Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and recognition of the 37th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This historical date commemorates the end of the Vietnam War, and represents the beginning of a new life for tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, as they began their hopeful journey to America.

On April 30, 1975, the ancient city of Saigon fell to the conquest of communist troops. This action solidified the communist takeover of South Vietnam. Thirty-seven years later, I rise to honor the memory and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers, American soldiers and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty.

Despite the violent takeover and the rule of repression that followed, the culture, spirit and hope reflected by the Vietnamese people remained steadfast. After the fall of Saigon, thousands of Vietnamese, determined to rebuild their lives, began a treacherous exodus out of Vietnam. Their daring escape was on foot, through thick jungles and over jagged mountains. They escaped by boat, through snake- infested rivers and across turbulent seas. They became refugees in many nations, including America, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and the hope for freedom in their hearts.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and remembering the hundreds of thousands of men and women who struggle for peace and freedom, then and now. We also honor agencies and churches such as The Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland and St. Helena Catholic Church, which offer havens of support, services and hope to immigrants from all over the world. The Vietnamese culture, through the care and commitment of its people, has flourished in Cleveland and across America, yet remains forever connected to its ancient cultural and historical traditions that spiral back throughout the centuries, connecting the old world to the new, spanning oceans and borders in the ageless quest for peace--from Vietnam to America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Magos Hungarian Folk Band, and welcome them to Cleveland, Ohio, for their performance at St. Emeric's Church Hall on April 29, 2012.

The Magos Band's philosophy is to learn and present Hungarian folk music in its archaic form and perform it to the young generation. Their music is classified as Tanchaz, drawing inspiration from the Carpathian basin, including Hungary, Transylvania and parts of Slovakia.

The Magos Hungarian Folk Band is comprised of violinists Csaba Soos and Marton Kovacs, David Horvath on bass, Tamas Enyedi on cimbalom, Marton Fekete playing the bracsa, and vocals by Agnes Enyedi. The band gained fame after winning the 2011 Folkbeats Competition in Budapest, Hungary. Their prize was a concert tour of North America. In addition to a concert, the Magos Band will also be hosting a traditional Hungarian dance party after each of their shows.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the Magos Hungarian Folk Band and welcoming them to the City of Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mrs. Gina Thompson, a supporter and leading voice for environmental, social and political improvement.

Gina was born on January 28, 1938 in Los Angeles, California. She was raised by her mother, Greta and stepfather, William Dooling. Gina attended Santa Monica College and soon after married Ed Angell. They had a son, Christopher.

Several years later, Gina remarried her husband of 55 years, John Thompson. While the family of three was living in Malibu, Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer. She vowed that if she overcame the disease, she would devote her life to helping others. This is when Gina's career in philanthropy blossomed.

Beginning as a volunteer, Gina was ultimately appointed the executive director of the Center for the Healing Arts in Los Angeles. She eventually went on to the same position with The Hermes Project before to Nicasio, California. She continued her work with non-profit organizations as the executive director for the Dharma Foundation.

Gina was also extremely involved in politics, and served as a fundraiser and organizer for both my own and President Obama's campaigns. Spirituality was another aspect that was important in Gina's life. She was a fundraiser for Spirit Rock Meditation Center and assisted master Mingtogn Gu in bringing the Wisdom Healing Qigong Center to Petaluma.

I offer my condolences to her husband, John Thompson and son, Christopher Angell.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Gina Thompson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Reverend Dan Sewell, who was named the 2012 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year by the Fairview Park Community Council.

Rev. Sewell, a lifelong resident of Fairview Park, Ohio was born in 1955. He graduated from Fairview Park High School in 1973 and earned a Master of Theology Degree from Fuller Seminary. He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 37 years and they have four daughters.

In 1989, Rev. Sewell became the pastor of the New Hope Church. Under his leadership, the church has become a staple in the community, hosting hunger drives and other various community service opportunities. Rev. Sewell is also the longest-serving member of the Fairview Park Ministerial Association which supports the Fairview Park Hunger Center and National Day of Prayer gatherings.

