Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the Bush Administration led this Nation into war against Iraq based on false intelligence about the threat Iraq posed our Nation. The attached petition, from the American intercollegiate debate community, details the strategy of deception that the Bush Administration adopted to gain support for the war against Iraq.

Petition Drive Targets Bush Advisor Karl Rove

debaters oppose administration strategy for public debate on war

The American intercollegiate debate community has been

dedicated to the pursuit of open deliberation on timely

policy issues for centuries. The basis of debate practice is

openness in argumentation--a willingness to allow the best

argument to win, rather than relying on force or power to

overwhelm opponents. Some members of the debate community

have articulated disappointment with the Bush

administration's strategy for convincing American and world

publics of the need for a preventive military first-strike on

Iraq, and are joining in a petition drive to highlight the

inadequacy of the Bush administration's approach to gaining

consent for war.

Karl Rove, senior political advisor to George W. Bush, was

an avid high school debater in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rove's

tactics as a debater appear to have influenced his strategy

as a political advisor. James Moore and Wayne Slater have

detailed the roots of Rove's political strategy in their book

Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential

(Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2003):

``Debaters kept their arguments on 3 X 5 cards, which they

carried about in shoeboxes or metal containers. Rove had the

most impressive collection of debate cards at Olympus High.

If his teammates had a shoebox filled with the cards, Rove

carried two, which he plunked down on the table in an ominous

display of force. By his senior year, the arsenal had swelled

to 5 or 10 boxes. Rove figured that if two or three boxes

unnerved an opposing team, why not something truly

overwhelming? Why not a table full of cards? Why not buy them

by the thousands and wheel them in on hand-carts? Why not

throw the fear of God into the enemy before the debate even

began? The thing was, the thing nobody knew was, that the

cards were mostly fake. `We went out and bought thousands, if

not tens of thousands, of debate cards,' says debate partner

Emil Langeland, now a lawyer in Salt Lake City.

`` `Everybody was using 3 X 5 cards. And we decided we'd

better have 4 X 6--a little bigger than the next guy. And we

had shoeboxes, a table full. We would come in and set up

those boxes with file cards in them, color-coded, with tabs

sticking up, and there were literally thousands and thousands

of them. And you know what? There wasn't a thing on 99

percent of them. If they gave us a 4 X 4 table, we'd make it

a 4 X 8 table and we'd stack this information--what appeared

to be information--on the table. We'd lay out all these

papers. The reality was that the core of our attack or

strategy was on 20 or 30 cards. We never used much more than

that. But we'd just hand truck them in, then go back out into

the hall and hand truck another set in and set them up on the

table almost to the point where you couldn't see us. It was

all psychological, to psych out your opponent.' Rove didn't

just want to win, he wanted his opponents destroyed. His

worldview was clear even then: There was his team and the

other team, and he would make the other team pay. He would

defeat them, slaughter them, and humiliate them. He would win

by any means, but he would win (118-119).''

Rove's strategy of totally destroying the opposition in

debate competition is mirrored in the American ``win at all

costs'' approach to public diplomacy. The Bush administration

has tried to overload public spheres of deliberation with

evidence that links Iraq to weapons of mass destruction and

terrorism, yet key evidence has turned out to be fabricated,

plagiarized, or exaggerated in this rhetorical campaign.

Niger forgery. Evidence used by the Bush administration to

demonstrate Iraq's noncompliance with the nuclear materials

section of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 turned out to

be based on forged documents. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)

has asked the FBI to investigate who forged the letters and

why U.S. intelligence officials did not authenticate them

before claiming them as proof of Iraqi noncompliance. In a

letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller, Rockefeller wrote,

``there is a possibility that the fabrication of these

documents may be part of a larger deception campaign aimed at

manipulating public opinion and foreign policy regarding

Iraq.''

Plagiarized British dossier. In his February 5 speech to

the UN Security Council, Secretary of State Colin Powell

lauded a British government report as ``a fine paper.'' Yet

this paper turned out to be a mosaic of old open source

material previously published. The British dossier, entitled

``Iraq: Its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and

Intimidation,'' plagiarized long stretches of a paper by

Ibrahim al-Marashi, a postgraduate student at the Monterey

Institute of International Studies in California. The

British report drew heavily from al-Marashi's account of

Mukhabarat, the Iraqi directorate of general intelligence.

