Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Barbara A. Nyegran, mother of seven, grandmother of thirteen, and a passionate and steadfast advocate for older persons in and around the Cleveland area.

Whether it was in policy, planning, or service delivery, Barbara was a determined and consistent leader in ensuring the needs of seniors were met, and that the livelihood and independence of seniors were maximized to the fullest extent possible.

Barbara began her career in aging as a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels in Parma, Ohio. As former director of both the Tri-City Senior Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and the Ehrnfelt Senior Center in Strongsville, Ohio, Barbara spent her days listening, problem solving, informing, community building, and serving.

She also was an effective leader of several organizations with a mission rooted in serving vulnerable seniors. Barbara chaired the Cuyahoga County Advisory Council on Senior and Adult Services, and she was a Trustee of the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. She was instrumental in the establishment and development of programs to assist seniors with transportation, home health, and personal needs.

Barbara also took the lead in establishing the Strongsville Community Foundation and the Strongsville Backyard Preserve--a 37-acre green space for recreation.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life and work of Barbara A. Nyegran, a dedicated mother, grandmother, public servant, and friend to many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of George S. Pofok, former Commissioner of Cleveland Public Power, CPP, as they rename the Holton Road Substation after him.

The new substation is part of CPP's $66 million expansion project. The project helps CPP fulfill its commitment to provide electricity to City of Cleveland residents and businesses in the most cost-efficient and energy-efficient manner. Cleveland Public Power is one of the few remaining publicly-owned utility companies in the nation.

During my tenure as Mayor of the City of Cleveland, Mr. Pofok served as the Commissioner of CPP and we worked together to fight maneuvers by the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company to force the city to sell CPP. Today, CPP remains viable with a bright future. Mr. Pofok played a vital role in its survival. At CPP, he left behind a reputation of dedication to providing the best service and rates to customers, while keeping costs down and utilizing cutting edge technology.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor of George S. Pofok, former Commissioner of Cleveland Public Power on the occasion that CPP has announced they will officially rename the Holton Road Substation in his honor. His many years of dedicated service as Commissioner of CPP continue to strengthen the economic base of our entire Cleveland community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of United States Army Private First Class James C. Konyud, who courageously and selflessly rose to the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

Pfc. Konyud was drafted into the U.S. Army and became a member of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division-K Company. In 1943, he was twenty-six years old when he travelled from Cleveland, Ohio to Germany during World War II. Two years later, after heavy combat in the Huertgen Forest in Germany, near Belgium, Pfc. Konyud was reported missing in action. He was declared dead one year later. Pfc. Konyud's remains, including his military identification tags, were finally located three years ago by a German explosive-ordinance team working near the Belgian border where he was last seen. American POW/MIA Command Teams were dispatched to Germany, and with the help of local farmers, discovered military equipment and a second set of Pfc. Konyud's identification tags. Sixty-seven years after travelling to Europe to serve our nation, Pfc. Konyud was finally flown home.

George Konyud, the youngest of nine brothers and sisters and Pfc. Konyud's only surviving sibling, gathered with family members and more than one hundred mourners on Saturday, September 25th at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, to pay their final respects and to honor the life and sacrifice of Pfc. James Konyud. He was buried with full military honors.

Madam Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of U.S. Army Private First Class James Konyud, whose service to our nation will be forever honored and remembered. Although sixty-seven years have passed, the memory of Pfc. Konyud will continue to live on within the hearts and memories of our entire community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of John H. Bustamante, devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. Mr. Bustamante's great achievements in fields of publishing, law and business are only matched by his leadership in the civil rights movement.

Mr. Bustamante was born in Santiago, Cuba, and moved with his family to Florida. He graduated from Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida, and later attended Boston University where he shared a room with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His friendship with Dr. King inspired his lifelong involvement in the civil rights movement. Their friendship remained strong until Dr. King's tragic death in 1968.

After graduating from Boston University, Mr. Bustamante went to Harvard University where he earned a law degree. He became an internationally recognized attorney and served as legal counsel for high-profile figures like Dr. King and the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Mr. Bustamante obtained a charter to form a national bank called First Bank. It grew to become the largest minority-owned bank in the nation. He also formed his own publishing company and in the process met and became lifelong friends with William O. Walker, founder and publisher of the Call & Post. Mr. Bustamante served the Call & Post in many ways, including as legal representative. When Mr. Walker passed away, Mr. Bustamante became the sole stockholder and publisher of the Call & Post. He served with integrity for more than thirty years until his retirement in 1998.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of John H. Bustamante, whose life was lived with great love for family, friends and community. Mr. Bustamante's legacy extends from Cleveland, Ohio, to places around the world. Moreover, Mr. Bustamante was a devoted husband to Mary, cherished father of Michael, Sonali, Andre and Kamala; devoted stepfather to Ronald, Marcus and Patrick, and devoted grandfather. His energy, leadership and work on behalf of civil rights, peace and justice elevated our Nation's pursuit of civil rights for all. His kindness, service and devotion made our world a better place. He will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Mike ``Triv'' Trivisonno, devoted family man, radio host and community volunteer. Mr. Trivisonno was born and raised in Greater Cleveland and he continues to call Cleveland his home. He grew up in Mayfield Heights, dropped out of school by the tenth grade and ran with a rough crowd. At the young age of 17, he met the love of his life and future wife, Linda Conforto, whose kindness and integrity became a powerful source of strength in his life.

