Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mr. Richard Hart--teacher, mentor, guide and source of strength and inspiration for countless young men and women at Max S. Hayes Vocational High School.

Mr. Hart, a Certified Welding Educator, created Project WELD several years ago, intent on energizing the school's welding program. The acronym stands for Worthy Employment, Leadership Development--which is exactly what students take away from the program. Mr. Hart is so deeply committed to this project that he initiated the program on his own personal time, using his own personal funds.

Project WELD provides students with a real insight and understanding into the profession of welding by bringing industry employees and employers into the classroom. Additionally, students are exposed to the latest in welding technology through funds and equipment donated from local welding companies. Beyond his scholastic and professional contributions, awards and accolades, Mr. Hart's greatest accomplishment continues to be the impression he makes on his students, through his method of teaching by example that offers each student the promise of a bright future.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mr. Richard Hart, whose leadership, commitment and belief in the students at Max S. Hayes Vocational High School continues to uplift the lives of countless students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my dear friend, Winifred Mary ``Ma'' Duncan--devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor and community activist, whose life deeply affected the lives of countless individuals, including my own.

Mrs. Duncan was an unwavering source of strength for her family, as she raised and supported seven children on her own. Armed with a strong sense of determination, faith, and inner resolve, Mrs. Duncan faced the challenges of single parenthood with grace and focus, and was a consistently loving role model for her children, and for all the children in the neighborhood.

Beyond caring for her family, Mrs. Duncan remarkably found the time and energy to volunteer within the community. In the late sixties and seventies, she served as a Council Member for the City of Valley View. During that time, she delivered Christmas and Easter baskets to families in need. Throughout the seventies and eighties, Mrs. Duncan served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Merrick House Settlement and the Tremont Free Clinic. For the past 30 years, Mrs. Duncan was an active member of the St. Augustine Parish Council, St. Augustine Hunger Council, St. Augustine Seniors, St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Cleveland Catholic Blind Community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Winifred Mary ``Ma'' Duncan. As we deeply mourn her passing, we also joyously celebrate her life. ``Ma'' Duncan built a foundation of love and security for her children, and for the world around her. Her sense of charity, love for others and giving nature encircled her family, encircled the neighborhood, and uplifted our entire community. I offer my deepest condolences to her children: Valerie, Charles, James, Wayne, Gerald, Kathleen and Rosemary; and to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and to her extended family and many friends. The wondrous affect on the lives she touched is immeasurable, and ``Ma'' Duncan's beautiful legacy--a legacy reflecting giving, compassion and love, will live on forever within the memory and heart of everyone who knew and loved her well. The way ``Ma'' Duncan lived her life has given light to our community and has raised our corner of the world to a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Alicia G. Jaquillard--devoted wife, mother, grandmother, dedicated human services employee, and friend and mentor to many.

Mrs. Jaquillard was born in Puerto Rico, and eventually emigrated to America with her family. Her family was central to her life. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Marvin J. Jaquillard, and also her four stepsons. She was extremely close to her children and eight grandchildren--and will be deeply missed by her entire family.

Mrs. Jaquillard and her family moved to Toledo in 1972. She worked for the Lucas County Department of Human Service as a Food Stamp Officer. She performed her duties with integrity and compassion, and was held in high esteem by clients and colleagues. Mrs. Jaquillard possessed an incredible sense of humor, and had the rare ability to make others feel instantly comfortable and welcome.

Mrs. Jaquillard retired from public service in 1985, which enabled her to spend more time surrounded by family, and more time to pursue her favorite pastimes--cooking, traveling and music. She was an exceptional cook, and loved to share her culinary talents with family and friends by preparing a variety of traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes. She loved music, especially slow romantic songs and music of her Spanish heritage. Mr. and Mrs. Jaquillard were avid travelers. Together, they journeyed across America, Canada and Mexico.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mrs. Alicia Jaquillard--beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. I offer my deepest condolences to her entire family and to her entire circle of friends. Mrs. Jaquillard lived her life with great joy, love and energy--and her memory and spirit will be remembered forever by all who knew and loved her well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of Father John J. Cregan, Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church of Cleveland, Ohio, as he is being honored for his significant outreach and committed service to the people of our Cleveland community.