However, where al-Marashi listed among the Mukhabarat's

duties ``aiding opposition groups in hostile regimes,''

the British authors substituted the more incriminating

phrase ``supporting terrorist organizations'' in hostile

regimes.

Baseless aluminum tubes charges. UN weapons inspector Hans

Blix and former IAEA expert adviser David Albright both

reject the Bush administration's claim that Iraq's attempt to

acquire aluminum tubes was driven by a desire to build

uranium enrichment centrifuges for its nuclear program, yet

administration officials continued to rely on such

discredited evidence.

In addition to these evidentiary inadequacies, the

administration's broader strategy to coalesce a ``coalition

of the willing'' utilizes manipulative foreign policy tools

that rely on coercion rather than democratic processes of

deliberation.

Utilizing financial leverage to induce cooperation

circumvents the will of citizens abroad. The United States'

manipulation of loans and grants to potential collaborators

as a way to ``buy off' other countries'' dissent by

leveraging power in international finance frustrates

democratic participation. Reliance on a business-marketing

model for public diplomacy rigs communicative exchanges in a

way that forecloses freewheeling argumentative give-and-take.

Demonizing countries that resist the push for war polarizes

conflict and lessens the possibility of a united post-war

effort for reconstruction. High-ranking European Union

officials have indicated that generating support for funding

the reconstruction of Iraq will face difficulty because of

the perception that the United States has used heavy-handed

tactics to gain assent for preventive military intervention.

Spying activity against United Nations delegates,

documented in the so-called ``Koza memo'' generates suspicion

about U.S. tactics to persuade Security Council members to go

along with resolutions advancing the cause of war.

Surveillance techniques could be utilized to gain unfairly

acquired weight in negotiations.

These techniques are at odds with the fundamental tenets of

democratic deliberation that rely on transparency, honesty,

and public argumentation to gain assent from allies.

Deception in wartime has long been accepted as a legitimate

military strategy. However, expanded deception programs

designed to manipulate domestic and allied public opinion

raise a different set of strategic dilemmas. While deception

strategies may be effective as military levers deployed to

complicate enemy planning, they are less useful as weapons of

mass communications--propaganda tools designed to influence

public opinion in public spheres. To be truly effective, any

strategy to defuse terrorism in this way requires that the

political legitimacy of U.S. policies be established in

international public spheres. This process is best

accomplished through fair and open public debate, rather than

deceptive and manipulative methods exercised by the Bush

Administration.

The national championships represented a culmination of the

season's competitive debating activity that has focused on

the topic of multilateralism as a foreign policy approach. In

pursuit of these principles, debaters organized a petition

campaign at the two national championship debate tournaments

this spring, attended by over 250 teams from across the

country:

PHOENIX, Arizona, Cross Examination Debate Association

national championship tournament, Arizona State University,

March 20-25, 2003

ATLANTA, Georgia, National Debate Tournament national

championship tournament, Emory University, April 3-7, 2003

petition text

We object to the Bush Administration's manipulation of

public deliberation in the implementation of its preventive

military intervention policy. Worldwide political legitimacy

for that policy can be forged only through a process of fair

and honest public

argument. Uncritical use of forged documents purporting to

link Iraq to Niger's nuclear industry, reliance on a

deceptive British report that plagiarized and misrepresented

the work of a California graduate student and intimidation

tactics at the UN Security Council are each part of the Bush

administration's `win at all costs' approach to public

diplomacy. These argumentative strategies must be

reconsidered immediately, because the alienation and mistrust

sown worldwide by their implementation bankrupts the

political legitimacy of U.S. foreign policy and polarizes

diplomatic conflict. This exposes U.S. soldiers to harm by

dividing allies, worsens the terrorist threat by

stimulating recruitment and undermines cooperative

security ventures ranging from allied intelligence sharing

to international peacekeeping and post war reconstruction.

