Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly rise in opposition to H.R. 2419, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. This version of the Farm Bill bears significant improvements over its predecessors. I fully support the inclusion of an unprecedented 10.4 billion dollars over 10 years for the Nutrition Title that has been included in the Conference Report.

Funding for the Nutrition Title will have a strong impact on efforts to prevent domestic hunger by increasing the Food Stamp Program's minimum monthly benefit and the Emergency Food Assistance Program's mandatory funding level. Participation in the Food Stamp Program has increased over the last several years, with an additional 1.3 million people participating in the program in the last year alone. Portions of my district, including Lakewood, Fairview Park and Parma, have experienced a 74 percent increase in participation in the Food Stamp Program between 2002 and 2007. The bill also provides assistance to food banks by $1.25 billion. I have been a consistent supporter of efforts in the House of Representatives to strengthen Food Stamp Programs, nutritional assistance programs, and other programs to increase the quantity and quality of food available to those most in need. I will continue to do so.

These programs help to address a severe short term problem. The purpose of the Farm Bill is to set long term priorities. However, this bill maintains the very policies that are driving several underlying problems.

For example, the single biggest share of subsidies under this bill goes to corn. Yet this bill continues massive subsidies for ethanol production from corn at only a slightly lower level than was previously the case. Corn-based ethanol is a well-known driver of recent increases in food costs. Some are predicting that 25 percent of the corn crop in the U.S. will go toward ethanol by the end of the 2008 crop year. That is great news for corporate agribusiness that produces most of the corn in the U.S. But it's bad news for food prices and those families for whom food costs are a large portion of their budget.

The vast majority of corn goes to cattle feed, which has health implications. It increases stomach acidity in the cattle, which makes them more susceptible to infection by E. Coli H:0157, the source of many food recalls. A corn-based diet also increases the level of saturated fat in the meat.

The ubiquity of corn in our diet is further implicated in various health problems like the obesity epidemic and diabetes. Abundant corn means that high fructose corn syrup, HFCS, a food sweetener, is cheap and abundant. Most Americans would be hard-pressed to get through a meal without consuming it. It is high in calories, with little to no nutritional value. Between 1970 and 1990, HFCS consumption increased by 1000 percent, which is roughly the same period in which the obesity epidemic accelerated. This bill continues to subsidize HFCS, while taking only baby steps toward promoting healthy, locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats. According to writer Michael Pollan, ``the real price of fruits and vegetables between 1985 and 2000 increased by nearly 40 percent while the real price of soft drinks (aka liquid corn) declined by 23 percent.'' Unhealthy food is cheap. Healthy food is expensive. The obesity and diabetes epidemics affect low-income Americans more often and with more severity.

The bill contributes to a host of environmental problems. It shortchanges conservation programs that can reduce global warming pollution. It removes the sod saver program which would have discouraged the alteration of valuable native grasslands and rangeland into crop production. It includes cuts to the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program, which respectively substitute crops for resource conserving plantings on highly erodible and environmentally sensitive land and encourage restoration of lands to their original natural conditions.

It continues to encourage factory farms where our antibiotics are rendered weak or useless because of overuse on cattle, where cattle are treated inhumanely, where toxic runoff contributes to contaminated drinking water, and where employees suffer the highest rates of workplace injuries of almost any other industry.

Finally, this Farm Bill maintains massive giveaways to corporate agribusiness and rich families instead of helping the vanishing family farmer. Though the thresholds have been lowered compared to the past, this bill allows families with up to $2.5 million in income to get subsidies. The result is that the top 10 percent of all the benefactors will get about two-thirds of the payments. This bill continues the failed policies that allow the profits of agribusiness to skyrocket while pushing family farmers off their farms, forcing them to sell their farms to survive.

Increasing funding to buy more nutritional foods is a good idea in the short term. But we need to stop perpetuating the very policies that cause food prices to increase and cause unhealthy food to be cheap. We need to move away from corn-based ethanol. We must shift subsidies toward healthier foods, like locally and regionally grown fruits, vegetables, grains and meats if we ever hope to address nutritional deficiencies. And we need to come to the aid of the family farmer. The Farm Bill does little to address these problems, and I could not vote for it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the dedication of the Treadway Creek Trail in Ohio's 10th Congressional District.

