Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of David J. O'Reilly, devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and dedicated public servant. Mr. O'Reilly's commitment to the safety of Cleveland residents and concern for those less fortunate, defined his tenure of nearly two decades of outstanding public service as a police officer in Cleveland's 4th District.

Mr. O'Reilly, a life-long Clevelander, graduated from Benedictine High School. Throughout his entire adult life, Mr. O'Reilly remained committed to the welfare of his Slavic Village neighborhood. Affectionately known as the ``Mayor of Fleet Avenue,'' Mr. O'Reilly was a role model to neighborhood kids, and was a friend to our most fragile citizens, our homeless. Mr. O'Reilly's bravery and strength as a

police officer was equaled by his kind and generous heart. He consistently provided a hot meal or kind word to a person or family in need.

Mr. O'Reilly treated everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status. He was just as comfortable in sharing a conversation with an elected official as he was in sharing lunch with a homeless man. His expansive heart and concern for others extended beyond the 4th District. He volunteered throughout the community, teaching community safety to neighborhood groups, and he also held leadership positions on the boards of many community organizations, including the Holy Name Society, St. Michael Hospital Community Board, and the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. David J O'Reilly. As a police officer, Mr. O'Reilly dedicated his professional life to the safety of his officers, and the safety of the entire Slavic Village community. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Denise; his beloved daughter, Rebecca; his beloved son, James; and also to his extended family and many friends. His courage and kindness will live on forever within the hearts and memories of his family, friends, and the public he so faithfully served.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Finke, Jr., who courageously and selflessly rose to the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Sergeant Finke was an exceptional United States Marine and was an equally exceptional human being. His life was characterized by his unwavering sense of duty and commitment to our nation, and above all, his life reflected a deep dedication to, and steadfast focus on his family--his beloved wife Heather, his parents, sisters, brother, grandparents and many friends.

Sergeant Finke grew up in Medina, and shortly after high school graduation, he fulfilled his childhood dream by enlisting in the Marines. His eleven years of service was framed by honor, bravery and duty. Throughout his military journey, Sergeant Finke carried with him a strong foundation of faith, family and community. He quickly ascended through the ranks, and attained the title of Sergeant. His strong intellect and solid sense of integrity evenly matched his exceptional sense of humor and kindness toward others. Sergeant Finke's entire life--civilian and military, reflected his generous heart and sincere concern for the welfare of others. He often and easily offered his assistance to anyone in need, asking for nothing in return.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Michael Finke, Jr., whose heroic actions, commitment and bravery will be remembered always. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Finke--his beloved wife Heather; his beloved parents, Sally and Michael Sr.; his beloved stepparents Geoffrey and Nadine; his beloved sisters and brother, Trisha, Tonia and Tim; his beloved grandparents, Wayne Finke and Donna Thompson; and his extended family and friends.

The significant honor, sacrifice, service, and courage that defined the life of Sergeant Michael Finke, Jr., will be forever honored and remembered by the entire Cleveland community and the entire nation. And within the hearts of his family and friends, the bonds of love and memories created in life by Sergeant Finke will never be broken, and will live on for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dr. Donald P. Barich,

upon the occasion of his retirement after 40 years as a beloved pediatrician within our community. His exceptional expertise and compassionate care of children, from newborn through late teen, has enhanced the well-being of thousands of families throughout our Westside community.

After receiving his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1965, Dr. Barich came to Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital to complete his internship and residency. Beyond his pediatric practice, Dr. Barich was on the frontlines of cutting edge medical research. His respected work has been highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, National and Ohio Chapters; The Cleveland Academy of Medicine; the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine; and the Northern Ohio Pediatric Society. As a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Dr. Barich shared his expertise with students at Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, Metro Hospital, Southwest General Hospital, Parma Hospital, and Children's Hospital and Medical Center of Akron.

To this day, Dr. Barich continues his vital instruction as Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western University, University Hospitals, Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital. The outstanding service and care for every child and every nervous parent has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Barich has been honored on several occasions for his outstanding work as a pediatrician, and was also honored for his service to our country. In 1970, Dr. Barich was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the United States Air Force at McClellan Air Force Base in California. He has been listed as one of the ``Top Docs in Cleveland'' for eight years running by Cleveland Magazine.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Donald P. Barich. Dr. Barich's contributions to pediatric medicine throughout our community are immeasurable. Moreover, his pediatric practice is a lasting legacy and reflection of the man himself--compassionate, patient and kind--and his gifted mind and expansive heart served to heal more than broken bones. Dr. Barich's care offered peace and comfort to an anxious child or worried parent, and his work at Pediatric Services, Inc. will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Timothy A. Knight, who courageously and selflessly rose to the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Corporal Knight was an exceptional U.S. soldier and was an equally exceptional human being. His life was characterized by his unwavering sense of duty and commitment to our nation, and above all, his life reflected a deep dedication to, and steadfast focus on his family--his beloved wife Gina and beloved daughter, Chloe.