Mike and Linda married three years later and remained committed to each other and to their children. Mike's family means everything to him and he has worked hard to provide for them. Together, he and Linda started a landscape business and they even managed a golf course along the way. In the 1970's, Mr. Trivisonno's radio popularity grew; he earned the nickname `Mr. Know It All' as a regular caller to the popular Pete Franklin ``SportsLine Show'' on radio station WWWE in Cleveland. Soon, radio jobs were offered and his career began to skyrocket. Lively, on-air debates that normally included sports talk meandered into the realm of news and politics. His common-man, brash and humorous style, and his raw honesty continue to draw a massive and diverse listening audience. His radio persona elicits strong emotions from his audience and his popularity continues to grow. For nearly twenty years, the Mike Trivisonno Show on WTAM 1100 has been the one of the most widely-listened to radio programs throughout Ohio.

Above and beyond his success in radio, Mr. Trivisonno's willingness to help others and his openness about his personal losses have touched the hearts of our community. For many years, he led the Coats for Kids annual campaign, and he continues to lead charitable events and initiatives, including charity poker events. After Linda Trivisonno lost her battle with cancer in 2009, he began honoring her life and memory with initiatives like the Linda Trivisonno Endowment Fund, which raises funds for cancer research and provides funds for financially struggling patients and their families.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor of Mike Trivisonno, one of the most fascinating and successful voices in the history of Cleveland radio. Beneath the armor of Mike's boisterous, self-deprecating, and sharply opinionated voice is a kind and decent man whose generous heart and desire to help others brings comfort, hope and strength to our entire community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 200th Anniversary of the City of Bay Village. I join with residents, business owners, city officials and Mayor Deborah Sutherland in celebrating this momentous occasion.

The Joseph Cahoon family, one of the first founding families, arrived on the land that is now Bay Village on October 10, 1810. The Cahoons and other settlers braved extreme weather conditions, illness and wild animals on their journey westward. They opted to settle along the picturesque southern shores of Lake Erie in beautiful northern Ohio

By 1901, the township of Hamlet of Bay, once part of Dover Township, began to exist under the leadership of trustees who worked to form a new village. Two years later, on March 10th, 1903, the Village of Bay was incorporated by the State of Ohio and elections

were organized. On April 6th, 1903, residents elected Reuben Osborne as their Mayor. They also elected H.P. Foote, Julius Wischmeyer, Calvin Osborn, Frank Meilander, Burrett Sadler and William O. Matthews to represent their interests on Council. On May 4th, 1903, in the small quarters of School House No. 1, a meeting was held for the first-ever Council of the Village of Bay.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the City of Bay Village, Ohio, as we remember the founding settlers who formed this Village. We also commemorate the contributions of citizens, past and present, in celebrating the city's 200th Anniversary. The City of Bay Village has evolved and grown; yet its small-town charm, integrity and beautiful green spaces continue to define this treasured community in Greater Cleveland.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ann Broz, as we join with her in celebration of her 108th birthday on October 7, 2010.

Mrs. Broz was born in Homestead, PA on October 7, 1902. Her life changed abruptly at the age of eight when her mother died unexpectedly. Soon thereafter, her father moved with her to Cleveland, Ohio in search of work and a new beginning. She gradually adjusted to her new community and made close friends in school. She was a diligent, energetic student, and her natural curiosity about life never faded.

After high school, she began working at the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Cleveland. In 1921, she met and married the love of her life, Frank Broz. Together, they settled in Fairview Park, where they raised their daughters, Ellyn and Patricia. Though her beloved Frank died many years ago, she has kept his memory alive through stories, photos and through her family, which includes five grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren.

Mrs. Broz is known for her great sense of humor, great energy, positive attitude and willingness to help others whenever needed. She is self-educated, an avid reader, and her passion for learning is as bright as ever. She is an avid gardener and a longtime member and viewer of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Moreover, it is Mrs. Broz' kindness of heart, inner light and warm smile that continues to frame her life. She loves children and animals, and they are always quickly drawn to her. She is a lifelong civic leader who was often found volunteering at PTA meetings or at the Fairview Park Women's Club.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of Ann Broz, as we celebrate her 108th birthday. Her kindness, joy for living, unshakable faith and unwavering belief in the goodness of life and humanity inspires our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 35th Anniversary of Ohio Citizen Action, a non-profit, grassroots, non- partisan, citizen action organization whose main focus is protection of our environment.

