Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman.

In February, this House passed a reconciliation bill that cut $12 billion from the student aid program. That bill raised student loan interest rate caps and raised student loan taxes and fees. It placed billions of dollars in student aid at risk by cutting $2.2 billion in critical funds used to carry out and administer the student aid program.

Just as the reconciliation bill did not help students, H.R. 609 will not improve access to college. The reauthorization bill we are debating today is not about making college affordable, and it is not about helping students pay for college. This bill makes significant changes in the Higher Education Act, but the purpose of many of the changes is not to benefit students.

H.R. 609 certainly helps for-profit colleges. Proprietary schools, which have faced a number of controls and regulations to protect taxpayers and students from abuse, will see markedly less oversight. The new single definition of an institution of higher education will allow for-profit colleges access to additional student aid Federal funding. At the same time, changes to the sanctions of the 90-10 rule will leave students at risk, allowing for-profit colleges to remain out of compliance for 3 consecutive years before losing eligibility to participate in Federal student aid programs.

The purpose of the 90-10 rule was to ensure that schools were not relying on student aid programs for the entirety of their funding. Easing requirements previously placed on for-profit schools places student aid programs at greater risk of misuse. They will be vulnerable to subsidizing short-term for-profit ventures. These changes in the 90- 10 rule will benefit for-profit colleges, but they will not help students.

The Higher Education Act was intended to provide help for all Americans, regardless of their income level, with greater educational opportunities. The act recognizes the shared benefits by both society and the individual of a higher education. H.R. 609 will not help students and will not expand access to college.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor, recognition and celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the United Service Organization (USO), a non-profit, civilian organization established in 1941. Since then, the USO has filled a void in the lives of men and women serving in the U.S. military, by providing them with entertainment, recreation, support services and the priceless sense of connection to home.

In 1941, the USO was incorporated in the State of New York. By 1944, USOs had been established in more than 3,000 locations across the country, held aloft by its volunteer membership. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who initially challenged six non-profit organizations to form a military support organization, became the first USO Honorary Chairperson--a role accepted by every President ever since. The mission of the USO has remained unwavering: To serve the spiritual, social, welfare, educational and entertainment needs of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Over the years, thousands of entertainers, famous and unknown, have volunteered their time and efforts to perform to grateful audiences on U.S. military bases around the world. From the legendary music of Duke Ellington to the manic comedy of Robin Williams, the USO tradition has carried on. The brilliant legacy of volunteerism that illuminates the life of the late Bob Hope, whose name is synonymous with the USO, is carried on through the song, dance and comedy of every volunteer who continues to keep the spirit of hope alive for our men and women serving our country far from home.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the volunteers, past and present, of the United Service Organization. During times of war and peace, the USO continues to serve as a vital bond of calm and familiarity, uplifting the spirit of men and women in uniform with heartening support and entertainment reminiscent of home. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have traveled thousands of miles, crossing perilous borders and lands of strife, to uplift

their morale and reenergize the spirit of countless American soldiers around the world. On behalf of the memory of Bob Hope and the collective service of every volunteer--Thanks for the Memories.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Clayton E. Keeling Jr., devoted father, Vietnam War Veteran, and friend and mentor to countless people throughout our community.

Mr. Keeling grew up in the City of Cleveland. He honorably served our Nation for 4 years as a member of the United States Marine Corp, retiring in 1969 at the rank of Corporal. His courageous tour of duty in Vietnam was recognized with a Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal.

Mr. Keeling's lifelong dedication to and focus on assisting United States Veterans was clearly reflected throughout his professional and personal life. He made an indelible impact on the lives of numerous veterans and their families as a Veteran's Representative at the Ohio Bureau of Job and Family Services, where he worked for many years. Moreover, Mr. Keeling volunteered his time and efforts to raise the lives of veterans and to raise their plight into the light of public consciousness. Mr. Keeling was a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 15 of Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. Clayton E. Keeling, Jr. I extend my deepest condolences to his daughter, Lindsay Keeling, to his dearest friends, Marie Sudduth, Jack Beech and Greg and Janet Tulley; and to his extended family and numerous friends. Mr. Keeling's sacrifice, courage and service that he offered on behalf of our Nation and on behalf of the veterans of our community, has truly made a positive difference and will be honored and remembered for all time.

Madam Speaker, 3 years ago the Bush administration spoke to a doctrine of preemption that formed the basis for the United States' attack on Iraq. Three years later, Americans finally know there were no weapons of mass destruction, Iraq did not have the intention or the capability of attacking the United States; that Iraq, in effect, was not in a position to attack us.

Now the American people know what a shambles the Bush administration's policy was in Iraq. Yesterday, the administration now identifies Iran as the top threat, and states again that we have the right to preemptively attack any country. Are we here on the threshold of permanent warfare, where the administration can keep naming enemies, and the American taxpayers with their sons' and daughters' blood have to keep paying for wars that we should not get into?

