Floor Statements

Afghan President Karzai is in Washington this week seeking another $33 billion to keep the war going, meeting with the White House to present his so-called ``peace proposal'' to allocate $160 million from international donors to fund new government bodies, pay off insurgents who agree to stop fighting, and to undermine efforts to establish local governance.

Ranked the second most corrupt government in the world, only behind Somalia, Mr. Karzai's blatant government corruption, his ties to Big Oil, and his ties to Afghanistan's most notorious drug pushers, including his own brother, is no secret. While he's being treated as royalty in Washington, millions of dollars shuffle through Kabul Airport, unaccounted for, as Mr. Karzai builds villas in Dubai. Meanwhile, I have constituents in Cleveland who are struggling to stay in their homes.

The longer this charade of nation building and counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan continues, the more U.S. soldiers and innocent Afghan civilians die. He wants $33 billion for war to continue in Afghanistan. Here at home, Americans need jobs and access to education and health care. Billions would be better spent rebuilding America than sending it to Afghanistan to continue a war.

Bring our troops home. End the war.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, (VBOB) Ohio North Coast Chapter XXXVI. Their individual and collective courage, sacrifice and service on behalf of our nation will be forever remembered.

The Battle of the Bulge was the largest land battle of World War II and one of the deadliest battles in American history. By the end of the battle, nearly 20,000 American soldiers were dead and more than 80,000 were wounded. The German surprise attack on American troops began on December 16, 1944 in the snow-covered Ardennes Mountains of Belgium and Luxembourg. It ended with an Allied victory. This courageous stand by American troops proved to be a major turning point in the war; it contributed to the defeat of the Nazis and the liberation of Europe.

The VBOB Chapter XXXVI was chartered on July 16, 1994. Forever connected by their shared experience, Veterans from throughout northern Ohio gathered to meet on a regular basis. Though the Chapter is now disbanding, its members were active. They held annual commemoration dinners in honor of their friends who lost their lives and led the effort to construct a memorial in honor of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. That monument, located in The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, was dedicated on June 6th, 2002.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of and gratitude to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. I also stand in honor of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the Ohio North Coast Chapter XXXVl. The heart and grit that each young soldier exhibited in the midst of that battle will be honored forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of James Francis Sullivan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend. Mr. Sullivan lived his life with energy, joy and a commitment to his community.

Mr. Sullivan was born on June 19, 1932. His mother, Sarah, was from Ireland, and his father, John, was from Pittsburgh. The youngest of eleven brothers and sisters, Mr. Sullivan was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. He attended St. Coleman's Grade School and graduated from West High School.

Mr. Sullivan followed the path set by his father and joined the Asbestos Workers Local No. 3. He served as an Executive Board member and later was elected President, an office which he held for six years. In 1973, he was elected Business Manager of the Asbestos Workers union and he held the position for fifteen years. Mr. Sullivan was a tireless advocate on behalf of asbestos workers. He brought their concerns to national fora and represented the union at international conferences. Most significantly, under his leadership, pension and hospitalization plans were first established for asbestos workers.

Mr. Sullivan was also a dedicated husband and father. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen, in 1952. Together, they raised six children: James ``Scott'', Jeffrey, Brian, Danny, Bobby and Kelly. All five sons are members of the Heat & Frost Insulators Local No. 3 in Cleveland. Mr. Sullivan was also a devoted grandfather of twelve, and great-grandfather of two.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of James Francis Sullivan. I offer my condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Sullivan lived life with a generous heart and an unwavering love for his family. He will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre, when Soviet forces executed nearly 25,000 Polish military personnel and civilians including 4,443 military officers in the spring of 1940.

In September, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland and imprisoned nearly 5,000 Polish military personnel. Polish officers were separated by the Soviet NKVD, the precursor to the KGB. The officers were systematically lined up, shot in the back, and buried in the Katyn forest near Smolensk. Thousands more Polish soldiers and civilians were taken to other sites to be killed.

In 1990, Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev publicly admitted that the Soviet NKVD had ordered the execution of up to 25,000 Polish military members and citizens. Gorbachev's admission was a first step toward reconciliation between Poland and Russia; a process that continues to progress today.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the tragedy that became known as the Katyn Massacre. As the people of Poland and Russia continue the work of reconciliation, we must support their efforts and continue to work toward diplomacy and peace. Together, we can create a world where nations rely on the principles of diplomacy and peace to resolve conflicts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Richard Smallwood, a beloved husband, father and friend who lived life with a sense of joy.