For more than 40 years Father Cregan has served as a spiritual guide, healer and beloved mentor and friend to countless families and individuals. Since 1968, Father Cregan has served as a dedicated advocate of spirituality, faith and counsel to members of our safety forces. In his role as Catholic Chaplain for the Cleveland Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police, and as Spiritual Director of the Greater Cleveland Police and Fire Society, he continues to provide direction, hope and comfort to the men and women who so bravely and selflessly serve our community.

Father Cregan's journey of service to others began with his ordination at St. John's Cathedral on May 20, 1961. His kind, compassionate and gentle nature has touched the lives of countless families and individuals in every parish he has served. For more than twenty years, Father Cregan led the congregation at Blessed Sacrament Parish, first as Assistant Pastor, then as Pastor. Father Cregan also served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph Parish and St. Thomas More Parish. In 1987, Father Cregan was named Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Cleveland, where he continues to today--providing solace and strength to this parish community.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of Father John J. Cregan, whose compassion, commitment and energy continues to create a haven of assistance, hope and renewal for every member of Our Lady of Angels parish and for countless members of our safety forces. Father Cregan's vision, leadership, and love for others brings light, hope and possibility to Cleveland's West Park neighborhood, and strengthens our entire community. Today, we express our gratitude to Father Cregan for making a difference throughout the Cleveland area community.

Mr. Speaker, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (UVVA) is a Trojan Horse. While its sponsors claim that the bill will deter violence against pregnant women, the legislation actually does violence to the rights that women have to make reproductive choices. In fact, this legislation is not about deterring violence against pregnant women.

Individuals who commit violent acts against pregnant women should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and I strongly agree that Congress should increase penalties for these types of crimes. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Motherhood Protection Act. This establishes higher penalties when violent crimes against pregnant women interrupt the normal course of pregnancy. These stiffer penalties are the same as penalties in UVVA.

However, UVVA isn't designed to protect pregnant women from violent acts. It is crafted in order to undermine the right to reproductive choice by Federally recognizing a fetus with separate legal rights. That would be a big change that does nothing to deter violence. At this time, there is nothing in Federal law that gives separate legal rights to embryos or fetuses. There is no need to establish controversial, unprecedented Federal rights for embryos. Doing so, as UVVA does, radically changes the law without making any women safer.

UVVA would not help women when they and their pregnancies suffer as a result of domestic violence. This proposal would only confuse and complicate juries. UVVA would make it more difficult to prosecute criminals than the approach in the Motherhood Protection Act. Congress should draw a bright line that assaults against pregnant women are especially wrong and will be prosecuted and punished with increased penalties. For these reasons, I oppose the Unborn Victims of Violence Act and urge my colleagues to support the Motherhood Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dr. Helen S. Faison, for her significant and groundbreaking professional accomplishments in the field of education, and for serving as a mentor, role model and inspiration for countless women and men in the City of Pittsburgh, PA, and far beyond.

Dr. Faison's unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, trailblazing spirit and energetic quest for knowledge led her to become one of the first African-American teachers in the Pittsburgh School District. After many decades of inspirational instruction, Dr. Faison became the first female, and the first African-American to be named high school principal within the City of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Faison was later appointed as deputy superintendent of the Pittsburgh School District. This was the highest administrative position ever held by a woman in the district. Presently, Dr. Faison is the Director of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, and Education Department Chair and distinguished visiting professor at Chatham College. Beyond her monumental scholastic and professional contributions, awards and accolades, Dr. Faison has served as a beacon of inspiration, hope and living testament to countless students and colleagues--teaching by example that dreams can become reality.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Dr. Helen Faison, as she has been honored on February 5, 2004, by the 14th Annual Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series, sponsored by Dominion East Ohio. Dr. Faison's groundbreaking professional excellence and accomplishment as an outstanding teacher and educational leader has inspired, guided and enhanced the minds and hearts of countless young students through the years. Her continued commitment to education serves as a beacon of hope and light for people of all races so they may visualize and realize their dreams, and her journey continues to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my dear friend, Evelyn Blaha Szczech of Newburgh Heights, Ohio, as she gathers with family and friends to celebrate her birthday on February 7--eighty years young, and as lively as ever.