We should not only vote against this supplemental appropriation, we should start to call into question the administration's entire international policy. They are setting America against the world, and we are paying for it every day.

Mr. Chairman, Medicare, like Social Security, is a solemn intergenerational promise. People pay into Medicare for a lifetime of work, and they expect quality health care when they retire or become disabled. With the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act in 2003, Medicare's ability to continue to provide quality health insurance both now and in the future has been threatened. Congress increased costs for beneficiaries, in all parts of Medicare, as it increased payouts to HMOs and drug plans.

In passing Part D, Congress chose to side with the pharmaceutical and insurance industries rather than seniors and the disabled. Those on Medicare are at the mercy of the private sector for their drugs. There are 19 companies offering over 40 different prescription drug plans in Ohio, not including those offered through Medicare Advantage HMO's. Each of these plans can choose which drugs to cover and which to exclude from their formulary. They can change their formularies at any point in time. Corporate interests are deciding which drugs you can take instead of physicians.

I wanted one prescription drug card, offered directly through Medicare, for seniors to use to cover all their drugs at pharmacies of their choosing. Congress could have passed a bill with both a real and simple benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, and for less money. Drug prices could have been negotiated and administrative costs could have been reduced through a plan directly under Medicare. In fact, the Center for Economic and Policy Research recently released a study showing that if Medicare negotiated drug prices, we would save so much money that we would be able to cover every single beneficiary with no co-payments, no deductibles, and no premiums . . . and still have $40 billion dollars left. Now, we have a program where the coverage is too little, the cost is too high, and complexity is preventing seniors from getting the drugs they need.

Mr. Chairman, in December 2004, I requested the Congressional Research Service to compile a report on military construction in both Iraq and Afghanistan. On April 11, 2005, I received the final report. Here is what it said: the Congressional Research Service found projects that suggest a longer term U.S. presence in Iraq. These included $214 million for the Balad Air Base and $49 million for the Taji military complex.

This is the first congressional report that identified specific locations in Iraq where the U.S. is possibly constructing a permanent military presence in Iraq. At the appropriate time, I will enter this in the Record.

Now I want to know, did anyone here vote to establish permanent bases in Iraq when they voted to invade that country? Did anyone here vote to send U.S. troops permanently to Iraq? Weren't we going to war on the belief Iraq had weapons of mass destruction? Weren't we going to war on the belief that Iraq was an imminent threat of a mushroom cloud the administration warned about? All that proved to be false. If the President had told you he wanted to spend over $300 billion and 2,300 American lives, plus tens of thousands of maimed servicemembers to build new military bases, permanent deployment of U.S. troops in the Mesopotamian Valley, would anyone here have supported that? I don't think so.

That is why this administration had to fabricate a pretense for the invasion, and that is why you have to support the Lee amendment today. Do not allow this ill-conceived war to lead to a permanent deployment of troops in Iraq. Bring them home. Close down those bases.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of my friend, Robert T. Woodworth, devoted father, grandfather, friend, United States veteran and long-time community activist, for his civic activism that continues to uplift our entire Westside Cleveland community.

Mr. Woodworth was born in Cleveland to loving parents. His father drove streetcars in the city and his mother was a loving housewife. With extended family nearby, he learned early on the significance of family and community. Mr. Woodworth has infused those vital lessons of childhood within his own family, as he continues to be a foundation of strength and support for his daughter, Rhonda, and his granddaughters, Stephanie and Samantha.

As a young adult, Mr. Woodworth enlisted in the United States Air Force, giving him the opportunity to travel the world. The languages he learned and friends that he made have never left him, transcending time and distance. He speaks fluent German, Spanish and French and remains closely connected to friends living in faraway lands. His passion for travel, community issues and global concerns parallels his passion for music. He is an avid guitarist and pianist and is an avid patron of classical music.

Mr. Woodworth's warm demeanor and quick smile easily draws others to him. His unwavering belief in community service and volunteerism is illuminated throughout Cleveland's Westside, especially within our democratic process, where his grassroots involvement continues to positively impact our neighborhoods. His leadership and diligence has been key in several political races, including his role as campaign manager for then council candidate Nelson Cintron. Councilman Cintron became the first Hispanic councilman in Cleveland's history.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude to Mr. Robert T. Woodworth. His joyous life, centering on devotion to family, friendship and community, continues to reflect warmth, energy and song--enriching and inspiring family and friends throughout our Cleveland community and far beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of my close friend William B. ``Brad'' Norris--beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and close friend to the entire community. His passing marks a tragic loss to his friends, family and the people that he served in the community.

From early on, he headed the call to public service. He graduated from Culver Academy in Indiana and enlisted in the U.S. Army, He served his country with honor and courage, after which he moved to Cleveland, where he eventually joined Cleveland law firm Hahn Loeser and Parks.

