Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Army Private Brandon Ulysses Sloan, who bravely and selflessly answered the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Private Sloan's young life was defined by family, faith, friends and community. A gentle and kind soul, Private Sloan lived his life with great joy and energy. He easily forged lasting friendships and was quick with a smile, kind word, or helping hand. Private Sloan was also an exceptional athlete, and he developed a love for baseball and football.

Private Sloan's family and friends were central to his life. He gained personal strength and faith from those who knew him best and loved him most--his father, Reverend Tandy U. Sloan; his mother, Kimberly T. Sloan; and his sister, Brittney Sloan.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Private Brandon Ulysses Sloan, whose honor, commitment and bravery will be remembered always. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Private Sloan--his beloved parents, Reverend Tandy U. and Kimberly T. Sloan; his beloved sister, Brittney Sloan; his adoring grandmothers, Dr. Rementa Pippen and Luberta Sloan; and his extended family and many friends.

The significant sacrifice, service, and bravery that characterized the life of Private Brandon Ulysses Sloan will forever be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community, and the entire nation. And within the hearts of his family and friends, the bonds of love and memories created in life by Private Sloan will never be broken, and will live on for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the air traffic controllers of Cleveland Center in Oberlin, Ohio, whose bravery, skill, and quick thinking ensured the safety of other air passengers on one of the darkest days in American history, September 11.

Immediately following that tragic day, the men and women of the Cleveland Center have demonstrated their compassion and concern for the families of the victims of United Flight 93 by contributing over $10,000 to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, a foundation established to assist families of every passenger and crew member of Flight 93.

Today, I also stand in honor and remembrance of forty-four passengers and crew members aboard United Flight 93. Their valiant spirit and courageous actions prevented even greater loss of life. The people aboard United Flight 93 will remain in our minds and hearts forever, and will forever be recognized as true American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and tribute of the men and women of the Cleveland Center, and the men and women aboard United Flight 93--their spirited, heroic, and selfless actions--under the most terrifying of circumstances--restores our faith in humanity and reflects all that is good in America, and they will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, much media attention has been directed toward the President's State of the Union Address on January 28, 2003, wherein he alleged an Iraqi nuclear threat which the Vice President's office knew was false almost a year earlier. More attention needs to be paid to false and misleading statements which preceded the vote on the Iraqi resolution in this House.

Two days before the vote on October 8, 2002, speaking in Cincinnati, the President spoke of his determination to attack Iraq: ``Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof, the smoking gun, that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.''

This chilling apocalyptic statement was not based on clear evidence of peril but was, in fact, based on falsehoods hidden from public view by the office of the Vice President. Did the Vice President's office knowingly conceal information its own representative obtained that Iraq was, in fact, not attempting to purchase nuclear materials from Niger? Was the White House in possession of the same information prior to the President giving his shocking declaration in Cincinnati?

There is no question that the President's statements, which we now know

were false and misleading, influenced the debate in this House and the decision to go to war. It is imperative we have open public hearings to wash this stain from our national reputation.

Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2211 is a good bill. As its name suggests, the Ready to Teach Act works to ensure that our children, our future, are taught by well-prepared and qualified teachers. It also supports our schools so that they are able to recruit and retain the teachers who give so much of themselves for the children of others.

We will pass this bill today; and in doing so, we all agree that the country needs the Federal Government to spend $300 million on teacher preparation and retention; but in fact, we will not spend that much on teacher preparation and retention. The President has asked that we spend only $90 million or 30 percent of what we today all agree is necessary. Why?

Yesterday we passed the defense spending bill that spends $8.9 billion on a missile system which does not work; and today we will pass an education bill that, if fully funded, would work, but we will not fully fund it.

There is money for education. We could reallocate the $8.9 billion for missile defense and put it into education. We would have money to hire and train thousands more qualified teachers. We would have money to buy 9 million more computers for our children and schools. We would have money to fully fund and expand the Head Start program, IDEA, and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Instead, we are spending too much, $8.9 billion, for a missile program that will not work, and we are underfunding the education account.

Mr. Chairman, as we walk in each day to vote, we walk under the canopy of the House, and there is a pediment that is supported by the pillars, and the pediment is called the ``Apotheosis of Democracy,'' and in the middle of it right at the apex there is a woman whose arm is outextended, and her arm is protecting a child who is sitting blissfully atop a pile of books. That sculpture, which is right at the center of our experience as we come in to vote every day, is entitled ``Peace Protecting Genius.''

And the child genius is protected not with nuclear arms, but with the arms of eternal love and sitting atop a pile of books which represents knowledge.

