Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and recognition of the 34th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This historical date commemorates the end of the Vietnam War, and represents the beginning of a new life for tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, as they began their hopeful journey to America. Thirty-four years later, I rise to honor the memory and the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers, American soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during this time.

After the fall of Saigon, thousands of Vietnamese began a treacherous exodus out of Vietnam, determined to rebuild their lives. Their daring escape was by boat and on foot, through thick jungles, over jagged mountains, through snake-infested rivers and across turbulent seas. They became refugees in many nations, including America, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and the hope for freedom in their hearts.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who struggled for peace and freedom. I also rise in honor of local agencies and churches such as The Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland and the St. Helena Catholic Church, which offer havens of support, services and hope to immigrants from all over the world. The Vietnamese culture, through the care and commitment of its people, has flourished in Cleveland and across America, while remaining connected to its ancient cultural and historical traditions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Folk Art exhibit of ``Wayside shrine and cross crafting in Lithuania'' on the occasion of Lithuania's Millennium being celebrated this year.

Cross crafting in Lithuania has a rich 400 year old history and was inscribed into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage List of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. The exhibit ``Wayside shrine and cross crafting in Lithuania,'' displayed at the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, DC features beautifully crafted crosses and shrines which are traditionally built to recognize special occasions and significant events for individuals, families or communities. These crosses can be found throughout Lithuania in churchyards, roadsides, villages and even government buildings, and typically feature the Virgin Mary and various saints. The craft of cross making is one that has been passed down through generations since the 16th century and serves as a symbol of Lithuania's rich cultural and historical history.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Lithuania's rich history and the cultural significance of cross crafting as featured in the ``Wayside shrine and cross crafting in Lithuania'' exhibit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Army Corporal Brad A. Davis, who dedicated himself to serving our country, his community and his family as he courageously and selflessly rose to the call of duty.

Corporal Davis grew up in Garfield Heights, Ohio and graduated from Garfield Heights High School. Shortly thereafter, in 2006, he enlisted in the Army, and served our country in two tours of duty in Iraq. He served in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Throughout his tenure in the Army, Corporal Davis consistently reflected bravery, commitment and compassion, and he often and easily offered his assistance to anyone in need, without regard to his own sacrifice. Corporal Davis risked his own safety to assist his fellow soldiers and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Good Conduct Medal by the Secretary of the U.S. Army.

Corporal Davis was an exceptional and courageous United States soldier, and an equally exceptional human being. His young life was framed by commitment to family, service to country, loyalty to his brothers and sisters in uniform, and reflected an unbridled love of life. Corporal Davis' family and friends were the center and foundation of his life. He was the youngest child of Terri and Bob Davis, and the youngest sibling of Jennifer, Robert and Rebecca. A kind young man with a generous and fun-loving heart, Corporal Davis loved being around family and friends and was always the one to bring people together, whether for a last-minute summer game of cornhole or an organized softball tournament.

Madam Speaker, and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Corporal Brad A. Davis, whose heroic actions, commitment and bravery will be remembered always. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Corporal Davis his beloved parents, Bob and Terri, his beloved sisters and brother--Jennifer, Rebecca and Robert; his beloved nephews, Landon and Lukas, and his extended family and friends. The significant sacrifice, service, courage that defined the life of Corporal Davis will be honored and remembered by throughout the Cleveland community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Gust Sevastos, as he is being recognized by the Cleveland AHEPA--American Hellenic Education Progressive Association--as the Socratic Award Honoree of the Year, at their 44th Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet.

Mr. Sevastos immigrated to Cleveland in 1958, with not much more than the clothes on his back, faith in his heart and the promise of the American dream. He married, started a family and began his own business. He also began a legacy of dedicated service to the Greek community of Cleveland. His service to others and spirit of volunteerism continues to reflect throughout our community.

