Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. Gabor Papp, a man who was devoted to preserving and celebrating Hungarian culture and language.

In 1915, Mr. Papp was born in Maramarossziget, Hungary. He earned his law degree at the University of Debrecen before moving to Cleveland after World War II. In 1951, Mr. Papp began working as a draftsman at Lucas Machine Tool Co. and Acme-Cleveland Corp.

In 1958, Mr. Papp founded the Hungarian School at St. Emeric Catholic Church, serving as its principal and director for 27 years. The Hungarian school teaches both children and adults about Hungarian language and culture. He also served as an officer at the United Hungarian Fund, where he spearheaded philanthropic efforts for scholarships, disaster recovery, and many other programs. Mr. Papp was also a volunteer at the Senior Ethnic Find of Cleveland. As a result of his dedication to the community he was honored by numerous government officials throughout his life.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mr. Gabor Papp, a true leader. Mr. Papp's devotion to the Hungarian community of Cleveland was admirable and irreplaceable. I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife of 64 years, Katalin; his daughters, Eva, Klara, Gabrielle, and Susan; and his many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Holy Trinity Baptist Church of Cleveland, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Known as ``the Church with the Upward Look and the Forward Step,'' this church has served the surrounding community since 1961.

The congregation of Holy Trinity Baptist Church had humble beginnings; for the first four years of its existence it was housed at the Old Crown Theater on Cleveland's east side. In 1965, it moved to its current location on East 131st Street. Throughout its history, Holy Trinity has provided numerous services to its members and the surrounding community. The congregation has an active connection with Haiti, where they built a church and have fostered children. Closer to home, they have hosted nutritional, tutoring, and Head Start programs for their community. Holy Trinity Baptist Church was the first church in Cleveland to offer certified classes in Bible Study.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in recognition and celebration of Holy Trinity Baptist Church's 50th anniversary. Holy Trinity Baptist Church has been a vibrant part of the Cleveland community for fifty years, and through its service and outreach programs, has touched many lives. I send my congratulations to Reverend Chelton C. Flanagan and Reverend Dr. Henry J. Payden, Sr., along with the 700 members of the church on this joyous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. Bill Kelley, the former director of the Cleveland Aquarium who was known for his ingenuity and creativity.

Bill Kelley was born in 1917 in Elyria, Ohio. From a very early age, he had a deep interest in science, and enjoyed building telescopes and crystal radios. In 1954, after serving as an interpreter for the Army in World War II, he worked to convert a small bathhouse in Gordon Park into Cleveland's first aquarium.

Mr. Kelley was well-known for his innovation. He invented special filters and developed an additive that could be added to tap water to make it habitable for salt-water fish. He travelled to Chicago and the Amazon to secure unique specimens for Cleveland's collection. He went on to head aquariums in Niagara Falls and Mystic, Connecticut.

A true renaissance man, Mr. Kelley's expertise was far from limited to sea life. He was also a fellow of Great Britain's Gemological Society and was known for developing a method to strengthen fragile opals and for founding Opals, Inc. He also served as associate director of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please rise with me today in honor and remembrance of a passionate and unwavering individual. Mr. Kelley will be remembered for his many contributions to the sciences and for his hard work and dedication. I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife, Lois; his brother, Carl; and his sister, Jean.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Parma Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Center, a multifaceted medical center that provides the people of Northeast Ohio with comprehensive physical and cognitive rehabilitation of excellent quality.

The staff at Parma Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Center consists of nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists/ neuropsychologists and physical, occupational and speech therapists. These professionals work together to create individualized treatment plans for each patient they treat. The Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation (CARF) and consistently exceeds national averages with outstanding outcomes for patients undergoing joint replacement, total knee replacement and hip fracture repair. The Center has also been recognized for its exceptional work with stroke patients.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, the Parma Hospital Acute Rehabilitation Center is an invaluable resource for patients in Northeast Ohio. Its individualized approach, cooperation with patients' families, and dedication to returning all patients to independent living at the highest possible level of functioning make the Center an excellent source of quality health care for the people of its community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Richard Distelhorst, a man who devoted himself to the well being of his community and the nation.