A native of Brooklyn, Corporal Knight graduated from Brooklyn High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the service, and planned on a career in law enforcement after his military duty was completed. Throughout his journey in the military, Corporal Knight carried with him a strong foundation of faith,family and community. He quickly ascended through the ranks, and attained the title of Corporal. Corporal Knight's strong intellect and solid sense of integrity evenly matched his sense of duty and kindness toward others. Moreover, Corporal Knight's life reflected his generous heart and sincere concern for the welfare of others. He often and easily offered his assistance to anyone in need, without regard to his own sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Corporal Timothy A. Knight, whose heroic actions, commitment and bravery will be remembered always. I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Corporal Knight--his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Gina M. Knight; his beloved baby daughter, Chloe; his beloved parents, W.C. Arrowood and Jeanne Knight; his beloved sisters and brothers, Karen, Michael, Samantha, David, Melanie, Sabrina and Brian; his beloved mother and father-in-law, Jackie Collins and Dean Delligatti; and his many extended family members and friends.

The significant sacrifice, service, and courage that defined the life of Corporal Timothy A. Knight will be forever honored and remembered by the entire Cleveland community, and the entire nation. And within the hearts of his family and friends, especially Gina and Chloe, the bonds of love and memories created in life by Corporal Knight will never be broken, and will live on for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of John Raitt, beloved father, husband, and internationally known stage and cinema artist, whose incredible baritone voice, passion for life and handsome presence transformed the darkened stage into a place that sparked with enchantment, energy and possibility.

Growing up in southern California, Mr. Raitt's deep, harmonious melodies captivated audiences in local venues, from church halls to community clubs, His rising star took flight in 1940, marking his professional debut as a chorus singer in ``HMS Pinafore'' with the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. Although he had little operatic training, his voice was as inspiring and powerful as an operatic master. Even his auditions were riveting, as he rendered musical geniuses such as Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein speechless and inspired.

From premier roles in award-winning theatrical productions such as ``Oklahoma!,'' ``Carousel,'' and ``Magdalena,'' to significant roles in major films such as ``The Pajama Game,'' Mr. Raitt won the hearts of theater goers and critics alike. His love of music and his dedication to his audience never faded, nor did his personal and professional convictions. Mr. Raitt was a man of unwavering strength, kindness and integrity, and he offered everyone and every audience the same enthusiasm, energy and respect--whether playing in a small church hall or performing on a Broadway stage.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of John Raitt, whose gift of song and kind heart is a legacy that will rise forever in the hearts of his family and friends, and within the hearts of every

person who heard him sing. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Rosemary; to his daughter Bonnie; to his sons, Steven and David; and to his many extended family members and friends. The gracious and joyous life of John Raitt will forever light our American musical landscape, and his invaluable gifts, reflected through song, stage and family, will be coveted for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Vietnamese New Year: Tet, 2005--Year of the Rooster. To celebrate the hope and promise of the New Year, the members and leaders of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc., will gather at St. Helena Catholic Church to rejoice with family and friends, enjoying Vietnamese culture and performances.

The Tet celebration will include recognition of community volunteers and leaders, and Vietnamese food, dancing and musical entertainment by the Vietnamese youth of Cleveland. Tet is the time of year to pay homage to ancestors, reconnect with family and friends, and celebrate the sense of good will and possibilities, rising like the first light of dawn.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc. For nearly three decades, this vital coalition of culture has reflected unwavering commitment, service and community outreach to citizens of Vietnamese heritage. The Vietnamese community in Greater Cleveland is a vibrant layer within the colorful fabric of our culturally diverse city--and the Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland, Inc. plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the ancient cultural and historical traditions that spiral back throughout the centuries, connecting the old world to the new, spanning oceans and borders--from Vietnam to America.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Le Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community in Greater Cleveland, Inc., and all members and leaders, past and present, for their dedication and support of Americans of Vietnamese heritage within our Cleveland community. As they celebrate the Vietnamese New Year, the Year of the Rooster, may they hold memories of their past forever in their hearts, and find happiness and peace with the dawning of each new day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Carl Kocina of Parma, Ohio, as we commemorate his February 20th birthday--one hundred years young--and still bowling strikes.