Mr. Norris was truly a civil rights activist. He visited President John F. Kennedy and also volunteered with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By working with the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority during the late 1960's he helped organize opposition to a freeway plan that if enacted, it would have split eastern Cuyahoga County. He represented the city of Cleveland in a lengthy antitrust lawsuit against the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, in which CEI attempted to put its rival Muny Light Company out of business. This would have made CEI Cleveland's only municipal electric system. This was also a topic I fought passionately for when I was the mayor of Cleveland. He also played an instrumental role in the rebirth of Cleveland's first licensed educational, non-commercial public radio station, WCPN FM

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mr. William B. ``Brad'' Norris. We remember him and celebrate the life that he led. We have experienced a great loss in the Cleveland community, and he will be missed greatly. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his sons Jack, Todd, and Robert; his daughters, Carolyn, Pamela and Betsie; a brother; six grandchildren and his friends and colleagues. The life that he lived, and the legacy that he leaves will live on in the hearts of his family and all the lives that he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Richard L. Dechant, Sr., devoted family man, community activist, business leader, World War II veteran, and friend and mentor to many.

Mr. DeChant grew up in Avon, Ohio. His father was a steelworker and his mother ran the family farm business. He learned early on the significance of family, hard work and community. By the time he was eight years old, Mr. DeChant's mother gave him a job selling home-grown produce door-to-door. He attended St. Ignatius High School and later earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Detroit. He married Marie in 1943 and together they raised five sons. They remained committed to each other until her death in 2004.

For his entire adult life, Mr. DeChant worked as a tireless promoter on behalf of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. While working with the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company in the 1940's, DeChant began a life-long vocation of promoting the Cleveland community. As executive director of the Greater Cleveland Growth Board, now known as the Greater Cleveland Growth Association, for nearly twenty-five years, DeChant's focused service and advocacy on behalf of his beloved community drew millions of dollars of new industry into our region. He also participated in numerous trade missions throughout Europe and Asia. Although deeply committed to his work, his family was always foremost and central in his life.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Richard L. DeChant. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his sons, Thomas (Paul), James (Lyn), Richard Jr. (Sharon), David (Terri) and the memory of Doug (Bonnie); his grandchildren, Richard III, Brett, Jimmy, Dawn, Nicole, Matt and Carli; his brothers, Robert and Donald; and his extended family and many friends. Although Mr. DeChant will be greatly missed, the joyous legacy of his life, framed by kindness, energy and an unwavering focus on family and on making a difference, will forever resound within the hearts and memories of his family and friends, and within the spirit of our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Norbert Magalski of Parma, Ohio, a noble Good Samaritan and Gulf War veteran who has lent a hand to many.

Mr. Magalski, as a trained emergency medical technician and tow truck operator has helped countless people on the roadside. Even in an age when people are too overwhelmed with their own priorities to lend a helping hand to strangers, he has made it a common practice in his life to help those who are in need of assistance on the road.

Mr. Magalski was injured last Thursday by a suspected drunk driver while helping a young woman who had veered off I-76 and into a guardrail. He suffered broken bones in his left leg, left shoulder and face. It will be several months before he fully recovers.

This man is truly one to be honored and emulated as he remains committed to lending a helping hand when needed. He is a modest and kind-hearted citizen who in spite of injury will continue to help strangers in need. His kindness and generosity is something that is not often seen in today's society. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family for his quick recovery.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Norbert Magalski, whose dedication and courage in lending a hand to his fellow citizens has helped save the lives of many.

Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, this administration began a grim march of folly into Iraq. Today, our troops are bogged down in the middle of a civil war.

Iraq has become an incubator of terrorism. Over 2,300 U.S. troops have been killed, tens of thousands more injured and perhaps 100,000 innocent Iraqis have been killed, with countless others injured.

As both the Iraqi public and the American people demand the U.S. leave Iraq, this administration plans to send more troops. We must bring our troops home. We must vote against any additional appropriations that would be used to keep our troops there.

Plans exist right now that would enable the United States to bring our troops home, to begin the effort to bring our troops home. Not a dime more for continuing this war; not a dime more for an illegal war that was based on lies about weapons of mass destruction.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for the recognition to speak so that I can make my remarks with the proper perspective.

My father, Frank Kucinich, was a World War II Marine Corps veteran.

My brother Frank Kucinich, Jr., was a Vietnam veteran in the Marines. My brother Gary Kucinich was a Marine Corps veteran, 1968 to 1972. My sister Beth Ann Kucinich served in the United States Army. I would have served as well except that I was not able to get in as I have a heart murmur.