Richard was born on August 24th, 1921 to his loving parents Oscar and Esther Distelhorst. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1939. After graduating he met the love of his life, Virginia. The two married in 1944 and celebrated 60 years together before Virginia's death in 2004. As a young man Richard enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a master sergeant in the South Pacific during World War II.

His service and devotion to his local community will be remembered by those who knew him. He was a member of his local Kiwanis Club, a grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and chairman of the local Service Corps of Retired Executives. He also dedicated his time to the Burlington Alliance for Citizen Action.

Richard also possessed a passion for politics. He volunteered countless hours for local grass roots political action. He was an active member of the Des Moines County Democrats and was eventually awarded for his service to them by being inducted in the Des Moines county Democrats Hall of Fame in 2006. He worked tirelessly organizing peace rallies, educating the community about pertinent political issues and assisted with the 2004 Kucinich for President Campaign. Additionally, Richard was an active member and senior advisor of the American Monetary Institute (AMI). The director and co-founder of the AMI referred to Richard as one of ``the most knowledgeable Americans regarding the workings of the Federal Reserve system.''

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please rise with me today in honor and remembrance of a passionate and unwavering individual. Richard will forever be remembered for the hard work and dedication that he committed. I extend my sincerest condolences to his son Daniel and his daughter Rita.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sister Mary Ann Flannery to acknowledge her receipt of the Walks of Life award from the Irish American Archives Society. Sister Flannery has always been a valuable asset to her community and her devotion to serving others is praiseworthy.

Sister Flannery grew up on the East side of Cleveland and graduated from Hoban-Dominican High School. After college she began teaching at Lumen Cordium High School and Notre Dame College. Following her time as a teacher she became an active member in local organizations that focused on social justice issues for the community. She became director of Parma's Jesuit Retreat House, making her the first female director of the oldest retreat center in the nation. In addition to her community involvement, she is also a consistent freelance writer. Her work appears in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and several other publications.

Prior to receiving this award, Sister Flannery also received an award from the Siena Heights University Alumni Association for her relentless efforts to improve her community, her successful tenure as a teacher and her concern for social issues around the globe.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the accomplishments of Sister Flannery. She is a valuable asset to the Cleveland community, and has shown that she possesses a gift for assisting others, no matter what their circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chris Coburn to acknowledge his receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society. Chris has been a

tremendous asset to the Cleveland community. In fact, the Cleveland Plain Dealer recently hailed Chris as ``a pioneer in tech-based economic development, rugby lover and fifth-generation Clevelander.''

Chris served as the executive director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations, leading a team whose main goal is commercial viability for inventions developed by the scientists and doctors of the Cleveland Clinic. These inventions have the potential to create products that may extend lives and mend genes. His work at the Clinic has boosted economic development and growth for Northeast Ohio.

In honor of his Irish roots, he also ensured that 20 percent of Ireland's cardiologists received the world renowned training at the Cleveland Clinic. Other accomplishments of Chris' include being the former Vice President and General Manager of Battelle Memorial Institution and Director of the U.S. Enrichment Corp.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, Chris Coburn is truly a valuable asset to Northeast Ohio. Through various innovations and achievements, he has proven himself to be one of Cleveland's most valuable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Patricia Anne Gaughan to acknowledge her receipt of the Walks of Life award from the Irish American Archives Society. Patricia's focus on civic duty and national allegiance is admirable.

Patricia graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1978 and soon began her career in law. Initially, she worked as an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor. In 1983 she began to handle high profile cases as the first female in the Major Trial Division. In 1986 she secured the position of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge, and in 1994, Senator John Glenn nominated her for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. By 2007, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts selected her for appointment to the Judicial Conference Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction.

Within the community, Patricia serves as a Director of Magnificat Catholic High School and the St. John Medical Center Community Board. She is also on the Ursuline College Legal Studies Advisory Board. Patricia is a loving mother who lives with her husband Roger, and her son and daughter in Rocky River, Ohio.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Patricia Gaughan, who has devoted her life to the rule of law and service to her country. Her life has been marked by accomplishment after accomplishment. It is an honor to recognize her as an invaluable asset to the Cleveland community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Richard F. Coyne to acknowledge his receipt of the Walks of Life Award from the Irish American Archive Society.

