Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Karl Ertle, whose dedication has helped improve the education and opportunities for hundreds of young women and men throughout southeast Cleveland, Ohio, and beyond.

Mr. Ertle has been the President and Principal of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, an urban high school located in the Slavic Village neighborhood, since 2004. He has turned the school around, managing a $13 million capital improvement program and overseeing an increase in enrolment of more than forty percent.

Mr. Ertle grew up in the Cleveland area. He studied at St. Ignatius High School and then later began his teaching career there. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Borromeo College and a master's degree in religious studies from John Carroll University. Between 1983 and 2004 he performed a number of different roles at St. Ignatius, including theology teacher, director of admissions, assistant principal for student services, and vice president of the Mission of St. Ignatius.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Karl Ertle on the occasion of his retirement. He has continuously and unstintingly served the young people of Cleveland, displaying integrity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of countless students. I wish Mr. Ertle, his wife Carol, and his children: Tim, Katie, Mary, Annie, Danny and Joe, health, peace and happiness.

What if the BP gusher in the gulf is unstoppable? This is a challenging question which is making its way through various blogs. What if millions of barrels of oil continue to flow uncontrolled from the hole in the seabed? We should be preparing now for a worst- case scenario. We should be mobilizing our Nation now, developing new, comprehensive plans for sustainable, alternative energy, for environmental protection, for public health, for preservation of species, for security, for rebuilding our economy and repairing commerce. We should be challenging our fellow citizens and ourselves to take part in charting a new course for our Nation, towards creating an America which has unlimited energy because it has unlimited vision, unclouded by greed or partisan advantage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Housing Advocates, Inc., (HAI) which has fought for fair housing rights and equal housing opportunities for more than three decades.

Established in 1975, HAI is comprised of passionate attorneys, experienced in litigating civil rights cases, and dedicated support staff who work to ensure that fair housing laws and affordable and quality housing principles are followed.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Housing Advocates, Inc., whose advocacy on behalf of equal housing rights has helped the people of Northeast Ohio. The staff of Housing Advocates, Inc. safeguards civil rights and serve as protector and champion on behalf of housing rights for minorities, the disabled and the poor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Stanley and Betty Sheinbaum as they celebrate their 90th birthdays. The Sheinbaums have been partners in life since 1964, with a shared devotion to each other, to their families, and to causes of peace and justice. Their support and work on behalf of humanitarian and progressive causes continues to strengthen the democratic foundation of our nation and the world.

Mr. Sheinbaum grew up in a poor, working class neighborhood in New York City. His family was hit hard by the Depression; their financial struggles during his formative years left an indelible imprint on him-- clarifying his sense of justice, and strengthening his compassion and empathy for others, especially for the poor. After high school, he worked at various jobs until he joined the service, where he served during WWII. After the war, he re-enrolled in high school courses to elevate his grades and he was eventually accepted at Oklahoma A&M, where he did well enough to transfer to Stanford University. He graduated from Stanford with a degree in Economics with high honors, subsequently moving to Paris as a Fulbright scholar.

In the early 1960's, Mr. Sheinbaum's previous support of U.S. military involvement in South Vietnam began to fade. He became an active member and leader at the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions--an organization that attracted the nation's intellectual elites. Mr. Sheinbaum quickly impressed members with his strong intellect and superior debating skills. He soon met and fell in love with activist Betty Warner, daughter of Warner Bros. co-founder, Harry Warner.

Born in 1920, Ms. Warner was a like-minded political activist who shared her future husband's social and political inclinations. She was born in Hollywood and grew up in the glory days of the movie industry. The daughter of a movie mogul, she lived a life adorned with pop artists and movie stars. Her family came to the United States in the early 1900s seeking democracy, freedom, justice and economic security. Although her father became famous, he began as a cobbler and a salesman. He instilled within her a strong sense of hard work, equality and justice. She became involved in community and grassroots politics and organized to fight McCarthyism.

