Dennis Kucinich

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, my amendment will prohibit the Millennium Challenge Corporation funds from being used to construct a highway in El Salvador to help gold mining companies. The construction of this highway which constitutes a majority of El Salvador's MCC funding will mostly benefit two gold mining companies. Meanwhile, productive development priorities which are desperately needed by El Salvador's poor will be shortchanged. In fall of 2005, the two largest Canadian mining companies received permits from the government of El Salvador to conduct initial surveying of the northern region where gold had been discovered. These companies made it known to the government they intended to mine for gold. Later, El Salvador's president announced that he intended to use MCC funding for construction of a large highway that, guess what, would go right through that same gold mine region. Only weeks ago the Salvadoran Government committed a majority of its MCC funding for construction of this golden highway. You can clearly see the connection between the highway and the future mines on this map. All the red and yellow blocks are sites of potential mines, and the green lines where the highway is to be built. As you can see, every potential mine will be linked up to a road with construction of this highway. This highway will link up to other roads in neighboring countries so the wealth of this poor region can be extracted and easily shipped out. The mining companies are accustomed to building their own roads to facilitate mining operations, but they are not going to have to build any roads in El Salvador. This a huge financial incentive for these mining companies and a subsidy to their operation. Here we are, America's going broke, and we are building highways in El Salvador for Canadian gold mining corporations. You know, we give these gold mine companies about $200 million for a road while the price of gold could go up to $800 an ounce. They should just use two truckloads of gold and use that to pay for the highway. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Strongsville Mustangs Baseball Team, for their spectacular victory as winners of the State of Ohio, 2006 Division I High School Championship. This well-deserved triumph reflects a committed coaching staff and dedicated players who maintained a steady focus on their collective dream. The individual athleticism, enthusiasm and discipline that reflected from every player also reflected the soul of a team whose faith in themselves and passion for the game proved mightier than the odds of winning. The sheer talent, drive and ultimate victory that frames the 2006 season of the Strongsville Mustangs, a team once described as the ``underdog,'' stands as a monument to the collective resilience and spirit of our nation itself, and reflects the heart and soul of our greatest American pastime--baseball. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the coaches and players of the Strongsville High School Mustangs as we join in congratulating them on their outstanding victory as State Champions. The individual and collective achievements of the Strongsville Mustangs Baseball Team underscores the meaning of the words ``True Champion,'' and serves to inspire us all with the joy of the game and the knowledge anything is possible, even in the bottom of the ninth, two down, full count--batter up.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Augustine ``Gus'' Standard, upon his retirement that follows nearly 30 years of outstanding service with the City of Cleveland. In 1977, Mr. Standard joined the City of Cleveland workforce as Chief Deputy Clerk in the criminal division, before joining the Department of Utilities as a security specialist. While there, Mr. Standard safeguarded the utilities division from various acts of theft and sabotage. He was later promoted to collections manager with the Department of Community Development, where his insight, expertise and diligence reflected in his creation of a successful in-house system of loan collection. Within a short time, millions of dollars of outstanding loans were repaid to the Department. Mr. Standard was later promoted to Supervisor of the Record Room, Division of Building and Housing. In that capacity, he established greatly needed internal control and systems to prepare and archive files and records. Since 1983, Mr. Standard has worked as a MA/E Coordinator in the Contract Administration Section of Administrative Services. His responsibilities included contract and budget preparation; contract compliance; program evaluation; and special report preparation for City Hall and HUD, just to name a few. Mr. Standard consistently went above and beyond the usual call of duty, and was always willing to assist others whenever needed. Moreover, Mr. Standard's enthusiasm, kind heart and concern for others framed his professional life--inspiring and motivating others to do their best by cultivating an atmosphere where a true sense of teamwork and friendship flourished. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude to Mr. Augustine ``Gus'' Standard, upon his retirement from the City of Cleveland that follows nearly three decades of outstanding service and accomplishment. His dedication, expertise, leadership, and energy, focused on making the City run as efficiently as possible, has lifted all facets of operations at Cleveland City Hall, and most importantly, has raised the lives of countless colleagues and citizens into the light of friendship and unity. I wish Mr. Standard and his family an abundance of health, peace and happiness as his journey begins from here.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of my friend, Richard Distelhosrt, upon his induction into the Des Moines County Democrats Hall of Fame. Mr. Distelhosrt's unwavering, sense of civic activism and volunteerism on behalf of vital social issues continues to make a positive difference within our democratic system of government--in Des Moines, Iowa and across the country. Mr. Distelhosrt's life is framed by family, community and service to others. His quick wit, friendly personality and passion for social justice frames his character and inspires others. His devotion and compassion for all of humanity originates with family, where he took loving care of his wife Virginia, until her recent passing. Mr. Distelhosrt continues to be a guiding source of support and wisdom for his children, grandchildren and many friends. A political activist and staunch Democrat, Mr. Distelhosrt has volunteered countless hours that focused on creating positive change across the grassroots landscape of politics, both locally in his Des Moines community and nationwide. He is a long-time member of the Des Moines County Democratic Party, having served as the treasurer and Congressional liaison. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the 2004 Kucinich for President Campaign, serving as the local chairperson. Additionally, Mr. Distelhosrt has organized and led rallies for peace, and continues to educate the people of Des Moines on significant legislative issues of concern, including the Monetary Act, by writing and distributing periodic newsletters. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Richard Distelhosrt, as we celebrate his induction into the Des Moines County Hall of Fame. Mr. Distelhosrt 's passionate activism, unwavering vision and expansive heart continues to raise up the community of Des Moines into the light of hope and possibility as he continues to lead, challenge and inspire us all.