Mr. Sevastos served as president of Annunciation Church, and was one of the founding members of the annual Greek Heritage Festival. His dedication to preserving his heritage while assisting others to succeed is also evidenced in the Chios Society, where he held leadership positions on both local and national levels. During his tenure with the Chios Society, he led many fundraising efforts and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical clinics, including an eye clinic and hospital, to provide greatly needed medical services for the poor in the beautiful coastal town of Chios, Greece. Mr. Sevastos has also helped raise tens of thousands of dollars toward college scholarships for young adults in the Cleveland community. His significant contributions have not gone unrecognized. He has been honored numerous times by local, state and national leaders of the United States and Greece as well.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of Mr. Gust Sevastos upon his recognition as the Cleveland AHEPA's Socratic Honoree of the Year. His leadership, kindness, service to others and commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of his Greek homeland serves to deepen the diversity in our Cleveland community. Mr. Sevastos' lifelong spirit of volunteerism and dedication to helping others has enriched the lives of numerous families and individuals--from Cleveland to Chios, connecting us all in our shared humanity. I consider Mr. Sevastos to be a friend and mentor, and I wish him and his family an abundance of peace, health and happiness.

As the effort to reform health care gathers momentum, States have taken it upon themselves to enact their own reforms out of desperation to increase quality, provide care for the uninsured and underinsured, and rein in uncontrolled cost increases. Many have turned to the model that has proven to meet those goals inside and outside the U.S., the single-payer health care model.

In the last 3 years, the California State legislature has twice passed a single-payer bill. Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New York, Washington, Ohio, and Minnesota are also home to single-payer bills with strong grassroots movements. Unfortunately, if the bills were to pass, Federal barriers would need to be overcome. ERISA could preempt the States from enacting their own health care reform. Waivers would need to be granted that would allow the States to redirect the Federal funds they currently receive for health care. Federal financial assistance, if necessary, could also be imperative.

Enabling the States to meet their own needs would be a strong complement to a national health care reform plan. Congress should call for language that allows the States to implement a single-payer plan if they so choose.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the Psi Gamma Chapter of the

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, a proud heritage reflecting four decades of leadership, service, unity, academic achievement and pride.

In March of 1968, the first young men were initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Kent State University. On April 1, 1969, the Psi Gamma Chapter was chartered at Kent State University. The '68 founding line, the Devine 9, built a foundation of brotherhood and social action, taking up the torch that their brothers carried before them. In 1969, the Defiant 9 were the first bloodline to form at Psi Gamma Chapter at Kent State University, living up to their name as leaders in defiance of social injustice, ignorance and racism, and champions of the Four Cardinal Principals: Manhood, Scholarship, Uplift and Perseverance.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity of Kent State University collectively stands on the courageous shoulders of the young men of Howard University in Washington, DC, where the first young black men united in brotherhood and in their universal goal of advancement, civil rights and opportunity for all.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every member and leader of the Psi Gamma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Kent State University, as we join them in celebrating forty years of young black men in brotherhood, service to others and action for the cause of civil rights. The young black men of Psi Gamma Chapter, and the young black men of black fraternities across the country, were a critical influence in the changing course of race in America--and continue to serve as a force of advancement, hope and change--one young man, one chapter at a time. This brotherhood, fortified with an education and unified agenda proudly raised the torch of freedom and the hope for justice and liberty for all, paving the way for civil and human rights and changing the social landscape of our nation forever--from the Psi Gamma Chapter House of Kent State University, to the White House of Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Vijaya Emani, a profoundly respected and well known leader throughout Northeast Ohio for her work promoting peace, her work with Cleveland's Asian-Indian American community and for working to bring Cleveland's many international communities together.

Vijaya was killed in a tragic accident on the Ohio Turnpike on January 15, 2009, at the age of 51. On that morning Vijaya was on her way to work at Kent State University when she stopped to help crash victims along an icy stretch of the turnpike. She is being honored by the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation on April 14 at its Annual Spring Dinner at Karlin Hall in Cleveland's Slavic Village.

Vijaya was an active member of the Asian-Indian community of Greater Cleveland and served at the President of the Federation of Indian Community Associations in Cleveland. Due to her leadership, India is now among the many international countries represented in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens is an internationally known site which serves to represent the numerous diverse ethnic groups which continue to make Cleveland and the United States into the diverse, egalitarian, and pluralistic society we enjoy. Prior to Vijaya's involvement, representation at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens was mainly European; however, following the dedication of the India Cultural Garden, we celebrated the opening of the African- American and Azerbaijani gardens and plans are now underway for Native American, Hispanic, Syrian, Philippine, and Vietnamese gardens.

