safety. Beyond time spent with family, Mr. O'Malley is an active member of the community. He is a longtime member of St. Angela's Parish, and has volunteered his time and talents with the West Side Irish American Club, American Legion, and the Mayo Society. Mr. and Mrs. O'Malley love and appreciate the simple treasures in life, including visiting relatives and friends in Ireland, spending time at their condo in Catawba, and Mr. O'Malley's natural knack for making wonderful pancakes for his nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of Michael Owen O'Malley, whose joyous life is an ongoing source of love, devotion, and inspiration to his family and friends as they gather to celebrate his 76th birthday and to recognize his continuous commitment to his family, friends and community. His work in securing the welfare and safety of the residents of the City of Cleveland is framed by exceptional courage, heart, dignity and integrity, and has forever raised the spirits and lives of countless individuals and families throughout our community. I wish Mr. O'Malley and his family an abundance of peace, health and happiness, today and for all days to come.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. The New York Times annual subscription, $309.40. The Treasury Department secretly looking at your financial records, very expensive. The Constitution of the United States, priceless. Some want freedom of the press to be contingent on writing nice things about the Bush administration. For all others, there is the Constitution and the first amendment. The Constitution of the United States: Don't leave the House without it.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the gentleman for his commitment and thank him for the outstanding work that he has done in the past in helping us on these matters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and, thank you Mr. Mollohan. Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to thank the gentleman from West Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman, Mr. Wolf, for his leadership in helping to keep our NASA centers healthy in the long term, a concern that I share and that requires extremely difficult decisions under tight funding caps. At the same time, I am concerned with the bedrock of NASA's success, its world class workforce. The 2005 NASA Authorization Bill enacted a moratorium on involuntary reductions in force until March of 2007. In addition, the act required 11.5 months between the submission of a complete workforce plan and the end of a ban on RIFs. However, NASA has thus far been unable to determine their existing skills mix and future skills mix demand. Any hasty action would cause NASA to lose irreplaceable intellectual capacity and institutional memory and would harm its recruiting capabilities. Any workforce reshaping should therefore only be implemented after clearly establishing the agency's current and future workforce needs and after exhausting all cost-effective voluntary means to maintain critical skills and to fill any gaps. This is especially true given that so much Constellation work on the horizon relies heavily on Apollo era and shuttle era design elements.

Mr. KUCINICH. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I stand to support the Hinchey/Rohrabacher Amendment, an amendment to end federal raids on medical marijuana patients and providers in states where medical marijuana is legal. Despite marijuana's recognized therapeutic value, including a National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine report recommending its use in certain circumstances, federal law refuses to recognize its medicinal importance and safety. This amendment does not change the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic. It does not legalize marijuana, or stop law enforcement officials from prosecuting individuals for recreational use of marijuana. It does not require that states adopt laws protecting the medicinal use of marijuana. It simply extends the protections already provided at the state level in ten states to the federal level. It ensures that critically ill patients can find relief from nausea and pain without worrying that the federal government will prosecute them. The federal government should use its power to help terminally ill citizens, not arrest them. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, this administration is angry that the media leaked the story about its snooping into the bank records of millions of Americans. Its supporters in Congress want to formally condemn the New York Times. What a bunch of baloney. It is about time the media did its job of protecting the public interest. If the media and this Congress had shown some independence from the party line of this administration, the claims of WMDs would have been dismissed, and the fact there was no connection between Iraq and 9/11 would have been well-established, and we would not have gone to war against Iraq. A few years ago, a movie, ``Wag the Dog,'' told of how a fictional U.S. administration misused its communications power to create phony stories to put this Nation into an international conflict. This administration has not only wagged the dog in Iraq, but with the help of its fabricators at the Rendon and Lincoln groups, it has wagged a whole kennel. In a free society, the media cannot be a lap dog of any administration. The first amendment says, Congress shall make no law abridging freedom of the press, except of course under this administration.