Richard is a valuable asset to the Cleveland community. Without him, Cleveland would not have one its most prestigious landmarks: the Great Lakes Science Center. Richard was chosen specifically to spearhead the construction of the Science Center twenty years ago. As a result of his know-how and expertise, the project was completed both on time and under budget. The Great Lakes Science Center is one of the largest interactive science museums in the country.

Now retired from management duties at the Science Center, Richard continues to assist and advise other enterprises. He is an active member of the leadership board at the Cleveland Clinic's Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute and has been chairman of the endowment board at St. Ann Catholic Church.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, Cleveland, Ohio is blessed to have such an honorable and hardworking man as a member of its community. His dedication has vastly improved Cleveland and the city will forever be in Richard's debt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Richard Clark to acknowledge his receipt of the Walks of Life award from the Irish American Archives Society. Richard has been of immense value to the community and his achievements are certainly praiseworthy.

Mr. Clark's time spent as the principal of St. Ignatius High School marked an era of vast improvements to the school. Attendance rose annually by 300 students under his leadership. During his twelve years as principal, St. Ignatius reaped the benefits of a new intramural gym, a new 400 seat place of worship and a complete remodeling of its classrooms.

After leaving St. Ignatius High School, Richard founded an entirely new high school in Cleveland, Saint Martin de Porres. The mission of this school is ``to transform urban Cleveland one student at a time.'' Richard can be proud of his many accomplishments. Of the 190 students who graduated from St. Martin de Porres, all were accepted into college.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, Cleveland is proud to have such a motivated and good-willed individual giving back to the community. Richard's accomplishments have improved the lives of hundreds of young individuals seeking education and opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Clarence Dominic Harper and in honor of his commitment to family, community, and country.

Clarence spent his entire life devoted to his community. In 1930 he was born in Richfield, Ohio, where he would remain and serve for the rest of his life. He left a profound mark on those with whom he lived. The denizens of Richfield will remember Clarence fondly due to his constant support and devotion to the community. Clarence had a great admiration for the natural beauty of Ohio. In fact, during his life he became a self-taught expert on animals native to Northeast Ohio.

Clarence also possessed a strong, vital love for his country. In fact, this Nation will forever be in debt to the years he devoted to serving his Nation during the Korean War.

Most importantly, Clarence was a family man. He spent 55 years of his life with his loving wife Helene. He was an active role model for his children, Stacy, Gregory, and Mary, for whom he was always a loving and caring father.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering Clarence Dominic Harper whose legacy of commitment towards community, country and family is an inspiration. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife, his three children and three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Cleveland Chapter of the Lithuanian American Community's commemoration of the anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence, and the re- establishment of their independence.

On February 16, 1918, the people of Lithuania declared their independence to the world as a distinct country of its own culture and traditions. The state was founded on democratic principles and declared its independence in a peaceful manner. However, Lithuania's freedom was short-lived, as the country and its people were subjected to foreign occupation and conquest by the Nazi Germany regime and the U.S.S.R. during World War II. In 1940, the Soviet Union took control of Lithuania, without the people's consent. This unjust control of a free people lasted for 50 years. On March 11, 1990, upon the fall of the Soviet Union, the people of Lithuania re-established their independence, and once again, became a sovereign, free state.

The Lithuanian-American Community's Cleveland Chapter has worked to connect the people of Cleveland of Lithuanian descent and to share their rich and vibrant culture with the community. I offer my best wishes for the upcoming celebration of their heritage and their independence.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in commemorating the independence of Lithuania and, in wishing the country and its people continued freedom and success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize William T. Skowronski, the Chief of the Northeast District Office of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Bill is retiring on February 24 after 39 years with the OEPA.

Bill Skowronski graduated from Cleveland State University in 1972 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He became a Registered Professional Engineer and went on to become District Engineer in the Public Wastewater Control Group; a Supervisor in the Industrial Wastewater Pollution Control Group; and the Manager of the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, before becoming the District Chief in 1987.