The India Cultural Garden is also significant for the giant statue of Mohandas K. Gandhi for

which Vijaya worked to raise money for. She was a tireless advocate for peace, a Hindu, and a follower of the teachings of Gandhi. She was instrumental in bringing in Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Rajmohan Gandhi, to speak at One World Day at Rockefeller Park last year. Another aspect of Vijaya's quest for world peace was her participation in Toastmasters International. She appreciated Toastmasters founder Ralph Smedley's belief that if people could communicate better with one another, they could break barriers to peace. Vijaya was an active member of the Crossroads Toastmasters club in Strongsville and Toastmasters District 10 in Northern Ohio. She received the one of the highest honors last year when she received the Advanced Communicator Silver award by the Toastmasters International.

Vijaya used her communication skills to advocate peace not only among nations, but among families. She bravely broke her own silence about domestic violence, which even today is not widely discussed among immigrant families. After her own experience, she counseled other immigrant wives and girlfriends trapped in abusive relationships. She brought together fellow community activists in Cleveland's international community to form a coalition to confront domestic violence in immigrant communities.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of one of Cleveland's great champions of peace, Vijaya Emani. She developed her skills as a communicator and community organizer to bring peace in the home and peace in the world. The Greater Cleveland community will surely miss the presence of Vijaya at community events, but the passion and commitment she brought to everything she did will never be forgotten. Our condolences go out to her daughters Sujata and Nirmala, and her extended network of family and friends around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Dr. David Prensky--a profoundly respected and admired activist, lecturer and classical music enthusiast.

Dr. Prensky was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1917, to a mother who encouraged him to study piano and from whom he inherited his love of classical music. Dr. Prensky attended dental school and served as a ship's dentist for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his service in the Navy, he found a way to integrate his profession and his love of classical music through his dental practices in Miami, Florida and Mexico City, Mexico by playing classical music to relax his patients. In 1954, he married fellow art enthusiast Bryna Prensky, who opened her own art gallery featuring Contemporary Mexican Art.

Dr. Prensky dedicated his time to supporting local art programs, education and was an active member in the local Democratic Party. He shared his love of classical music with audiences around Palm Beach, Florida as a lecturer for the Society of the Four Arts and Regional Arts, the Etta Res Institute of New Dimensions at Palm Beach Community College, as well as for the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. He was integral in the advancement of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts in West Palm Beach and dedicated his time to developing the schools' art and music libraries, scholarships and foundation. In honor of his commitment to the school, the orchestra rehearsal hall bears his name. In addition to Dr. Prensky's dedication to the advancement of the arts, he was an avid activist for universal health care and founded Floridians for Health Care. Additionally, he co-founded the local Palm Beach Democratic Club. Although it has been almost a year since his passing, Dr. Prensky's ability to mobilize the community and advocate for the social welfare of others continues to be evident to all those who have been touched by his efforts.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Dr. Henry David Prensky and in honor of his outstanding achievements in the advancement of arts education and health care.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dr. Mitchell J. Bienia, as he is honored as the recipient of the 2009 Cleveland Society of Poles ``Good Joe'' Polish Heritage Award. Dr. Bienia's dedicated service to the Cleveland community as well as to the Polish American community continues to be evident throughout his life.

In his 30-year tenure with the Cleveland School District, he worked as teacher, guidance counselor, department head and administrator. For ten years, Dr. Bienia worked as a part-time guidance counselor at Cuyahoga Community College. Among numerous professional accolades, Dr. Bienia was the recipient of the 1970 Martha Holden Jennings Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, the 1990 Phi Delta Kappa Award, and the 1995 Counselor of the Year Award. Dr. Bienia's integrity and dedication to making a difference in his professional life is mirrored in his personal life as well. A lifelong volunteer, he has served as a member and leader with numerous social service organizations, including his current post as a Board Member with Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital.

In addition to his community service, Dr. Bienia has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve his Polish heritage. He has been an active member and leader with several local and national Polish organizations and currently serves as the National Director for the Chicago-based Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. Dr. Bienia and his wife Krystyna are the proud parents of two grown daughters-- Krystyna and Michelle, to whom they have passed down the value of family, faith and service to others.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Mitchell J. Bienia, whose service to family, friends, community and dedication to sharing Poland's cultural gifts all serve to illuminate the diversity that defines the Cleveland community and is the foundation of our country. Dr. Bienia's faith, his love of family and commitment to community is a testament to the true meaning of citizenship and reflects the American dream.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Justice Sean Ryan, High Court and Supreme Court Judge of Ireland, as I welcome him to Cleveland, Ohio on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2009.