Mr. Smallwood served in the Seabees division of the U.S. Navy. After his service he met and married the love of his life, Donna Reese. Together, he and Donna raised their six children with an abundance of love and devotion. He instilled within them a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to family and service. He worked for many years at Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the City of Parma Recreation Department, and he also ran a family business; a gift store called the Treasure Isle.

A modest man, Mr. Smallwood never sought the spotlight, but his volunteer work did not go unnoticed. He was honored numerous times by the City of Parma and other organizations for his efforts. Mr. Smallwood was an active member and leader within many community organizations and initiatives, including Proud of Parma, the Parma Chamber of Commerce, the Parma Amateur Athletic Association, and the Parma Rib and Rock. He was also an avid softball and volleyball player and enjoyed traveling.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Richard Smallwood, a man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. I offer my condolences to his wife of 41 years, Donna; to his children, Dave, Terri, Scott, Bruce, Vicki and Sherri; to his daughters-in-law, Barb, Karen and Mary; to his sons-in-law, Ken, John and Bob; to his 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; and to his extended family members and numerous friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Max Palevsky, a kind man who was devoted to his family and friends. He had an innovative spirit, a passion for the arts and politics, and he had a lifelong mission to make the world a better place.

Mr. Palevsky, the son of Jewish Polish immigrants, was born and raised in Chicago during the Great Depression. His mother was a homemaker and his father worked as a house painter; neither spoke much English. During World War II, he served as an electronics officer in the Army Air Forces. Following his service, he studied math and philosophy at the University of Chicago, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1948. Mr. Palevsky became a titan in the computer industry as a founding member of Intel Corp. He used his vast wealth to finance political campaigns, build notable art collections, help finance films and help save troubled publications like Rolling Stone Magazine.

Mr. Palevsky first became active in politics in the 1960s by supporting Tom Braden, a newspaper publisher, for California's lieutenant governor. He became active in the anti-war movement and served as a leader in Business Executives Move for Vietnam Peace. His activism against the war led to his efforts in support of Robert Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign. He met George McGovern at the notorious Chicago Democratic National Convention and became an early supporter. He is credited with helping elect the first African-American mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley, who held office for twenty years. Mr. Palevsky's bipartisan advocacy of campaign finance reform is evidence that he prioritized policy over politics.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Alex Palevsky, whose innovative mind and passionate heart led not only to great accomplishment in America's technical industries, but also led to great contributions in art and politics. I offer my condolences to his wife, Jodie Evans; to his daughter, Madeleine; to his sons, Nicholas, Alexander, Jonathan and Matthew; to his stepson, Jan; to his sister, Helen; to his four grandchildren; and to his extended family members and many friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Polish American Congress, Ohio Division and of Polish Constitution Day, which is celebrated this year on May 2, 2010. Polish Constitution Day is a time for Poles to honor the struggles, sacrifices and victories of their ancestors. It is a day when people of all cultures join with the Polish community to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and history of Poland.

After almost five centuries of struggle and perseverance, the Governmental Statute of Poland became the first written constitution in Europe on May 3, 1791. An important document in the history of democracy, the Polish Constitution established the separation of government powers, freedom of religion, and abolished key elements of serfdom.

Formed in 1949, the Polish American Congress is a national umbrella organization representing over ten million Polish-Americans. It serves as a unifying force for both Polish-Americans and Polish citizens living in America. Additionally, the Polish American Congress has helped integrate Poles into the United States with programs like the Displaced Persons Program, which allowed almost 150,000 Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after World War II.

The Polish-American community in Cleveland is deeply rooted in its commitment to the values of family, faith, democracy and hard work. As in years past, the Greater Cleveland community will join in celebration of Poland's rich history and culture by attending events such as the Polonia Ball, the Grand Parade and the Photographic Exhibition.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of the Polish American Congress as they celebrate Polish Constitution Day. Their dedication to preserving and promoting their heritage, history and culture with Greater Cleveland serves to enrich and illuminate the brilliant and diverse fabric of our entire community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Poles, Polish- Americans and the Honorable Ambassador from Poland, Robert Kupiecki, and his wife, Malgorzata Kupiecki, on the occasion of Polish Constitution Day, celebrated on May 2, 2010.

Polish Constitution Day is a day when people of all cultures, in America and around the world, join with the people of Poland to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and history of Poland. After almost five centuries of struggle and perseverance, the Governmental Statute of Poland became the first written constitution in Europe on May 3, 1791. An important document in the history of democracy, the Polish Constitution established the separation of government powers, freedom of religion, and abolished key elements of serfdom.