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Ambassador Andrew Young, as the City Club of Cleveland honors him with the Citadel of Free Speech Award. Ambassador Young was born and raised in New Orleans to parents who instilled within him and his brother the value of hard work, education and the significance of giving back to others. Following his graduation from Howard University, Ambassador Young's unwavering social conscience directed him to a life of social activism, leadership and the Christian ministry. He studied the writings and ideology of Gandhi, and became drawn to the methods of non-violent resistance as a catalyst for change within the civil rights movement, including organizing civil rights demonstrations and drives to register African Americans to vote. Ambassador Young formed a close bond with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and chose to stay in Atlanta to work as one of Dr. King's lead commanders on the front lines of the civil rights movement. Ambassador Young was named the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Like other civil rights heroes who dared to challenge the status quo, Ambassador Young remained committed to the cause, despite death threats and being jailed for his participation in the movement. In 1972, Ambassador Young was elected as the first African American Congressman from Georgia. He was re-elected in 1974 and 1976. Following his third term in Congress, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, where he served with courage, conviction and integrity. In 1981, President Carter awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Later that year, Ambassador Young was elected as Mayor of Atlanta. He was reelected in 1985. During his tenure, he raised Atlanta onto a platform of economic strength and international investment, which set a course for Atlanta as a vibrant, thriving city that continues today. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Ambassador Andrew Young, whose vision, commitment, activism and wisdom continue to raise America into the light and promise of social justice for all. As recipient of the Citadel of Free Speech Award, presented by the City Club of Cleveland, Ambassador Young continues to personify the words--grace, courage, and devotion to our freedoms and commitment to people here in America and around the world. Ambassador Young's life continues to be a journey of inspiration for every American, and his goodwill and activism continues to extend from across our Nation to places around the world, lending us all hope for the promise of a better day.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Congressman LaTourette's bill, H.R. 5449. I am pleased my fellow Ohioan has brought this important issue to the floor of the House. The contract negotiations between air traffic controllers and the FAA that began in July of 2005 have been an arduous process for both sides. But the resolution of the negotiation stalemate should not be an imposition of the FAA's most recent contract offer on the union. Rather, both parties should return to the bargaining table, or make use of another collaborative process, such as the Federal Service Impasse Panel, to reach a resolution. News reports in recent weeks have highlighted the upcoming summer travel season and the expected record numbers of air passengers. With more travelers in the air and likely delays associated with the severe weather of summer, he important role of air traffic controllers is even more vital. We need experienced controllers to ensure safe flights and timely arrivals. We need controllers who are able to focus on their jobs and not distracted by contract negotiations. The result of this extensive negotiation should not be the unilateral imposition of the FAA's will. The negotiated contract should be a result of a collaborative process, as Congressman LaTourette's bill would ensure. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5449.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Chief Anthony H. Jackson, whose recent retirement as the chief of police with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, CMHAPD, reflects 33 years of excellence in law enforcement, framed by leadership, accomplishment, integrity and an unwavering commitment on behalf of the security and safety of the public housing residents of our community. Chief Jackson's illustrious career in law enforcement began in 1973 when he became a police officer with the city of Cleveland Police Department, CPD. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as detective, sergeant, district lieutenant and commander for the CPD. He accepted the appointment of police chief with the CMHAPD in 1994. For the past 12 years, Chief Jackson's leadership, vision and expertise has transformed the CMHAPD into a nationally recognized and respected department that serves as a model of efficiency and security for numerous public housing police departments. Because of his guidance, the CMHAPD is one of only six State certified public housing police departments in the entire Nation to attain national accreditation, bestowed in 1998. Additionally, the CMHAPD was the first police department of its kind to achieve 100 percent compliance in its initial assessment for accreditation in 1998, and for every subsequent re-accreditation since. Though busy with family and his profession, Chief Jackson also found time to volunteer on behalf of numerous civic and community endeavors, including his long-time commitment to the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of Chief Anthony H. Jackson. His highly regarded, admired and emulated tenure as a police officer with the city of Cleveland and as chief with the CMHAPD has uplifted the organization onto a platform of efficiency and accomplishment, and most significantly, has strengthened the foundation of safety and security for every resident, thereby uplifting our entire community. I wish Chief Jackson, his wife Michele, their five daughters and one granddaughter, an abundance of health, peace and happiness as he journeys onward from here.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Sister Mary Assumpta, superior of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, whose 43-year ministry at the Jennings Center in Garfield Heights continues to heal the hearts and minds of countless residents and their loved ones. Sister Assumpta grew up in Pennsylvania, where she was instilled at an early age with love for family and service to others. She entered the Catholic ministry at the youthful age of 17, and her commitment to faith and to helping those in need has never wavered since. Sister Assumpta's leadership, vision and love is evident within every facet of the Jennings Center, a home for elderly residents and haven for their families. Her service as director of development, director of pastoral care, and her vital work with hospice programs continues to set a foundation of quality care and support that is reflected throughout the center. Sister Assumpta's undeniable spirit, energy, quick wit and joy for life continue to frame her life. Her passion for baseball began in her youth and continues to this day. An avid Cleveland Indians fan, Sister Assumpta bakes more than 300 chocolate chip cookies every year for the players. Her major league expertise is sought out annually by the CBS TV network, where she provides commentary for the World Series games, and by WEWS, TV 5 in Cleveland, where she is a feature baseball writer. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of sister Mary Assumpta, superior of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Sister Assumpta's love for life, for her colleagues, and most significantly, love for every resident of the Jennings Center, continues to raise their lives into a place of faith, hope and peace. Her influence and service cannot be accurately expressed in words, yet the lives she has touched and the joy she has shared has had a profound impact throughout the Jennings Center, and throughout our entire community, and we are forever grateful.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my good friend from Florida, when a Member stands here and makes an assertion about the pay that air traffic controllers receive, and then you make comparisons with what the average pay is in any area, the unstated implication is that, well, they are just getting paid so much or too much, and the remedy is then to deny them their collective bargaining rights. That seems to be an unstated conclusion. Mr. Speaker, I hope that is not what my friend is saying, because if you carry that logic forward, then we are going to be here arguing about how much a brain surgeon makes, or how much an engineer makes or how much an architect makes. If we get into that argument, well, you can always get a better deal on brain surgery, you just might end up dead. Or a better deal on a bridge, it just might fall. Or a better deal from an architect, and have plans with a house with no doors. I mean, we are talking about highly specialized work here. And for the Congress at this point to make a simple statement that all we want to do, we are not talking about the conclusion, we are not saying that we want to shift or tilt in favor of one side or another, we are just saying, we stand for collective bargaining rights. Let the parties work out their disagreements, and in doing that, we perform a public service.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal and the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Cleveland Chapter. The accomplished life and works of Dr. Rizal remains a great source of inspiration for the people of the beautiful island of the Philippines. His heroic and poignant writings and efforts, focused on freedom, continue to inspire and energize the people of the Philippines, and Filipino Americans as well. During the 1800's Filipinos began expressing their anger and frustration over colonial rule. Intellectuals, poets, artists and writers became the spiritual leaders in the Filipino quest for freedom and independence from Spain. It was the written works by an unknown, young doctor from Lugana Province, Jose Rizal, which set fire to the independence movement. Dr. Rizal's explosive first novel, ``Noli Me Tanere,'' (Touch Me Not), shattered the facade of colonial rule and shed light on the destructive limitations forced upon the Filipino people. The novel, though immediately banned by the Spanish rulers, was disseminated underground with other highly charged passages by Dr. Rizal and others. In Manila, 1892, Rizal founded the independence movement, Luga Filipina. By 1898, an armed struggle for independence had begun, and government officials accused Dr. Rizal of leading the charge. Following the circuslike spectacle of an unjust trial, Rizal was found guilty. On the evening of December 30, 1896, Dr. Rizal was executed by firing squad in what is now known in Manila as Rizal Park. The night before his scheduled execution, he wrote the poem `Mi Ultimo Adios,' a heartrending and poignant expression of his abiding love for the people and country of the Phillipines. Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the 2006 celebration of the influential life of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. Dr. Rizal rose from the quiet life of a village doctor to become a beloved and courageous national hero of the Philippines--a man whose words blazed a trail of freedom throughout the Philippines. I also want to honor and recognize the leaders and members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Cleveland Chapter, for keeping the significant spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal alive for each new generation to know and understand. The life of Dr. Jose Rizal reflects an innate quest for freedom for all people, and highlights the ideology that despite the seemingly endless struggle, justice and liberty will inevitably rise.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, in the Book of Genesis, Esau, hungry and believing he was about to die, sold his birthright to Jacob for a pot of red stew. The Alaska National Wildlife Refuge is the birthright of the Gwich'in Tribe as well as a national treasure of natural beauty. Are we, like Esau, about to sell our birthright to corporations for a mess of oily pottage? Are we ready to despoil our natural heritage in search of liquid fool's gold? It is time for new thinking. Instead of the oil companies taking over ANWR for drilling, we ought to be talking about taking over the oil companies. They have gouged the American people. They control our politics. They have ignored the growing global environmental crisis. They have defeated alternative energies. The lust for oil has put us on a path toward war. It is time for new thinking. We should be talking about a windfall profits tax, breaking up the oil monopolies, or even taking over the oil companies, not sacrificing ANWR. Esau thought his birthright didn't mean much. Will we, like Esau, come to regret that we never claimed our right to control over our natural resources, our own environment, our own Nation?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5429. In the Bible, in the Book of Genesis, Esau, believing he was about to die, sold his birthright to Jacob for a pot of red stew. The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge is the birthright of the Gwich'in Tribe, who came to my office to indicate their opposition to this bill. It is a national treasure of natural beauty and the natural habitat of the Porcupine Caribou. Are we, like Esau, about to sell our birthright for a mess of oily pottage? Are we ready to despoil our natural heritage in search of liquid fool's gold? It is time for new thinking. Instead of oil companies taking over ANWR for drilling, we ought to be taking over the oil companies. They have gouged the American people at the pump. They control our politics. They have ignored the inconvenient truth of a growing global environmental crisis. After all, why are we having more hurricanes? We have to start thinking holistically and make the connections between cause and effect. We are not doing that when we talk about drilling here. Oil companies work to defeat alternative energy. The lust for oil puts us on a path towards war. It is time for new energy policies, where we work for wind, solar, geothermal, and green hydrogen solutions. We should be enacting a windfall profits tax to address the gouging at the pump. We should be breaking up the oil monopolies and taking over the oil companies, if necessary. We shouldn't be sacrificing ANWR. Esau thought his birthright didn't mean much. Will we, like Esau, come to regret that we never claimed our right to control our own natural resources, or our own environment, our own country?