Stanley Sheinbaum and Betty Warner were married in 1964. The Sheinbaums' sense of philanthropy and service to others has been a shared vision since their marriage. In addition to her activism, Betty Sheinbaum is a passionate artist. She is a successful sculptor, painter, artist and gallery owner. She uses her lifetime of experiences in her beautiful work and incorporates the imagery she has discovered on her travels throughout the world. She has studied with Howard Warshaw, Keith Finch, Jan Stussy, Mark Strickland and George Small.

In addition to donating to worthy causes over four decades, the Sheinbaums have continued to donate their valuable time. Among his countless accomplishments, Mr. Sheinbaum has served as head of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and as President of the Los Angeles Police Commission during the difficult years between 1991 and 1993. While serving as a Regent of the University of California, he fought for divestment from South Africa. For the last 10 years, he has been the publisher of New Perspectives Quarterly. Both Betty and Stanley continue to serve on the Advisory Board for the Liberty Hill Foundation, an organization which invests in changemakers and equips them with the skills and relationships they need to build power and advance social justice.

As well as being active in their own communities, the Sheinbaums have used their resources and their influence to effect global change. In 1988, Mr. Sheinbaum led a delegation of American Jews to the Middle East where he befriended Yassar Arafat. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Sheinbaums, Arafat renounced terror and finally recognized Israel's right to exist. Respected for his ability to negotiate with world leaders, Mr. Clinton would later ask Mr. Sheinbaum to serve as a back-channel envoy to Syria and help influence the course of nations.

The passion, dedication and commitment of the Sheinbaums have made a difference in the lives of many. Their historic careers are surpassed only by their love for each other. Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Stanley and Betty Sheinbaum on the occasion of their 90th birthdays, as we extend to them both the thanks of a grateful nation for all they have done together to make our world a better place. They are truly great Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize 25 years of amazing work by the staff and supporters of Community Challenge. In giving specific mention to one of Community Challenge's biggest long-time supporters, David LaRue--I not only honor him, but also all those others who have given of themselves to create a better future for our children.

Community Challenge, a branch of Recovery Resources that focuses on keeping our children healthy, happy and free from the devastation of drug and alcohol abuse, has strengthened and empowered the lives of countless youth and families throughout our west side communities.

As with many great initiatives, its origins are humble. In 1985 a small group of Rocky River residents acted when they became concerned about alcohol and drug abuse by local children and teens; they formed the Rocky River Community Challenge, which worked on education and prevention. As the organization expanded, `Rocky River' was dropped from its name but its mission has remained the same--to improve education and prevent abuse.

Today, I also honor David LaRue for the tireless support he has given Community Challenge. Mr. LaRue's dedication to the mission and programs of Community Challenge is evidenced by the significant sponsorship funding from the company of which he is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Forest City Enterprises. In 1992 Mr. LaRue personally led the effort to start Community Challenge's Basketball Challenge Cup, an annual event bringing together teens and families for an evening of fun and competition in an alcohol-free environment.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the 25 years of tireless effort by all the staff and supporters of Community Challenge and of David LaRue whose leadership, sponsorship, and support of Community Challenge's programs and events has made a real difference in the lives of so many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember a brother and a sister who left this world far too soon. Erin and Andrew Ehrbar were both tragically taken away from us at the tender ages of 16 and 13, respectively. I stand with those in our community grieving for them and for their families.

Erin and Andrew both loved sports, music, and spending time with friends and family. They were extraordinary children who lived their lives with great energy, laughter, joy, kind hearts and a spirit of generosity. Today, we remember them, in the House and in the nation.

