Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, the Kucinich-Visclosky amendment corrects a significant flaw in the administration's manufacturing policy.

Let us review recent history. During President Bush's term, manufacturing has shrunk, factory jobs have decreased, steel companies have closed; 13 steel companies and 14.6 million tons of capacity have been shut down since this administration took office. Cheap foreign imports are up. The trade deficit is up. This was a $549 billion drag on the economy last year, and that is a record. In other words, on this administration's watch, the manufacturing base of our economy has eroded.

Now, it happens that much of American manufacturing occurs in a few States, and we are in an election year when those States get some attention. After ignoring the deterioration of American manufacturing for most of its term, this administration wants voters to believe that it cares, so the President announced just last month the creation of a Manufacturing Council.

The purpose of the Council, according to a news release, is to ``work with the Commerce Department to advocate, coordinate and implement policies that will help U.S. manufacturers compete worldwide.''

The Council is comprised of CEOs from a number of industries. However, it is marred by the omission of any union representative or, surprisingly, steel industry representatives. Apparently, we have to remind the administration about the importance of steel.

Steel makes the railroads, it holds up the buildings of our cities, it armors our tanks and ships, but basic steel is completely excluded from the President's Manufacturing Council.

All manufactured goods are made by people. Steel is made by people. These people form unions. Union labor built modern America. Union labor builds steel. But the President excluded union labor from his Manufacturing Council.

How can this administration be serious about manufacturing, when it ignores the basic steel industry and union workers? Does it think that buildings build themselves, that cars forge, stamp and assemble themselves, and that America can make basic steel appear by magic? Or does the administration's manufacturing plan actually consist of offshore factories, freely flowing imports and out-of-work American steelworkers?

The Kucinich-Visclosky amendment sends a clear message to the President: Congress believes that a manufacturing policy for America must include the steel industry and the participation of union labor. The amendment accomplishes this by expanding membership on the President's Manufacturing Council to include the steel industry and America's manufacturing unions. The amendment will cut a nominal amount of funding for the President's Manufacturing Council until that essential change is made, but it will have no effect on spending levels of the bill as a whole.

The Visclosky amendment is supported by the steelworkers union, and at the appropriate point in the record, Mr. Chairman, I will insert a letter from the United Steelworkers of America in favor of the Kucinich-Visclosky amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join with me in correcting a significant flaw in this administration's vision for America's future. A ``yes'' vote on the Kucinich-Visclosky amendment will encourage a future for domestic basic steel, a future in which respect, as well as good wages, are paid to unionized American workers.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, before I yield time to my good friend, the cosponsor of this amendment, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), I would like to respond to my good friend from Virginia that it is true that the amendment reduces the spending for the Council by $50,000 and then increases it by $50,000.

Our amendment is intended to condition $50,000 for the Manufacturing

Council on the expansion of its membership to correct a serious mistake, and that is omitting basic steel and organized labor from advising them on manufacturing. The form of the amendment has the effect of referring to floor debate to instruct the interpretation of the bill. The amendment will literally do what we say it will do.

I also want to commend the gentleman for the concern that he has expressed about offshoring of our industries. I think it is important that we pay attention to that. This amendment will help this country put a renewed emphasis on a Manufacturing Council which has a glaring omission: They do not have the steel industry represented on it.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), who has been an outstanding champion of American working men and women and the steelworkers, not only in his district, but all across America.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume to read a brief statement.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to read a brief statement and then yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

I have here a letter from the United Steelworkers of America, which says,

The United Steelworkers of America urges your support for an

amendment that will be offered by Ohio Congressman Dennis

Kucinich and Indiana Congressman Peter Visclosky. The United

Steelworkers of America strongly supports the Kucinich-

Visclosky amendment to H.R. 4754, because it corrects two

substantial omissions from the Bush administration's recently

created Manufacturing Council.

They go on to point out that no one from Labor is on the council and also that no one from the steel industry is on the council.

Mr. Chairman, I include this for the Record as follows:

United Steelworkers of America,

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the Farr/Rohrabacher/ Hinchey amendment, which will end federal raids on medical marijuana patients and providers in states where medical marijuana is legal.

Despite marijuana's recognized therapeutic value, including a National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine report recommending its use in certain circumstances, federal law refuses to recognize its medicinal importance and safety. Instead, federal penalties for all marijuana use, regardless of purpose, includes up to a year in prison for the possession of even small amounts.

