Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Thomas C. Short, President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada (IATSE), as he was recently awarded the ``The Actors' Fund Medal of Honor'' by the Actors' Fund of America.

Mr. Short's commitment to the rights and welfare of workers in the entertainment and broadcasting industries spans more than thirty years. In 1968, Mr. Short first became a member of the Stagehands Local No. 27, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Ten years later, Mr. Short was elected to the office of President of Local No. 27.

In 1988, Mr. Short was elected by IATSE members to the position of Eleventh International Vice President, following the path of his father, who served as International Vice President for many years. Since 1994, Mr. Short has served as International President of IATSE. Because of his vision, leadership, and ability to energize others, every facet of the union has been fortified and enhanced. During his tenure, membership has increased from 65,000 to 103,000, with more than 75 national term agreements. Mr. Short also restructured IATSE into five departments: Stage Craft, Motion Picture and TV Production, Organizing, Trade Show, and Canadian Affairs.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Thomas C. Short, for his outstanding service as member, leader and International President of IATSE. Mr. Short's dedicated focus and tireless efforts on behalf of all members of IATSE serves as an agent of strength and shield of protection for the heart of this nation--the American worker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my dear friend and mentor, Mary Zone, loving mother, grandmother, dedicated public servant, community activist, and dear friend to many. Her passing marks a great loss for her family and friends, and also for the people of Cleveland, whom she served with the highest level of commitment, concern, integrity and honor.

Mrs. Zone's husband, the late Michael Zone, and their eight children were central to her life. The great care and love that she showered on them extended throughout Cleveland's west side neighborhood, where Mrs. Zone carried the torch of her late husband. The-well-being of their community, anchored by their parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, remained a constant focus in the hearts of Michael and Mary Zone. Their united focus on family and service to others continues to illuminate the hope and promise of a better day for every citizen of this diverse, working-class community.

A staunch Democrat, Mrs. Zone was appointed to Cleveland City Council in 1974, to serve out the term of her late husband. She was elected to serve three additional terms. As a member of the Council, Mrs. Zone was a fierce champion of the people of the near west side, and her unequalled work ethic and uncompromising integrity quickly garnered her the admiration of residents and the respect of those at City Hall.

Armed with a compassionate heart, sharp mind and even sharper focus on the public she served, Mrs. Zone shattered the status quo by becoming the first woman of Italian heritage to serve on Cleveland City Council, and the first woman to serve as the Council's majority whip.

Her years of working as a business owner and elected official served the City well throughout her tenure as an administrator with Cleveland's Community Development Department, an appointment made by then-Mayor George Voinovich. Later, she was appointed as Deputy Director of Special Projects with the Ohio Lottery Commission.

Mary Zone's greatest legacy is reflected in the lives of her family and friends and along every street crisscrossing the near west side. She was a founding member of the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization and the Nolasco Housing Organization. She was an integral and active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, serving for many years as President of its PTA. Most recently, Mrs. Zone served on the board of Villa Mercedes. Following the death of her son, Marty, to AIDS in 1993, she actively pursued programs and projects focused on assisting individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS.

Her humble nature precluded her from reveling in awards and accolades. However, her outstanding service was recognized by others. She was the recipient of many awards that highlighted her humanitarian efforts, including the Father Marino Frascati Neighborhood Champion Award from the Detroit Shoreway CDC, presented to her this past November.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mary Zone. The infinite measure of her heart, combined with her courage, vision and integrity, defined her life and served to lift the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our community, especially our near west side neighborhood. Her kindness, energy and compassion will be greatly missed within the hearts of her many friends, including my own. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family members, and especially to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Zone lived her life with joy, energy and in unwavering service to others. Her eternal faith in humanity and in the notion that together, we can make a positive difference, will continue to serve as an unending force of hope and possibility throughout our community, and her memory and legacy will forever live on within the hearts of all who knew and loved her well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in honor and recognition of acclaimed sports photographer Ron Kuntz, for his masterful artistry in capturing defining moments in Cleveland sports history, a legacy that spans more than fifty years and continues today, and for his ministry of the heart, a vocation that continues to provide light and solace for those living without hope.