Petition signers and debate affiliations

Abbott, Blake, Mercer University, GA; Ashe, Allison,

University of Georgia, GA; Bannigan, Virginia, Wake

Forest University, NC; Baron, Chris, Towson University,

MD; Barsness, Paul, University of Georgia, GA; Bates,

Benjamin, University of Georgia, GA; Beerman, Ruth,

Mercer University, GA; Bellon, Joe, Georgia State

University, GA; Berger, Alex, Dartmouth College, NH;

Blair, LoriBeth, Georgia State University, GA; Boggs,

Joshua, West Virginia University, WV; Branelt,

Caroline, Riverwood H.S., AZ; Breshears, David,

University of Texas, TX; Brigham, Matt, Baylor

University, TX; Brock, Kimberly, West Virginia

University, WV; Bruschke, Jon, California State

University-Fullerton, CA; Bsumek, Pete, James Madison

University, VA.

Campbell, Peter O., Univ. of Puget Sound, WA; Carr,

Adrienne, University of Georgia, GA; Cashman, Bryan,

State University New York-Binghamton, NY; Chalus, Peg,

University of Pittsburgh, PA; Clark, Josh, California

State University-Fullerton, CA; Cole, Hayley, San Diego

State University, CA; Colston, Nicole, University of

Miami, FL; Congdon, Kelly, University of Pittsburgh,

PA; Crachiolo, Sarah, Georgia State University, GA;

Crittenden, Eli, Emporia State University, KS; Czapla,

Anna, University of Rochester, NY; D'Amico, Steve,

University of Rochester, NY; Davies, Alexis, San Diego

State University, CA; Davis, Alysia, University of

Georgia, GA; Davis, Dan, West Georgia University, GA;

DeButts, Jessica, Fresno City College, CA; Dillard,

Tiffany, University of Louisville, KY; Douglas, Lara,

Cornell University, NY; Drake, Brian, Mercer

University, GA; Dunn, Izak, Idaho State University, ID;

Dybvig, Kristin, Arizona State University, AZ; Eberle,

R.J., Georgia State University, GA; Ellis, Andy, Marist

College, NY; Ellis, Steven Andrew, Marist University,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the German Central Foundation and the German Central Farm of Parma, as they become one of ten statewide recipients to receive a Historical Marker from the State of Ohio Bicentennial Commission and Multicultural and Ethnic Community Advisory Counsel.

This significant marker stands as a monument to the German Central Farm--a place transformed over eight decades as a haven and vital resource for German immigrants. The marker at German Central Farm also represents the dedication, heart and soul of the German Central Foundation, reflecting the commitment of members and leaders--past and present--to preserve, protect and promote the many colorful facets of German heritage, culture and history.

The German Central Organization embodies the spirit of America--the pioneer spirit, the immigrant spirit and the spirit of diversity of all peoples from all cultures that is the foundation of our community, our state and our nation. The German Central Organization--like thousands of cultural organizations with ancestral ties that span the globe-- reflects a journey toward freedom, a struggle from oppression and the blazing of a new trail in America.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition of the German Central Foundation, as the German Central Farm is honored by the State of Ohio with a Historical Marker. This gathering place along York Road in Parma has been a source of heritage, comfort, resource and pride for several generations of German Americans. The cultivation and preservation of our varied places of origin is the earth of America--it is the origin of our nation. And as America has flourished, our roots remain viable--uniting us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Esperanza, Inc. of

Cleveland, as they celebrate 20 years of educational assistance and support within the Hispanic community of Cleveland. I also stand to recognize Esperanza's celebration of their 13th Annual Fiesta of Hope.

Esperanza, Inc. is the only nonprofit organization in Ohio dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Hispanic education. This organization attracts hundreds of volunteers who tutor, mentor, and provide scholarship assistance to students of all ages.