But since 1996, eight states have enacted laws to allow very ill patients to use medical marijuana in spite of federal law. The present administration, however has sought to override such state statutes, viewing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in the same light as the use of heroin or cocaine. In 2002, federal agents raided the Wo/ Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana or WAMM, an organization that under California state law legally dispensed marijuana to patients whose doctors had recommended it for pain and suffering. Eighty-five percent of WAMM's 225 members were terminally ill with cancer or AIDS.

The federal government should use its power to help terminally ill citizens, not arrest them. And states deserve to have the right to make their own decisions regarding the use of medical marijuana. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Offered By: Mr. Kucinich

Amendment No. 11: Page 57, line 11, after the dollar

amount, insert the following: ``(reduced by $1,000,000)

(increased by $1,000,000)''.

Offered By: Mr. Kucinich

Amendment No. 12: Page 57, line 11, after the dollar

amount, insert the following: ``(reduced by $250,000)

(increased by $250,000)''.

Offered By: Mr. Kucinich

Amendment No. 13: Page 57, line 11, after the dollar

amount, insert the following: ``(reduced by $50,000)

(increased by $50,000)''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Donald J. Campbell--admired and respected businessman, community leader, and friend and mentor to countless--upon his retirement following 10 years of exemplary service as the Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

Under his tenure as Director, Mr. Campbell carried out the mission of the NASA Glenn Research Center with great focus, vision, and dedication. He easily garnered the admiration of the entire staff at NASA Glenn. Moreover, Mr. Campbell forged strong partnerships with local and national business leaders, political leaders, and educational institutions, including historically black colleges and universities. These unbreakable bonds that radiate outward from NASA Glenn Research Center inspire countless young adults to follow their dreams of exploring careers in aeronautics, elevate our community's interest and understanding of aeronautics, and serve to support and enhance numerous educational opportunities for students within our community. As the only African American NASA Center Director during his tenure, Mr. Campbell served as an inspiration to numerous young Americans to remain focused on their academic and professional dreams, despite barriers or challenges along the way.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Campbell continues to take an active role within our community. He is a member of the board of directors of the American Red Cross and is a member of the Kent State University Aeronautics Division Advisory Board. Mr. Campbell has been honored numerous times for his significant career in public service, including the Affirmative Action Award from the Ohio Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, and the Technical Excellence in Government and Engineer Award from the National Technical Association.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Mr. Donald J. Campbell, as we recognize his significant contribution to NASA Glenn Research center and to our entire community. His work, expertise and dedication has enhanced and fortified the cornerstone of technology within our region. More importantly, it has served to provide tangible educational opportunities and limitless dreams of possibility for the young people of our community. I extend best wishes of peace, health and happiness to Mr. Campbell and his family, today, and throughout all of his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mr. Edward Licht, Bailiff for the Garfield Heights Municipal Court, as he is being honored as the Regional Court Officer of the Year by the Ohio Bailiff and Court Officers Association.

A life-long resident of Cuyahoga County, Mr. Licht served as a Special Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department for twenty-five years. During his tenure as Special Agent, Mr. Licht assisted in the investigation, apprehension and conviction of criminals involved in major gambling, illegal drug and money laundering operations. For his invaluable service, Mr. Licht was honored with several awards, including two Special Achievement awards, One Superior Service award, and an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Community Service award. Since 1999, Mr. Licht has held the position of Baliff with the Garfield Heights Municipal Court. His unwavering integrity, outstanding communication abilities and strong work ethic continues to uplift all facets of this regional court system.

Beyond his significant professional contributions, Mr. Licht continues to volunteer his time and talents within our community. He continues to be an active member of the Democratic Party within our community. A long-time member of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Mr. Licht currently serves as Deputy Treasurer. He has also been very active in the Independence Democratic Party for many years, as a member and an officer. Moreover, Mr. Licht continues to make an impact upon the lives of many as a volunteer probation officer with the Bedford and Garfield Heights court systems. His positive outlook and kind nature, combined with his sense of compassion and wonderful sense of humor, continuously serves to uplift those around him.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Ed Licht, upon being selected as the Regional Court Officer of the Year. Mr. Licht's professional contribution to our federal and regional justice system--reflected by strong ethics and a high level of integrity, continues to be significant and invaluable. Moreover, Mr. Licht's concern for his community and commitment to the democratic process continues to instill strength and integrity throughout the Democratic Party, and serves to strengthen our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of all veterans of the 10th Congressional District of Ohio--for their service, bravery, and dedication on behalf of our country. Most significantly, we stand in tribute and remembrance of those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice when they answered the call to duty.

