Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and thank Chairman McDermott for his leadership on this bill. H.R. 3548 provides an extension of unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks for Americans across the country in states with the highest unemployment rates.

As of August 2009, the unemployment rate in America is a staggering 9.7 percent. Jobs are continuing to be shipped overseas, with the manufacturing sector boasting the biggest losses. Over 216,000 jobs were lost just last month. Ohio is one of 15 states with an unemployment rate above the national average and the Economic Policy Institute is projecting that racial disparities in high unemployment states will continue to worsen in 2010.

In recent weeks, I have received numerous calls from constituents who have already run out of unemployment benefits or are on the verge of doing so. This legislation provides a critical, if temporary fix to their problems.

Twenty-nine states currently qualify for the 13 week unemployment extension under this legislation, with more states sure to follow suit. I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act and thank Congressman Miller for his leadership on this bill. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this historic legislation. In a time of economic crisis and increased hardship across the United States, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act ensures that students and families are supported in realizing their education goals.

Access to quality education is a key factor in securing a successful and bright future. This legislation makes historical investments to expand access to education by investing in high-quality early childhood education and increasing college affordability. It invests in community colleges and partnerships with businesses and job training programs to ensure that our nation has the most qualified workforce.

The bill ensures that the success of the students, not the private loan companies, is at the center of the student loan system by converting all federal student lending to a Direct Loan program. In addition, it increases access to federal loans by simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. I am also pleased that the bill provides for the removal of the question regarding first- time, minor drug offenses on the FAFSA form. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, lower-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately denied access to critical federal loans due to the inclusion of this question on the FAFSA form. We have a responsibility to ensure that students wishing to improve themselves and contribute positively to our society are given the chance to do so.

As a strong proponent of early childhood education and the sponsor of H.R. 555, the Universal Prekindergarten Act, I strongly support the establishment of the Early Learning Challenge Fund in this bill. The Early Learning Challenge Fund invests $8 billion dollars over the next eights years for increasing access to high-quality early childhood education for children of diverse economic and social backgrounds.

I am particularly pleased that two of my amendments are included in this bill. I worked with Congressman Hare on our amendment to expand reporting requirements to include reporting on barriers to high-quality early childhood education programs. Investment in developing and expanding access to high-quality early learning programs is critical in addressing the achievement gap for low-income children.

The other amendment in this bill was taken up as part of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which provides schools access to funds for modernization, renovation and repair projects that are safer and more energy efficient. My amendment ensures that those school funds can be used to remove sources of lead in drinking water such as pipes, solder and pipe fittings. Childhood exposure to lead has been associated with (see health effects from the press release)

I believe that access to quality education is a universal right. This legislation takes important steps to ensure that students of all social and economic backgrounds are afforded the opportunity to attend high- quality educational institutions. I strongly urge passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman McHugh for his leadership on this bill and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. H.R. 22 provides necessary financial relief for the United States Postal Service (USPS) by temporarily allowing it to prefund its future health care obligations out of the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund instead of its operating funds.

As an ardent supporter of the Post Office, I am deeply concerned about USPS' financial condition and appreciate the difficult decisions the Postal Service must make in order to ensure its survival. I am committed to ensuring the viability of the USPS and to the unique, irreplaceable services it provides to Americans.

It is that commitment that fuels my concerns that the Postal Service is making decisions to close post office branches across the country without full community participation and input. I am concerned that people in my community and communities across the country will face a significant reduction in services that the Postal Service provides. I am concerned that closures of USPS retail branches will mean an increase in the privatization of the same services that Northeast Ohio relies on.

In recent weeks, I have received a number of calls from people voicing concerns regarding the possible closure of their neighborhood postal retail facility. In particular, constituents from vulnerable communities who may not have access to transportation or the internet have raised concerns that they may not be able to easily access another USPS retail facility should the one in their neighborhood close. The Postal Service must ensure that they are given a seat at the table and ensure that universal access to the crucial services provided by the USPS remains.

I will continue to fight for the U.S. Postal Service and the people they serve. I strongly urge passage of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Nicholas Matthew Skala for his extraordinary service to our country. He dedicated his short life to advocating for full health care coverage for every man, woman and child in the United States.

Nick wielded a sharp intellect in his pursuit of single payer health care. I first met him when he was working for Physicians for a National Health Plan (PNHP), where he quickly became a trusted and valuable source of knowledge. He was always ready with an answer to the hardest, most arcane questions and he had the references to back his answers up.

When Nick spoke about single payer health care, he was lucid and persuasive. He wielded complete command of a steady stream of facts and figures. He earned the respect of health care advocates of all stripes not only by making a persuasive case that single payer was needed, but also by working tirelessly and strategically to make it a reality.