With family central to her life, Mrs. Szczech and her late husband, Clarence T. Szczech, raised four children: Clarence, Roseanne, Robert and Brian. She is blessed with ten grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

Beyond caring for her family, Mrs. Szczech has been an involved member of the community, and continues to dedicate her time and talents to many civic endeavors. For nearly five decades, Mrs. Szczech has been an intregal part of our democratic system--working to support candidates, educate voters, and promote voter registration. She has been an active member of the Democratic Party of Newburgh Heights since 1959, and has held all positions within the Party throughout the years, from entertainment committee member, to treasurer, to president.

With a quick and agile mind, and an equally energized spirit, Mrs. Szczech continues to volunteer her time and talents in service to her community. She continues her involvement in the Democratic Party of Newburgh Heights, and serving on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections--as she has for the past fifty years. She also continues to serve as a member of the Executive Committee of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party and is President of the Golden Agers of Newburgh Heights.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Evelyn Blaha Szczech, in joyous celebration of her 80th birthday. Mrs. Szczech continues to be an inspiration to everyone in her life--especially to her family and friends. Her loyalty, friendship, convictions, boundless energy, joy, and good works are invaluable gifts to all of us who know her well, and her dedication and work has uplifted the Village of Newburgh Heights, and our entire community. We wish her continued health and happiness today, and all days to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. Donald Bogart--devoted family man, accomplished scientist, social justice activist and humanitarian.

Mr. Bogart grew up in a small apartment in Brooklyn, NY. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Arts. Immediately following graduation, Bogart, a brilliant scholar, was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics--NASA's forerunner. In 1943, Bogart moved to Cleveland to begin his accomplished career in nuclear physics at NASA--a career that spanned nearly 40 years. From 1958 to 1974, Mr. Bogart served as director of the nuclear physics branch at NASA Lewis Research Center, where he led a team of scientists to develop a nuclear rocket for a proposed manned space flight to Mars. Mr. Bogart moved into the area of solar energy and technology, making great strides in the field. Later, as a representative of the State Department, Bogart brought his expertise in the area of solar energy to India and the Philippines.

Outshining his significant scientific achievement was his compassionate heart, strong convictions, and unyielding bravery as he consistently led local efforts on behalf of matters of human rights and civil rights, here at home and overseas. Mr. Bogart spoke publicly about the plight of Soviet Jews during the height of the cold war, and organized local groups to assist Jews to escape religious persecution in the former Soviet Union.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. Donald Bogart--an exceptional man, scientist, and leader whose life reflected accomplishment, caring and joy. I offer my deepest condolences to his devoted wife, Marilyn, beloved children, Carol, Valerie, and Wendy, devoted grandchildren, Sam, Alex and Andre, and extended family and friends. Donald Bogart's brilliant and flawless legacy--both personally and professionally, will be remembered forever by family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Roberto Ocasio. His love for family, music and community has left an indelible mark upon our city, and his passing has created a significant void for all who knew and loved him well.

Mr. Ocasio was born in New York City and raised in Cleveland. By the tender age of ten, he was performing in public, already greatly inspired by Latin music and jazz. He mastered several instruments along the way, including guitar, piano, clarinet and saxophone. As a young man, he left Cleveland for New York City to further his musical education, then onto Boston, where he studied at Berklee College of Music, mastering composing and arranging.

Mr. Ocasio's Latin Jazz eight-piece band, Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project, entertained local and national audiences and won critical acclaim. For two consecutive years, Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project was awarded the Cleveland Free Times Music Award for ``Best Jazz Band.'' More significantly than winning awards, Mr. Ocasio used his musical genius to reach out to the Hispanic community, offering instruction, song and hope by performing at schools, universities, churches and community events. Mr. Ocasio was honored as the ``2001 Hispanic of the Year'' by the offices of the United States Senate, in collaboration with Nuevos Horizontes Newspaper, for his exceptionally dedicated service to our Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Roberto Ocasio, who freely shared his gifts of music, warmth, wit and concern for others. His life was lived joyously and his gift of song and humanity has touched countless lives. I extend my deepest condolences to those who loved and knew him well--his wonderful family and many friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the lyrical song of Roberto Ocasio's spirited life will resound in the hearts of everyone he loved and inspired--today, and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. William C. Nieberding--devoted family man, accomplished scientist, active community leader, and admired friend and mentor.