We have to realize that our protection in this country and our security depends on education, and that it is peace which protects genius, and that it is peace which will lead us on a path towards sparing the tremendous amount of monies that are to be wasted by the Pentagon, and freeing it up so that we can put that money back into education to truly protect the future of this Nation and to enable the children of this Nation to be able to have lives that are rich, that are endowed with great education, and that lead to a world of peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Air Force Commander Michael Joseph Akos, who bravely and selflessly answered the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Commander Akos' young life was characterized by his dream of one day flying above the clouds, a dream that would be fulfilled in the form of service to his country. Michael's gregarious and mischievous spirit made him a pleasure to be around, a quality that followed him into adulthood. Devoted and diligent, Commander Akos had the strength and discipline to do anything he set his mind to, and an intense devotion to those he loved.

Commander Akos loved his family, and lived his life with passion. He served as a model husband, son, brother, and friend, always happy to be around his loved ones, and poignantly aware of the gift of family.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Commander Michael J. Akos, whose courage and commitment will forever be remembered as a testament to our great Nation. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Commander Akos--his beloved parents, Dennis Joseph Akos and Nona Ann Akos; his devoted wife Karlynne Akos; his beloved brothers, Dennis Matthew Akos and Patrick Thomas Akos; and his extended family and many friends.

The significant sacrifice, service, and bravery that characterized the life of Commander Michael Joseph Akos will forever be honored and remembered by the Cleveland community, and the entire Nation. And within the hearts of his family and friends--the bonds of love and memories created in life by Commander Akos will never be broken, the joy he brought to this world will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice will serve as a living symbol of the human spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the students, educators and administrators of Benedictine High School of Cleveland, Ohio, as they celebrate seventy-five years of spiritual service and education for the young men of our community.

Benedictine High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school, was founded in 1922 by the Benedictine Order. This historic order of Benedictine monks was borne into existence more than one thousand years ago in 480 A.D. Despite the centuries of time gone by, the rich and significant traditions of the Benedictine Monks of the Middle Ages have been carried through time, and remain living monuments in the form of Saint Andrew Abbey and Benedictine High School.

The clear and ageless vision of leaders at Benedictine are founded upon the ancient principals of scholarly achievement tempered with spiritual discipline and social awareness. In complement to the school's strong academic foundation, Benedictine's offers its 387 young men opportunities to excel in athletic endeavors and other extracurricular activities.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the students, spiritual guides and administrators of Benedictine High School, as they celebrate seventy five years of exceptional scholastic achievement and significant spiritual guidance within the classrooms and on the surrounding grounds of Benedictine High School. The commitment, kindness, instruction and guidance provided by the Benedictine monks and lay staff have served to lift the spirits and minds of countless young men--thereby uplifting our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the City Mission for providing shelter, hope and faith to individuals and families within our Cleveland community.

The facilities, programs and services that were developed at the Mission in 1910 on Superior Avenue have evolved over the years, but the vision, assistance, compassion and faith have remained a constant source of comfort and hope for more than ninety years. Within the Mission walls, Reverend Peter Bliss, Reverend Robert Sandham, Executive Director Tim Campbell and the nearly forty dedicated staff members continue the Mission legacy of reaching out, empowering and uplifting the hearts, souls and lives of thousands of women, men and children every year.

The Mission's commitment to helping and healing every person that walks through the door is a true testimony to the power of faith, the reality of miracles, and the existence of angels and heroes that walk among us. The angels are those we call staff--the staff who've dedicated their lives to helping others get back in the game. The heroes are those who enter here--despite painful histories, despite illnesses and addictions, despite physical, emotional or financial devastation and despite fear. These heroes among us--the women, men and children of our community--reflect courage, dignity, wisdom, an unfaltering will to survive, a refusal to give up, and an unbreakable inner strength and faith as they rise up into the light of a brighter day.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and gratitude of the City Mission of Cleveland--a sanctuary in our community. Faith and love abound within these walls, producing miracles everyday--healing the lives of all who enter here--and uplifting our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the founding members, current administrators and residents of the George E. Fedor Manor of Lakewood, Ohio, as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary.

In 1979, Father Richard Ondreyka, Pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, attorney George E. Fedor and local businessman Peter Shimrak brought together their personal and professional experience to form SS. C. & M. Haven, Inc., with the goal of constructing an apartment community for low-income senior citizens.