Since its formation in 1983, Esperanza, Inc. has celebrated its diversity through a yearly ``fiesta.'' Every year, the leaders and members of Esperanza, Inc. awards dozens of scholarships that provide critically needed financial assistance to students. Esperanza, Inc. focuses their resources, time and talents in promoting the most vital component of a productive and healthy individual and a productive and healthy society--educational opportunities for all.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Esperanza, Inc. of Cleveland. For the past 20 years, this significant agency has uplifted the lives of thousands of youth within the Hispanic community, and continues its mission through its dedicated staff, volunteers, and equally dedicated students. Esperanza, Inc. provides financial support, technical resources and career guidance focused on students in the primary grades through college. Moreover, Esperanza, Inc. offers hope and opportunity, and underscores the notion that despite hardships and obstacles--support, encouragement and faith in a child will raise that child far above mediocrity to new heights of personal achievement--to a place where their dreams are realized.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Anthony J Celebrezze, Jr., devoted family man, accomplished public leader, and admired friend and mentor. Mr. Celebrezze's integrity, expertise and deep dedication to the people of Cleveland and the State of Ohio has left an indelible and positive mark within our community and throughout our state.

Mr. Celebrezze was born and raised in Cleveland and chose to remain in Cleveland to raise his family throughout his years in office. In recent years, he relocated to the Columbus area where he pursued his passion of competitive racing. The life of Mr. Celebrezze reflects great accomplishment, focus and achievement--academic and professional. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master's degree from George Washington University, and a Law degree from Cleveland-Marshall Law School.

Instilled with the values of public service from his father, Anthony J. Celebrezze, Sr., who served as a popular Mayor of Cleveland, Mr. Celebrezze sought a life in service to others. He was elected to the State Senate in 1976. In 1980, Mr. Celebrezze was elected to serve as Ohio's Secretary of State. Mr. Celebrezze was elected as Ohio's Attorney General two years later.

Throughout his years dedicated to uplifting the lives of Ohio residents, Mr. Celebrezze made significant improvements regarding a wide range of environmental and consumer protection issues. Because of Mr. Celebrezze's commitment to Ohio consumers, auto buyers in Ohio are protected by the ``lemon law.'' A staunch protector and advocate of Ohio's natural environment, Mr. Celebrezze worked tirelessly for strict control of waste shipment into Ohio, and clamped down on industrial pollution.

Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr.'s steadfast integrity, kindness and humble nature reflected his character and defined his tenure as public servant. His humble nature belied his deep intellect, vision and keen political savvy. Though immensely successful, title and accolades did not hold significance for him--care for his family and service to community did. Anthony J. Celebrezze was a true leader in every sense-- a genuine individual whose modesty and strong sense of self cast a rare and steady beacon of light across the shadowy game of politics. He consistently disregarded political pressures and kept focused on improving the lives of his constituents, working tirelessly on behalf of his constituents.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and remembrance of Mr. Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr., an exceptional man and caring leader whose life profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. His passing marks a deep loss for countless who called him friend-- including me. Mr. Celebrezze's commitment to others is clearly evidenced within our consumer protection laws and cleaner environment, and will remain so for all time. His radiant legacy of consumer advocacy and environmental protection will be remembered always by the people of Ohio. Moreover, it was the power of his kindness, grace, tenacity and heart that uplifted and enlightened every facet of our community.

I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Celebrezze's beloved wife, Louisa; his beloved children, Anthony J. III, Charles, David, Catherine and Maria. Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr.'s exceptional life will serve as a timeless example of leadership, and service to others--and although he will be deeply missed--his indelible legacy--fueled by the power of kindness, grace and heart, will forever resound throughout our community and throughout the State of Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Fairview Auxiliary Board to Fairview General Hospital, whose selfless efforts exemplify a model of benevolence and altruism.

Over fifty years ago this organization was founded under the auspices of providing essential resources to the hospital for equipment, building funds, and scholarships. Today, this organization has blossomed to staff over 140 volunteers dedicated to this proposition. Their hours of volunteered time have resulted in astounding success. Volunteers have contributed over 30,000 hours and raised more than $600,000 in the past ten years alone.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commending the members of the Fairview Auxiliary Board. We must encourage organizations such as theirs to continue to volunteer their time and effort in the interest of the betterment of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the leaders and residents--past and present--of the City of Rocky River, as they celebrate one hundred years as an established community--from farming hamlet, to village, to the City of Rocky River.