The lives of many veterans and their families have been uplifted by the outreach efforts of the Westside Veterans Center--a haven of services, programs and assistance focused on the psychological, medical and economic needs of more than 44,000 veterans who live in the 10th Congressional District of Ohio. The Westside Veterans Center, located in Parma, Ohio, celebrated the opening of the McCafferty outstation in 1998. The McCafferty Outstation remains focused on addressing the needs of Hispanic American and African American veterans who live within our Westside communities. Reflective of their commitment to serve our diversified community, the Westside Vet Center and McCafferty Outstation both employ bilingual staff

The services provided by the Westside Veterans Center and the McCafferty Outstation Center is the least we can do on behalf of our veterans--our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, mothers, fathers and grandfathers--thousands of whom have made significant sacrifices and suffered great losses during and after their unwavering service to our country.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, tribute and gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces--let us forever remember their service, sacrifice and sense of duty--yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, we rise today in honor and remembrance of former Cleveland Mayor Ralph S. Locher--Devoted family man, accomplished attorney, Ohio Supreme Court justice, community leader, and admired friend and mentor. Mr. Locher's term as Mayor of the City of Cleveland during a turbulent period of Cleveland's history, solidified his reputation as a man of honesty, integrity and heart.

Mayor Locher was born in Romania to American parents. His family left Europe to return to America, settling in western Ohio. Mayor Locher graduated from Bluffton College in 1936 and graduated from Western University School of Law three years later. He practiced law in Cleveland with Davis & Young until 1945, when he left for Columbus to accept the position of secretary of the Industrial Commission of Ohio.

His political career began in 1953, when Mayor Locher was appointed by Cleveland Mayor Anthony Celebrezze as the city law director. Mayor Locher did not seek elected office--it sought him. In 1962, Mayor Celebrezze resigned his post to accept an appointment by President John F. Kennedy, which immediately plunged Mr. Locher into the role as Mayor of Cleveland. Mayor Locher significantly trounced his opponent at the special election, and ran unopposed for a full term the next year.

Following his departure from office, Mayor Locher went on to be elected as probate judge in 1972. In 1976, Mayor Locher was elected as an Ohio Supreme Court justice, where he served until retiring from the bench in 1988. Mayor Locher served the bench with honor, integrity and concern, and garnered the admiration and respect of everyone associated with the court.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join us in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mayor Ralph S. Locher--An outstanding citizen, devoted husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, and an exceptional man and caring leader whose life positively impacted the lives of countless. We extend our deepest condolences to Mayor Locher's beloved wife, Eleanor, his daughter, Virginia Wells, and his grandson, and great-granddaughter. His passing marks a deep loss for so many of us who called him friend. Mayor Locher's flawless legacy of exceptional leadership, judicial integrity and sincere concern for others will be remembered always by the people of Cleveland--and far beyond. Moreover, his kindness, grace, and quiet dignity will always serve as example of a successful leader and more importantly--an exceptional human being.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. John J. Brennan--Devoted father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend and mentor to countless individuals--family, friends and colleagues, whose lives have been forever enriched for having known and loved him well. My brother, Gary Kucinich and I, are better people for having called John J. Brennan friend, and we share in the deep sadness with his family and friends in knowing that he left us far too soon.

Mr. Brennan's 25-year career as an investigator with the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services Investigative Fraud Unit, reflected honesty, ethics, and the ability to see through the complex maze of layered cases and get right to the heart of the matter. While growing up in Cleveland, Mr. Brennan's parents, the late Judge Hugh Brennan and Dorothy Brennan, instilled within him a strong work ethic, dedication and perseverance, and above all, they showed him the power of a giving and caring heart. A graduate of Holy Name High School and John Carroll University, Mr. Brennan's good natured and jovial spirit belied his strong intellect. He was quick to offer his assistance to anyone in need, and his quick wit and kind words consistently uplifted the spirits of others.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mr. John J. Brennan, loving father of Colleen, Michael and Ann; devoted grandfather of Anthony and Romello; loving friend of Kathy Meyers; devoted brother of Thomas and Timothy, and dear friend to many. Mr. Brennan will be deeply missed, yet today we celebrate his life, a life lived joyously. John J. Brennan embraced love and embraced life-- and the love he gave to others will forever live on within the hearts and memories of all of us who knew and loved him well.