Mr. Nieberding graduated from John Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1957, and attained a Master of Science degree in physics one year later. In 1959, Mr. Nieberding began employment at NASA Glenn Research Center as a research engineer. He was promoted several times throughout his tenure at NASA, and at the time of his retirement in 1995, held the position of Deputy Chief of the Instrumentation and Control Technology Division. Mr. Nieberding's professional life reflects several significant accomplishments and innovations in the field of aeronautics, space propulsion and space research. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his outstanding achievement in the development of advanced instrumentation used in aeronautic and space research programs. He was considered the leading national authority regarding this area of study, offering his expertise to aeronautic researchers from around the world. His name is one of a select few stored within a Mars rover that he helped to create.

Beyond his professional work, Mr. Nieberding was deeply dedicated to his community. He served on the Fairview Park Planning Commission, and was an active member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, where he served as President of the Parish Council for two years.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. William C. Nieberding, an exceptional man, scientist, and leader whose life reflected accomplishment, caring and joy. I offer my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Mary Ellen, his beloved children, Timothy, Therese and the memory of Christine; his beloved grandchildren, Emily and Mitchell; and his entire extended family. Mr. Nieberding's brilliant and flawless legacy, both personally and professionally, will be remembered forever by family, friends and colleagues, and will shine for all time across the starry night.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon, for her significant and groundbreaking professional accomplishments, and for serving as an inspiration and role model for minority women in Cleveland, Ohio, and far beyond.

Her unwavering integrity and strong work ethics were gifts from her mother, who taught by example during her childhood in Mississippi. Blackmon was the first member of her family to attend college, graduating magna cum laude from Tougaloo College in Mississippi with a Bachelor's Degree in African American Studies, political science and history. Her quest for knowledge and personal growth led her away from her Mississippi home, north to Cleveland, to earn a law degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Throughout her noteworthy career as an attorney, Judge Blackmon has served as the chief prosecutor for the City of Cleveland, assistant director of Victims/Witness Program, and professor at Dyke College. Presently, Judge Blackmon holds the monumental title as the first African-American woman to preside over the Court of Appeals of Ohio. Judge Blackmon has served, and continues to serve, on many civic advisory boards. She currently serves as

trustee for the Cleveland Bar Association, Lake Erie College, and the Black Women's Political Committee. For her outstanding contribution to the legal profession, Judge Blackmon has been awarded numerous personal and professional awards, including her induction into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, and the 1996 Alumni of the Year Award from Cleveland- Marshall College of Law.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon, as she is being honored on February 5, 2004, by the 14th Annual Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series, sponsored by Dominion East Ohio. Judge Blackmon's professional excellence and accomplishment as a distinguished attorney and judge serves as a beacon of hope and light for people of all races so they may visualize and realize their dreams. And Judge Blackmon's journey from Mississippi to Ohio reflects tenacity, integrity, dreams and hope, and she continues to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Cleveland Reads, as they enter into their seventeenth year of offering the gift of literacy to thousands of Greater Clevelanders. For many children and adults, learning to read and write also brings a significant sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and the promise and possibility of a renewed and brighter future.

Established in 1987, Cleveland Reads, a non-profit organization, has consistently worked to draw individuals, businesses and agencies into their volunteer literacy projects and campaign. Recently, Cleveland Reads was awarded a significant monetary grant from the United Parcel Service (UPS). The UPS award will enable the agency to enhance their existing volunteer outreach programs, and will also be used to create an effective tutoring model that will be initiated within our community's literacy coalition.