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Chuck and Evelyn Sebes, as they celebrate 50 years of love and commitment that continues to lift the lives of family, friends, and extends outward into our community. Chuck and Evelyn met in 1953 and wed 3 years later on June 16, 1956. In 1959, they bought their home in Parma, where they still live. Evelyn was employed by Ohio Bell for several years and decided to leave the workforce to devote her time to her children. Together, Evelyn and Chuck lovingly raised their four children: Joe, Jim, Janet, and Joyce. Later, Evelyn returned to work part-time for Higbees and Dillards, and worked at both stores for a total of nearly 30 years. Chuck worked for National Tool Company for 22 years until the company closed. While there, he served as President of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 4827, a tenure which reflected his unwavering focus on the rights and welfare of workers and their families. Chuck was later appointed to the Ohio Regional Board of Review for Worker's Compensation by then Governor Richard Celeste. In 1991, he was appointed by Martin E. Vittardi, Clerk of Parma Municipal Court, to serve as his Chief Deputy, where he continues his service today. Chuck has served as a Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Precinct committee person and as an Executive Committee member and is the longest serving City Leader for the Parma Democratic Party. He is an active member of Parma Southwest COPE, AFL-CIO and together with Evelyn they belong to Parma Elks Lodge 1938. Chuck and Evelyn's passionate sense of volunteerism, especially on behalf of improving wages and working conditions for workers, continues to positively impact countless families throughout our community. The bond they share with their children comes from life lessons that Chuck and Evelyn taught them while growing up. To be selfless, to lead a life of volunteerism, to live by the golden rule--``do unto others as you would have them do unto you''--and to remember that there is nothing as important as God's gift of family. The memory of their mother's soft skin while holding them reminds them of a safe and loving childhood. It was the sound of their father's voice telling them colorful stories and jokes that brought laughter into their home. Their grandchildren Danielle, Shelley, Jackie, Christopher, Lauren, Samantha, and Jamie fill Chuck and Evelyn's lives with pride and love. At gatherings, it is Evelyn's potato salad and Chuck's ethnic dishes that everyone looks forward to. Time spent with friends playing pinochle and poker or bowling has formed lifelong friendships. Their legacy will be one of dedication to one another, to their family, and to their community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of my dear friends, Chuck and Evelyn Sebes, as we join them in celebration of this momentous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. Their devotion to each other, to their children, grandchildren and friends, and their commitment to giving back to others continues to touch the lives of everyone they I know, including my own, and serves to strengthen and uplift our entire community.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the parish community of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, as members and leaders celebrate 100 years of faith and hope throughout Cleveland's southeast side. Throughout the past century, St. Hyacinth Parish has opened wide its doors to all who seek spiritual renewal and fellowship. Its ministry reaches beyond the parish itself through the numerous members who have joined the clergy as a result of the guidance and fulfillment they found at St. Hyacinth. St. Hyacinth began its ministry as a response to the influx of Polish immigrants in the ``Jackowo'' neighborhood. Feeling crowded in the existing parish, the residents bought land from the Board of Education and have remained at that location since opening in 1906. The newly instated Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon will lead the Jubilee Mass at the parish in commemoration of the past one hundred years of service and in celebration of the next 100 years. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every past and current member and spiritual leader of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church. Despite a growing and changing community, St. Hyacinth Catholic Church has consistently provided compassionate spiritual direction, in the heart of Cleveland and far beyond.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, a reading from the book of James, Madison that is. The fourth amendment to the Constitution of the United States: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. That amendment was passed in 1791. In 2006, the administration is getting the banking records of millions of Americans without a warrant. The government wants to know who you write checks to, who writes checks to you. They want to flag those transactions and investigate without a warrant legal, private conduct. Under the PATRIOT Act, they can monitor wire transfers, ATM and credit card transactions. This year, as we celebrate the 230th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, we find 150,000 troops in Iraq so the people there can have the very rights we are losing at home. It is time to reawaken in our people the courage of the Founders, the spirit that founded a free Nation so that we can remain a free Nation. That struggle is not in Iraq. It is here in America.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Louis Brownlowe, upon his retirement that follows an exemplary, thirty- six year career as a Teacher-Counselor, Dean of Special Studies and Dean of University Studies at Cleveland State University. Mr. Brownlowe earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Miles College and a Masters Degree in Education from Cleveland State University. Throughout his tenure at CSU, he concentrated his efforts on programs and projects that provide access to higher education for non-traditional students, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to enroll in college. In 1971, Mr. Brownlowe became actively involved in the Ohio Association of TRIO Program Directors. He served on the task force of the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associates, which eventually became a significant aspect of the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1980. Mr. Brownlowe was a leading force in establishing CSU's Upward Bound Program, which began in 1999. Mr. Brownlowe continues his dedication to civic action and empowering others, especially our youth. As the Superintendent of the Sunday School and President of the Youth Ministry at Union Grove Baptist Church, Mr. Brownlowe serves as a gentle guide and inspiration and a shining role model that reflects the significance of personal strength, conviction, determination, accomplishment, and the importance of education. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of Mr. Louis Brownlowe, upon his retirement from Cleveland State University--a vocation of the heart, framed by thirty-six years of outstanding service, integrity and accomplishment. His dedication, expertise, leadership, and energy, focused on educational opportunity for all, extends outward into the community where he volunteers his time and talents on behalf of lifting countless lives onto a foundation of hope, spiritual strength and opportunity. I wish Mr. Brownlowe and his family an abundance of health, peace and happiness as his journey begins from here.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by saying to my friend from Indiana, I think it would be helpful for this Congress to have the information about all of the family farms that have gone out of business in Indiana because of this estate tax. I think it would be helpful if we wrote to the appropriate officials in Indiana to get that list so we could share it with everyone here and see how it impacts this legislation. I want to say, the last 24 hours will tell you everything you need to know about what is wrong with Congress: holding up the Voting Rights Act; knocking down the minimum wage increase; relieving the superrich from responsibility for paying estate taxes; and keep sending our children to fight and die in a war based on lies. That, by the way, is the real death tax, and it is paid by the poor and the middle class. Our new motto should be: ``United We Stand, Sure. But Divided We Profit.'' H.R. 5638, the estate tax legislation, should be more accurately described as the American Idle Act, I-D-L-E, because it relieves the children of billionaires and multimillionaires of over one-quarter of a trillion dollars of estate taxes in just the 5 years starting in 2013. The $2,600 per taxpayer loss of revenue will take money from our schools, our health care, our senior citizens, and our veterans. The Bible says it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven. Here in Washington, the superrich ride elephants, and hopefully no donkeys, to get to their alabaster heaven where they pay no taxes. Money, most of which has never been taxed once, will continue to gush upwards. The estate tax is cleverly tied to the capital gains rate, currently at 15 percent. Estates up to $25 million or $50 million for a couple will pay the capital gains rate of 15 percent, and those over that will pay double the rate; but what will happen when Congress eliminates the capital gains tax? There will be no estate tax because one or even two times zero is still zero. At that time the destruction of the middle class will be complete. The ascendency of a new plutocracy will be complete. Allan Sloan of Newsweek put it this way 2 years ago: ``In the name of preserving family farms and keeping small businesses in the family, President Bush would create a new class of landed aristocrats who would inherit billions tax-free, invest the money, watch it compound tax-free and hand it down tax-free to their heirs.'' President Lincoln didn't pray for a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy at Gettysburg. He prayed for a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Whose prayers are we answering here?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, the last 24 hours will tell you everything you need to know about what is wrong with this Congress: hold up voting rights, knock down the minimum wage increase, relieve the superrich of responsibility for paying estate taxes, keep sending our children to fight and die in a war based on lies. That, by the way, is the real death tax, and it is paid by the poor and the middle class. Our new motto should be: United We Stand, Sure, But Divided We Profit. H.R. 5638, the estate tax legislation, should be more accurately described as the American Idle Act, I-D-L-E, because it relieves the children of billionaires and multi-multi-millionaires of over one- quarter of a trillion dollars in estate taxes in just 5 years starting in 2013. The $2,600 per taxpayer loss of revenue will take money from our schools and from our health care and from senior citizens programs. The Bible says it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven. Here in Washington, the superrich ride elephants, and some donkeys, to get to their alabaster heaven where they pay no taxes.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas who serves ably on the Committee. And it is a good demonstration here of bipartisan support, and I certainly want to add to it by supporting the legislation. I also think that I can speak for many Members in saying how much we appreciate Representative Kennedy's role in all of this. He has shown himself to be a very valuable Member of this Congress, and his voice is an important voice in this Congress, and we certainly want to do all we can to not only further his leadership, but encourage his participation. I want to say, though, to Mr. Tiberi, who has done a very good job on this, there is a gaping hole in this legislation, and we need to address it in conference. I intended to offer an amendment that would help provide for administrations on aging and thousands of volunteers nationwide from being squeezed by the rising cost of gasoline. My amendment would have provided a nonbinding formula for calculating annual increases in fuel cost for the three Older American Act programs that are most heavily dependent on transportation. These programs include the in-home nutrition services, the congregate nutrition services, and the supportive services that provide rides to doctors' appointments, trips to the grocery store and to senior centers, among other services. These programs help seniors maintain their independence, dignity and health. In 2003, the supportive services gave almost 36 million rides and provided 20 