He has also been involved with Fairview Park's annual Summerfest, serving as a bake-off judge, talent judge, and musical performer. Additionally, Rev. Sewell was instrumental in developing Fairview Park's ``Everyone is Our Neighbor'' campaign as a response to crime in the community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Reverend Dan Sewell as he is honored by the Fairview Park Community Council as the 2012 Fairview Park Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the City Club of Cleveland.

Established in 1912 as a non-partisan forum for debate, the City Club of Cleveland is the country's oldest independent continuous free speech forum. It is often referred to as ``America's Citadel of Free Speech.'' The mission of the City Club of Cleveland is to inform, educate and inspire citizens by presenting significant ideas and providing opportunities for dialogue in a collegial setting. The speaking events held at the City Club of Cleveland can be heard across the nation through the radio, television, podcasts and on YouTube.

Throughout the past century, the City Club of Cleveland has hosted some of the country's fiercest debates and inspiring speeches. Perhaps the most well-known speech delivered at the City Club of Cleveland was Senator Robert F. Kennedy's ``Mindless Menace of Violence'' speech delivered on the day following

the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Other notable speakers include Bill Clinton, Theodore Roosevelt, Geraldine Ferraro, W.E.B. DuBois, Sandra Day O'Connor, Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Henry Kissinger and Ken Burns.

The City Club of Cleveland is celebrating its centennial year with several events. On May 18, 2012, Ted Turner will receive the Citadel of Free Speech Award. The City Club of Cleveland is also hosting an Anniversary Essay Contest, Encore Speakers Series and Centennial Gala Celebration this fall.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the City Club of Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Poles, Polish- Americans on the occasion of Polish Constitution Day.

Polish Constitution Day is a day when people of all cultures join with the people of Poland to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and history of Poland. After almost five centuries of struggle and perseverance, the Governmental Statute of Poland became the first written constitution in Europe on May 3, 1791. The Polish Constitution established the separation of government powers, freedom of religion, and abolished elements of serfdom, all of these are key elements of freedom and democracy.

The Polish American Congress strives to make Americans of Polish heritage more successful and involved U.S. citizens by encouraging them to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Since its foundation over sixty years ago, the group has created programs to successfully integrate people of Polish decent in the U.S. and enrich Cleveland's social fabric. These programs include the Displaced Persons Program, which allowed almost 150,000 Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after World War Two. The group also won American veterans benefits for Polish Veterans of both World War One and World War Two. The Polish American Congress has played a crucial role in the Polish Community, and in its many years of support and service has been an invaluable contribution to the City of Cleveland and this nation.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me today, Polish Constitution Day, in honoring the struggles, courage and triumphs of the people of Poland and honoring all people of Polish descent. Through their successive struggles for freedom, the people of Poland have given the world hope.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Day 2012 and to celebrate the many cultural and societal contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities throughout Northeast Ohio.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout Northeast Ohio and across the nation. Cultural diversity is a foundation of our community and it has allowed our residents to experience traditions from around the world.

The heritage of Asian Americans has been preserved and reflected by each generation. It shows the spirit, hope and courage of all of our ancestors who braved treacherous journeys along the road to freedom and opportunity in America.

This year's celebration will take place at Cleveland City Hall Rotunda and feature Mayor Frank Jackson, Ms. Margaret W. Wong, and Mr. Blaine A. Griffin, the Director of Community Relations Board.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Day and honoring the contributions of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our Greater Cleveland community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4628: the Interest Rate Reduction Act.

Congress has a unique opportunity to prevent the scheduled doubling of student loan interest rates before July. Our failure to act will have debilitating effects on millions of Americans. Rather than serve as an obstacle to students wishing to further their education, Congress should work to make college accessible to all. Yet Congress is standing in the way by considering legislation that would pay for the extension of the interest rate reduction by repealing the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which funds essential health services for millions of Americans, including women and children. There is another sensible and responsible way to pay for keeping student loan rates low: end tax subsidies for big oil companies.