Mr. Kocina was born in Trieste, Austria, and arrived at Ellis Island as a young boy of seven. His family settled in Cleveland, and though far from their homeland, they kept alive the musical and cultural traditions of their beloved Austria. He taught himself to play the accordion, and with his brothers, formed the Kocina Trio. The Trio played for many years at social and family events.

Mr. Kocina was instilled with a strong work ethic--a philosophy that he maintains to this day. At 15, he started work in a local factory, and retired fifty years later as a supervisor of a plant that manufactured aircraft parts. Today, his active lifestyle reflects deep joy and energy, both on and off the bowling lanes. Mr. Kocina lives independently, and hones his culinary talents on a regular basis. He is surrounded by family and friends, especially his daughter, Florence Husbeck, granddaughter, Linda Butler, and great-grandson, Grant Butler.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Carl Kocina, as we celebrate his 100th birthday. Mr. Kocina continues to be an inspiration to everyone in his life--especially his family and friends. His energy, agility and joy for living serve to highlight the philosophy that life's possibilities and joys are within reach for every one of us, regardless of our chronological age. We wish him many blessings of continued health and happiness today, tomorrow, and for all days to come.

Social Security benefits have steadily increased over the years because they have long been calculated by indexing them to wage increases which on the average go up 3.6 percent a year, so Social Security benefits increase with rising wages.

The administration wants to change all of that. They want to index Social Security benefits according to price increases, not wages. As a result, millions of future retirees will see their future Social Security benefits reduced as much as 40 percent because prices do not increase as fast as wages.

Let me give an example. If you began work in 1959, retired in 2003 at age 65, under wage indexing where benefits rise with rising wages, you get $1,158 a month. Under price indexing, your benefits would be frozen. You would get only $701 a month. So there would be a 40 percent cut in benefits with price indexing and a person would lose over $100,000 in retirement benefits over a lifetime.

Why the switch to price indexing? Because privatization is going to create an additional shortfall. The administration is going to have to borrow money to set up private accounts, and the shortfall is going to be for 45 years. They are going to have to borrow up to $15 trillion. They are going to try to get the money off the backs of America's retirees. It is wrong. No to privatization and no to price indexing.

Madam Speaker, prior to invading Iraq, looking for weapons of mass destruction, this administration looked the other way at illegal shipments of Iraqi oil to Jordan, Syria and Turkey, which earned at least $8.5 billion for Saddam Hussein's regime. Now the administration cannot account for an additional $9 billion from Iraqi oil proceeds which was supposed to go to help the Iraqi people.

While Congress busies itself about how $2 billion was illegally diverted to Saddam from the U.N.'s Oil-For-Food Program, it would also be instructive to find out why it was apparently administration policy to let Saddam Hussein earn four times that amount through illegal oil shipments.

Before Congress gives another $80 billion for the war in Iraq, the American people would find it instructive for Congress to ask what happened with the unaccounted-for $9 billion which also came from Iraq oil proceeds.

Madam Speaker, before the war, Iraq was about oil. As the war continues, it is about billions in unaccounted-for oil revenues which the U.S. had custody of, responsibility for; and now nobody knows nothing.

Mr. Speaker, I want to join with my African American colleagues in asking and appealing to the American people to understand that HIV/AIDS is devastating to the African-American community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that of all Americans living with HIV/AIDS, African Americans represent 42 percent of those cases. The same is true in my State of Ohio, but the rate for blacks in Cleveland is even higher, 56 percent.

We have to attack the stigmatization of the disease among African Americans. We must start by focusing on prevention, which is consistent with CDC guidelines, emphasizing and identifying HIV positives, and we must push for a comprehensive prevention policy that includes condoms and does not ignore science at the expense of ideology.

We must commit to increasing funding for the Minority AIDS Initiative to at least $610 million, while increasing overall budget for the Ryan White CARE Act to fully cover treatment and eliminate waiting lists for antiretroviral drugs. We must increase funding for the Ryan White CARE Act by $513 million.

We have a moral imperative to fight AIDS. We have a moral imperative to join with the African-American community in doing so.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Andrew M. Kyovsky, beloved son, brother, uncle, colleague and friend to many. His steady and spirited presence radiated warmth and light along the granite walkways of Cleveland City Hall, and his kind and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.

Mr. Kyovsky's 41 year legacy as the key staffer in the mail department of Cleveland City Hall was framed by loyalty, dependability, integrity and concern for others. He rarely missed a day of work, and his love for his job and for the people he worked with reflected daily within the smiles and laughter he enticed from others--from the first- floor receptionist to seven of Cleveland's mayors--including me.