million hours of personal care, homemaker and chore services. In that same year, 248 million meals were served. Each meal required transportation. According to the Energy Information Administration, the price of gas the week ending on Christmas of the year 2000 was $1.60. The price of gas for the week of May 15, 2006, was $3.15. In other words, since the Older Americans Act was last authorized, gas prices have doubled. High gas prices heavily impact programs like meal and transportation services. First, programs have to cut back services for all nonessential trips such as family visits, general shopping, trips to the workplace, and other social activities. Second, volunteer drivers, many of whom are retired and on fixed incomes, are quitting because their mileage reimbursement rates can't be updated by the underfunded Administration on Aging. Finally, as gas prices squeeze seniors living at the financial margin, forcing them to lose their independence, they rely more heavily on services like those provided by the Administration on Aging through the Older Americans Act. At the same time that prices have gone up, funding has gone down. My amendment would have held harmless from rising gasoline prices the congregate and in-home nutrition services as well as the supportive services by authorizing a yearly adjustment to the fuel component of their budget. If the price of crude oil rises year after year, then the agency's fuel budgets would rise a proportionate amount. If oil prices fall, fuel budgets would fall as well. Although I strongly support the underlying bill, I want to say that it is important that the House address this in conference. We have to do more to make sure our mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents are not losing the services they need to help them lead an independent, dignified, healthy life because of high gas prices. Keep it in mind, so many services are dependent on transportation. If the price of transportation goes up, we don't want senior citizens hurt from this. I ask Mr. Tiberi to do everything he can in conference to help our senior citizens meet this. I thank my fellow colleagues.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, if you had a friend who anytime he took the car out for a drive got in a wreck, if you really cared about your friend and others, you would take away the car keys. Nearly every time this administration takes the U.S. for a drive out in the world, it crashes the car. Look at Iraq: no diplomacy, confrontation, attack, occupation. Iran: no diplomacy, confrontation. North Korea: no diplomacy, threats, confrontation, even when they are preparing a missile test. Instead of a national missile defense system which doesn't work protecting us against a North Korea missile of dubious accuracy, we should look at talking with them. North Korea wants direct talks. Well, talk to them. Don't crash the car. America must be able to negotiate in a complex world without confrontation and creating enemies. You are either with us or against us or bring it on? That is not a path towards successful diplomacy. There is a basic flaw in America's world view and this administration's world view. This, then, is a call for a new diplomacy, policies where we look at potential adversaries as potential allies, and then acting upon that vision.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, in 2 weeks, we will be observing the 230th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, and I think it was on June 21, in 1788, that the State of New Hampshire was actually the ninth State to ratify the Constitution of the United States. When the United States was founded, there was a search for a national motto, and the first motto of our country, e pluribus unum, Latin, translates to, out of many, we are one. The very words, United States, speaks to the unity, not just of colonies and then States, but really speaks to a deeper meaning of human unity. Out of many, we are one. It is not simply unity in this country. It is the unity of people all over the world. This year, in our 230th year since we declared our independence, we find ourselves gripped by a type of thinking which separates us from the rest of humanity, which causes the United States to be locked into dichotomized thinking of us versus them, whoever they are. With that comes a very heavy price. It comes a separation which has led us to war. It comes a separation that has separated us from the ambitions of people all over the world who are hoping for a rising standard of living through having guarantees for workers rights, human rights, environmental quality principles, which they had hoped that the United States would stand for. We separate ourselves from human unity by not participating in a wide range of international agreements, and yet we are the United States. Our very name speaks to unity. How then can we find ourselves again as a Nation? How can we come to reconnect with the deeper meaning of who we are? How can we step away from this experience which since 9/11 has taken us into a blind alley? If there was ever a time when this country needed a period of truth and reconciliation, this is it. We find so many of our fellow countrymen and women still believe that Iraq had something to do with 9/11. It did not. But at a time when 9/11 gave us an opportunity to start a whole new national discussion about who we are and how we can reconnect with the world, decisions were made which further separated us. We went down a blind alley, and in that blind alley we remain, unaware of the truth behind 9/11, not with respect to who did it, but with respect to what is our role in the world, what is America's position in the world. This, the 230th year of our experience of declaring independence, is a perfect time for us to recommit ourselves to perhaps call for a declaration of interdependence, accompanied by a vision which sees the world as one, which sees the world as being interconnected and interdependent, which understands that when we build nuclear weapons, we, the United States, threaten the world; that we have a responsibility to lead