When it came to social justice, when it came to making sure everyone had the best health care possible, when it came to standing up to powers and pressures that keep America without guaranteed health care for all, Nick was admirably uncompromising.

Born in Libertyville, Illinois on September 16, 1981 and raised in Spring Grove, Nick graduated from Richmond Burton High School and Columbia College. While in Texas, he founded and became the President of the University of Houston Campus Greens Chapter. After graduation, he became a Research Associate for PNHP between 2004 and 2007. Then he enrolled in law school at Northwestern University. He became active in the American Constitution Society. In the summer of 2009, he completed an internship in the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. He would have graduated from law school in 2010.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating and honoring the life of Nicholas Matthew Skala and in recognizing his contribution toward making the world a better place. Thank you, Nick.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Sidney J. Cargle, Sr., devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin and friend to many. Mr. Cargle's devotion to his family, service to community and church, and kind heart and joyous life has left a permanent mark on the lives of countless individuals throughout our community.

Mr. Cargle taught his children by example, instilling in them the significance of a strong work ethic, service to others and higher education. He retired from the State of Ohio as Assistant State Auditor, and continued his life-long commitment to bettering our community and our nation through his grass roots involvement in many civic endeavors, including his long-time dedication to the local political process. Mr. Cargle served as the President of the Shaker Heights Democratic Club, and held leadership positions, including Elected Member of the Executive Committee of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.

Armed with a kind heart, great sense of humor and a certain grace, Mr. Cargle and Mrs. Cargle were the foundation of the family. For more than twenty years, Mr. and Mrs. Cargle volunteered many hours as members and leaders of the Lane Metropolitan CME Church, where Mr. Cargle also served as President of Lay Leaders.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Sidney J. Cargle, Sr., whose joy for life, kind heart and quick smile will forever reflect within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew him best-especially his family and close friends. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Cargle's beloved wife of 51 years, Virginia; to his children, Linda Ann, Richard, Stacy, Sharon, Sidney and Spencer; to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and to his siblings, nieces and nephews and many friends. Mr. Cargle's loving devotion to his family and community, his beautiful spirit and joyous life will continue to touch the hearts of many--especially his wife and children--and he will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Linda Trivisonno, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend--beloved and cherished by her family and many friends.

Born Linda Conforto, she met her best friend and love of her life-- her husband Mike Trivisonno--at Mayfield Heights High School. From young adulthood, to marriage, to becoming parents then grandparents-- their mutual devotion to their family and to each other never wavered. Linda was a talented, caring and kind individual, and she never hesitated to reach out to help someone in need. Her beautiful smile, genuine grace, quick wit, and warm demeanor perfectly complemented Mike's outspoken and larger-than-life personality.

Linda coveted the role of wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was the center of her world and this was evident within everything she did with them and for them--from never missing special events in the lives of her children and grandchildren, to preparing wonderful meals for family gatherings. Linda's great sense of humor and wit was known to her family and friends and was also shared with Mike's radio audience. Radio listeners felt as though they knew Linda, cheering her on whenever she sparred with Mike on the air.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of Linda Trivisonno, whose joyous spirit and love for others will exist forever within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew her best-- her family and friends. I extend my condolences to her husband, Mike; to her children, Michelle, Michael Jr. and Anthony; to her son-in-law, Ted; to her grandchildren, T.J. and Miranda; to her brother James; to her mother-in-law, Elvera; and to her extended family members and many friends.

Linda Trivisonno's generous and kind heart and energy for life, transcends time and distance, and her beautiful spirit will live forever in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved her most--especially her husband, children, and grandchildren--and she will be remembered always.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Edward J. ``Sonny'' Campbell, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, whose commitment to family, to his Irish heritage and to Cleveland has left a positive impact throughout our community.

Formerly of County Mayo, Ireland, Mr. Campbell travelled often from Cleveland to the Emerald Isle, where he still has extended family members and many friends. He settled in the Cleveland area, where he married the late Maeve McNeeley. Together they raised Thomas and Mary and were the proud grandparents of Sean, Brian, Christine, Maura and Neal.

Armed with a kind heart, great sense of humor and unwavering work ethic, Mr. Campbell mastered the plumbing trade and was an active leader and member of the Pipefitters Local 210. Mr. Campbell's love for his Irish heritage was reflected throughout his life--and the custom and traditions of his beloved Irish homeland was handed down to his children and grandchildren. His involvement in the Irish-American community extended from his role as Grand Marshall of Cleveland's Annual St. Patrick's Day parade, to his volunteer service as past president of the West Side Irish American Club.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Edward J. ``Sonny'' Campbell, whose joy for life, kind heart and quick smile will forever reflect within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew him best--especially his children and grandchildren. I extend my condolences to Mr. Campbell's children, Thomas and Mary; to his grandchildren, Sean, Brian, Christine, Maura and Neal; to his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. From Cleveland to County Mayo, Mr. Campbell's beautiful spirit and joyous life will continue to touch the hearts of many, and he will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Ehlers for his leadership on this bill and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation. National Aerospace Day recognizes the importance of NASA, its world-class employees and the decades of successes those employees have accumulated for NASA. NASA contributes greatly to the advancement of scientific research and is responsible for technology that we use every single day.