Founded in 1975, Ohio Citizen Action has 80,000 members of all ages and backgrounds. Ohio Citizen Action inspires action and involvement through door-to-door and phone banking campaigns that communicate news and information to communities, and empower and organize citizens on a wide range of issues and projects with a focus on making our world a better place.

From organizing against companies that violate environmental laws, to implementing the ``Good Neighbor Campaign'' that utilizes elements of community organizing, Ohio Citizen Action's true grassroots activism continues to inform, empower, strengthen and protect our entire community.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the members and leaders, past and present, of Ohio Citizen Action as they celebrate their 35th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Philanthropy Day, a day dedicated to the millions of Americans who donate their time, money and talents to improving the lives of others. They ask for no reward for their efforts, but each year on November 15 we thank them and honor them for their work.

The Greater Cleveland chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has selected three individuals and two organizations to recognize for their contributions. This year, awards go to youth leader Shannon Visconti, philanthropist Deborah Ratner, fundraising volunteer William D. Ginn, the Community West Foundation and the Third Federal Savings and Loan. Each has made an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of our community.

Having chosen to dedicate their time and/or money to help meet a greater need, they lead by example, inspiring those within their reach to do the same. Such generosity, dedication and humility nurtures the individual and the collective.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of these admirable community leaders, as well as countless others like them who work unrecognized in cities and towns throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2378, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. This legislation addresses the suppression of the renminbi--or RMB--the official currency of the People's Republic of China. The suppression of the RMB allows China to make its exports cheaper and thus makes foreign imports into China more expensive. As Chinese trade deficits continue to grow, so too does the negative impact on American workers, many of whom have been displaced by the growing trade deficit.

This legislation requires the Department of Commerce to levy countervailing duties if the affected U.S. company can prove it has been ``materially injured'' by imports from any country with undervalued currency. I strongly support the legislation and the remedial tools it provides to the Department of Commerce and American workers.

According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), ever increasing China trade deficits will displace between 512,000 and 566,000 jobs in the U.S. just this year. Between 2001 and 2007, 561,000 jobs were displaced by the China trade deficit. Two-thirds of the jobs displaced were in the manufacturing sector.

At the same time, we must remember that if we are trying to prevent the loss of more American jobs, we cannot forget about the reasons we have lost jobs in the U.S. We need to talk about the free trade policies we have actively pursued that have shipped American jobs overseas and left the American manufacturing sector in shambles.

The consideration of H.R. 2378 is an indication that we must do more to ensure that American industries, as a foundational part of our economy, remain strong. But it is not enough. Ohio has seen far too many idling manufacturing mills and hundreds of long-time steel workers being laid off at once. According to Public Citizen, of the 22 million jobs expected to be created in the U.S. between 2000 and 2010, only 187,000 or 0.1 percent will be manufacturing jobs. Ohio is one of the top ten states posting the biggest job losses in the manufacturing sector.

We cannot have a strong American economy without a strong industrial manufacturing sector that includes not only the steel industry, but also the auto, shipping and aerospace industries. Addressing our trade deficit and foreign policies that add to it is important. But it is also about addressing our policies. I am the proud author of H. Res. 444, which says that the steel, automotive, aerospace and shipping industries are vital to America's national and economic security. We need a coordinated federal policy that puts the manufacturing sector back in its rightful place as an engine of the American economy.

I strongly support passage of this legislation and will continue to work to shore up our local manufacturing base and protect American workers.

Madam Speaker, I support the dedicated public servants of our intelligence community and commend their efforts to ensure our national security. However, I must oppose the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

I continue to grow concerned that covert intelligence activities may constitute violations of the Constitution and that they severely undermine the rule of law. I am further concerned that these activities are conducted with total impunity. This legislation includes provisions to establish mechanisms of accountability over operations conducted by the intelligence community. I support those provisions. However, the compromise language included in this bill further weakens already weak disclosure requirements. More importantly, the provisions meant to address a lack of accountability included in this bill will do nothing to control intelligence activities that are tantamount to war.

It was reported in The Washington Post this week that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has deployed a covert ``well-armed 3,000- member Afghan paramilitary force'' that is used for ``surveillance, raids and combat operations in Afghanistan. The senior official quoted in the article admits that these teams are also ``crucial to the United States' secret war in Pakistan.'' In addition to this troubling revelation, the CIA has conducted over 20 drone attacks in Pakistan just this month. Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions has called on the United States to comply with international rule of law and disclose the criteria for individuals that may be targeted, how the government ensures the drone attacks are legal, and the nature of the follow-up the government conducts when civilians are killed. Thus far, the Administration has failed to provide any of this information.