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I rise in support of the Brown amendment. The Brown amendment does something that I think is really essential in that it links homeland security to free trade agreements. We cannot ignore the broad effects of our trade agreements on our national security, and that is what Mr. Brown is seeking to demonstrate here. It seems we have a lack of awareness in this Chamber about not only the effects of climate change on our homeland security but also the powerful economic effects of these trade agreements on our homeland security. I mean, frankly, when it comes to climate change, an administration study on the social life of the ostrich isn't going to suffice. We have to take a direction that shows we know there is a problem because of the effects. We are seeing the effects of these trade agreements on our economy. We already know where these trade agreements have taken our economy. We have over an $800 billion trade deficit. If that doesn't raise a question of homeland security, what does? Support the Brown amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, my amendment funds FEMA to conduct a comprehensive study of the increase in demand for FEMA's emergency response and disaster relief services as a result of weather-related disasters associated with global warming during the next 5, 10 and 20 years. The assessment will include an analysis of the budgetary material and manpower implications of meeting such increased demand for FEMA services. Now, we have been warned that we should expect to see more extreme weather like the severe rainstorms and snowstorms that come in El Nino season. We have been warned that we will see stronger hurricanes and hurricanes with more total rainfall. Some say we should expect more frequent hurricanes. We have been warned to expect heat waves. We have been told to expect melting glaciers, rising sea levels swallowing low- lying land in places like Bangladesh, Florida, the gulf coast and Manhattan. We have been warned that rising temperatures will force infectious diseases to move north or upwards in elevation to expose previously unexposed and therefore defenseless populations. We have been warned that droughts will intensify and lengthen, straining already strained water supplies and bringing crop failures, droughts and also place those areas at greaser risk for wildfires. These warnings come from the most respected, most credible, most well-studied scientists this world has to offer. It turns out they have been right. The 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the last 15 years. We have had two consecutive record-breaking hurricane seasons, and all signs point to another one this year. The polar ice cap is melting. Greenland's ice cap is melting. Permafrost in Alaska is thawing, causing homes to crumble. Residents of low-lying islands, like Tuvalu have applied for entry into other countries as climate refugees and have been denied. West Nile virus from Africa has taken a toehold in the U.S. The European heat wave of 2003 killed over 15,000 people. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are at record levels. Scientists say these levels may not have occurred in the last 400,000 years. These effects are directly in line with the warnings we have received from the scientific community. Even though it is difficult to attribute all of these effects, and several I haven't even mentioned, directly to climate change, some have been able to. A recent article in Nature blames half of the risk associated with the European heat wave on human-induced warming. The World Health Organization has estimated that 150,000 deaths every year can be attributed to climate change. Hurricane Katrina gave us another grim warning, telling us not only what we should expect but showing us what happens if we are not prepared. Katrina showed us that when disasters hit, the most vulnerable among us become even more vulnerable because they lack the resources and the access to cope. This was made clear as image after image of those who were hit the hardest were people of modest means and people of color. In fact, during the Chicago heat wave of 1995, African Americans were twice as likely to die as whites. The elderly, many of whom could not afford air conditioning, made up most of the victims. Katrina showed us that disasters are expensive. We are on track to spend at least $80 billion in supplemental spending alone. The private sector is increasingly concerned as well. Insurance companies, whose very existence relies on their predictive abilities, have seen enough to make them drop certain coverage and conduct campaigns to try to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. And reinsurance companies in particular have taken a leadership role in promoting action on climate change out of enlightened self-interest. Hurricane Katrina showed us that an unprepared FEMA costs time, money, and lives. We cannot merely look for ways in which FEMA failed to do its job in the gulf coast. We have to allow FEMA to take into account the realities of the challenges that await them. At the moment, we can still choose which policy options we want to exercise. We can deal with the effects of climate change in one of two ways: we can acknowledge the extraordinary challenges before us and prepare for them, voluntarily and aggressively, but steadily, predictably, and controllably; or we can continue to create policies as if there is no problem and wait for the changes to control our pace of adaptation. The choice is ours. Let FEMA prepare for the task ahead. Vote ``yes'' on the Kucinich amendment.