Yesterday, the Summary Report by the Review of U.S. Human Spaceflight Plans Committee was released. The Committee's report confirms what we've known for a long time--NASA is underfunded. Supporting and adequately funding NASA's programs that contribute to its human space flight initiative is essential for the U.S. to maintain its global leadership.

While I agree with the Commission that NASA's research centers like NASA Glenn in Brook Park, Ohio need more funding in order to achieve the mandates given to them by Congress and the President, I am particularly concerned with the recommendations in the Committee Report to privatize important parts of NASA. Privatization of a public resource is dangerous. We must not let ourselves fall for the lure of the potential for short term savings when privatization frequently ends up costing the taxpayer much more than purported savings, not to mention well-paying, stable jobs. At a time of record high unemployment rates, we cannot afford to compromise the integrity of one of our nation's greatest assets by outsourcing NASA's work.

I want to also be clear that NASA must not become an arm of the Department of Defense. NASA has always focused on civilian research, which has allowed it to avoid becoming subsumed by the perpetual imperative of national security.

NASA's aeronautics research is particularly important because NASA is able to develop longer term, high-risk enabling technologies that our private industry is unable and unwilling to perform. If we lose aeronautics at NASA, we will cede our global leadership in the field to Europe.

I have the privilege of having the NASA Glenn Research Center in my district. NASA Glenn serves as an economic engine for the Greater Cleveland Community and for the State of Ohio. In the year 2007 alone, the economic output of NASA Glenn was $1.2 billion. As of 2007, NASA Glenn was responsible for over 8,000 jobs and household earnings amounting to $402 million in Ohio alone.

NASA Glenn's employees have been global leaders in their field for decades. In fact, Glenn has won 98 of the 150 R&D 100 Awards from R&D Magazine that have been granted to NASA since 1966, more than all the other NASA centers combined. Of over 600 national laboratories, Glenn is in the top 10 for these awards.

NASA Glenn specializes in space flight systems development, aeropropulsion, space propulsion, power systems, communications, and human-related systems. They develop cleaner technologies for space propulsion that is safer, more reliable and more affordable. NASA's expertise in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies will be critical to a burgeoning green economy.

NASA Glenn plays a vital role in developing NASA's future generation of space flight vehicles and is the lead developer of the lunar lander's ascent stage propulsion system--the system responsible for getting our astronauts back to earth from the moon. The Center is vital in training and recruiting the next generation of employees that will work on future space flight missions to the Moon and Mars through its educational partnership programs with local universities.

I am proud of the work done at NASA Glenn and of the important contributions NASA has made to our Nation. Congress has an obligation to fully support NASA and I strongly urge passage of this bill.

I rise in support of the resolution. It's important that we remember 9/11, those innocents who lost their lives, those who put their lives at risk while saving lives, and those who survived to grieve the loss of irreplaceable loved ones.

We have a responsibility to remember 9/11. It would be good, too, for us to remember the course of action our Nation embarked upon as a consequence of 9/11. We have a right, a duty to defend ourselves, but in the name of 9/11 war was waged against the people of Iraq who had nothing to do with 9/11.

At this point, let us remember our troops, too, and their sacrifices since 9/11, and the over 1 million innocent civilian casualties everywhere who also paid a price because of 9/11. We should never forget 9/11, and we should never forget the truth.

In our grief, we know the truth is our ultimate defense. The truth is our security. It is the truth which sets us free and the truth which keeps us free. God bless America.

Washington, Sept. 11, 2001.--America grieves this day for

the victims of these terrorist attacks, and for their

families and friends. Our prayers are with them and our

hearts go out to those who have endured unbearable loss

today. Our most hopeful thoughts are with those who have

risked their lives in heroic rescue efforts. In this grim

moment, we must be resolute in protecting the fabric of our

democracy and the individual freedoms that make America a

great nation. As we grieve, we cannot let terrorists win by

turning the United States into a national security state. We

cannot let their dialogue become our dialogue.

America must remain calm because such calm is essential to

preserving our liberties. America must bring to justice those

responsible for these cowardly deeds. We must be cautious

about rolling back freedoms at home or placing blame in the

wrong place.