On Friday, May 16, 2008, I will join with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Ohio Senator Shirley Smith, and Ward 15 Councilman Brian Cummins for the grand opening of this important natural and historic link along Ohio's Towpath Trail which will connect Cleveland with Akron, Canton, New Philadelphia, and all points between. Other partners in this project include the Old Brooklyn Development Corporation, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the State of Ohio Clean Ohio Funds, Natural Resources Assistance Council of Cuyahoga County, the Ohio Canal Corridor, and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association. Treadway Creek is a natural tributary to the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood. With the opening of the Treadway Creek Trail, the people of Old Brooklyn and other neighborhoods nearby will have an important natural resource to enjoy and will ultimately have pedestrian and bicycle access to the Cuyahoga River and the Towpath Trail.

The Treadway Creek Trail restores and preserves for future generations 21 acres of natural open space in an urban section of the 10th District. This includes a prime riparian corridor and wooded ravine, acquired through donations and conservation easements. Restoration elements include erosion and water quality improvements, invasive species removal, and plantings of native grasses and woodland wildflowers. The Treadway Trail provides public access to the ravine and connects the developing Towpath Trail at lower Harvard Avenue by incorporating retaining walls planted with native species, interpretive and directional signage, scenic overlook areas, custom benches, and handcrafted timber railings. The Towpath Trail, which links our state's history, culture, nature, and geography along 110 miles between New Philadelphia and Cleveland, will ultimately connect Akron and Canton with Lake Erie at Whiskey Island. With our continued stewardship of Treadway Creek, Old Brooklyn and the Treadway Creek Trail will be an important linkage in this web of urban, suburban, and rural trails which connect the people of Northeast Ohio with their history, culture and natural resources.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the beauty of Treadway Creek and the will of the people of Northeastern Ohio to protect this important piece of nature for the people's continued enjoyment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Juana Bordas, President of Mestiza Leadership International, and in recognition of her dedication, advocacy, and promotion of leadership in the Hispanic Community.

Juana Bordas, is a national speaker and trainer who has worked tirelessly to promote leadership skills in minority communities since the beginning of her illustrious career. Her vision enabled her to found several important organizations and programs. In 1977, she founded what is now considered a national model of women's empowerment, Mi Casa Women's Center in Denver, Colorado, where she served until 1986. Mrs. Bordas is also the founding President and CEO of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, the only program of its kind in the United States that prepares Latina women for national leadership. Through this program, Mrs. Bordas partners with Harvard's JFK School of Government and Center for Creative Leadership to provide training for Hispanic women. She is also currently serving as President of Mestiza Leadership International, a unique company that focuses the promotion and fostering of leadership, diversity and organizational change.

A former Peace Corps volunteer, Mrs. Bordas has served as advisor to Harvard's Hispanic Journal on Public Policy and the Kellogg National Fellows Program. She was also a former faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), where she guided and mentored students in the Leadership Development Program, which is considered the most utilized executive training program in the world. She is currently the Vice President of the board of Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and a trustee of the International Leadership Association. Mrs. Bordas has inspired countless readers through many of her publications and essays including, ``Passion and Power: Finding Personal Purpose'', an essay in ``Reflections on Leadership'' and is a contributing author to ``Leadership in the 21st Century'' in the book ``Rethinking Leadership''. She has been recognized for her innovative and important work on empowering members of minority communities by numerous organizations and institutions. She has been inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, is the recipient of the Wise Woman Award from the National Center for Women's Policy Studies; the Franklin Miller Award from the U.S. Peace Corps and the 2006 Leadership Legacy Award from Spellman College's Center for Leadership. She was one of fifty leaders chosen by the Colorado Legislature to design the state's future plan and was selected by Colorado Business Magazine as one of the top one- hundred influential people in the state.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robin Jay, an award-winning speaker, author, and coach who has inspired and motivated countless entrepreneurs to establish their visions and achieve success in their field.

Robin Jay, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, started her own successful writing and public speaking career after eighteen years as an advertising account manager. She recognized the power of a positive mental attitude and that the key to success lay in leadership, management, focused attention, and self motivation. Her personable demeanor and inspiring message has enabled her to connect with audiences of entrepreneurs across the nation and quickly put her in demand as a keynote speaker and coach. As a professional key note speaker, author and corporate trainer, Ms. Jay works with her clients to accomplish the same thing she did--establish their vision and achieve it. As one of the leading business relationship experts, she teaches her clients how to build profitable business relationships in a way that motivates and inspires them.