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

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. I want to extend my condolences to the family of our colleague Mr. Cantor and also thank Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership and her commitment to attempting to create peace, as well as to speak directly to my dear friend, Mr. Lantos. I think it is fair to say Israel has no greater champion in the Congress, and the American people have no greater champion for human rights than Mr. Lantos. His escape from the Holocaust is a story worthy of being taught in all of our schools. I am here to ask: Is the past prologue? Is war and violence inevitable, or do we have the ability to create a new future where nonviolence, peace and reconciliation are possible through the work of our own hearts and hands? I would not take issue with my friend Mr. Lantos's informed experience, and I join him in defense of Israel's right to survive. Mr. Lantos is my brother. The Israelis are our brothers and sisters. The Palestinians are our brothers and sisters. When our brothers and sisters are in conflict, when violence engulfs them, it is our responsibility to help our brothers and sisters end the violence, reconcile and fulfill the biblical injunction to turn hate to love, to beat swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. These are universal principles that speak to the triumph of hope over fear. We must call upon Hamas to renounce terror. We must call upon Hamas to disavow any intention for the destruction of Israel. This ought to be a principle of negotiation with Hamas, not separation from the aspirations of the Palestinian people to survive. I think we can speed the cause of peace by calling upon Israel to accept the Palestinians' right to self-determination and economic survival and humanitarian relief, for food, medical care, for jobs. I ask, how can we arrive at a two-state solution if we attempt to destroy one people's government's ability to provide? A two-state solution, I believe, can be achieved with our mutual, thoughtful patience and support. At a time when the U.N. is reporting a pending humanitarian disaster in the West Bank and Gaza, I believe this legislation would restrict U.S. assistance to the Palestinian people delivered through nongovernmental organizations. We know that, today, up to 80 percent of all Palestinians, particularly in parts of the Gaza Strip, live at or below the poverty line. Unemployment stands at 53 percent of the total workforce. Just as I join my good friends on both sides of the aisle in speaking out against violence against Israel, I object in the strongest terms to any measure that will increase the humanitarian crisis of the Palestinian people. It is true that the recent Palestinian legislative elections have created a tense situation in the international community. It is a situation that demands thoughtful and deliberate action in pursuit of peace. Despite the best intentions of those who wrote this legislation, I do not believe this legislation will advance peace between the Palestinian and the Israeli people. There are people in this Congress of goodwill and good intention who want to see both the Palestinian people and the Israeli people survive. Let us continue to work towards that end.