For the past thirty years, attorneys Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon have organized the St. Patrick's Day Party and Parade--a joyous event that brings people together in the heart of Cleveland. This treasured event promotes and preserves the rich traditions of their beloved Irish homeland. As in years past, downtown Cleveland will once again spring to life as a sea of green and the spirited sound of drums and bagpipes wind their way along Euclid Avenue. This enchanted day promises old friendships renewed, the discovery of new ones, and the spirit of all those joining together to celebrate Irish culture.

Justice Sean Ryan studied in Dublin at University College and at Dublin & King University where he studied law. After being called to the Bar in 1972, Justice Ryan practiced as junior counsel in the South Eastern Circuit of Ireland until 1983, when he was appointed to Senior Counsel. For the next twenty years, Justice Ryan worked diligently in Ireland's High Court and Supreme Court on a wide range of cases and issues, including constitutional law, law of torts, criminal law and administrative law. Since 2001, Justice Ryan has focused his energy and expertise on investigating cases of child abuse and working as an advocate for victims of child abuse.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Justice Sean Ryan, as we welcome him to Cleveland on St. Patrick's Day. Please also join me in recognition of Tim Collins and Thomas Scanlon for organizing this wondrous St. Patrick's Day Celebration again this year, as they have for the past thirty years. ``Ni dheanfaidh smaoineamh an treabhadh duit--You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind'' Old Irish Proverb.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chaplain Father John J. Cregan, as he is being honored by the Retired Irish Police Society with the ``2009 James P Sweeney--Man of the Year Award.'' Father Cregan's service to police officers and firefighters who bravely serve our community continues to be an invaluable source of support, kindness and guidance for the women and men who bravely serve in the line of duty.

At a very young age, Father Cregan and his four sisters, Sister Theresine, Rita, Florence and the late Margaret were taught the importance of family, faith, heritage and service. Father Cregan's grandfather, born in Ireland, was a Cleveland police sergeant. His father, Joseph Cregan, served for many years as a Cleveland Police Lieutenant, and two of his nephews currently serve as Cleveland police officers. Father Cregan's mother, Florence Cregan, was a critical influence in shaping his wonderful sense of humor, his faith and his sense of compassion for others.

Father Cregan has served in parishes throughout our community, including Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph's Church, St. Thomas More and Our Lady of Angels, where he was appointed Pastor in 1987 and where he continues to serve today. Moreover, Father Cregan continues to serve as the Chaplain for the Cleveland Police and Fire, Greater Cleveland Police and Fire, Holy Name Society, Cleveland Office of the FBI, the Greater Cleveland Police Emerald Society and the Anchor Club--roles he has held for more than forty years. He has also served as the Chaplain for the Retired Irish Police Society since 1988.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Chaplain Father John J. Cregan, as he is named the 2009 John P. Sweeney ``Man of the Year'' by the Retired Irish Police Society. Father Cregan's warmth, concern, support and guidance continues to impact the lives of police officers and firefighters throughout our community. As he has for forty years, Father Cregan has been there with our safety forces to celebrate the happiest of times, and most significantly, he has stood with them in the most trying of times, offering strength, hope and faith to officers and their loved ones. Father Cregan continues to lift the lives of countless individuals and families throughout Greater Cleveland and today, we stand in gratitude and honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and of memory of my friend and mentor, John P. Gallagher, upon the official naming of the West Park Post Office, John P. Gallagher Building, and in recognition of his lifetime service to our community and to our country.

A lifelong resident of Cleveland, Mr. Gallagher was the son of Irish immigrants, from whom he learned the values of a strong work ethic and the importance of faith, family and service to community. During World War II, he served in the Army, First Engineer Special Brigade and in six combat campaigns, including missions in North Africa and the Normandy Invasion. Following the war, Mr. Gallagher worked in construction before taking a job with the City of Cleveland in 1954. He worked diligently for the City, until his retirement in 1987, which followed 22 years in the role of Superintendent of Sidewalks.

Throughout his adult life, Mr. Gallagher dedicated his time and talent to issues and projects focused on the improvement of our community. He was a staunch advocate of neighborhood safety, and also advocated for the welfare and rights of senior citizens. For many years, he served as a Democratic Party precinct committee chairman and volunteered countless hours in numerous local, state and national campaigns. He kept a close watch over his neighborhood park, and organized programs and projects for senior citizens at Cleveland's Gunning Recreation Center. His intelligence, kindness and good sense of humor quickly endeared people to him. Mr.