Her first book, ``The Art of the Business Lunch'', a book on business relationships, is a best seller and is now sold in ten languages worldwide. She is also the author of ``The Power of Mentorship'' series which includes ``The Millionaire Within'', ``For the Woman Entrepreneur'', and ``Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover's Soul''. Several of her articles have been featured in What's On Magazine and she was a featured mentor in the movie ``The Power of Mentorship--Unlock Your Journey to Success''.

Ms. Jay sits on various organizational boards and has been recognized several times for her groundbreaking and inspirational work for business entrepreneurs. She was awarded the Women in Communication Media Award for the Radio Account Executive of the Year and served as past President of the Las Vegas Women in Communications organization. Currently, she is on the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and The Advertising Community Talent Show.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Robin Jay for her outstanding leadership skills and for her extensive and diverse service to many individuals as they strive to achieve their dreams.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 2008 Annual Ohio Business Women's Conference and Expo, and in honor of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio and the Hispanic Business Association for their work in the state of Ohio.

The Annual Ohio Business Women's Conference is the largest event of its kind for women in business and provides business owners with the information and tools necessary to expand their market. The theme for this year's conference is ``Bridging Success'' and will feature over five hundred women business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate exhibitors. The mission, put forth by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio and the Hispanic Business Association is to promote women business enterprises through all stages of development. This unique and important event provides women business owners with the forum to display their products and services to America's leading corporations and government agencies, who join the conference from across the nation as sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. This year's event will provide women business owners and entrepreneurs with networking activities, workshops, panel discussions, and matchmaking procurement sessions.

I also stand in recognition of the Hispanic Business Association (HBA) for their contributions and leadership in promoting and supporting women business owners in the Greater Cleveland Area. The Hispanic Business Association grew out of the vision of local Hispanic business owners in 1981 who were startled by the low participation of the Hispanic community in the private and public sector. Since its official incorporation as a nonprofit in 1983, the HBA has worked to fulfill its mission of promoting Hispanic business interest and its economic development and expansion through strategic partnerships, technical assistance and advocacy.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of this year's Annual Ohio Business Women's Conference and Expo as well as in recognition of the Hispanic Business Association for their diverse and extensive service to business owners and entrepreneurs in the Greater Cleveland Area.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Whiskey Island, a natural beauty along Lake Erie's urban coastline near Downtown Cleveland. On Saturday May 17, 2008, our Cuyahoga County Commissioners will be dedicating the Whiskey Island Bridge so that the people will have better access to Whiskey Island. Whiskey Island is a magnificent natural asset at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River in Downtown Cleveland. This lakefront park is not only an environmental asset, but an amenity for people who live, work, and play in Downtown Cleveland.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners were visionary in having acquired this park for the people of Northeast Ohio. I join with the Commissioners in envisioning a day when the Towpath Trail, which links our state's history, culture, nature, and geography along 110 miles between New Philadelphia and Cleveland, will connect with Lake Erie at Whiskey Island. With our continued stewardship of this important natural resource, Whiskey Island will one day be linked by this pedestrian and bicycle trail through Akron and Canton along the Cuyahoga River and its historic Towpath.

Whiskey Island and the Towpath Trail are the people's treasures. With the dedication of the improved Whiskey Island Bridge, more people may now enjoy this oasis along the shoreline of Lake Erie and the banks of the Cuyahoga River. I have supported these projects in the past and pledge my future support to preserve and protect them as the people's resources.

Madam Speaker, please join me in this moment to reflect on the beauty of Whiskey Island and the will of the people of Northeastern Ohio to protect this important patch of nature for the people's continued enjoyment. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of Whiskey Island, and the will of the people of Northeastern Ohio to protect this important patch of nature for the people's continued enjoyment.

Madam Speaker, I regretfully oppose this rule, not because I lack appreciation for the work of my colleagues in trying to craft a bill that would get consensus, but because we are right back to where we were in January of 2007. We made a commitment that we would take control of this Congress and would end the war. Now, with this bill, we are saying we will set a goal of 18 months from now. So what happens 18 months from now? We have to end this war by stopping the funding.

In this bill we are telling the Iraqis they are going to have to pay for the reconstruction. We are telling the Iraqis they are going to have to give a discount price for oil, so they are going to subsidize the war against their own country.

We are losing a lot in this war, not only hundreds of billions of dollars, not only the lives of our troops, not only the injuries, but we are also losing our sense of humanity and compassion. There have been over 1 million innocent Iraqis killed as a result of this war.