Beyond his unwavering dedication to his family and to his profession, Mr. Kuntz shares his stories, photographs and compassion with prisoners in Ohio and across the country. His outreach began thirty years ago, when Mr. Kuntz first volunteered with the Bill Glass Prison Ministry. Mr. Kuntz' gifts of spiritual guidance and kindness continues to serve as a source of comfort and support for those who live in desolate isolation.

The inspiring photographs of Mr. Kuntz jump with energy and emotion from the pages and wires of local and national publications. His artistry is evidenced in every picture, highlighting his unique ability to seize the true essence of a remarkable moment. From the dark room to the newsroom, Mr. Kuntz brings the emotion and movement of a moment already gone, back to life--a split-second portrait of the human condition framed by athletic competition.

His work chronicles the great legends and legendary moments of professional athletes and teams of Cleveland, especially the Cleveland Indians--from the glowing victories to the crushing defeats. Armed with an affable nature and quick smile, Mr. Kuntz garnered the respect, trust and admiration of everyone around him. His joy for life is reflected in the photographs he has taken, and within his outreach to others.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Ron Kuntz brilliant photographer, dedicated family man, and compassionate volunteer, whose work and ministry continues to be a gift to our entire community. As he journeys onward from here, we offer him blessings of health, happiness and peace. We look forward to the continued artistry of Ron Kuntz, a man of heart, integrity and deep sense of service to others, whose very life continues to elevate the lives of others, with a snapshot, handshake, kind word and a smile.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Detective Louis J. Deck, loving father, grandfather, friend and mentor, whose life was lived in dedicated and outstanding service to others. As a veteran of the United States Navy, Mr. Deck served our country with courage and honor. As a veteran police officer and detective with the Cleveland Police Department, Detective Deck protected and served the citizens of our community with wisdom, compassion, courage and integrity.

Detective Deck began his law enforcement career in 1967, as a police officer working in the 4th District of the Cleveland Police Department. Just three years later, he was appointed to serve in the Bureau of Special Investigations unit and was soon appointed to the position of Detective. Detective Deck incorporated his street smarts, brave heart, and insight into the human psyche to assist in solving a myriad of criminal cases--cases that sprung from the streets and cases that rose from corporate greed.

Detective Deck's nearly forty-year tenure with the Cleveland Police Department was framed by honor and achievement. Though modest and unimpressed with accolades, Detective Deck's significant contribution to our community did not go unnoticed. In 1985 and 1986, Detective Deck was awarded commendations by the U.S. House of Representatives for his outstanding work as a crime victim liaison. In that capacity, Detective Deck worked diligently to uncover every avenue of assistance for crime victims and their families. Detective Deck's concern for others extended well beyond the bounds of the 4th District. He was a regular volunteer with the Cops & Kids programs at Metro General Hospital, providing a sunny distraction for young patients through his annual transformation from detective to elf. He was also an active member of civic organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association, and the Cleveland Police Historical Society and Museum.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Detective Louis J. Deck, as we reflect on his incredible service to our community as police officer, detective, veteran, volunteer and friend. Detective Deck's integrity, expertise, and focus on protecting and reaching out to those in need will forever serve as a shining example of all that is good in public service. He lived life with a wry smile, quick wit and helping hand, and his legacy of lifting up the lives of countless residents, young and old, will serve as a shining road upon which others should follow, and will forever uplift our entire community. I offer my condolences to his children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends. His life and service to others will live forever in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Tim McCormack, upon the close of his outstanding service as Cuyahoga County Commissioner. Commissioner McCormack's passionate and powerful resolve and unwavering focus on restoring our child welfare system has saved the lives of many children, and enhanced the lives of countless more.