Young, educated Americans begin their adult lives financially strapped. Not only do these recent graduates have debt, they also have some of the greatest difficulty finding gainful employment. Recent college graduates have a higher unemployment rate than any other demographic group in the country. Sixty-six percent of students graduating from college today are leaving with student loan debt. On average, those students graduate with $25,000 in debt. The total amount of student loan debt in this country is more than $1 trillion dollars.

If we do not pass a measure that extends the reduced interest rate on student loans, more than 7 million students' rates will double to 6.8 percent. Students who borrow the maximum in subsidized student loans will pay up to an additional $1,000 in interest costs. It is our responsibility to give these students a chance to earn a quality education without the strings of unmanageable debt.

There is little profit to be had from trying to prevent diseases from occurring in the first place, which means pharmaceutical companies and others who profit from efforts to treat and cure diseases will not pay for such efforts. If we want to prevent cancer, the spread of HIV, outbreaks of West Nile Virus, and protect mothers and babies from tobacco; if we want to promote better nutrition, birth defect reduction, preparedness for bioterrorism, and breast and cervical cancer screenings; if we want to protect our children from lead in our homes and yards, the childhood obesity epidemic, and otherwise invisible clusters of chronic diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, we have to fund these programs ourselves. The Prevention and Public Health Fund must be protected as a measure of self-protection.

This bill repeals the Prevention and Public Health Fund. I cannot support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, an op-ed in the April 19, 2012 Wall Street Journal by Mark Spitznagel explains how the Federal Reserve's monetary easing program, in place since the financial crisis of 2008, has continued the massive transfer of wealth from the Middle Class directly to the richest.

[From the Wall Street Journal, Apr. 19, 2012]

How the Fed Favors The 1%

(By Mark Spitznagel)

A major issue in this year's presidential campaign is the

growing disparity between rich and poor, the 1% versus the

99%. While the president's solutions differ from those of his

likely Republican opponent, they both ignore a principal

source of this growing disparity.

The source is not runaway entrepreneurial capitalism, which

rewards those who best serve the consumer in product and

price. (Would we really want it any other way?) There is

another force that has turned a natural divide into a chasm:

the Federal Reserve. The relentless expansion of credit by

the Fed creates artificial disparities based on political

privilege and economic power.

David Hume, the 18th-century Scottish philosopher, pointed

out that when money is inserted into the economy (from a

government printing press or, as in Hume's time, the

importation of gold and silver), it is not distributed evenly

but ``confined to the coffers of a few persons, who

immediately seek to employ it to advantage.''

In the 20th century, the economists of the Austrian school

built upon this fact as their central monetary tenet. Ludwig

von Mises and his students demonstrated how an increase in

money supply is beneficial to those who get it first and is

detrimental to those who get it last. Monetary inflation is a

process, not a static effect. To think of it only in terms of

aggregate price levels (which is all Fed Chairman Ben

Bernanke seems capable of) is to ignore this pernicious

process and the imbalance and economic dislocation that it

creates.

As Mises protege Murray Rothbard explained, monetary

inflation is akin to counterfeiting, which necessitates that

some benefit and others don't. After all, if everyone

counterfeited in proportion to their wealth, there would be

no real economic benefit to anyone. Similarly, the expansion

of credit is uneven in the economy, which results in wealth

redistribution. To borrow a visual from another Mises

student, Friedrich von Hayek, the Fed's money creation does

not flow evenly like water into a tank, but rather oozes like

honey into a saucer, dolloping one area first and only then

very slowly dribbling to the rest. The Fed doesn't expand the

money supply by uniformly dropping cash from helicopters over

the hapless masses. Rather, it directs capital transfers to

the largest banks (whether by overpaying them for their

financial assets or by lending to them on the cheap),

minimizes their borrowing costs, and lowers their reserve

requirements. All of these actions result in immediate

handouts to the financial elite first, with the hope that

they will subsequently unleash this fresh capital onto the

unsuspecting markets, raising demand and prices wherever they

do.