With foresight, vision and planning, the City of Rocky River has remained focused on the welfare of its residents. Community leaders have continuously displayed a sincere dedication to providing the highest level of services for people of all ages in Rocky River--from children, to senior citizens, to civic organizations.

Native Americans inhabited the land that follows the Rocky River north to Lake Erie for centuries before the arrival of permanent settlers in 1810. Their history is documented within the displays and exhibits found within the Metroparks Systems. This vital park system winds its way through the City of Rocky River--preserving not only the history of the land--but the land itself, as acres of nature's woodlands, teeming with native flora and fauna, abound within the City of the Rocky River. Amid its thriving parklands, Rocky River offers an array of recreational and civic amenities for all ages and groups-- without compromising the natural beauty of the land.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the residents and leaders of the City of Rocky River, as they celebrate one hundred years as a viable community. We especially note the contributions of all elected officials--past and present--who have contributed to the development and preservation of this beautiful land that follows the waters of the Rocky River. Most notably, current Mayor William F. Knoble, and the late Mayor Don Umerley. The City of Rocky River serves as a significant example and importance of the successful balance between progress and preservation.

Mr. Speaker, why did the U.S. go to war against Iraq? The day after 9/11, according to this book, Secretary Rumsfeld raised the possibility that the administration could take advantage of the opportunity offered by the terrorist attacks to go after Saddam immediately. This, even though there was no evidence connecting Iraq to 9/11.

Why did the U.S. go to war against Iraq? On September 18, 2002, Mr. Rumsfeld told Congress, ``Hussein has at this moment stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and is pursuing nuclear weapons.'' There was no evidence of that either.

Why did the U.S. go to war against Iraq? Yesterday Mr. Rumsfeld told Congress it was not because we had discovered dramatic new evidence of Iraq's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. ``We acted because we saw the evidence in a dramatic new light through the prism of our experience on 9/11.''

Why did the U.S. go to war against Iraq? 9/11 was an excuse, no imminent threat, no weapons of mass destruction.

Now, the administration keeps changing its story, but they cannot change the facts. They led this Nation into war against a Nation that had not attacked us, that had no intention or capability of attacking us. Congress must hold public hearings because the truth and our democracy is at stake.

Mr. Chairman, it's been a very tough year for the American worker. Astonishingly, it appears the Administration is attempting to make things even tougher. Already, the Administration is presiding over the highest unemployment rate since April, 1994. Already the median unemployment duration of 12.3 weeks is the greatest length it has been since July of 1967. And already, 3.1 million private sector jobs have vanished since the recession began in March 2001.

The Administration's three pronged response to this jobs crisis has been to allow millions of working Americans to remain in poverty by refusing to raise the minimum wage, to deny unemployment benefits to millions of Americans who have exhausted their benefits because of the severity of this recession, and to provide hundreds of billions of dollars in tax giveaways for the richest Americans.

As if all of this was not enough, the Administration now seems intent on literally picking the pockets of workers. First we saw an attempt to give workers a pay cut by giving them comp time instead of overtime. The real meaning of comp time, of course, is unpaid time off--at the employer's discretion. Now through administrative action and without the input of elected representatives, the Administration seeks to enact the most significant change to overtime rules since the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938.

The result of these changes is that least 8 million workers will no longer be eligible for overtime. Among the unlucky 8 million are paramedics, firefighters, air traffic controllers, social workers, and architects. In 2000 overtime pay accounted for about 25 percent of the income for these workers. Their families will not have much less money to pay the bills, while their employers will have a great incentive to make them work longer hours.

The Obey-Miller amendment will stop the rollback of overtime pay. Obey-Miller will protect the wages of America's working people. Stop the legalized pick-pocketing of America's workers by the Administration's attack on overtime pay for overtime work. Vote for the Obey-Miller amendment.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Toomey

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month--a celebration of Americans of Hispanic heritage and their significant contributions to our community and to our nation, and hosted this year by the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Centers in Brecksville and Wade Park.

This year's theme is ``Hispanic Americans: Strength in Unity, Faith and Diversity''. This expression is reflective of the five hundred-year history of Hispanic culture and contribution to America. Americans of Hispanic heritage have gracefully and significantly assimilated to, and contributed within, every aspect of our society--enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of life in America.