Beneath Commissioner McCormack's straightforward and abrupt approach shines a courageous and compassionate heart, one that has guided him well and served our children well. Of the myriad of issues facing our county, Commissioner McCormack directed his focus on the plight of the struggling children and families of Cuyahoga County. Armed with compassion, integrity, intelligence, and a natural immunity to political pressure, Commissioner McCormack worked tirelessly to cut a clear path through the tangled web of county government, working to recreate a system of government that would serve as an effective entity where the lives of our children would be protected and assisted. Because of Commissioner McCormack's commitment, the families and caseworkers of Cuyahoga County now walk along the path of light and hope.

The work of Commissioner McCormack was a vocation, not occupation, and he consistently drove himself to work the best he could on behalf of his constituents. His efforts always exceeded 100 percent, and he expected the same from his staff and colleagues. A true hero and man of unwavering integrity, Commissioner McCormack used his high profile position as nothing more than an instrument of aid to others. His long- time commitment to public service spans nearly twenty-five years, evenly reflecting a biography of outstanding service to his constituents, especially to those in need.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude to Commissioner Tim McCormack, whose honest work and unwavering focus shed light on a broken system, and who had a profound impact on the lives of countless residents of Cuyahoga County. Commissioner McCormack's steadfast dedication on behalf of our most vulnerable and valuable citizens, the children of Cuyahoga County, will forever serve as a beacon of light and hope, and the torch he carried must be raised high again.

Mr. Speaker, today I am sending a letter to Secretary- Designate Rice and Ambassador Negroponte expressing concerns over the Iraq elections that are to take place in just 5 days.

It will be impossible to determine the extent to which corruption, voter intimidation or outright fraud will mar the results. Here is why: there is a total absence of international election observers for the process. As such, it will make the elections themselves, regrettably, a farce.

International observers were present at polling sites in Nigeria, East Timor, Haiti, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Ukraine. Iraq is the first so-called transitional election in the past 2 decades that will not have international election observers touring polling stations. Instead, Iraq will have a ``mission,'' which will assess the elections from Amman, Jordan, inspecting the Iraq elections from Amman, Jordan.

This is not acceptable, to stage an election that cannot be monitored for fairness, where it cannot be independently determined whether ballot boxes are being stuffed.

Mr. Speaker, this morning we learned the White House wants to not only privatize Social Security but also wants to cut retirees' benefits. Privatization takes money from retirees on Main Street and gives it to the Enrons of Wall Street. Will Wall Street care about what happens to precious Social Security funds when more than half of the private pension funds in the U.S. are already insolvent and cut Social Security benefits?

No one is cutting the cost of food, rent, electricity, gas, oil or property taxes.

There is a solution. Keep the Wall Street/White House hands off. Do not privatize Social Security. Do not cut Social Security benefits. Social Security is rock solid through the year 2042. The crisis is the attempted theft of retirees' benefits.

Mr. Speaker, call the cops. The American people are being robbed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the House for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield for the purpose of making a unanimous consent request to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

(Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, let us not denigrate factual concerns about the Ohio election by dismissing them as simply partisan. This is not about Democrat or Republican votes. It is not about red or blue States or black or white. It is about wrong or right. It is not about winners or losers. It is about protecting voting rights in our democracy against corruption.

Let us review just one of the very serious concerns with the Ohio election: voting machines were misallocated, causing voters to stand in line, in some cases for 10 hours. That denies voters equal protection of the law. In the State's capital, a shortage of voting machines in predominantly African American communities was created, even though the Secretary of State knew far in advance that 102,000 new voters were registered in that county alone. The misallocation of voting machines was estimated to have denied at least 15,000 people the opportunity to vote. Furthermore, the Secretary of State, who under Ohio law has a constitutional duty to ensure election laws are upheld, failed to issue guidelines under the Help America Vote Act for 2 years. Contrary to the spirit of HAVA, which is to encourage voting and to have every vote count, Ohio's top election official conducted the activities of his office in a most partisan manner, undermining public trust in the election. He sharply restricted the ability of voters to use provisional ballots. He endeavored to make it more difficult for lower- income people, who are more likely to move, to vote.