As we grieve, we also celebrate the joy and happiness that Erin and Andrew brought to their friends and family. Erin, a junior at Highland High School, played on the girl's varsity soccer team; Andrew, a seventh grader at Highland Middle School, played baseball, basketball, and sang in the school choir.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, I ask you to join me in honor and remembrance of Erin K. Ehrbar and Andrew J. Ehrbar, whose young lives were framed by the unwavering love of their family and friends. In addition to honoring the memory of their late father, James, we offer condolences to their mother, Laura; to their big sister, Melissa and their little brother, Sean; to their stepfather, Chris DePiero; their grandparents, Thomas and Barbara Donovan; James and Marilyn Ehrbar; Jerry and Roberta DePiero; and the many others who loved them. The legacies of Erin and Andrew will continue on in the lives of others, through organ and eye donation, and their gentle spirits will forever hold a sacred place in the hearts of those who loved them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Lenore C. ``Lori'' Wendell, whose life was filled with family, friends and service on behalf of our community.

Mrs. Wendell was the cherished wife of the late Richard. Together, they lovingly raised their daughters, Jennifer and Heather. She was a devoted mother and enjoyed a close relationship with her grandchildren, Jamie, Patrick, Anthony, Quinn and Allan.

Mrs. Wendell's giving and kind nature reflected throughout her life. She was active in local politics and was a community leader. She consistently volunteered her time and talents on behalf of numerous causes. Whether to assist with a local fundraiser or to help a family in need, Mrs. Wendell was always there to help. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 738 in Fairview Park, where she led numerous meetings and prepared countless dinners for a variety of Legion events. In local politics, she worked diligently, volunteering many hours on behalf of candidates whom she supported.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Lenore C. ``Lori'' Wendell, who lived her life with unwavering love for family and friends and great joy for life. I offer my condolences to all who loved her including her brother, John and her dear friend, Cliff. Mrs. Wendell touched the lives of many throughout our community, and she will be remembered always.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

I rise in support of the resolution, June 8 as World Ocean Day. But for the past 50 days, and for the next 6 months at least, every other day is going to be ``ruin our oceans day.''

We like to think, well, this is all about BP. I think we have to go a little bit further. We have to understand that we have been pursuing a way of life that is not sustainable. It's not sustainable for us as human beings; it's not sustainable for our planet.

So we can be here today to talk about the oceans, and we should; but we have to keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, that our oceans receive billions of gallons of runoff flows, pesticides, metals like mercury and lead, massive amounts of fertilizer, volatile organic compounds, countless other chemicals. Even before the Deepwater disaster, this runoff caused the single biggest dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

Our oceans are absorbing the malfeasance of oil companies who are not only responsible for at least three separate major oil gushers as we speak, but are responsible as being one of two major contributors causing climate change. And we are subsidizing them with taxpayers' money. Our oceans are absorbing the malfeasance of coal companies, the other major fossil fuel contributor to climate change. For decades the oceans have been our repository for the greenhouse gases that come mostly from the burning of fossil fuel. The result is that oceans have grown more acidic. Coral is dying; underwater temperature patterns are shifting, undermining entire ecosystems.

There are signs our oceans have reached the limit. Some studies indicate oceans won't be able to absorb any more, if any, greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere. That only increases the urgency with which we must act to achieve a carbon-free and even nuclear-free energy portfolio.

But the ultimate challenge that we have about upholding the environmental integrity of our oceans comes because we have really disassociated ourselves from nature. We see nature as being out there. We see nature as not even being a part of us. And because we are avoiding our responsibility to protect God's creation, the price we are going to be paying in the future will keep getting higher: oceans that are poisoned, a planet ruined, and all of life threatened with extinction.

So we can keep temporizing about what's going on in the gulf, but the fact of the matter is that sooner or later we must come to an accounting with the kind of energy that we are using and the damage it does to the environment and to the human race and all other life on the planet.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Church of North Olmsted, Ohio, as they celebrate 175 years of spirituality rooted in diversity and a deep sense of community.

The First Universalist Church of Olmsted was founded in 1834. The founding members included early leaders of North Olmsted such as the Coes, Kennedys, Roots, Stearnses and Fitches. In 1847, church members built the first building at the corner of Lorain and Butternut Ridge Roads.