Hispanic Americans have contributed immeasurably to all areas of our culture--from medicine, law, and business, to education, music and the fine arts. Hispanic Americans in our community and in communities across the country are life-saving doctors and nurses, inspiring professors, dedicated teachers, committed elected officials, fair- minded judges, and hardworking factory employees. Americans of Hispanic heritage bring energy, innovation, and a real sense of social justice to America, while retaining the cultural traditions of their homeland-- for all citizens to enjoy.

Moreover, United States Veterans of Hispanic heritage have answered the call to action when our nation needed them most. Thousands of these veterans made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the rights and freedoms for all citizens. Because of the conviction, bravery and selfless action of American Veterans of Hispanic heritage--action seen in every American military conflict, and within every branch of the United States Armed Forces--American democracy and American freedom has been preserved.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and join me in expressing my gratitude to the outstanding contributions made by Hispanic Americans, especially American Veterans of Hispanic heritage, for their sacrifices and triumphs, on behalf of our entire society. Their journey to America, fraught with significant obstacles and strife, paved the way for a better life for their children and future generations, and signifies what it means to be an American. Within our diversity we find strength. Within our traditions we find unity. And because of their journey--and the journey of people from all points of the world--we are stronger as a community, more unified as a nation, and better as people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 100th Anniversary of St. Paul Croatian Church of Cleveland.

Since 1902, St. Paul Church has been serving the spiritual and cultural needs of Croatian Americans in our community. Members and leaders of the Church have been a source of strength and unity for generations of Croatian immigrants, who bravely left behind their beloved homeland to follow the hopeful path to America, seeking a life of justice and freedom.

As Croatian immigrants embraced American freedoms and ideals, St. Paul Church stood like a rock of security, faith and support amid the rough waters of their transition into American society.

Today, as in the past, St. Paul Croatian church continues to be a beacon of light and hope for our Croatian community in Cleveland. This cherished haven has protected and preserved the culture, history and traditions for generations of Croatian Americans--a bond not hindered by time or distance--a bridge connecting the Old World to the New World.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the spiritual leaders and generations of parishioners who founded, supported and sustained St. Paul Croatian Church in Cleveland for one hundred years. As an American of Croatian heritage, I am grateful to have this opportunity to honor an institution that continues to serve as a haven of faith and assistance for generations of Croatian Americans--enhancing the lives of countless individuals and families, and enriching our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Reverend John C. Dalton, pastor of Holy Name Parish, on the occasion of his retirement from active ministry.

Father Dalton began serving the Northeast Ohio community in May, 1948, when he was ordained into the priesthood. He ministered to families and individuals in Akron, Lorain, Cleveland and Tallmadge before joining Holy Name Parish in 1972. Father Dalton became pastor of Holy Name in 1973, and has served the parishioners at Holy Name for the past thirty years.

Father Dalton's legacy to the Holy Name community will forever be embedded within each new generation of parishioners at Holy Name Parish. During his ministry at Holy Name church, Father Dalton was instrumental in maintaining the structural beauty of Holy Name church-- one of the most stunning edifices in the Greater Cleveland area. Moreover, Father Dalton leaves a legacy of sincere compassion and commitment to each member of his congregation. His kind words, deeds and spiritual assistance to those in need will be forever remembered, and he will be greatly missed by the entire Holy Name community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Father John C. Dalton, on the occasion of his retirement from the active ministry. Father Dalton--spiritual leader, compassionate counselor, wise administrator, and friend to all--will remain in the hearts and souls of all who know him. The parishioners Father Dalton has served, especially those within the Holy Name community, will always remember his integrity, kindness, compassion and dedication, and his legacy and example will live on for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 135th Anniversary of the North Presbyterian Church of Cleveland.

This historic structure has a rich legacy of dedication to the community, and has focused on the needs of the poor and the homeless of our society. In the early years of the church, members united to form the Christian Endeavor Society, Mother's Clubs, and Children's daytime groups and Scouts. During the Great Depression, the church worked with Case School to provide a daily lunch for undernourished children.