The first Polish immigrants arrived on American shores in 1608 at Jamestown, Virginia. Today, more than 10 million Americans trace their ancestry to Poland and nearly 700,000 report that they speak Polish at home. Many Polish-Americans find strength from their family, faith, and hard work. They also find strength and inspiration in their unbreakable bonds to their heritage and their homeland. From Poland's courageous freedom fighters to the Solidarity leaders who rose from the union lines, Poles have been an inspiration.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me today, Polish Constitution Day, in honoring

the struggles, courage and triumphs of the people of Poland and honoring all people of Polish descent. Through their successive struggles for freedom, the people of Poland have given the world hope.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Ms. Christine Miles of Berea, Ohio, a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to her dual passions of music and helping children. Ms. Miles has worked on my staff for 14 years, but she has been my friend for almost 40 years. She brings joy into the lives of thousands of young men and women through her work as a music therapist and her role in creating and managing the 10th Congressional District Art Contest, which she has organized for 14 consecutive years.

Ms. Miles is simply one of the most interesting people you could ever hope to meet. She has a deep passion for cooking and gardening. Her home is a calming oasis of history, warmth and love. She has dedicated her life to the arts and to service to her community. An alumna of Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music, Ms. Miles has been honored for her to devotion to music as a performer, a teacher and as a music therapist for children.

Ms. Miles was elected to the Berea City Council in 1972 and in 1976, she became a special aid to U.S. Congressman Ron Mottl. She was the first woman to Chair the Ohio Democratic Delegation to a presidential convention where she was a delegate for Jimmy Carter. She served as President Carter's deputy co-coordinator for his Ohio Campaign. She later served on the National Advisory Board on Ambassadorial Appointments. She has also served as a Member of the Advisory Committee on the Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Ms. Christine Miles, a strong supporter of the arts who has made Northeast Ohio a more beautiful place to live through her work, her consistent dedication to the well being of children, and her very presence. Thank you, Chris.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of John Lonsak on the occasion of his retirement after 41 years of service to the library system of Greater Cleveland.

For eight years, Mr. Lonsak served as executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system. He also served as regional library manager for the Parma and Fairview Park library systems. Mr. Lonsak has worked to promote and develop innovative projects and programs hosted at the Rocky River Library and throughout the Rocky River community. He served as past president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Library system and is a lifelong member of the Ohio Library Council and the American Library Association. In 2001, Mr. Lonsak was honored with the Director Award by the Ohio Library Council and was named the Librarian of the Year for his development of a universal library card.

Mr. Lonsak's enthusiasm for libraries began in childhood when his mother regularly brought him to story hours at the Eastman branch of the Cleveland Public Library. He earned a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University and a Master of Library Science from Case Western University. When he became director of the Rocky River library six years ago, Mr. Lonsak worked to oversee an expansive renovation project, which included the restoration of the interior built in 1928, an expansion of the children's department and the renovation of the public computer center. A new lobby and children's room were also included in the renovation.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of John Lonsak, whose service to the Greater Cleveland Community is deeply appreciated.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and recognition of the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. This historical date commemorates the end of the Vietnam War, and represents the beginning of a new life for tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, as they began their hopeful journey to America.

On April 30, 1975, the ancient city of Saigon fell to the conquest of communist troops. This action solidified the communist takeover of South Vietnam. Thirty-five years later, I rise to honor the memory and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers, American soldiers and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of liberty.

Despite the violent takeover and the rule of repression that followed, the culture, spirit and hope reflected by the Vietnamese people remained steadfast. After the fall of Saigon, thousands of Vietnamese, determined to rebuild their lives, began a treacherous exodus out of Vietnam. Their daring escape was on foot, through thick jungles and over jagged mountains. They escaped by boat, through snake- infested rivers and across turbulent seas. They became refugees in many nations, including America, with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and the hope for freedom in their hearts.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of the hundreds of thousands of women, men and children who struggled for peace and freedom. We also honor the City of Cleveland and the Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland, which offers support, services and hope to immigrants from all over the world. The Vietnamese culture, through the care and commitment of its people, has flourished in Cleveland and across America. Yet it remains forever connected to its ancient cultural and historical traditions that spiral back throughout the centuries, connecting the old world to the new, spanning oceans and borders in the ageless quest for peace--from Vietnam to America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Michael D. Patterson, Recreation Director for the City of Rocky River, in celebration of his retirement after 34 years of service.

Thanks to his hard work and expertise, the Rocky River Parks and Recreation Department has been able to expand, offering programs to better the quality of life for all residents. Mr. Patterson began his career with the Parks and Recreation Department after earning a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee in 1976. When he first started, the Department only had five full-time employees. Today, the department employs sixteen.