The Fed, having gone on an unprecedented credit expansion

spree, has benefited the recipients who were first in line at

the trough: banks (imagine borrowing for free and then buying

up assets that you know the Fed is aggressively buying with

you) and those favored entities and individuals deemed most

creditworthy. Flush with capital, these recipients have

proceeded to bid up the prices of assets and resources, while

everyone else has watched their purchasing power decline.

At some point, of course, the honey flow stops--but not

before much malinvestment. Such malinvestment is precisely

what we saw in the historic 1990s equity and subsequent real-

estate bubbles (and what we're likely seeing again today in

overheated credit and equity markets), culminating in painful

liquidation. The Fed is transferring immense wealth from the

middle class to the most affluent, from the least privileged

to the most privileged. This coercive redistribution has been

a far more egregious source of disparity than the president's

presumption of tax unfairness (if there is anything unfair

about approximately half of a population paying zero income

taxes) or deregulation.

Pitting economic classes against each other is a divisive

tactic that benefits no one. Yet if there is any upside, it

is perhaps a closer examination of the true causes of the

problem. Before we start down the path of arguing about the

merits of redistributing wealth to benefit the many, why not

first stop redistributing it to the most privileged?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jim Schlecht, who is being recognized for his work serving the homeless.

Born and raised in Euclid, Ohio, Jim has been a lifelong Cleveland area resident. While attending Cleveland State University, he and a group of progressive Catholics joined together at Merton Community's Houses of Hospitality in Cleveland's Near West Side neighborhood to begin serving the community's less fortunate.

Throughout the years, Jim has become one of Ohio City's most well- known residents. He has worked to establish health centers, schools, book stores, social service agencies and community organizations, such as Near West Neighbors in Action, which cater to the homeless. He has also worked at the Rose Mary Center, West Side Community House, West Side Catholic Center and currently, Care Alliance.

Because of his relentless work to support those in need, today, at the Bishop Cosgrove Center, the Cleveland Tenants Organization and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless are coming together to honor his lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Jim Schlecht. His faith has guided him into a life of service which is unparalleled.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nancy Doutt and to acknowledge her receipt of the 2012 Grindstone Award by the Berea Chamber of Commerce. Nancy has dedicated her life to her community through volunteerism.

A lifelong resident of Berea, Nancy was an active member of 4 H and graduated from Berea High School in 1976. Today, Nancy is married to Steve. She works at Medical Mutual and is a member of the New Century Beatniks.

As a young child, her parents ingrained a sense of selflessness in Nancy that has translated into a lifelong commitment to her community. She is an active member of the American Legion Post 91 Auxiliary and Auxiliary Color Guard. She is involved with St. Mary's Church, where she is a member of the choir and a Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, Nancy spends countless hours as a volunteer with Berea Arts Fest, Southwest General Health Center's Community Outreach Program and the Berea Children's Home. She is fundamental in the work done by Coats for Kids, Dress for Success, Pajama Walk and the Hand-to-Hand leaf raking projects. Nancy also personally participates in Relay for Life, Pedal to the Point, numerous walk-a-thons and has donated more than 18 gallons of blood to the Red Cross.

Because of her relentless work on behalf of her community, the City of Berea honored Nancy with the 2012 Spirit of Community Award.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in congratulating Nancy Doutt as she is honored by the Berea Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Tamburitzans, a group which has been promoting Eastern European arts and culture for 75 years.

Established by Dr. A. Lester Pierce in 1937, the Tamburitzans are a multicultural song and dance group. The group consists of students of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Duquesne University Tamburitzans are dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the cultural heritage of Eastern Europe and its neighbors through performance, while awarding scholarships to talented and deserving student performers.