with nuclear non-proliferation; that we have the responsibility to lead with the biological weapons convention, fully participating in that, and the chemical weapons convention and the small arms treaty and the land mine treaty, to join the International Criminal Court, to sign the Kyoto climate change treaty, to truly participate the entire world. We are independent, but we are also interdependent, and there is no paradox there. It is a fact that both of those modalities can and must exist simultaneously in order for our Nation to be healthy, in order for us to grow. Mr. Speaker, although I didn't really agree with many of his policies, one of the President's I admired the most was Ronald Reagan, because I saw him as being connected to the optimistic nature of America. One of the casualties of 9/11 has been our optimism, our courage. This Nation has the capacity to be much more than it is today, and whether we are Democrats or Republicans, we need to try to search for a deeper meaning of who we are. We need to reach for a deeper meaning of who we are in the world and we need to confirm that our purpose is human unity, not just the unity of 50 States.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in joyful remembrance of the life and work of David ``Doovy'' Kirschenbaum, an extraordinary man whose life was dedicated to family, friends and community. Mr. Kirschenbaum exemplified the purest meaning of the word ``father,'' and his caring, nurturing, dedication and commitment to others enriched the lives of countless individuals. Doovy was a successful attorney and a staunch advocate for those who could not defend themselves. He built a large law practice with the daily assistance of members of his family. As his life touched the lives of more and more individuals, his influence widened. His wisdom and advice was soon sought after by officials from every rank and branch of government. Doovy's reputation became that of a kind, wise man, who, with just a twinkling of his eye could provide down-to-earth, practical advice. His possessed a philosophic mind, understood deeply the human condition, and always communicated great optimism and love. His commitment to and participation in Cleveland's Jewish community was central to his passion for social and economic justice. Doovy pushed himself in all of his endeavors. He was constantly building his physical strength. He was an excellent skier and golfer, but a gentle competitor, who understood that life, like sports, was played not just to win but for the love of the game. His enthusiasm and joy for living were contagious. His friendship was consistently sought after by others, as his magnetic character easily drew people to him. His interest in public service led him to an appointment on the Cleveland Port Authority, where he presided over the growth of the great ports along the Great Lakes. His business interests also included health care, where he took pride in helping many families extend the quality of life of their loved ones in superior nursing facilities. Doovy's greatest achievement in life was always his family. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who with his beloved wife Elise, took great pride in the lives, growth and accomplishments of each of their six children. Together, Doovy and Elise built a family and a life of love that touched the lives of countless people in numerous and permanent ways. When Doovy reached his 70th birthday, hundreds of his friends traveled to Cleveland from all around America to celebrate his diamond year. When they entered the Kirschenbaum home, Doovy presented them with a small booklet of his philosophical observations entitled: ``It's Still All About Nothing.'' Today, in honoring his memory, we understand why his life meant everything to so many people. We know why this wise man, this advocate of the people, this gentle loving soul will be missed long into the future, not only by those in his large, extended family who shared his life, but by everyone whose life he ever touched. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of my dear friend, David ``Doovy'' Kirschenbaum. Please also join me as I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Elise; to his daughters, Amy, Lynn, and Jo; to his son Dan; to the memory of his daughters, Susan and Gail; to his 22 grandchildren; to his 3 great-grandchildren, and to his extended family members and many friends. Although he will be greatly missed, his life was lived with great joy and love that he freely extended to his family, friends and to our community. Doovy's limitless kindness, generosity, humor and love consistently framed his life and embraced the lives of others, and his spirit live on within the hearts of his family and friends, today, and for all time, and he will never be forgotten.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, out of deference to our ranking member, I didn't claim time in opposition, but I am opposed to this bill, and I want to state why. H.R. 5228 does change the law significantly with respect to United States policy towards countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism; but moreover, with respect to executive branch scrutiny over the schedules chosen by Members of Congress. More about that in a moment. Under current law, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, FARA, requires that agents from foreign countries have to report on their activities to the Attorney General, but there is an exemption for all diplomatic officials recognized by the State Department. This bill would change that. It would remove the exemption for diplomats from governments designated as state sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan and North Korea. These countries already have limited diplomatic channels in the United States. While Syria and Sudan have embassies, Iran and North Korea do not have embassies in the United States, and Iranian and North Korean diplomats don't have meetings in the halls of Congress. Thanks to President Carter, we do have a Cuban Interest Section in the United States and a U.S. Interest Section in