In May of 1983, Fedor Manor--a not-for-profit facility--opened its doors to welcome its first residents. For twenty years, the 145-unit structure has served as a place of comfort and care for our most treasured citizens--our elderly. Fedor Manor offers an array of social services focused on the emotional, social and physical well-being of every resident.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the Twentieth Anniversary of the George E. Fedor Manor. The founding members and their mission have created a structure well beyond mere bricks and steel--they've raised this building as a haven of comfort and peace--and a place where hundreds of seniors along Madison Avenue call `home'. The collective commitment of staff and residents, woven with the mission of the founding members, has remained constant for two decades: To provide a secure and warm life setting for the seniors of our community. ``Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.''--Eleanor Roosevelt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Cleveland- Marshall Law Alumni Association as they recognize alumni Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind--distinguished alumni of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Class of 1980.

The mission of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association (CMLAA) is to promote, support and serve the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, its alumni, faculty and students by offering quality education, professional programs, and professional opportunities to assist in career and educational advancement of every alumnus. Additionally, CMLAA life membership dues fund a vital Student Scholarship Program.

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni--Judge Diane J. Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind, have evolved from law school graduates in 1980, to leaders in the legal profession. Both have raised the bar of excellence in their prospective areas of law and reflect outstanding professional profiles that encompass integrity, expertise, and service to others. While ascending throughout their legal endeavors, Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard Mishkind have remained committed to supporting the Cleveland College of Law and their community, and have become superior role models for the youth of our community.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Judge Diane Karpinski and Attorney Howard D. Mishkind, as they are duly recognized by the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association for their significant professional achievements and, more importantly, for their service to the College and to our community. I also stand in honor of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association, for their continued support of educational excellence; for their promotion and support of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law graduates and alumni; and for providing countless students an opportunity to attain a superior law education through the organization of scholarship funds. Cleveland- Marshall College of Law, its faculty, students and alumni have demonstrated academic and professional excellence within all areas of law, earning the highest respect and admiration of our entire community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Police Officer Charles J. Bronston Jr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Bay Village Police Division that spans thirty-five years of dedication to the Force and honor to the Badge--Badge No 1. On April 8, 1968, Officer Bronston pledged his life to protecting the safety of others and was sworn in as Patrol Officer.

Growing up on the North Coast solidified Officer Bronston's love for the great outdoors and crystallized his deep commitment to his community on the Bay. His outstanding work and personal dedication to helping others was clearly reflected throughout his tenure of service. Officer Bronston's great enthusiasm for life, his kind and friendly nature, and his immediate willingness to help others elevated him to the highest level and best example of what a police officer should be.

Officer Bronston is so highly regarded within the Bay Village Police Division that its leaders informally judge all recruits against the stellar performance of Officer Bronston. Officer Bronston consistently went above and beyond the call of duty to protect and assist those who live and work in Bay Village. A true mentor, guide and friend, Officer Bronston's professionalism, expertise, sense of fairness, superior sense of humor, integrity and genuine concern for others have served to assist and improve numerous life situations for many people. In addition, his interest in protecting his community extends beyond Bay Village into neighboring suburbs, as is reflected in his ongoing membership of the first SWAT Team for the Westshore Enforcement Bureau.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and recognition of Officer Charles J. Bronston upon his retirement as full- time Police Officer with the Bay Village Police Division. His exceptional and courageous service on behalf of the citizens of Bay Village and beyond have served to lift the spirits and the lives of countless individuals, families within Bay Village and all along our western shores. We wish Officer Bronston, his wife Martha, children Charles III and Michael Scott and grandchildren Felicia and Cory many blessings of peace, health and happiness throughout his retirement. We also wish him many clear summer days of great fishing along the rolling waves, bays and shores of Lake Erie.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. In one quick hour of debate, Congress will spend $368 billion on the military. Amazingly, this massive sum does not fund our troops in Iraq or Afghanistan. If we want to use our Armed Forces, the taxpayers will have to use extra. We all know that the President will be back asking for more billions of more taxpayer dollars for these operations.

This bill funds the wrong defense priorities that will do little to provide for a more secure America. It will fund weapons systems that we all know will not work and will be subject to spiraling upward costs; and yet we cannot fully fund education needs at home. The only needs this Congress will take care of today are the profit-gouging defense contractors. Perhaps we should rename this bill the Lockheed-Martin, Northrop Grumman, United Defense, Raytheon, Boeing and General Dynamics Welfare Act of 2003.

Unlike the Republican majority, I do not believe we should heavily deficit spend to further enrich defense contractors. We can heavily invest in education and reduce the deficit by cutting national missile defense, the F22 fighter plane, the V22 Osprey, space-based weapons and other unnecessary and wasteful programs.