The Duquesne University Tamburitzans have grown from an original group of 12 men to today's company of more than three dozen performers. Since 1988, the Tamburitzans have been under the direction of Mr. Paul Stafura, a former member of the Tamburitzans during the late 1960s. Each year, the Tamburitzans travel throughout the United States to put on an average of 80 concerts. They have also held concerts in numerous Latin American countries, Canada, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, the former Czechoslovakia, Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, the longest-running live stage show of its kind in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mrs. Ida Cook-Crowder, a long-time member of the Greater Cleveland community.

Born on April 8, 1930, in Marshville, North Carolina, Ida was the daughter of Raymond and Annie Belle Hailey. She moved to Cleveland, Ohio, after graduating from high school.

Upon moving to Cleveland, Ida met and married Army Master Sergeant James Cook. Together, the couple has two daughters, Patricia and Paula. Because of James' career, the family often traveled to places such as Germany, France, Japan and Korea. Twelve years after the tragic passing of Mr. Cook, Ida remarried the Reverend Dr. Roland Crowder of Cleveland's Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Ida was a skilled seamstress who attended the Clark School of Dressmaking and Cuyahoga Community College, from which she earned an associate degree in decorating. She was well known throughout the Greater Cleveland area for her ability to design draperies. She ran her business under the name of ``Ida's Draperies.''

I offer my condolences to her family and friends at the Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Ida's spirit and kindness will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of meeting her.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mrs. Ida Cook- Crowder.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Earth Day Coalition of Cleveland, as they celebrate EarthFest 2012 on April 22, 2012--a date that also commemorates the 23rd annual celebration of EarthFest in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cleveland's Earth Day Coalition was formed in 1990 to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Earth Day in Ohio. EarthFest is now Ohio's largest environmental educational event and the longest running Earth Day celebration in the nation. I stand in recognition of the staff and volunteers of the Earth Day Coalition for all their effort and dedication in creating such an innovative, exciting and educational event for the Greater Cleveland community to enjoy. This year, EarthFest's theme is ``Year of Local and Sustainable Food.'' Over 175 environmental exhibits are expected from environmental and community organizations, government entities and businesses. EarthFest is just one of Earth Day Coalition's many nationally-recognized programs and promises once again to be a significant aspect of the world celebration of Earth Day.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the staff, volunteers, and members of the Earth Day Coalition as we celebrate EarthFest 2012 on April 22, 2012 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The RainForest. EarthFest 2012 promises to educate, inspire and motivate all of us to join together as a community and work toward a more healthy Earth for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge Peter M. Sikora.

Born on December 11, 1951, Judge Sikora was a lifelong Clevelander. He attended St. Ignatius High School where he ran track, cross country and played on the hockey team. Tragically, at the age of 17, Judge Sikora suffered a life altering trampoline accident that left him in a wheelchair. However, he was able to overcome his injury and have a successful career as a judge.

After earning an associate's degree from Cuyahoga Community College and graduating as valedictorian from Baldwin-Wallace College, Judge Sikora earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. He went on to serve as deputy legal counsel for Governor Celeste in the mid-1980s before becoming deputy director and general counsel to the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

In 1989, former Governor Celeste appointed Judge Sikora to the Cuyahoga Juvenile Court where he continued to be re-elected for consecutive terms until his passing. He was the most veteran judge at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. In addition to his service, Judge Sikora was a dedicated and active member of the Greater Cleveland community. He was a board member for the Cleveland Ballet, International Services Center, Health Hill Hospital for Children and MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio.

I offer my condolences to his sister, Linda Baxendale; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Sara), Jared (Ashley), Aaron (Suzanne), Leah, Molly, Claire, Ava, Hatcher, Briley, Mary Grace and Jack; his caregiver, Jean Foutz and his court staff.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Judge Peter Sikora, who dedicated his life to serving the Greater Cleveland community.