Cleveland Reads serves as the parent organization for over two hundred and twenty sites. Cleveland Reads recruits and trains tutors, researches leading methods in the literacy arena, and provides resources, guidance and support for literacy services throughout our region. Additionally, Cleveland Reads works to create local and national awareness regarding literacy issues within all levels of government and throughout the private sector.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Cleveland Reads. This vital agency has uplifted the lives of thousands of individuals, young and old--individuals who can now read and write, hope, dream and achieve. Cleveland Reads provides people with the tools to realize their goals by illuminating their horizon with promise and possibility shedding new light on their future--and bringing new hope to our community, and to our entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to show my support for House Resolution 492, honoring the contributions of the 8,000 Catholic schools in our nation.

I would also like to recognize the delegation of students, teachers, and parents who make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools a special day by visiting Capitol Hill offices throughout this day. Their commitment to creating exceptional education opportunities and maintaining quality Catholic schools ensures that Catholic students will continue to benefit from their schooling for years to come. When the 2.5 million students currently enrolled in Catholic schools graduate, an overwhelming percentage of them will attend college. This is a clear sign of the powerful and positive impact Catholic schools are having on millions of our nation's children.

I am a proud graduate of Catholic schools and have a first hand knowledge of the important role Catholic schools can play in the formation of hard-working, caring, and well educated Americans by teaching discipline, pride, and instilling a life-long love of learning in their students. I am so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay persons who taught me at St. Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, Parmadale, St. Aloysius Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John Cantius High School. Their thirst for knowledge and desire to share it with others has played a critical role in my own life.

Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one of the most important

goals of our country. Catholic schools, parents, and teachers across the nation play a critical role in achieving this end, and I again congratulate them for their ongoing contributions to education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so that this Congress can extend unemployment benefits to the millions of Americans who cannot find work in an economy with almost three unemployed workers for every job opening.

Because of previous inaction, it is now ``zero hour'' for American families who are set to exhaust their State unemployment benefits. If we do not extend the Federal unemployment insurance program today, roughly half a million people who would have been eligible for the Federal extension program will not be receiving a paycheck or an unemployment check in January.

These workers form the ranks of America's 2 million long-term unemployed workers. They have been out of work for at least half a year and they comprise almost a quarter of the unemployed, a larger share of those out of work than at any time since July 1983. A recent survey by the National Employment Law Project noted that over half of the long- term unemployed had cut back on food purchases for their families, borrowed money to pay basic bills, and postponed necessary medical treatment.

We can held these families today. The economic situation in this country has simply not improved enough to justify the end to the Federal unemployment extension program. Already, three of every four Federal unemployment recipients exhaust their benefits without finding a job.

We must not punish millions of American families simply for losing their jobs at the wrong time of year, in the wrong month of the Congressional calendar. Vote ``no'' on the previous question.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2004. In almost every areas of concern for families, this bill is grossly inadequate and detrimental to America's future.

For our Nation's children and schools, the funding shortfalls in the Omnibus are legion. At a time when we are demanding more of our public schools, and as State and local education budgets continue to be cut, funding for No Child Left Behind is frozen. At a time when the average Pell Grant is worth about $50 less in real terms than it was in 1975, the size of the maximum grant is frozen.

The Omnibus also freezes funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the main source of Federal funding for after school programs. Over 1 million children will not have after school opportunities under this bill. This bill even falls $1 billion short of the level promised in the Republican budget resolution and authorization bill passed earlier this year for IDEA, which educates disabled children. Again, this funding shortfall is passed directly on to local school districts.

For as many as 8 million workers, this bill also represents the end of overtime pay--but not the end of overtime hours. Although this body voted to strip the administration's plan to eliminate overtime coverage for millions of Americans, the Omnibus continues forward with a regulatory agenda determined to make Americans--from paralegals to paramedics--work longer hours for less pay.

Finally, last July this Congress took a giant step forward in overwhelmingly voting to eliminate funding for section 213 of the PATRIOT Act, a provision what allows for so-called ``sneak and peak'' searches, or searches of property without the advanced notification of the person being searched. This action spoke to the anxiety of millions of Americans who believe the PATRIOT Act must be repealed or revised to restore fundamental civil liberties in this Nation. Again, the result of this bi-partisan vote is starkly absent from the Omnibus.

Not only does the Omnibus cut education, it defies the will of the House on overtime pay and civil liberties. Our children and our families suffer and the integrity of the U.S. Constitution remains at risk. Vote against the Omnibus Conference Report.