Havana. Meetings between Members of Congress and Cuban, Sudanese and Syrian diplomats are important, as they are with all diplomats. They offer channels for expressing ideas, improving relations, and expressing concerns. Currently, Cuban, Sudanese and Syrian diplomats don't report on their meetings with Members of Congress and staff, just as all other diplomats do not. But this bill would require these diplomats to now report all of their meetings with Congress to the Justice Department. Moreover, it would most directly impact the Cuban Interest Section, which has frequent meetings with Members of Congress. Furthermore, there are more Cuba-related bills and amendments per year than there are for Sudan and Syria. This bill is, therefore, a step backwards for diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, whose relations are already strained. Moreover, this bill increases executive branch scrutiny over the scheduling books of Members of Congress, but only for Members and staff who meet with the Cuban Interest Section, the Embassy of Sudan and the Embassy of Syria. I want to state this again. This bill increases executive branch scrutiny over the scheduling books of Members of Congress. Now, in the last month, there has been a significant debate in this country and in this Congress over questions of separation of power, over the very speech and debate clause of the United States Constitution which gives me the ability to stand on this floor and basically state anything that I think is in the interest of my constituents or the American people. And I can say it with impunity. This is a privilege that is given Members of Congress, that sets our role apart from the rest of the people in this country. No one outside this Chamber can make statements that would be free from being subject to attack by libel laws. Here we can say anything we want. We have a special role. This bill takes away the ability that Congress has to be able to meet independently without having to report to the executive branch or being reported on to the executive branch with respect to discussions with representatives of other countries. I want Members of Congress to hear me loud and clear. The doctrine of separation of powers is at stake here. Our constitutional ability under speech and debate, which has been under attack by the Executive, is at risk when the Attorney General now will be collecting information from other countries based on contacts made with them by Members of Congress. I want Members of Congress to think about this. We are a coequal branch of government, and we are a separate branch of government. Members of Congress, this is a power grab by the Executive over the legislative branch, and specifically targets Members of Congress who believe in engagement over isolation and believe that diplomacy is an important tool to achieve peaceful resolution to conflicts. Ironically, this power grab by the Executive has been initiated by the legislative branch. Why are we so ready to give up our constitutional prerogative? Why are we asking for countries whose representatives we meet with to report on us to the Attorney General? What could possibly be the motivation for that, to set the stage for Members of Congress for being accused of being disloyal to the United States? How absurd can that be? Yet this is exactly what this legislation sets the stage for. Over the last month, we have had a debate over whether the administration has the right to go into any congressional office and grab the papers of a Member of Congress. That debate focuses on the speech and debate clause of the Constitution. This debate also should, and the fact that this has been put on the suspension calendar doesn't give it the right to waive critical inspection and demand that it meet the constitutional test. This does not meet the constitutional test. This is unconstitutional. It is an abrogation of our obligations as Members of Congress to assert a check and balance to the administration exercise of power. We ought to remember where we came from. Our power comes from the people. Congress was created specifically to be spokespersons for the people of the United States. We should not and cannot give that away. Vote against H.R. 5228. Reassert congressional authority to be a coequal branch of government to assert checks and balances over the administration. I do not, and I insist on not having to have my schedule open to the Attorney General or to anyone else when I am pursuing the interests of this country.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I will repeat the title of this bill: ``To require representatives of government designated as state sponsors of terrorism to disclose to the Attorney General lobbying contacts with legislative branch officials.'' This bill would require diplomats, Cuban, Sudanese, Syrian and perhaps others, to now report their meetings with Congress to the Justice Department. Now, this is a two-way street. Once they do that, then the Attorney General has the ability to go back to Members of Congress and begin to inquire what was that meeting about. They don't have any business doing that. We are a coequal branch of government. We are a separate branch of government. Since the Justice Department now feels that they can go into our offices and grab our papers, what is the difference between doing that and having another government say they met with Members of Congress and then the Justice Department coming back and saying what was that meeting about. We don't have to answer to the Justice Department. I wasn't elected by the Attorney General. I was elected by the people of Ohio's 10th Congressional District. This bill opens the door for the destruction of our constitutional right to speech and debate of the separation of powers. Not everything that we do here in this Congress poses an undermining of our role as Members of Congress. And I assert that this does. So I appreciate the gentlewoman's indulgence, and I appreciate the attention of Members of Congress who are also concerned with this issue of speech and debate and of our separation of powers.