Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor of Justice Kevin Haugh, a guardian of the people and the Constitution of Ireland.

In 1966, Justice Haugh earned his position as a barrister, and in doing so became part of a 450-year legacy. During his tenure as a barrister, he was involved in a multitude of high-profile criminal cases and developed the experience and legal acumen to serve as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. Due to his exemplary legal knowledge and professional judgment, Justice Haugh was appointed to Senior Counsel in 1983. His experience in the practice of law made Justice Haugh an invaluable member of the counsel, and for thirteen years he served his profession with grace and dignity.

After he was called to the bench in 1996, Justice Haugh was a Circuit Court Judge for nearly a decade and became an active member of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal. His knowledge made him a perfect candidate for this position, and he worked with other international representatives dealing with cases regarding employment and staff members within the United Nations.

In 2005, Justice Haugh was appointed to the High Court Justice. As a servant of the people, Justice Haugh determined the validity of any law in regards to the Irish Constitution, while overseeing all appeals of civil matters from the Circuit Court. A year later, he was appointed to the newly established position of Chairman of the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. As the Chairman of the Garda Siochana, Justice Haugh oversaw Ireland's National Police Force by helping ensure openness, transparency and accountability within the department.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Justice Haugh for his work in preserving the foundation of rights for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ideals of the Good Friday Agreement, and to celebrate the efforts of the English and Irish governments to create a more peaceful and prosperous Ireland.

Signed on Good Friday in 1998, the Agreement marked a watershed moment in the history of Eire's glorious but at times tumultuous history, and laid out specific provisions and benchmarks for all involved parties. The Agreement created programs and transgovernmental institutions to engender dialogue across borders and parties; deconstructed obstructionist legislation on both sides of the English Channel; reformed security and law enforcement institutions; and set timetables for disarmament.

More than just an accord between governments, the Agreement signaled a new commitment to the life and liberty of the Irish people. The Agreement established new civil and human rights standards; ensured the dignity of all communities by promising new cultural and economic standards; and aspired to create relationships based on principles of peace and nonviolent conflict resolution.

The electorate, and indeed the world, has responded in kind. The Good Friday Agreement was embraced by citizens in the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. National governments around the world have applauded the efforts to create a lasting peace, and local governments throughout the United States have enacted resolutions in support of the Good Friday Agreement. I applaud the City of Cleveland for their support of Peace in Ireland, and I am hopeful that one day we will look back on the Good Friday Agreement, having reached our destination of a peaceful Ireland with a thriving population united in their efforts to cultivate that peace.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the pursuit of a lasting peace in Ireland. It is my eternal hope we one day may have a response to William Butler Yeats' pained question: ``Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it suffice?''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dale Lytkowski, to acknowledge his extraordinary accomplishments and unparalleled leadership of the Cleveland Society of Poles. Since 1923, the Cleveland Society of Poles has endeavored to expand awareness of Polish heritage through committed civic, social, and philanthropic participation. Under the leadership of former President Lytkowski, the Society's role in Northeast Ohio has become ever more pertinent to contributing to the region's diverse cultural background.

Throughout his life, Dale Lytkowski has shown tremendous dedication to his wife, Dolores, three daughters, and three granddaughters. He has demonstrated this same dedication to his community. As a certified public accountant, he has been active in guiding numerous professional organizations. He held national leadership positions with CPAmerica and CPA Vision. As a resident of Southeastern Cuyahoga County, Mr. Lytkowski exemplifies civic participation. He has selflessly risen to meet the needs of area citizens through his involvement with the Marymount Hospital's Board of Directors and Community Advisory Council, the City of Independence Planning Commission, the Union Club of Cleveland, and the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Over the past eight years, Dale Lytkowski has served as membership committee chairman, treasurer, and vice president for the Cleveland Society of Poles. In 1998, Mr. Lytkowski served as 48th president during the organization's 75th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, Mr. Lytkowski generated $5,000 in support of the University of Virginia Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies campaign. Currently, this program affords students the opportunity to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Poland's past, present, and future.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Dale Lytkowski, a worthy recipient of the Polish Heritage Good Joe Award. He is an incomparable representative of the achievements of Polonia in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Lytkowski continues to inspire others through a life of integrity, responsibility, and commitment to his heritage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mark R. Bohn for his dedication to his colleges and for his 32 years of federal service to his country.