In his long and distinguished career, Bill Skowronski has served on many boards and committees and has received numerous awards for his service. He is an ex officio member of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Northeast Ohio's Metropolitan Planning Organization; a member of the

Greater Cleveland Clean Air Campaign; the Cleveland Harbor Dredge Task Force; the Environmental Health and Safety Technology Advisory Committee of Cuyahoga Community College; and the Advisory Committee for Master of Arts in Environmental Studies at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs, among other boards. He is also a past member of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association's Water/ Environmental Committee; Case Western Reserve University's Advisory Committee for the Regional Priorities Project; the St. Clair Superior Neighborhood Development Association Environmental Justice Committee; and the Earth Day Coalition's Sustainable Cleveland Neighborhood Committee, among others. In 1991 Bill received the OEPA Senior Manager of the Year Award and in 2005 received the OEPA George B. Garrett Professionalism Award.

Professional duties aside, Bill is a dedicated sports fan and family man. He plays basketball, soccer, tennis and golf and umpires elementary through high school baseball leagues. He is an avid fan of all Cleveland's professional sports teams and the Ohio State University Buckeyes. In his retirement, Bill looks forward to spending more time with his wife Debra, who recently retired from the North Royalton Board of Education, his three children Keith, Kevin and Kristen, his granddaughter Abigail, and a grandchild on the way.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in wishing Bill Skowronski the best in his much deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mercedes Helen Spotts, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Mrs. Spotts' devotion to public service, and her passionate love for her family and children, has left a lasting impression on countless lives.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Helen and John Karpinski, Mrs. Spotts graduated from Notre Dame Academy, and earned associates and bachelor's degrees at Notre Dame College. She also earned her master's and law degrees at Cleveland State University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Notre Dame College.

Mrs. Spotts has the honor of being the first female deputy bailiff at the Cleveland Municipal Court. Throughout her career she also served as an appeals court administrator, the second female President of the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, co-founder of the East Side Catholic Shelter and the founding President of Mental Health Services. Because of her dedication, Mrs. Spotts was the recipient of three awards from the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, including the first ``Day Weiner'' award for public service.

In addition to her formal role as deputy bailiff, Mrs. Spotts was known around the community as the organizer of the annual International Folk Festival in Playhouse Square. She was also an active member of the Dimpled Darlings of Ireland, a tap-dance group that performed for nursing homes and hospitals. Mrs. Spotts was named a ``Grand Lady of Pulaski'' by the Polonia Foundation and received its annual Heritage Award. She also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2005.

Mrs. Spotts is survived by her two sons, David and John, her grandson David, and sister, the Honorable Diane Karpinski.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering Mercedes Helen Spotts, whose legacy of professionalism and service to others will not be forgotten.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prohibit funds authorized in H.R. 1 to be used for the missile defense program at the Department of Defense. The amendment does not cut overall defense spending but merely places a limitation on spending on the hapless and hopeless missile defense system.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. has spent over $150 billion on ballistic missile defense since 1985, and there is no working, reliable missile defense system to show for all that investment. H.R. 1 dedicates approximately $10 billion more for ballistic missile defense.

Some have argued that such systems are necessary for national security. In fact, no missile defense system under development has ever passed an unrigged test. According to experts at CRS, the performance in wartime for our newest capabilities is unknown. In December of last year, our ground-based interceptors known as GMDs failed the test again, a test that cost $100 million.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the United States ``is no closer today to being able to effectively defend against long- range ballistic missiles than it was 25 years ago.'' Missile defense systems are unproven and unworkable. They are worthless as national security.

But even though we have never in 25 years created a missile defense system that worked, our misguided commitment to spending billions on this failed program is having a counterproductive effort with other countries. Both the Bush administration and the Obama administration have mistakenly argued and insisted that the ballistic missile defense system is solely for deterrence and protection against potential future threats. This argument contradicts logic. Missile defense concepts are perceived by both our foes and allies as defensive threats. If we increase our arsenal, we encourage other countries to increase theirs.

I want to conclude by saying that when will Congress act appropriately in response to the record of failure in missile defense? Shouldn't we apply the same standard to missile defense as we apply to our schools and No Child Left Behind? If you can't pass the test, then you lose your funding.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Could I ask the Chair how much time remains.

I would just like to say in response to my friends that my amendment will correct a bipartisan error and, second, that you can't destroy a missile system that doesn't work.

I will just conclude by saying that Philip Coyle, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, has said the national missile defense system has become a theology in the United States, not a technology. We may have faith that it works, but we are taught that we have to justify our faith by good works. They don't have any good works connected to this.