I believe we should cancel the national missile defense, a savings of $8.9 billion, because it reduces our security here at home, it steals money for more effective security options, and because it will not work as promised, it leaves us more vulnerable.

National missile defense does not work. It has failed three tests that were much simpler than real-life scenarios. It will not be subject to a real-life test before deployment in 2004. The only conclusion I can draw is that proponents do not care. They do not care if this weapons system works and it harms rather than protects Americans. Any country that decides to attack the United States with nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons is more likely to use a less expensive and more covert delivery method than long-range missiles, such as smuggling it on a ship or a truck.

National missile defense would offer no protection against such an attack, and because we waste so much money on this system, we leave our homeland security system underfunded and unable to protect from real threats. We can also significantly reduce our ship-building programs funded at $11.5 billion. Our Navy is not threatened by any other navy; yet it offers little protection from today's real threats. We would do far more for our Nation's security by shifting some of these funds to the Coast Guard.

It would immediately save lives to cancel the V-22 aircraft program, a savings of $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2004. This aircraft has killed 30 Marines because it has an unsafe design that cannot be relied upon. I cannot support funds for such a program.

The F-22 fighter plane is a relic of the Cold War that suits no purpose in a modern Air Force. Our current airfighters are more than capable and far less expensive. The F-22 continues to be subject to massive cost overruns and continued development problems, making it an unaffordable plane. The $3.6 billion saved in fiscal year 2004 would raise a lot of teachers' salaries, providing our children with better education.

I believe we should roll back our spending in research and development of unnecessary expensive weapons systems such as Army's Comanche helicopter, a savings of $1.1 billion; the Joint Strike Fighter, a savings of $4.2 billion; the Space-Based Infra-Red System, a savings of $617 million; and the Space-Based Radar, a savings of $174 million.

Do we want to start a new war in space, or do we want to finish the struggle against deteriorating public schools? I believe we can do more for America by our repairing our school infrastructure. The savings proposed here amount to a significant investment in education. I have highlighted $30 billion in unnecessary defense spending, and this money can be immediately invested in education for our children. A thorough review of the Pentagon budget would likely reveal another $30 billion in defense waste and unnecessary programs.

Today only 12 percent of the 17 million low-income children eligible for child care subsidies receives assistance. Only 23 percent of all families with children younger than 6 have one parent working and one parent staying at home. And today the average cost of child care for a 4-year old in an urban-area center is more than the average cost of public college tuition in all but one State.

I ask who will care for our children? And I say that we can. With $60 billion we could have universal prekindergarten and child care in this Nation. I have a bill before this Congress, the Universal Prekindergarten Act, that would establish and expand prekindergarten programs to ensure that all children ages 3 to 5 have access to high- quality, full-day, full-calendar-year prekindergarten education.

It is time to set our priorities straight. We are arming ourselves to the teeth, and we are missing a chance to make sure our children have decent education.

Amendment Offered by Mr. De Fazio

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Father Walter L. Dolan, O.F.M., upon the occasion of his retirement from active ministry.

Father Dolan has served as President of Padua Franciscan High School in Parma for the past nine years. Under his leadership, the high school has flourished in many ways. Enrollment has steadily increased at Padua, and today the high school is the largest Catholic co-educational secondary school in northern Ohio. Additionally, it was because of Father Dolan that Padua Franciscan High School is now officially designated as a College Preparatory High School--making it only one of fourteen with this status in the entire State of Ohio.

Not only has Father Dolan significantly raised the bar on academic standards and excellence at Padua, he also focused on the improvement of the school's athletic facilities. These significant exterior developments created new baseball and softball fields, new track fields and facilities, parking and roadway improvements, and a new football stadium. Father Dolan ensured that appropriate landscaping graced the boundaries of every new development.

Moreover, Father Dolan's goal for Padua included financial stability for the school, and aid for eligible students. During his tenure, Father Dolan secured a major funding effort to build a strong endowment, entitled ``The Campaign For Tomorrow.'' This significant endeavor exists to increase the amount of financial aid to students in need. This endowment is also designed to maintain the school's technological level, and also provides teachers with cutting-edge educational training.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Father Walter L. Dolan as he retires as President of Padua Franciscan High School, and as he retires from active ministry. Father Dolan's contributions throughout his ministry are significant and immeasurable, and his work and service will be greatly missed. His leadership, expertise, guidance and concern for others have served to uplift the entire Padua community, and the entire Cleveland community, and his gift of faith and compassion will forever light our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the parish community of Saint Boniface Parish, as they celebrate 100 years of faith and hope in Cleveland's Westside neighborhood. Throughout the past century, Saint Boniface Parish has served as a spiritual refuge-- radiating hope, encouragement, education and faith.