Vote against this rule.

Madam Speaker, since late January 2008, the 1.5 million people in Gaza have been enduring an Israeli-imposed blockade. The blockade effectively restricts the entry of food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies. The lack of basic goods has severely deteriorated Gaza's health, social fabric, and economy.

The World Bank reports that since Hamas ousted Fatah from Gaza last June, 90 percent of businesses have shut down, costing workers more than 100,000 jobs. Due to the closure of Gaza's borders and its inability to import raw materials, farmers and businesses are unable to produce and export their goods leaving nearly half a million people without an income.

I encourage the Bush Administration to do everything it possibly can to improve the economic livelihood of Gaza's population so that they do not become the tragic victims of Israel's national security policies. In particular, the Bush Administration should consider:

Expanding the list of food items permissible for import into Gaza. Presently only twelve basic food items are allowed entry into Gaza and this does not include salt or cattle;

Allowing entry of seed, seedlings, fertilizers, and chemicals necessary for farmers to continue growing basic goods for humanitarian needs and consumption;

Permitting the entry of raw materials intended for use by private sector Gaza-based factories. More than 800 factories have been shut down in Gaza since the blockade, exacerbating its unemployment conditions;

Extending, on an urgent basis, the reach of recently launched West Bank initiatives of the small loans and mortgage funding in order to provide micro-lending to small businesses and to stimulate peaceful economic activities;

Encouraging, and allowing entry of, European and other foreign technical staff to enter Gaza and engage in assisting the private sector as well as non-governmental organizations in Gaza; and

Permitting entry of construction materials into Gaza necessary for the completion of $300 million dollars worth of projects which have been suspended due to material shortages. These projects fall under the umbrella of international organizations including the United Nations Relief Works Agency, the United Nations Development Program, and the World Bank. The necessary materials can be earmarked for specific projects and their implementation can be supervised by these international organizations thereby avoiding improper usage.

I urge the U.S. Administration to help end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the health, safety, and security for Palestinians and Israelis.

Madam Speaker, I sent the following letter to the President on May 13, 2008:

President George W. Bush,

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC.

Dear President Bush: I strongly urge you to reconsider

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's trip to the Czech

Republic in early June to sign the European Ground-Based Mid-

Course Defense, GMD, agreement. You have urged that the

United States Ballistic Missile Defense System must include a

European theatre to defend the country against an Iranian

deployment of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, ICBM. I

remain unconvinced that the arguments for the European GMD

are valid.

The claim that the GMD will prevent a missile attack on the

United States stands in contravention of the facts. Iran

would have to overcome the many technical difficulties

associated with development and deployment of long-range

ballistic missiles. The longest range missile that Iran has

tested is 1,600 kilometers. The straight line distance from

Tehran to Washington, D.C. is 10,186 kilometers. The United

States has never deployed a missile with this range. Our

longest range missile, the MX or Peacekeeper, has a range of

approximately 8,000 kilometers. Only five countries have

deployed any long-range ballistic missiles to date.

In fact, it is conceivable that the U.S. will have its own

technical difficulties to overcome before such a system can

be proven viable. Two stage interceptors, proposed to be used

in the European GMD, have never before been flight tested and

therefore have no proven track record of viability. The Test

and Evaluation department of the Pentagon cautions that many

more tests under realistic conditions would be needed before

conceding our capability to shoot down an offensive missile.

The citizens of the Czech Republic and Poland clearly

reject the proposed agreement. Public opinion polls in the

Czech Republic reflect strong opposition to the placement of

the radar in their country. A poll conducted in the summer of

2007 shows that three-quarters of the population is calling

for a public referendum on the proposed agreement. Opinion

polls show that a consistent majority of the Polish public is

opposed to the agreement and argues that they feel no

particular threat from Iran. However, they indicated that the

installment of interceptors would strain diplomatic relations

with Russia. Similar concerns have been voiced about the

prospect of Czech participation in the installment of the

radar.

The GMD proposal has by some accounts exacerbated U.S.-

Russia relations. The U.S. has shared information but not

meaningfully

cooperated with Russia in these negotiations. Because the

Czech Republic and Poland fall within the boundaries of

former Russian influence, U.S. actions with regard to the GMD

have been perceived by Russia as an intrusion. There can be

no doubt that U.S. efforts to impose the GMD are perceived as

an obstruction to the diplomatic ties between our nations.