Mark began his federal career back in 1974, where he served in the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. In 1978, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. He worked in various facilities, including Cleveland Hopkins Air Traffic Control Tower, where he ably served for 15 years.

Mark has, throughout the years, shown a strong commitment to and care for his colleagues. He was a founding and charter member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and has been elected the union facility representative at three different facilities. Additionally, Mark has offered his service on national, regional, and local committees for both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Throughout his career, Mark has received numerous performance awards, letters of commendation, and incentive awards for his great work and effort.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mark R. Bohn, whose 32 years of federal service for this country, as well as tremendous commitment to and care for his colleagues, is a shining example for all of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of George Becker, a man who was an activist, a respected union organizer and a tireless champion that protected worker's rights.

George Becker was the sixth international president of the United Steelworkers. For 7 years George provided a booming voice that expressed the frustrations and concerns of the steelworkers, while demanding that they be treated with dignity and decency. He sought to unite the workers by educating them, and launched a program aimed at involving the workers in addressing their interests to politicians.

When his brothers and sisters faced job insecurity, George courageously fought for their rights. The campaign by George and the union workers was victorious, and showed Americans that a union still had the ability to protect the rights of members. He believed that only a union could protect the working class, a sentiment he expressed after visiting the workers of many non-unionized corporations.

George's concern for the mental and physical well-being of union workers led to the proposal of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) safety standards for those exposed to lead and arsenic. Because of his endless work on implementing OSHA safety standards, workers whose health was affected by their job would not suffer loss of pay when taking time off.

George died February 3rd, 2007 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his wonderful sons, George, Greg and Matthew; his ten grandchildren; his great grandchildren and his sister Jacqueline Straus.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the memory of George Becker, a major proponent for worker's rights in the industrial workforce.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion, and to celebrate the commitment of this patriotic group of individuals that has defended our country valiantly.

The Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion is one of the oldest regiments in the Nation. It is also the most decorated military organization in the State of Ohio. During the American Civil War, the Ohio National Guard played a crucial role in the watershed defeat of Morgan and his Confederate cavalry. During World War I and World War II the 112th Engineer Battalion was deployed overseas and was later regarded as being one of the ``most well disciplined and highly competent'' engineer units.

Ever humble about their job, the 112th, when deployed to support an Air Force unit, sent tokens of appreciation to those that offered assistance during the Battalion's deployment. The 112th Engineer Battalion unit exemplifies the honor that comes to mind when looking toward the past, present, and future of the Ohio Army National Guard.

The courage of the Ohio Army National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion does not merely extend to matters abroad. When disaster shook the South, the 112th Engineer's Battalion swiftly acted to help the victims of Hurricane Rita. This unit was and is always ready to help when needed. When called to help their brothers and sisters fight the war on terrorism, the 112th Engineer Battalion exemplified the National Guard mantra to ``Respond when called and be ready. `` The never waning support and readiness to help has made the 112th Engineer Unit the pride of their community.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Ohio National Guard's 112th Engineer Battalion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong achievements of the Godfather of Soul, James Joseph Brown, who changed American music forever. Over his more than five-decade-long career, Mr. Brown affected and evolved countless music genres while leaving his enduring signature style and grace for everyone to admire.

Born in rural South Carolina during the Great Depression, Mr. Brown learned very quickly the value of hard work and dedication, from picking cotton to shining shoes to washing dishes. A self-taught musician and performer, Mr. Brown arrived on the music scene in 1955 and soon started releasing hit records. Mr. Brown's influence was not isolated to merely music, but extended into local communities by sponsoring youth programs, investing in African American businesses, and speaking at high schools across the country. Throughout the 1960's, Mr. Brown was not only a frequent name atop the music charts by releasing singles like ``Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'' and ``I Got You (I Feel Good),'' but also an outspoken advocate for the Civil Rights movement.

Mr. Brown's trendsetting stage performances and groundbreaking musical innovations are just a few of the many legacies he has left behind. From his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1968 to being a 2003 Kennedy Center Honoree, Mr. Brown not only has paved the way for numerous artists, but also has left a lasting impact on music that is still being felt today.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, James Brown, whose inspiration and genius will continue to touch the lives of generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Serbian National University ``Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich'', which is affiliated with the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio. Founded in 1987, this prestigious university has dedicated itself to promoting and educating the public on Serbian culture and history.