Gallagher's keen understanding of the soul of a neighborhood and his opinions on community issues were valued by everyone, from neighbors to national leaders.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and memory of John P. Gallagher, upon the official naming of the West Park Post Office building after John P. Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher's service to family, friends, community and country has greatly influenced the lives of everyone he has known, including my own. He will forever be remembered along the streets, in the meeting halls and throughout the parks of Cleveland's west side neighborhood.

Yesterday, our Domestic Policy Subcommittee held a hearing about how the Treasury Department has accounted for TARP funds. The taxpayers of the United States have already paid $700 billion of their tax money into this bailout program. We found out that the Department of Treasury doesn't track the funds after they give them to the banks and, as a result, we have seen that, of these funds that were supposed to go to help the U.S. economy, $8 billion has gone through Citigroup to Dubai; $7 billion through Bank of America to China; $1 billion through JPMorgan Chase to India.

I want the American taxpayers to think about that because with all the pressing needs we have here with the people who are starved for credit--businesses are dying because they can't get loans from banks-- banks are taking our tax dollars and they're shipping them abroad.

It's time that we started to take care of things here at home. It's time that we started to ask the Treasury Department to keep track of these TARP funds and make sure that they're intended for the purpose that the American people want them to be spent for, and that is revive our American economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mareyjoyce Green, a profoundly respected and influential member of the Greater Cleveland Community, and in recognition of her dedication to civic engagement, education and the advancement of women.

Dr. Mareyjoyce Green earned her undergraduate degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where she double majored in Education and Sociology. Prior to continuing her education in dance on a scholarship from the University of Wyoming at Laramie, she married her college sweetheart, Charles Green, and began her career as a teacher in local schools. The couple later moved to Cleveland where Dr. Green taught dance and earned her PhD from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), with a focus on the sociology of poverty. Dr. Green has taught at a number of local universities including the Ashtabula Branch of Kent State University and Tri-C. Her ability to create unique curricula earned her an appointment by the Chair of CRWUs Sociology Department to head Ohio State University's (OSU) Sociology Department in Lakewood in 1962. Four years later, she became the first woman to head Cleveland State University's (CSU) Sociology Department.

During her tenure at CSU, Mareyjoyce established a number of groundbreaking programs that had a profound effect on both the students of CSU and the residents of the Greater Cleveland Community. Her commitment to social issues manifested in the establishment of Push to Achievement, a program she developed with a fellow professor, Roberta Steinbacher. The program was formed as a partnership between the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services and the Urban Affairs College of CSU and enabled residents who were receiving public assistance to earn college degrees. Additionally, she co-founded WomensSpace; and has served as Director of the CSU Women's Comprehensive Program for twenty years--the only such program in Northeast Ohio that offers Women's Studies as a major. Dr. Green has tirelessly dedicated her personal and professional time in order to ensure that women obtain the necessary resources to earn advanced degrees and emerge as leaders in their communities.

Dr. Mareyjoyce Green's ability to mobilize the community and to advocate for the social welfare of others has been manifested in the various leadership roles she has played and has served as an undeniable source of inspiration to all those working for social justice. Upon the occasion of her retirement earlier this year as Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Women's Comprehensive Program, the Department of Sociology at CSU is establishing the annual Mareyjoyce Green Graduate Assistantship.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the leadership and outstanding achievements of Dr. Mareyjoyce Green for her work in both the Greater Cleveland Community and at Cleveland State University.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to declare my support for the employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and to thank them for their important service to our country. I recognize that their tireless work and dedication often keep them from their families and loved ones. Accordingly I wish to thank them for the sacrifices they make in their service to our nation.

However, I believe it is important to point out that more must be done to support all of the employees at DHS. In 2003 the former administration terminated the collective bargaining rights of TSA screeners just as TSA workers were ready to vote on joining the union of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Transportation security workers deserve collective bargaining rights. It is an insult to these dedicated men and women within DHS, including FEMA and Border Patrol, that their rights to organize have been denied. Transportation Security Officers deserve the same collective bargaining rights enjoyed by other employees of the Federal workforce.

I unequivocally appreciate the dedicated service of DHS employees. Their hard work and commitment to public service is outstanding and valuable.