Assertions made by the Administration that the U.S. ICBM

system could be used to protect the European Union reflect a

flawed policy. If the Administration is concerned about the

threat of ICBM attack on Europe it should cooperate with the

international community to address these concerns instead of

pursuing even more unilateral international policing. NATO is

a better forum in which to address these concerns.

The timing of Secretary Rice's trip to sign the agreement

is also questionable. The Conference Report for the FY 2008

Department of Defense, DOD, authorization requires an

independent assessment of the two stage interceptors as well

as an independent analysis to assess alternatives to the

European GMD. The assessment will not be released until after

Secretary Rice's trip. If the assessment finds the GMD and

the interceptors to be as unnecessary, unviable, and

counterproductive to diplomacy as I have outlined in this

letter, it will make it difficult to turn back. Additionally,

the December 2007 National Intelligence Estimate on Iran

states that Tehran halted its nuclear program in 2003 and as

such, reaffirms the lack of an impending nuclear threat to

the United States from Iran. This further confirms that there

is no urgent need to sign a formal agreement with the Czech

Republic in June.

The viability, necessity and prudence of the fulfillment of

a formal agreement with both the Czech Republic and Poland on

the European GMD are called into question. Furthermore, this

$4 billion project will be solely funded by U.S. taxpayers. I

urge you to cancel the upcoming trip by Secretary Rice to the

Czech Republic and instead focus on the more pressing

diplomatic efforts that are needed to protect U.S. security

through our relationships with the international community.

Sincerely,

Dennis J. Kucinich,

Member of Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Richard M. Herman, and to honor a life spent in service to his community and family.

Richard Herman earned his degree in engineering and was an innovative and dedicated worker. He spent eighteen years at General Electric Company as a mechanical engineer and later founded his own company, Valley Automation, Inc, in 1987. Valley Automation, Inc. is a custom equipment design company and he served as President until his passing.

Mr. Herman had a love of the outdoors and in 1998, he semi-retired to pursue his passions and hobbies. He especially enjoyed fly-fishing, hiking and kayaking. Mr. Herman is survived by his high school sweetheart, Sally, to whom he was married for forty-four years and his three children; Richard Herman, Ronald Herman, and Donna Riviera. He will be fondly remembered by his four beautiful grandchildren, Nathaniel and Isabel Herman and Ryan and Christopher Riviera.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of Richard M. Herman, and to honor his commitment to his passions, work and family. May his exemplary life serve as an example for us all to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Donald ``Ace'' Hanna, and to honor a life spent in service to his country, his community, and his family.

Donald Hanna, son of Elmer and Margaret Hanna was a U.S. army veteran and dedicated community member. He is survived by his wife, Trish and was a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, and friend to many in the community, with whom he shared his love, stories, guidance and care. Mr. Hanna enjoyed a close and unique bond with each of his eleven siblings, Francis, Ken, Gil, Marge, Diane, Jerry, Marilyn, Ralph, Karen, Ray and Elmer. He was a dedicated family man and spent much of his time with his wife and only daughter, Christine Zeh-Coyne, whom he will be affectionately remembered by.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering and honoring the life of Donald ``Ace'' Hanna, for his dedication to his country, family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life long achievements of musician Danny Federici, long-time organ and accordion player for the E Street Band, a band that has become a staple of modern day American culture. Over his four-decade long career, Mr. Federici's signature style of playing has affected and inspired the lives of innumerable musicians and fans around the world.

Born in Flemington, New Jersey, Danny Federici began teaching himself how to play the accordion at the age of seven. His talents quickly earned him many local radio gigs, where he performed classical and polka music. A truly natural musician, it was he and original E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez, who invited Bruce Springsteen to join their band as they began conquering the music scene on the colorful boardwalk of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Often introduced by Springsteen as ``Phantom Dan'', he spent forty years lending his spontaneous and soulful playing to the countless performances of the E Street Band. Mr. Federici was one of the pillars of their signature sound and his playing evoked the boardwalk at Asbury Park, where he and his fellow band mates spent their childhood together. His accordion playing is most memorable in E Street Band hits such as ``Fourth of July'' and ``Asbury Park''.