Among its many achievements, Serbian National University established an endowment fund at The Ohio State University's Hilander Room, which provides an environment for students to advance the language, heritage, and traditions of the Serbian people. In addition, the University supports the Serbian Orthodox Church, Cleveland Institute of Music and similar schools in Serbia.

The Serbian National University is dedicated to and inspired by the works and achievements of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich. During the 18th and 19th Century, Vuk Karadzich founded the modern Serbian language and developed the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet. Vuk Karadzich received a degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Jena, Germany and was knighted by the country of Russia. One of the many legacies of Vuk Karadzich that the Serbian National University carries on today is the mission of bridging the gap between Serbian and American cultures.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the Serbian National University ``Vuk Stefanovic Karadzich'' for all the amazing contributions they have made to the advancement of Serbian and American culture. May the good work that they have done endure into the future.

This House cannot avoid its constitutionally authorized responsibility to restrain the abuse of executive power. The administration has been preparing for an aggressive war against Iran. There is no solid, direct evidence that Iran has the intention of attacking the United States or its allies. The U.S. is a signatory to the U.N. Charter, a constituent treaty among the nations of the world. Article II, section 4, of the U.N. charter states, ``All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.'' Even the threat of a war of aggression is illegal. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution makes such treaties the supreme law of the land. This administration has openly threatened aggression against Iran in violation of the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Charter.

This week, the House Appropriations Committee removed language from the Iraq war funding bill requiring the administration under Article I, section 8, clause 11 of the Constitution to seek permission before it launched an attack against Iran. Since war with Iran is an option of this administration and such war is patently illegal, then

impeachment may well be the only remedy which remains to stop a war of aggression against Iran.

At present, Congress has before it, for consideration in committee, an Iraq funding bill which will keep the war going perhaps through the end of President Bush's term. It would order the privatization of Iraq's oil and open the door for the President to order an attack on Iran without congressional authorization.

Democrats were brought to power not to spread war, but to stop it. The administration took us into war for oil. We should not be confirming that purpose by promoting privatization in the Iraq funding bill.

The President desires to attack Iran without Congress asserting its constitutional authority. We should be asserting our constitutional authority to restrain another administration abuse of power.

A very simple proposition is facing this House; do we keep the war in Iraq going or do we end it? Do we use the money to bring the troops home or do we use the money to keep them in Iraq?

The lives of our troops are on the line. The war cannot be won militarily. Why do we stay? Why do we tell our troops to keep fighting? Who is going to explain to the families of the troops the consequences of Congress' decision? And why isn't our Democratic Party taking the leadership to immediately end the war? We can do it. We don't have to give the administration another $120 billion to keep the war going. We don't have to let more troops die and have more civilian casualties.

My bill, H.R. 1234, provides a path to bringing our troops home, ending the occupation, closing our bases and stops the occupation of Iraq. We do not have to keep funding this war. The money is in the pipeline to bring the troops home. Let's end the war, bring the troops home, and bring in international peacekeepers to stabilize Iraq. We can do it once we end the occupation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing life of Macaria Mabini on the occasion of her 90th birthday, and to thank her for all her contributionsn to northeast Ohio.

Born in the Philippines on March 10, 1917 as the granddaughter of Apolinario Mabini, the first prime minister of the Philippines, Macaria was destined for a life of distinction. She was a studious and talented youth, committed to her studies and her musical development as a pianist. Macaria received her bachelor of arts degree as well as her master of education from National University in Manila, but her irrepressible wanderlust and curiosity about the world left her craving more. In 1954, that curiosity--and the SS Wilson--brought her to the United States. After arriving in the United States, Macaria quickly invested herself in her new community. She obtained her second master's degree, in guidance counseling from John Carroll University and dedicated herself to giving voice to the voiceless and power to the powerless. Macaria helped couples mend broken relationships and empowered them to make healthier decisions; she came to the aid of people battling abuse and addiction; and, in founding the Giving Tree, she provided solace for men and women in recovery.

Macaria's dedication to her fellow brothers and sisters has hardly waned; indeed the scope ofher work has increased. With the Association of Philippine Physicians in Ohio, she now returns annually to her homeland to administer medical care to the underserved and rural populations of the Philippines.