Under Mr. Patterson's leadership, the Rocky River Outdoor Pool was renovated; the ice rink was renovated twice; a new civic center was constructed; and Rocky River's parklands were restored and maintained. Mr. Patterson has been a longtime member of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, including his service as President of the board from 2000 to 2001. During his time as Recreation Director, the City of Rocky River was honored with several awards from the State of Ohio, including the Superior Award for Teen Programs and the Outstanding Facility Award for the Don Umerley Civic Center.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Michael D. Patterson, whose unwavering dedication to the Parks and Recreation Department in Rocky River, Ohio has helped to preserve and promote the green spaces in our community. I wish Mr. Patterson and his family an abundance of health, happiness and peace in all of their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Joseph F. Golubski, D.O. whose lifelong commitment to family, friends and his patients made a permanent impact on countless lives from Ohio to Wisconsin.

Mr. Golubski grew up in a large, lively family on Cleveland's southeast side where he learned the values of family, faith and hard work. He attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1971. Following his graduation from Ohio Wesleyan in 1975, he earned a Master of Science degree in organic chemistry from Cleveland State University. Motivated to pursue a career in medicine, he attended the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated with a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine.

Mr. Golubski's focus and dedication on his career was surpassed only by his love of family and friends. He was a devoted husband to Theresa, and was the beloved father of Anne and Joseph. He was the son of Rita and the late Joseph J., and he was the brother of Linda, Robert, Nancy, Steven, Cheryl and Pamela, and the brother-in-law of Deborah, Debra and Albert.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and remembrance of Joseph F. Golubski, a man who lived his life with love for family, devotion to friends and dedication to medical service. Mr. Golubski's generous heart, great sense of humor and joy for living will live forever within the hearts and memories of his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Elaine Marie Fortney, a woman who lived life with grace and a sense of service to community.

Ms. Fortney was a longtime leader in the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party and a staunch political activist, working on numerous local and national campaigns. Raised in East Cleveland, Ms. Fortney lived most of her life in Cleveland Heights, where she became president of the Cleveland Heights Democratic Club. Her energy spawned from a deep belief that the political process was a vehicle for change. She was regularly called upon by candidates seeking her expertise, including U.S. Senate candidate Mary Boyle, for whom she served as Ohio field director.

Although she lost her ability to walk in her early thirties, she never let a wheelchair slow her down. Ms. Fortney was a dedicated public servant, serving as executive assistant to former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Mary Boyle and as the district director for former United States Congressman Dennis Eckart. She led the Cuyahoga County Democrats as the Executive Director from 1982 to 1985. In 2009, Ms. Fortney retired from service after twelve years of managing worker's compensation claims for Cuyahoga County.

Madam Speaker and Colleagues please join me in honor and remembrance of Elaine Marie Fortney, whose great joy for life, energetic spirit and commitment to community inspired all of us who had the honor of knowing her. I offer my deep condolences to her sisters, Linda and Jane; to her brothers-in-law, Robert and Matthew; her nieces, Tricia and Elizabeth; her nephews, Shawn and Zachary; and her extended family members and many friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Dorothy Ann Mueller upon the joyous occasion of her 80th birthday on April 4th, 2010.

Mrs. Mueller grew up in the Tremont neighborhood, in a lively household surrounded by three siblings and her parents, Ann and Joe Kmetz. Her family's heritage includes Slovak, Hungarian, Russian and Polish. As a young girl, Mrs. Mueller and her family moved from Tremont to the Stockyard neighborhood, where she enjoyed skating, dancing and going to the movies. She graduated from West Tech High School, and soon thereafter met and married the love of her life, United States Navy Veteran, Frank Mueller. Together they raised their children and created a home filled with love, respect, faith and compassion. Mrs. Mueller successfully raised her family while working many different jobs, including office manager, salesperson, nanny and many others.

Mrs. Mueller's love of life continues to reflect to this day. Her kindness, quick smile, compassionate heart and sense of humor have made her beloved. She enjoys pinochle, travel, and bocce. Mrs. Mueller's life is highlighted by her abiding faith and sense of service to others. She is a lifelong volunteer at Corpus Christie Church and St. Leo the Great Church. She even moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when she learned of the city's great need of missionaries. In Pittsburgh, she volunteered at a homeless shelter, utilizing her talents as a cook to prepare and serve meals in the soup kitchen. Mrs. Mueller considers that time as one of the most rewarding periods of her life.

Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating Dorothy Ann Mueller's 80th birthday. Affectionately known as Ma, Dor, Auntie, Auntie Dor, Ma Mueller, Grandma and Baba, Mrs. Mueller lives life with an open heart, a sparkle in her eye and warm smile. I wish her happiness, joy and love on her 80th birthday and always.

``Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life''--Leo Buscaglia, one of Mrs. Mueller's favorite authors.