During the time he spent away from the E Street Band, he recorded two solo albums, both jazz instrumentals. He had an unbreakable dedication to his music and his band mates but even more so to his wife Maya, and his three children, Jason, Harley and Madison. During his battle with Melanoma, he set up the Danny Federici Melanoma Fund, in the hopes that he could help others who were facing the same challenges that he was. His talents will forever be remembered by his family, friends, fans and band mates. In the words of Bruce Springsteen, ``Those you are with, in the presence of miracles, you never forget. Life does not does separate you. Death does not separate you. Those you are with who create miracles for you, like Danny did for me every night.''

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the life of Danny Federici, whose inspiration and musical genius will continue to touch the lives of generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of George and Ann Marie Lazar, as they celebrate fifty years of devotion to each other, to their family and many close friends. Their unbreakable union represents a deep and enduring love, not only for each other, but also for their children, grandchildren and for their community.

George Lazar and Ann Marie Seaman wed on May 10, 1958 at St. Bonafice Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Parma, where they have grown together, raised a family and become an integral part of the community. They have lived on the same street in Parma since their move from Cleveland; raising, guiding and nurturing their three children: Georgeanne, George, and Suzanne. They are the proud grandparents of seven talented and beautiful grandchildren; Sean, Christopher, Alex, Emily, Vincent, Derek, and Valerie, to whom they provide much comfort and love.

Throughout their lives together, both George and Ann Marie have dedicated their time and talents within the community that they have been a part of for so long. George, a veteran of the Korean War, is a long-standing member of the Honor Guard with American Legion Post 703. Ann Marie is also an active member of the same Post and served as a precinct committee member for the Democratic Party in Parma. Their dedication to helping others is evidenced at Holy Family Church where George sings in the choir and where Anne Marie volunteers in several different capacities. Anne Marie also volunteers for Meals on Wheels in Parma. Their legacy will be one of dedication to their family, to their church, and to their community.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of George and Ann Marie Lazar, as they celebrate this momentous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. May their commitment to each other, their family and their community continue to inspire us to follow our dreams, to give back to our community, and to hold family closest in our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, with this House on the threshold of granting the President $183 billion to continue the war in Iraq long past his term, it's an appropriate time to ask why are we still in Iraq, especially since the Democratic leadership promised the American people, 2 years ago, that if they voted Democrat, we'd move to end the war. Why are we still in Iraq?

Why are we still in Iraq? Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, with al Qaeda's role in 9/11. Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction. Why have we lost 4,000 of our finest troops? Why have we seen tens of thousands of Americans injured? Why have we seen over a million innocent Iraqis killed?

The war is based on lies. The Bible says, you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. We need to start telling the truth here on this floor about the war in Iraq. And we need to end the war, end the occupation, close the bases, bring our troops home. Why are we still in Iraq?

This is a wake-up call for the American people. This is a wake-up call for the Congress. This is a wake-up call to stand for the truth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Judge Blanche Krupansky, a pioneer for women in the judicial system, and to honor a life spent in service to her country and her community.

Judge Krupansky, a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, has a multifaceted and rich history of public service. Her story serves as an inspiration for women everywhere and she paved the way for women to succeed in becoming lawyers and judges.

Honorable Krupansky was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where she attended West High School and Flora Stone College of Western Reserve University. A testament to her pioneering spirit, when she began law school at Case Western Reserve University in 1946, she was the only woman in her class.

After earning her law degree, she remained in Ohio where she served as assistant attorney general as well as an assistant chief counsel for the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation. In 1961, Judge Krupansky was elected to the Cleveland Municipal Court. She later moved to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in 1969, where she would serve for almost 10 years.

Honorable Krupansky made history twice during her long career of public service as a judge in Ohio. She became the first woman to serve on the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals in 1977, where she would serve for over 30 years.

In 1981, she became the second woman appointed to serve on the Ohio Supreme Court in its long 185-year history. Throughout her career, she encouraged women to pursue careers as lawyers and judges, as well as to run for political office. In 1994, she told a reporter at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, ``If I can do it, you can do it,'' in the hopes that she could inspire young women.

In 1980, she was recognized for her ground-breaking career when she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. She also received the Women of Achievement award from the Women's City Club of Cleveland, the Distinguished Service Award from Woman Space, the Nettie Cronise Lutes Award for an Outstanding Woman Lawyer, the distinguished Alumna Award from Case Western Reserve University, and she once served as chair of the Society of Benchers of Case.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of Judge Blanche Krupansky, whose career in public service is a shining example for women everywhere. May her pioneering character and exemplary life serve as an example for all of us to follow.