We have a tradition of service in my family. My nephew Gary Kucinich, my brother Gary's son, is in Iraq right now. But having said all that, I want to say that while I believe it is honorable to serve our country and we should praise those who do serve, I rise in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 354 and in support of the necessity and importance of nondiscrimination policies.

The military's misguided Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers is clearly not compatible with university policies that prohibit campus recruiting by employers who discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

There is no lack of ``equal'' access for any employer that seeks to recruit on America's college campuses, assuming those employers do not discriminate. But granting access to an employer, whether military, private sector or otherwise, that fails to meet a school's nondiscrimination policy is not equal access, but special access. It is a unique right to discriminate, granted only to the military.

This Congress should be leading the way in the fight against discrimination, not supporting policies that allow the military to sidestep nondiscrimination policies. We should ensure that all men and women who wish to serve in the Armed Forces are allowed to do so by repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Requiring schools to suspend their nondiscrimination policies for military recruiters and their openly discriminatory policies is a step backwards. Rather than condone and supporting these discriminatory policies, this Congress should work diligently to eliminate the need for nondiscrimination policies. I urge my colleagues to take the lead in the fight against discrimination. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of all members past and present, of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 579, as they commemorate sixty years of unity, honor and steadfast service to our community and to our country.

The members of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 579, reflect a legacy of support andfriendship for United States Veterans and their families. Their individual and collective service is framed in honor, integrity, courage and great sacrifice. The Catholic War Veterans, representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, is a brethren of soldiers connected by triumph, tragedy and is held aloft by friendship, faith and community.

Led by Post Commander and WWII Veteran John Sterba, the Catholic War Veterans volunteer their time and efforts to ensure that the memory and service of the men and women who served our country, will never be forgotten. Every Memorial Day for the past fifty-four years, nearly 14,000 American Flags mark the graves of veterans laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery--a unified community endeavor organized and carried out annually by the Catholic War Veterans and volunteers from local churches.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 579, of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Unwavering service and deep sacrifice personifies the duty of our United States Veterans, forever reflecting humankind's innate struggle and quest for peace, justice and resolution--and their individual and collective contribution to our Nation will be remembered for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Othman Shemisa, MD., Ph.D, for his dedication and concern for families and individuals in need, here in Cleveland and miles beyond.

Dr. Shemisa was recently honored by the Islamic Center of Cleveland for his volunteer efforts in assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Last September, Dr. Shemisa traveled to New Orleans, where he lived for more than a month, volunteering his time and medical expertise to heal the women, men and children who had been left injured or sick in the wake of the devastating storm.

Dr. Shemisa 's professional excellence, integrity and contribution is reflected throughout his family medical practice, as well as within the research and academic community, where he has served as professor, lecturer and researcher. Moreover, Dr. Shemisa's unwavering focus on assisting the most vulnerable members of our society--our poor and disenfranchised citizens, has uplifted the lives of countless families and individuals throughout the Cleveland area. His focus on outreach and advocacy is clearly evidenced throughout Cleveland's Arab American community, where he is an active member and leader.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Othman Shemisa, whose willingness to help those in need and sincere concern for others reflects America's greatest legacy--our generous and compassionate citizenry. Dr. Shemisa's medical expertise, energy and efforts in giving back to the community serves to strengthen the very foundation that unifies our Cleveland community, reflecting hope for a better tomorrow for each and every one of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Jimmy Deane, as he is named the Irish Good Person of the Year by the Irish Good Fellowship Club of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Deane's lifelong leadership and advocacy on behalf of worker's rights has served to empower countless individuals and families throughout our labor community.

With the promise of honest work and hope for a new beginning, Mr. Deane journeyed to America from Ireland in 1962. He began work as a laborer in the construction trades and became a member of the union in 1962. In 1991, he was appointed to the position of Field Representative, and in 1995, he accepted the appointment of Business Manager. Throughout his union tenure, Mr. Deane remained focused on workers' rights, benefits, and safety. As a result of his concern, expertise and leadership, Laborers' Union, Local 310 reflected fiscal responsibility, integrity and effectiveness in representing and protecting its members.

Mr. Deane's activism extends throughout our local labor and political landscapes. He is a member of the Laborers District Council of Ohio, an Executive Board Trustee of the Ohio Laborers Training Fund, and has also served as delegate to the AFL-CIO. Though his Irish homeland lives forever in his heart, Mr. Deane wholly embraced all that is America. His activism within our democratic processes and support of local candidates continues to strengthen our community and illuminates the core foundation of America--a union of workers who fight for equal representation, protection and justice for all.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of my good friend, Mr. Jimmy Deane, as he is rightfully named the Irish Good Person of the Year. Mr. Deane's integrity, conviction, and exceptional ability to bring people and ideas together for the common good, has served to raise the bar on all levels within the union, the workplace, and within our community. I wish Jimmy Deane and his entire family an abundance of health, peace and happiness, today and always.