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May the rain fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

--Irish Proverb

Mr. Chairman, in May 2004 the General Accounting Office released a report entitled ``NRC Needs to More Aggressively and Comprehensively Resolve Issues Related to the Davis Besse Nuclear Power Plant's Shutdown.'' The report was requested by me, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), and Senator Voinovich. The scope of the report was to examine the failures of the NRC related to the recent troubles at the Davis Besse nuclear power plant.

The report also examined options to improve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's ability to effectively regulate. The report offers five important recommendations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that will greatly improve nuclear reactor safety. I would like to work with the chairman and the ranking member to include language in the conference report that directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to follow the recommendations found in the May 2004 General Accounting Office report.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their assistance to resolve this matter.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) has pointed out that this resolution is being covered by C-SPAN. I would suggest it ought to be covered by the Science Fiction Network. Let us not be fooled by this bill, which endorses an illegal war which this Nation entered into based on lies and misrepresentation. Lest we forget, Iraq

had nothing to do with 9/11, with al Qaeda's role in 9/11. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. It was wrong to go in, and it is wrong to stay in. The June 30 sovereignty this resolution discusses is a hoax. What kind of sovereignty will Iraq have with 130,000 U.S. troops present? What kind of sovereignty does Iraq have when the U.S. is now selling Iraqi oil and spending the money as it sees fit?

This bill states that we are handing Iraq a safe, secure and stable state. In effect, it declares a desert an oasis, a swamp a garden, a lie the truth.

The continued U.S. occupation of Iraq will not end on June 30, and it is counterproductive. Make no mistake about it, when July 1 comes, the violence will continue, the attacks will not stop, and our troops will still be in harm's way. It is time for us to recognize the Nation went down the wrong path in Iraq. The policy is unsustainable and it is a failure. We cannot continue with it. It is time for a peace plan with an exit strategy. It is time for us to get the U.N. community involved and to bring our troops home. U.N. in, U.S. out.

We should not be fooled. We should vote against this resolution, and we should be looking towards bringing this Congress together with a new direction to truly have a peace plan with an exit strategy. This resolution does not do this. This resolution is a farce and should be defeated.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Congressional Human Rights Caucus co-Chairs, Congressman Lantos and Congressman Wolf, for inviting me to speak at this important event.

June 26 marks the United Nations' international day in support of torture victims. This declared day honors the essential human right of freedom from torture for all, as guaranteed by international law and defined under the United Nations Convention against Torture. Despite this international law, however, over 117 countries still practice torture, according to Amnesty International.

It is a practice that occurs both in undemocratic societies as well as in countries that are U.S. allies and that receive significant U.S. foreign aid. Torture is used against politicians, union leaders, journalists, health professionals, human rights defenders, people in detention or prison, members of ethnic or religious minorities, student leaders, and ordinary citizens, children as well as adults.

The physical and psychological ramifications of torture are incomprehensible and can last a lifetime. There is an estimated 100 million torture survivors worldwide, with 500,000 foreign torture survivors residing in the United States. Rehabilitation centers have been set up around the world to treat victims of torture, yet more must still be done. Today we will hear testimonies from expert witnesses regarding the treatment of torture from the perspectives of human rights workers, physicians, and torture survivors.

At this time I would like to thank the Human Rights Caucus and the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Committee for hosting this important and timely briefing.

Mr. Speaker, there is much in H. Con. Res. 460 that I do support. I support the finding that ``there will be no security for Israelis or Palestinians until Israel and the Palestinians, and all countries in the region and throughout the world, join together to fight terrorism and dismantle terrorist organizations.'' I support the finding that ``the United States remains committed to the security of Israel, including secure, recognized and defensible borders, and to preserving and strengthening the capability of Israel to deter enemies and defend itself against any threat.'' And I support the right of Israel to defend itself against terrorism.

But what I do not support, and what I think is inappropriate for Congress to do, is to predetermine the outcome of certain questions that the Israelis and Palestinians must themselves decide. It is not the place of the U.S. Congress, if we wish to preserve the U.S. as an honest broker of a negotiated peace, to circumscribe the rights of Palestinian refugees. It is not the place of the U.S. Congress to condone, as ``new realities on the ground in Israel,'' unlawful settlements of Israelis in the Occupied Territories.

Congress did not have to make inappropriate judgments such as these to offer support for the security of Israel. I believe that H. Con. Res. 460 is more of a disservice than an aid to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, and for that reason, I must vote against it.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

The Chairman. The Clerk will designate the amendment.