These actions severely undermine the rule of law and our moral standing in the world. We only stand to gain more enemies if we continue to conduct seemingly indiscriminate drone attacks in a country with whom we are not at war. We can only further diminish our national security with our war in Afghanistan, which includes significant covert intelligence operations.

This legislation will not quell the intelligence activities that urgently require reform. If this bill allows intelligence agencies to continue covert wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan and even Yemen, I cannot support this bill. I oppose this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Steve Hegedus, beloved family man, friend, mentor, firefighter, peace activist and United States veteran.

Mr. Hegedus grew up in Cleveland along Buckeye Road where many Hungarian immigrants, like his parents, had settled. He served with honor in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 11th Airborne in the Pacific Theater. The young men he met while at war grew to be close and lifelong friends. After the war, Mr. Hegedus joined the Cleveland Heights Fire Department where he served with excellence, compassion and dedication for more than thirty years. He eventually attained the rank of Captain. While a firefighter, he operated a small home repair business. Although his work ethic was unwavering, his first priority was always his family. He and his wife, the late Mary Rose Hegedus, raised their children and remained closely connected to them and their grandchildren. When Mary Rose became ill, Mr. Hegedus lovingly cared for her. His daughter, Pamela; son, Steven; son-in-law, Timothy; daughter-in-law, Debbie; and grandchildren, Jordan and Ariel continued to be the center of his life.

Mr. Hegedus' energy for life, passion for learning and willingness to take a stand on issues of social justice were always part of who he was. He lived with love for humanity and concern for our planet. He was an environmentalist before most even knew what the word meant. Mr. Hegedus took great care of his garden and fruit trees, sharing his harvest with friends, family and neighbors. He utilized green practices before they were popular, was an active member of the Sierra Club and he served on the board of the Cleveland Peace Action. Mr. Hegedus was an outspoken advocate against nuclear arms and was an outspoken leader of the Lyndhurst Nuclear Weapons Freeze Group. He was also an avid patron of theater, music, literature and the arts, and he attended lectures and performances on a regular basis. Mr. Hegedus was a longtime member of the South Euclid Library Book Club.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Steve Hegedus, whose kindness, colorful personality, love for humanity, and devotion to family and friends framed his entire life. His beautiful spirit will live on, and he will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ramon ``Ray'' Lugo III, the newly appointed Director of NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Serving as Acting Director of NASA Glenn since 2007, Mr. Lugo is the first Hispanic-American Director in the history of

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Trading Post Train Shop located on Pearl Road in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood. I also recognize its owner, Mr. James Berilla.

The Trading Post Train Shop opened in the fall of 1950 under its first owner Ralph Brown. Mr. Brown discovered a community-wide clientele of train enthusiasts of all ages. Forty years later, he sold the shop to the current owner. Sixty years later, the Trading Post Train Shop serves clients including second and third generation patrons. The shop fills orders from throughout Ohio and across the country.

The Trading Post Train Shop carries Lionel model trains and collectibles for sale or trade. The busiest time of year for the Train Shop is always the December holiday season. Model trains with real smoke, metal tracks and whistles continue to be a treasured American holiday tradition, circling Christmas trees in millions of homes every December.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the Trading Post Train Shop, its patrons, past owner Ralph Brown and current owner James Berilla. Images of trains racing through a tunnel, across the desert or atop a bridge remain deeply embedded within the spirit of our nation. They reflect the great frontier, innovation, adventurous spirit and energy that define America. The legacy of the train will always manifest the trailblazing spirit Cleveland's small business owners, whose sense of independence and innovation are vital rails along the economic track running from Cleveland, Ohio to all points across our nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Mr. J. Thomas Mullen, a devoted husband, father, and friend. His faith and his dedication to serving all of humanity, especially the poor and marginalized, were unshakable.

Mr. Mullen moved to Ohio in 1983 to work in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. Two years later, Governor Dick Celeste appointed him Director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services. He joined Catholic Charities in 1987 and combined Gospel values with business savvy to transform the organization's Cleveland branch. At the time of his death, he was president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Health and Human Services. He was also serving his third term as Chair of the Governor's Council on Juvenile Justice.

Mr. Mullen played a key role in helping the Cleveland's Catholic Charities branch develop into a $100 million operation that serves hundreds of thousands of people. Coworker Tom Allio praised Mr. Mullen as ``brilliant in his capacity to leverage foundation and government support to help the poor, the homeless, and the marginalized.''

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Mr. J. Thomas Mullen. I offer my condolences to his wife, Julie; to his daughter, Maggie; to his sons, John, Patrick, Matt, and Jim; to his thirteen grandchildren; and to his many friends. Mr. Mullen lived his life with love, generosity, and commitment to social justice. He will always be remembered for his good work and his generous spirit.