We know who won the election, but what the American people do not know is the extent to which voting irregularities in the State of Ohio deprived tens of thousands of my fellow citizens of their 14th amendment right to equal protection of the law and their constitutionally protected right to vote. The right to vote is expressly protected by the 15th amendment, the 19th and the 24th amendment, and the 26th amendment to the United States Constitution. It is that right which has produced our very presence in this Chamber. It is that right which binds us as a Nation, which creates the unity of States, which legitimizes the government, which enfranchises not just the people, but in which reposes the treasure of the American people, a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

People have marched for that right, have put their lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor on the line for that right, have died for that right; and the least we can do is show our commitment to protecting that right.

The outcome of the election will remain unchanged, but what must change is a system which denied citizens of a great State their opportunity to change the outcome. Election reform is our solemn duty. Our statements today show whether we intend to do that duty.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) to continue this.

Mr. Speakr, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), a great leader.

(Mr. NADLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Peter V. Kilbane--United States Veteran of WWII, thirty-six year member of the Cleveland Police Department; and most significantly, devoted family man; and friend and mentor to many.

Mr. Kilbane's life centered around his unwavering commitment to his family, to community, and to our nation. He embraced his Irish heritage, and embraced the values, traditions and ethics taught to him by his parents, Mihal Moor and Honora Joyce. Together, Peter and his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Margaret Mary, offered these vital life lessons to their children: Karen, Grace Ann, Peter G., Peggy, and Mary. He will also be remembered as a loving father figure to Mary Lou Wallish, and to the memory of Harry Spencer.

Mr. Kilbane served our country with honor and courage. His decorated service during WWII reflected his heroic actions in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. From the front lines fighting for liberty during the war, to the front lines fighting crime along the streets of Cleveland, Mr. Kilbane exhibited the same unyielding dedication and concern for others. He worked in every district within the Cleveland Police Department, and held the position of Lieutenant of Special Operations, Detective Bureau, when he retired in 1987. Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Kilbane consistently reached out into our community. He held board positions and was an active member of many civic organizations, including St. Malachi Parish, the Holy Name Society, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Emerald Society, and the Retired Irish Police Society. In 2000, the Retired Irish Police Society named him the Retired Irish Police Officer of the Year.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. Peter V. Kilbane--a man of heart, courage and integrity, who lived life with a joyous focus on family, friends and helping others. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Margaret Mary, to his children, grandchildren, great-children and to his extended family members and many friends. His kindness, heart and courageous service has served to uplift our Cleveland community, and his shining legacy, spirit and memory will live on forever within the minds and hearts of all whom knew and loved him well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Judge Anne Kilbane of the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals--fearless sponsor of justice, inspiring role model, and friend and mentor to many. Her untimely passing marks a great loss for her family, friends and colleagues, and for the people of our Cleveland community whom she served with the highest level of commitment, integrity and honor.

Judge Kilbane's unwavering reliability and strong work ethic were gifts from her parents, the late Thomas B. Kilbane and Nora Kilbane, who emigrated from Ireland to Cleveland. She worked at the Cleveland Health Department, then began her studies at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where she graduated in 1976.

Elected to the bench in 1988, Judge Kilbane's unequalled work ethic and uncompromising professional integrity quickly garnered the respect of most, and ruffled the feathers of some. Armed with a sharp legal mind and even sharper focus on the public she served, Judge Kilbane shattered the status quo by fighting for transparency in and out of the courtroom.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Judge Anne Kilbane. The courage, vision and integrity that defined her life will be greatly missed along the halls and in the courtrooms of the 8th District Court of Appeals--and will be greatly missed within the hearts of her many friends, including my own. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family members, especially her brothers and sisters: Patrick, Mary, Judith, Kathleen and the memory of Thomas, Bryan and Bridget.