As in the past, there is still a need for services and assistance within our community, and the North Presbyterian Church continues to be a strong force in reaching out to others. The doors of the church are always open to help anyone in need. Active members of the North Presbyterian Church provide hot meals twice a week for the homeless, and for those residing in homeless shelters. Church leaders and members also provide grocery distributions, emergency food and clothing supplies. Additionally, church members have nurtured strong bonds with other civic and spiritual groups, and hold regular community meetings, including Alcoholics Anonymous--a group that has been meeting weekly at the church for the past fifty years.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, celebration and recognition of the leaders and members of the North Presbyterian Church, past and present, as they celebrate 135 years of caring, commitment and ministry to the people of Cleveland. Because of their selfless efforts in helping the less fortunate of our society, they have built not only a place of worship--they have built a haven and refuge, open to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of St. John Nepomucene Parish of Cleveland, as they celebrate 100 years of service to our community.

In 1898, 200 Catholic Americans of Czech heritage met at the East 52nd Street home of Frank Stepanik. The gathering, organized by John Jira and Charles Vana, sparked the beginnings of a new parish. In 1902, St. John Nepomucene Parish was established.

Parish members were also focused on the welfare of their children. To preserve the culture, history and language of their Eastern European motherland for their children, members organized again to establish a school. In 1903, St. John Nepomucene School was established, with an enrollment of 300 students.

As immigrants navigated their way through the difficult transition of assimilation in America, St. John Nepomucene served as a haven of security, faith, support and assistance. As immigrants embraced the freedoms and ideals of their new nation, St. John Nepomucene served as a bridge between two worlds--connecting Fleet Avenue to their homeland across the ocean.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and celebration of the generations of spiritual leaders and parishioners who founded, supported and sustained St. John Nepomucene Church for 100 years. The leaders and members of St. John Nepomucene Parish, past and present, continue their tradition of providing faith and hope to individuals and families in and around Fleet Avenue--reflecting light and hope throughout our Slavic Village neighborhood, and enriching our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Lieutenant Walter J. Thomas, Officer in Charge of the Fourth District Vice and Strike Force, upon the occasion of his retirement from the Cleveland Police Department after twenty-two years of service to the Cleveland community.

Lieutenant Thomas' strong work ethic, personal dedication and concern for others has been clearly present throughout his career. His work reflected the highest level of intelligence and wisdom, and his ever- present wry sense of humor was a saving grace during the most stressful situations.

Lieutenant Thomas rose steadily up the ranks of the Cleveland Police Department. In 1989, Officer Thomas was promoted to Detective of the Narcotics Unit. Several years later, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Second District. And last year, Officer Thomas was promoted to the well-deserved position and title of Lieutenant, working in Cleveland's Fourth District.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of Lieutenant Walter J. Thomas, upon his retirement from the Cleveland Police Department. Lieutenant Thomas carried out his duties with honesty, loyalty, quiet confidence and dignity, and his exceptional and courageous service on behalf of the citizens of Cleveland, has served to lift the spirits and the lives of countless individuals, families--and the entire Cleveland community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Army First Sergeant Robert J. Dowdy, who courageously and selflessly rose to the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Sergeant Dowdy was an exceptional United States soldier and was an equally exceptional human being. Sergeant Dowdy's life was characterized by his unwavering sense of duty and commitment to our nation, and above all, his life reflected a deep dedication to, and steadfast focus on his family. He worked diligently to effectively balance his military career with his main priority--his wife and daughter.

Sergeant Dowdy grew up in the North Broadway neighborhood and graduated from South High School in 1982. He enlisted in the U.S. Army soon thereafter. Throughout his journey in the military, Sergeant Dowdy carried with him a strong foundation of faith, family and community. He quickly ascended through the ranks, and held the title and command of Master Sergeant.

Most recently, Sergeant Dowdy was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. His strong intellect and solid sense of integrity evenly matched his outstanding athleticism. Moreover, Sergeant Dowdy's life reflected his generous heart and sincere concern for the welfare of others. He often and easily offered his assistance to anyone in need, without regard to his own sacrifice.