Cast in 1851, the large bell in the belfry continues today to act as a symbol of inclusion and emancipation. Before and during the Civil War, the bell tower was used as a station on the Underground Railroad to hide escaping slaves and their families. In 1963, this historic landmark structure was moved to its current site at Porter Road in North Olmsted. More than a thousand Unitarian Universalist churches exist throughout North America. They operate autonomously, with each congregation having the right to decide its own worship styles and ministers.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of the congregation and ministry of the Unitarian Universalist church of North Olmsted as they celebrate their 175th anniversary. May this church continue to act as a beacon of spiritual truth, tolerance, and diversity for the people of Greater Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1391, a resolution congratulating Israel on its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Membership in the OECD, which includes the United States and most of the nations in the European Union, will yield greater stability and security for Israel. However, like many Israelis, I believe that true long-term stability and security for Israel depends upon a peaceful relationship with its Palestinian neighbors.

The OECD stated values include ``a commitment to pluralist democracy based on the rule of law and the respect of human rights.'' As such, the body has a responsibility to ensure its members uphold and comply with those values. Absent from the debate on this resolution was the revelation that the economic data submitted to the OECD for membership included Israeli citizens living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in violation of OECD's own values and international law.

The submission of this data did not thwart Israel's acceptance into the OECD; however, continued illegal settlement building in the Occupied Territories and the debilitating blockade of Gaza does thwart Israel's long-term security. The acceptance into the OECD despite this data sends a signal to members of the

international community that they can violate international law and be rewarded for it. Furthermore, it threatens to undermine the fragile proximity talks facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell, as settlement building continues to be a main obstacle to progress.

Stability is not secured solely through economic growth. Anyone truly supportive of Israel must work with the Israeli government to bring it closer to a just and peaceful resolution with its Palestinian neighbors. I support a strong Israel. I believe that Israel's position in the international community can be strengthened by a demonstrated commitment to human rights and international law.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Judge Ann Aldridge, an accomplished jurist who served as Federal District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio and helped to pave the way for all women lawyers.

Judge Aldridge had a joy for life and a passion for service. She lived around the world, but she found her final home in Northeast Ohio. After World War II, she volunteered to rebuild rail lines in Yugoslavia. She graduated second in her New York University of Law class, in which she was the only woman. She would go on to her earn master and doctoral law degrees from NYU as well. She worked in Washington D.C. for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Federal Communications Center (FCC). Later, representing the United Church of Christ, she sued the FCC to make it easier for minorities in the south to own radio stations.

Judge Aldridge moved to Shaker Heights to join the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where she became the school's first tenured woman professor. She taught one of the nation's first environmental law classes and helped develop minority outreach programs. She was first appointed to the U.S. District Court by President Carter in 1980 and served as an accomplished jurist until her retirement in 1995. She was the first female federal district court judge in Ohio, and even after her retirement she continued to remain active in the law.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of Judge Ann Aldridge, a trailblazer who paved the way for women in the law and enriched our nation through her deft interpretation and application of the law. I offer my condolences to her four sons, James Mooney, Allen Mooney, Martin Aldrich, William Aldrich, and her eight grandchildren.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), celebrated on May 19, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

For seventy years, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, a non-partisan organization, has sought to raise awareness of the interests and concerns of Ukrainian Americans and the people of the Ukraine. The UCCA has worked on many initiatives, including a law adopted by Congress in 1948 which allowed more than 110,000 Ukrainians to be admitted into the United States. The UCCA has worked on the establishment of Ukrainian language radio programs with Voice of America and Radio Free Liberty. The UCCA also successfully lobbied both the House of Representatives and Senate to construct a monument in honor of Taras Shevchenko, the bard of Ukraine, which was unveiled by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1946.