Father Casimir Reichlin began the ministry of Saint Boniface in February of 1903. His visionary focus aimed at educating children within the framework of the neighborhood parish has remained as significant and impactful today as it was 100 years ago. As Saint Boniface Parish was born, so was Saint Boniface School. In 1904, Reverend A. M. Seeholzer was named Pastor of Saint Boniface Parish. Under the guidance of Father Reichlin, Pastor Seeholzer oversaw the construction of a four-room frame building that would serve parishioners and students for the next 12 years.

In March of 1923, parishioners and spiritual leaders of Saint Boniface Parish celebrated the grand opening of the new Saint Boniface School. The sturdy, two-story brick structure contained 16 classrooms, accommodating more than 700 students, in grades kindergarten through high school. Today, Saint Boniface School provides preschool, kindergarten and first grade instruction.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every member of Saint Boniface Parish, as they celebrate 100 years of fostering faith, hope, enlightenment and love within our Cleveland community. Saint Boniface Parish continues its dedication to providing educational and spiritual growth, elevating the lives of countless children, adults and families within our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Samuel Laderman--beloved family man, respected attorney and CPA, and friend and mentor to countless.

Mr. Laderman began his career in the late 1940s first as an accountant. A few years later, he earned a law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School, which singled him out as one of the few attorneys who also held a CPA license. Mr. Laderman built his career in law and accounting based on expertise, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He forged life-long professional relationships based on trust, fairness, good will and his ever-present vivacious personality and quick wit.

Aside from his great professional success, Mr. Laderman possessed a kind heart, great sense of humor, and his main priority, focus and greatest love was his family. He was happily married to his college sweetheart, Cecile ``Cece'' Perry for 58 years. Together they lovingly raised two daughters, Flora and June, and a son, Gerald. Their closeness as a family and deep faith carried them through the tragic loss of their daughter June, who lost her battle with leukemia as a teenager. In her honor and memory, Mr. and Mrs. Laderman worked to help others through their creation of the June Beverly Laderman Memorial Fund with University Hospitals of Cleveland. Mr. Laderman volunteered his time and talents within our community on a regular basis. He was a member of the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, and was first president of the Hillel Alumni Association of Cleveland. In addition, Mr. Laderman was past president of the Cleveland Heights Chapter of B'nai B'rith, and served on the board of B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Samuel Laderman--beloved family man, respected attorney, CPA, and friend and mentor to countless. I offer my deepest condolences to his beloved wife Cecile; beloved children, Flora and Gerald; to his three adoring grandchildren, extended family, and to his many colleagues and friends. Mr. Laderman's life has left a luminous mark upon our community, and his spirited work and personal and professional legacy will be remembered always.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mayor Ralph and Eleanor Locher, as they celebrate the sixty-fourth year of their marriage. Their committed partnership to each other also reflects their deep commitment and service to our entire Cleveland community.

Mayor and Mrs. Locher met in their rural hometown of Bluffton, Ohio. As a young boy, Mayor Locher and his family emigrated from Romania and settled in Bluffton. Mrs. Locher was born and raised in Bluffton. Their dedication for each other and their passion for politics originated during their teen years in high school, as they were avid members of the high school debate team--and they've been inseparable ever since.

Mayor and Mrs. Locher attended Dayton University together. After they graduated, they moved to Cleveland and were married in June of 1939. Mr. Locher went on to attend law school at Western Reserve University, while Mrs. Locher worked as a teacher. Soon after, daughter Virginia was born. Mrs. Locher became the steel frame of the Locher family, evolving into the role of mother, supportive wife and civic activist. Throughout Mayor Locker's impressive career as attorney, mayor and judge, Mrs. Locher was a constant and committed advocate, organizer and friend. Their unbreakable alliance has served to encourage, uplift, and bring out the best in one another.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Mayor Ralph Locher and Eleanor Locher as they celebrate sixty four years of marriage. The longevity of their union underscores a deep and abiding love and commitment for each other--and reflects their deep respect, admiration and solid friendship that continues to grow stronger throughout their journey. Family has always

been central to their life together--daughter Virginia Wells; grandson Andrew and his wife Heather; and great-granddaughter Caroline. We stand in celebration of the wedding anniversary of Ralph and Eleanor Locher-- the spirit of love within their union is cause for celebration and is an inspiration to us all.

``Love is the river of life in the world''--Henry Ward Beecher.