Judge Anne Kilbane's life was lived with joy, energy and in unwavering service to others. Her eternal faith in humanity and in the power of justice will continue to serve as an unyielding example and unending force of truth within our legal system, and within the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved her well. Her journey as a first- generation American from the old neighborhoods of Cleveland, to the 8th Ohio District Court of Appeals, reflects all that she was, and all that she gave to us--the possibility to achieve one's dreams; working in service to others; the courage to stand up for what is right; and the integrity to never back down. And Judge Anne Kilbane will forever inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the leaders and members of St. Colman Parish, of Cleveland, Ohio, as they celebrate 125 years of faith, guidance and support, embracing generations of citizens throughout our westside Cleveland community.

In 1880, St. Colman Parish was formed to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of the Irish-American residents of this neighborhood. Since that time, St. Colman's has evolved into a parish community that reflects the racial and cultural diversity of the community it serves, wholly embracing and celebrating the brilliantly diverse mosaic that is the rich fabric of the people of this parish.

St. Colman's historical and bright legacy of social justice, community outreach, cultural preservation, educational programs and spiritual guidance, continues to emanate along these streets, offering tangible services and assistance to citizens of all ages. Restoring broken homes and broken hearts is the continuing legacy of St. Colman's Parish.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every leader and member of St. Colman Parish, as they celebrate 125 years of cultivating faith, hope and heritage for generations of families within our Cleveland community. We also rise in honor and memory of the struggle, sacrifice and triumph of the founding members of this parish, who journeyed to America with little more than faith, hope and the grit to survive. Love and faith still radiates from St. Colman Parish, encircling this neighborhood with light, strength and hope rising on the dawn of a brand new day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Dr. Henry T. King, Jr., as Canada's First Honorary Consul in Cleveland and Northeast OH, and of the opening of a Canadian consulate office in Cleveland.

Dr. King has been a long-time friend of Canada. As U.S. Director of the Canada-U.S. Law Institute, he has hosted the Institute's annual law conference at Case Western Reserve University School of Law for the last 19 years. Dr. King is a member of the American Bar Association and former chairman of its Section on International Law and Practice. He is currently U.S. Chairman of the Joint ABA/CBA/Barra Mexicana Working Group on the Settlement of International Disputes.

Dr. King is a founder and co-chairman of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group. He is also a member and former chairman of the Northern Ohio District Export Council. In addition, he is a member of the Corporate Counsel Committee of the American Arbitration Association and is an advisory board member of the Institute for International and Comparative Law of the Center for American and International Law, formerly the Southwestern Legal Foundation.

Dr. King's strong interest in international law and justice goes back to his days as a young lawyer shortly after the Second World War when he joined with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson as a prosecutor at Nuremberg. This experience had a strong effect on his views of international law and relations, as is evident from his writings on global justice, international human rights, national and international security, sovereignty, and international courts.

Henry King is a graduate of Yale Law School and has an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Laws from the University of Western Ontario. He was awarded lifetime membership in the Canadian Bar Association. He is a Professor of Law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law and Of Counsel to the law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly pleased that the people of Canada, in their wisdom, turned to Dr. Henry T. King, Jr., to be the Honorary Consul for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Canadians as well as the people of Greater Cleveland will be well represented in this most important international relationship.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 1,300 brave American men and women have sacrificed their lives in Iraq. Yet the central reasons for the U.S. invasion have fallen apart: Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction, there is no proof that Iraq was instrumental with al Qaeda's role in 9/11, and Iraq was not trying to get nuclear materials from Najir.

This administration misled the Congress, misled the American people, violated international law, directed the bombings of populated areas causing the disruption of water, sewer, and electrical service, ordered house-to-house fighting, and now, the civilian toll, by one account, is over 100,000 Iraqi civilians perished. Why?