Throughout the Cold War, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America spoke out against human rights violations and advocated for the liberation of Ukrainian political prisoners in the former USSR. The grassroots efforts of the UCCA continue to focus on encouraging members of Congress to support the process of democratic development in the Ukraine and to promote the needs and concerns of Ukrainian Americans.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of the members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America as they celebrate their 70th anniversary. For seven decades they have brought the issues and concerns of Ukrainian Americans to the forefront of American government and society. As United States citizens whose origins span the globe, we must work to promote bonds of friendship, support, and goodwill here at home and in the nations of our origin.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, I rise today in honor and recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Croatian American Association, which was celebrated on Saturday, May 15th in Chicago, Illinois.

For twenty years, the Croatian American Association, a non-partisan organization, has sought to bring the interests and concerns of Croatian Americans to the attention of Congress and the Administration. The Croatian American community is vibrant and strong in Cleveland, Chicago and throughout our nation. Croatian Americans have made significant contributions to all levels of culture and society and have made our nation a better place.

The Croatian American Association is focused on rallying members of Congress to support the process of democratic development in Croatia, and providing education to the American people on the significance of supporting democracy in Croatia. For twenty years, members and leaders within the Association have created vital partnerships with Congressional and Senate leaders, with members of the press, and with leaders of numerous cultural and political organizations throughout the country.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and recognition of all Americans of Croatian heritage, and the members of the Croatian American Association, as they celebrate 20 years of advancing democracy in Croatia. As United States citizens whose origins span the globe, we must work to preserve and foster bonds of friendship, support, and peace here at home and in the nations of our origin.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society upon the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Police Memorial Commemoration. Today, we remember the men and women in blue who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the citizens of our community.

In 1985, a group of police officers gathered after the funeral of a fellow officer killed in the line of duty. They discussed forming a union of officers, family members and citizens, and together they formed the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society. The mission of the Society is to honor those peace officers who have sacrificed their lives to protect others in the Greater Cleveland area. The Society adopted the motto: ``In Honore Casorum,'' Latin for ``Honor Our Fallen.''

The Peace Officers Memorial Society provides support and assistance to the family members of officers who have died in the line of duty. They also provide support and assistance to police officers injured in the line of duty and work in tandem with law enforcement agencies and leaders with the planning and implementation of Line of Duty funerals. They also establish scholarship funds and work on strengthening police- community relations and community outreach initiatives.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society as they continue their mission to honor the fallen, support the families of slain officers, and strengthen and promote bonds between police and community. We must recognize and remember every peace officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their selfless service and sacrifice, and the great sacrifice of their families, will not be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of T. Boone Pickens, who has made a major impact on our world through his advocacy and philanthropic missions.

Mr. Pickens was born on May 22nd, 1928 and raised in the Great Plains of Holdenville, Oklahoma during the Great Depression. His father, Thomas Boone Pickens, and mother, Grace Molonson Pickens, both worked in the oil industry. He grew up across the street from his grandmother, Nellie Molonson, and an aunt, Ellie Reed, both of whom were extremely influential in teaching him the importance of responsibility, self- sufficiency and accountability.

Mr. Pickens began his working at the age of 12 with a paper route. His route started out small, yet quickly grew from a customer base of 28 to nearly 130 customers. The business principals of expansion and acquisition, combined with his strong intellect, work ethic and unwavering drive to succeed, elevated Mr. Pickens to the stature of one of the wealthiest oil moguls in the world before he was forty.

Mr. Pickens' great financial success in the oil sector has allowed him to recommit his work toward lowering greenhouse gas pollution. Mr. Pickens' philanthropic efforts have totaled more than a billion dollars. He created the Pickens Foundation, the mission of which is to improve lives by providing funds for the creation of programs in the areas of medical research, athletics, education and the environment.

Both Mr. Pickens and his wife, Madeleine Pickens, are also lifelong animal rights activists. They have led the effort to outlaw the slaughter of horses in America, and recently, they have focused on saving and protecting the tens of thousands of wild mustang horses and their natural habitats.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of T. Boone Pickens, whose focus on innovation and public service has contributed significantly to our nation.