Mr. KUCINICH

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey as well as the gentleman from Wisconsin for their statements in support of the organic transitions program. As someone who has traveled the country, I can tell you that organic food growers are an emerging sector in agriculture. Mr. Kind pointed out that they now are at 2 percent. I can tell you that all around this country there are many people getting into organic agriculture. What that means is that there needs to be structures in place to facilitate the growth of organic agriculture, which is just what this amendment will do. I think we can look at it as emerging small business persons as well. These are individuals who believe in sustainability. These are individuals who believe in the American dream of being able to farm a plot of land and do it in a way that is consistent with a high quality, something that we ought to all be proud of. It is something that affects many Congressional districts in certainly every State. I wanted to add my voice to support the efforts of Mr. Holt, Mr. Kind and others who understand that the organic transition program is something that is going to help the organic industry grow. It is good for the industry, and it is good for American agriculture, and it is good for our ability to keep growing our economy as we grow with the growth of the organic industry.

Mr. KUCINICH. If the gentleman would yield. I thank the gentleman. I think that the gentleman's expression of concern that is shared by all Members of Congress is correct. I appreciate you voicing it. I want to point out that the feed ban, which is an underlying problem here, and the USDA insists is strong, in reality is so weak that you have companies like McDonalds, Cargill, Purina Mills, and even Pharma, the pharmaceutical industry publicly calling for closing the loopholes. So while I would agree with you, that if there were an outbreak, the Secretary would advance more funds, I am also concerned that if we do not keep the present funding levels, that we may not know if there is a problem. So that is why I brought this amendment, Mr. Chairman. I would reluctantly ask for the amendment to be voted on, only because of that underlying concern that there is not enough, and we should just keep things the way they are at the current levels and not cut back on them. That is what my concern is.

Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut. As the gentlewoman has pointed out, we have questions about the current testing practices at the current funding levels. If we reduce substantially the funding levels, with the thought that we have flaws in the current test and practices, what could the consumers expect? I mean, what the gentlewoman has suggested is that the USDA in this regard has not been doing its job. Part of its job is to advocate for defects for which the world has told us they do not want beef from the United States if they cannot be assured of its safety. Mr. Chairman, in same way you can say that the USDA is sabotaging U.S. beef exports by its failure to have the kind of program that people have a right to expect with the money that has already been appropriated; if that money is cut, it essentially plays into the USDA's lack of performance. So I want to thank the gentlewoman for bringing that up. I, again, want to let the chairman know that I am convinced on his commitment to this. I believe that he wants to make sure that there is safety here. And I just feel that it is important to bring this up and to call for a vote on it.

Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Chairman, after conferring with the Chair and the ranking member, I decided that it looks like they are really engaged in this to keep on the USDA, so I am going to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. KUCINICH. Would the gentleman endorse the statement of concern that I made so that the appointment would truly go to a consumer representative?

Mr. KUCINICH. If I may, if the gentleman would continue to yield, it is not my intention to ask you to endorse a particular person or a particular group's nominee. The spirit of this amendment is to protect the organic label through making sure that there is a consumer representative. I would ask if the gentleman would be willing to work with me to make sure as we move through this process that, in fact, we will have a real consumer representative, whoever he or she may be, and not someone who is necessarily part of the industry. The industry does have representatives, and I have no quarrel with that; but consumer representatives ought to be as such. If the gentleman would agree to work with me on it, I would be happy to withdraw the amendment.

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