Freedom, if it is to be obtained anywhere, must be advanced under the standard of truth. The Iraqis will not be handed freedom based on lies, nor will our own Nation preserve our freedoms if we continue to accept the basis for our occupation of Iraq.

This administration must be held accountable under international law for the disaster it visited upon Iraq. Only the truth can clean the stain on our Nation's conscience.

Mr. Speaker, we rise today in honor and remembrance of Cardinal James A. Hickey, a humble leader, friend and guide to many, whose spiritual journey focused on civil rights and the struggle of the oppressed and poor. His significant contribution served to uplift the lives of countless individuals and families, here in Cleveland, and far beyond.

Throughout his entire vocation, Cardinal Hickey was a tireless advocate on behalf of those held back by racism and poverty. In 1974, he was named Bishop of the Cleveland Catholic Dioceses. During his six- year tenure here, Cardinal Hickey worked with community leaders and organizations on vital issues such as the peaceful integration of the public schools, and he also worked to stop banks from red-lining urban neighborhoods. He strongly encouraged leaders of neighborhood parishes to become involved with the issues affecting their congregations. Cardinal Hickey led by example, and led with a consistently kind and humble nature. When he was named Archbishop of Washington, DC in 1980, he again worked to establish strong bonds with local community leaders to address the needs of the growing population of citizens struggling with poverty and AIDS. He led the charge to create and implement social programs to address the needs of the poor, with a special focus on children, the elderly and refugee individuals and families. While in Washington, Cardinal Hickey worked closely with Americans of Hispanic heritage, and advocated on behalf of their collective and individual struggles here in America, and in El Salvador as well. His twenty-year tenure in Washington, DC, where he was named Cardinal in 1988, reflected a man who became a powerful representative of the poor and homeless. Throughout the metropolitan area of Washington, Cardinal Hickey directed the efforts that established sixteen parish missions, housing for dependent elderly, housing for independent elderly, and countless educational, legal and medical services for the homeless, individuals suffering from AIDS, refugees, and the poor.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Cardinal James A. Hickey, whose compassion, guidance and good works uplifted the lives of countless individuals--in Michigan where he was first ordained, here in Cleveland, in Washington, DC, and in Latin America. His leadership and advice were consistently sought by national and world leaders, yet he felt most at home when working with the people of the neighborhood parishes and missions. Graceful, humble, committed and articulate, the words and deeds of Cardinal James A. Hickey will live on forever in the hearts of the countless families and individuals whom he so greatly served--reflecting his light of hope and justice, today, and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. These men and women of Hungary, armed with the promise of liberty and hope for a better tomorrow, were the first to courageously rise up in defiance of the Soviet occupation. Their historical struggle for freedom continues to inspire those who are not yet free. I also rise today in honor and welcome of Former Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, who has journeyed to Cleveland to commemorate the sacrifice, determination and heart of the Hungarian ``Freedom Fighters'' of 1956.

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution marked the beginning of the end of Soviet oppression in Central and Eastern Europe. As the Soviet army blazed a trail of aggression and control, millions of Hungarians fled Europe and sought refuge in America. More than two hundred thousand Hungarians settled in Cleveland, bringing with them the culture and memories of their beloved homeland, and the promise of freedom and democracy.

A leader on the front lines of liberty in Hungary, Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban carried the blazing torch of freedom, passed to him from the generation before. He was one of the founders of the Federation of Young Democrats--one of Hungary's first parties to oppose communist rule. In a speech delivered on June 16, 1989, the words of Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban rang loud and clear along the streets and countryside of Hungary and far beyond, demanding free elections and the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. Thousands of Hungarian men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that all could be free. The Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956 pierced the darkness of tyranny and sparked the first light of liberty throughout Central and Eastern Europe. The rising light of their quest for freedom and their bravery, heart and sacrifice continues to inspire us all, lending us hope for the dawning of a peaceful new day.