Amazingly, in retirement Macaria still finds time to satisfy that wanderlust that brought her to northeast Ohio over 50 years ago. She makes an annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec, and can claim pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, and the summit of Medjugorje among her accomplishments as well.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Macaria Mabini on her 90th birthday, and to celebrate a lifetime of pouring herself out for her fellow brothers and sisters. May her constant affirmation of the human spirit serve as inspiration for us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James Metzler, a devoted police officer for the Cleveland Police Department for 25 years. Mr. Metzler is an exemplar for this community in his efforts to make Cleveland a safer and more vibrant city.

Mr. Metzler was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on June 15, 1981. After graduating from the police academy, Mr. Metzler was assigned to Basic Patrol in the Forth District. Detective Metzler's commitment to his community shone through in his work, as he ascended the ranks. He later joined the First District Basic Patrol and eventually the First District Detective Bureau, before being dispatched to the Homicide Unit.

Police officers have the awesome responsibility of maintaining peace and order within the community. On a daily basis, they have to display courage and just decision-making. Throughout his career, Detective Metzler embraced this responsibility. He led by example and defined what it meant to wear a badge. Detective Metzler personified integrity, hard work, and dedication.

For 25 years, Detective Metzler served Cleveland with distinction, with unyielding pride, and with an abiding concern for the welfare of our community. In an age that has seen the disintegration of the community, Detective Metzler's unwavering commitment to the fabric of Cleveland has left us safer, healthier, and better equipped to face our challenges.

Madame Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring a true American hero, Detective James Metzler, and in celebrating his life of serving others and striving to make Cleveland a better place. We all owe a debt of gratitude to James Metzler.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a role model who committed 27 years to the Cleveland Police Department, James Gajowski, and to recognize his efforts toward making Cleveland a safer place.

Mr. Gajowski was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on July 29, 1979. After graduating from the police academy, Mr. Gajowski's first beat was the Third District Basic Patrol. As his career progressed, he served in the Third District Detective Bureau as well as the Third District Strike Force Unit. Eventually Detective Gajowski ascended to the Homicide Unit, in which he served with distinction and dedication.

One of duties of police officers is to place others' well being before their own. They are the first to respond in times of peril, and as a community we ask them to risk their lives continually in order to preserve the peace and safety of our own. For 27 years, Detective Gajowski did just that, standing guard in our great city so that we might sleep well, that we might live in peace.

Although police officers are an indispensable component to living in a civil society, they frequently go underappreciated and overlooked. Detective Gallows served with distinction and served with pride, but never demanded attention or recognition. The safety and well being of Cleveland was reward enough.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring James Gajowski for his life long commitment to law enforcement and public service, and giving him the recognition he so richly deserves. Through his commitment to justice, Mr. Gajowski set a shining example for all to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard J. Wild upon his retirement as athletic director of Saint Ignatius of Antioch School, and to celebrate over 30 years of service to the Church as well as the surrounding community.

Rich began his avocation in the 1970s as an engaged parent, hoping to be more involved in the development of his children. As his children grew and moved on, Rich recognized the importance of the athletic program to the St. Ignatius parish as well as the community as a whole. In 1979, Rich agreed to become the Activities and Athletic Director; he quickly set out to revitalize the program and ensure that all youth who wanted to participate in sports had a place to go.

The early years of Rich's tenure were challenging. As the parish community shrunk and enrollment at the school shrunk, St. Ignatius faced the dim proposition of cutting back programming or eliminating whole sports. However, Rich refused to accept the idea that limiting access to athletics was the only course of action. Instead, Rich developed an innovative athletic program that adapted to the changing parish environment and expanded its reach to the whole community. As a result, the St. Ignatius athletic program thrived while serving more youth.

Today, the St. Ignatius of Antioch parish athletic program serves 345 youth from over fifty schools. Rich Wild has taken a parish-based program and, with three decades worth of compassion, commitment, and unfailing determination, has turned it into a community institution.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Rich Wild on the occasion of his retirement, and in celebrating his dedication to St. Ignatius of Antioch parish. As Rich enters into the next phase of his life accompanied by his loving wife Georgia, three children and seven grandchildren, the fruits of his labor will be enjoyed for generations to come.