Despite life-long medical challenges, Mr. Kyovsky's spirited demeanor, generous heart and zest for life was never dimmed. His quick smile and kind words served to disarm even the most guarded employee or visitor to City Hall. Whether presenting a rose to a charmed female colleague or offering a kind word to a visitor, Mr. Kyovsky did so with grace, dignity and humanity. His personal difficulties never prevented him from helping others, and he did so daily. Mr. Kyovsky's life was a lesson in humanity, showing us the power of kindness and giving-- universal truths infinitely more supreme than any lofty municipal project or political agenda.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Andrew M. Kyovsky, whose exceptional work in the mail room at Cleveland City Hall is eclipsed only by the brilliant legacy of his gentle and courageous heart. I offer my deep condolences to his mother, Ann Kyovsky; his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Joseph Dzurma; his nieces, Anne Marie and Paula; and also to his extended family and many friends. His friendship, perseverance and unyielding loyalty will forever light the hearts of all whom knew and loved him well.

Mr. Speaker, the state of the Union is asleep. This administration cannot account for $9 billion it controlled in Iraq for a 9-month period ending last October. Wake up, America.

While $9 billion went unaccounted for, the administration did not have enough money for bullet-proof vests or armor-plated protection for troops. It fought against increasing the combat death benefit and cut veterans benefits. Yet, for 9 months, an average of $30 million a day, totaling $9 billion, could not be accounted for by the administration's Coalition Provisional Authority, according to the Inspector General. Do we hear a grand jury stirring?

Was the $9 billion stolen? Was it used for bribes for peace or rent- a-friend or a paid assassin program? Was it funneled elsewhere to spend money to foment chaos, disorder and violence?

The administration could not find WMDs, Osama bin Laden, and now $9 billion is unaccounted for. They want another $80 billion, while Halliburton makes a killing on overcharges. And they want us to trust them with Social Security? I do not think so.

Wake up, America. Your democracy is disappearing.

Mr. Speaker, I have called for a Federal grand jury investigation of the administration's Coalition Provisional Authority which, according to the U.S. Inspector General, lost track of $9 billion in Iraq that it controlled over a period of 9 months, ending last October; $9 billion, gone.

Was the $9 billion stolen? Did it go to pay bribes? Do we have another Iran-Contra on our hands? We will not know until top U.S. officials under penalty of perjury are called before the grand jury to answer questions about the missing $9 billion. The administration's response has been, Hey, it's Iraq, it's chaos, it's war. I say, Hey, you can't account for $9 billion spent over 9 months. That is $30 million a day. And you want Congress to appropriate another $80 billion for Iraq? I do not think so. Investigate Iraq-gate and the unaccounted- for $9 billion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Judge John V. Corrigan, retired Ohio Appellate Judge, United States Veteran, beloved husband, father, friend and mentor to many. His brilliant legacy is reflected in the courtroom and throughout our community, where he was admired and respected for his insight, integrity and sincere concern for the people of Cleveland.

Judge Corrigan's steadfast work ethic and strong sense of service to others were inextricable facets of who he was and characterized how he lived his life. He grew up in

Cleveland, graduated from St. Ignatius High School, then worked his way through John Carroll University, where he graduated in 1943. Shortly thereafter, Judge Corrigan enlisted in the Army, where he participated in five European campaigns as a surgical technician during World War

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of John R. Fechko, devoted husband, father, friend, public servant and United States Veteran. Mr. Fechko's commitment to the safety of the residents of Seven Hills defined his 35 years of outstanding public service as a police officer, S.W.A.T. team member, and as Seven Hills Chief of Police for the past 20 years.

Mr. Fechko was a 1964 graduate of Parma Senior High School. Following graduation, he served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. In 1969, he joined the Seven Hills Police Department as a patrol officer. Mr. Fechko was promoted to sergeant in 1981, and in June of 1984, he was instated as Police Chief of Seven Hills.

Mr. Fechko's dedication to his career extended beyond the borders of Seven Hills. He was always willing to help an individual, family or neighboring community in need. He handed down his safety experience and expertise to cadets in training at the Cleveland Police Academy--a role he held for 31 years. Additionally, Mr. Fechko was a lead initiator of the Tri-City task force. This vital program focused on educating residents about key safety community issues, including gang activity, intervention of at-risk youths, and juvenile crime prevention.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. John R. Fechko. As police officer and Police Chief of the Village of Seven Hills, Mr. Fechko dedicated his professional life to the safety of his officers and the security and safety of the entire Seven Hills community. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Suzanne; his beloved son, Craig; his sister, Diane; and also to his extended family and many friends. His legacy of protecting others will live on within the hearts and memories of his family, friends, and the public he so faithfully served, today and for all time.