America must continue to be a beacon of democracy for the

world. Let this sad moment cause all governments and all

people of good will around the world to unite and to move

together to challenge and uproot those who have destructive

goals which seek to create death and drive the world toward

chaos. Now, more than ever, America must continue to be a

force for peace in the world. We must not let the terrorists

win.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the 85 Members of the House who signed onto H.R. 676, the bill which John Conyers and I authored, which establishes Medicare for all. It's very clear that there is only one way that you can control costs and can make it possible for people to have the doctor of choice. That legislation, H.R. 676, accomplishes that.

I would like to suggest that the underlying angst that we have seen reflected across this country in the last couple of months at townhall meetings and in individual confrontations is not simply about health care, and we ignore at our peril the underlying economic issues that are confronting this country. The fact that there are 15 million Americans out of work, the fact that so many people have lost their investments, that so many people have lost their pensions is what is moving the American people to revolt against their own government.

So we need to look at this in a broader way, not only to address the health care issue but also to address the underlying economic questions.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following statement I made in the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia.

[Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of

Columbia, July 30, 2009]

Hearing on ``Making Sense of It All: An Examination of USPS's Station

and Branch Optimization Initiative and Delivery Route Adjustments.''

(By Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich)

As an ardent supporter of the Post Office, I am deeply

concerned about USPS' financial condition and I appreciate

the magnitude of the task ahead of the Postal Service to

ensure its survival.

As you know, on July 16th, the Postal Service announced

that 16 Post Office Branches in the Greater Cleveland Area

would be reviewed for possible consolidation. After reading

the testimony and the GAO report for this hearing, and after

hearing from my constituents, I have several concerns. I am

concerned that final decisions regarding each branch under

consideration for consolidation will be made without full

community participation and input. I am concerned that people

in my community and communities across the country will face

a significant and unnecessary reduction in access to crucial

services. I have concerns about the private sector taking

over the services that these facilities provide--because

privatization of a public need like postal service rarely

goes well. The review process must be done at the local level

and must consider the unique demands on each individual

facility to ensure that the concerns of the community,

customer, postal workers and effects on the local economy are

fully considered.

Mr. Small, can you please address those concerns?

Specifically, how does the Postal Service ensure community

participation in the decision making process? How does it use

demographic and socio-economic data in making the

recommendation to consolidate or close any postal facility?

How do I know that any reduction in facilities will not allow

private companies to take over the services that will be

lost?

(he will give an answer that will likely not be sufficient

to address the concerns)

Mr. Small, I thank you for your answer but I remain very

concerned. I have here a letter addressed to you asking

specific questions about the postal service's decision-making

process. I would like to respectfully ask your cooperation in

providing the answers. May I count on your help?

Mr. Speaker, I've listened to the health care debate, as all Members have, for the last few months. And what's very interesting about it is that in this debate, we've essentially talked past the single most effective way to reduce costs and to provide health care for all Americans, and that is to create a single-payer, universal not-for-profit health care system.

Such a system is envisioned in and provided for in H.R. 676, Medicare for All, a bill that I had the privilege of writing with John Conyers of Michigan, a bill that is supported by 85 Members of Congress, by hundreds of community organizations and labor unions, by over 14,000 physicians, and a bill which represents an idea whose time has come.

Some basic facts require discussion when we're speaking about our health care system. And that is that we spend about $2.4 trillion on health care in America, all spending. That amounts to about 16 to 17 percent of our gross domestic product. Clearly health care is a huge item in the American economy.

If all of that money, all of that $2.4 trillion went to care for people, every American would be covered. But today, not every American is covered. As a matter of fact, there are 50 million Americans without health insurance and another 50 million underinsured. Why is it in this country which has so much wealth in this country, which has given so much of its wealth to people at the top, we can have 50 million Americans without insurance? By and large, it's because people cannot afford private insurance.

Why not? Well, it's very simple. When you look at the fact that an individual can pay $300 to $600 a month or more for a premium, when you look at the fact that a family can pay $1,000, $2,000 a month or more for a health care premium, when you consider that a family budget cannot in any way countenance the kind of health care expenses that most families can run into, when you understand that any family can lose its middle class status with a single illness in that family, you come to understand the dilemma that we have in America.

Why isn't health care a basic right in a democratic society? Why do we have a for-profit health care system? I will tell you why. Because out of that $2.4 trillion that is spent every year in health spending, $1 out of $3, or $800 billion a year, goes to the activities of the for-profit system for corporate profits, stock options, executive salaries, advertising, marketing, the cost of paperwork; 15 to 30 percent in the private sector as compared to Medicare's 3 percent.

This is what this fight is about in Washington. This is why the insurance industry is hovering around Washington like a flock of vultures. $800 billion a year is at stake. And so they will do anything that they can to be part of this game so that the government can continue to subsidize insurance companies one way or another.

One out of every $3 goes for the activities of the for-profit system. If we took that $800 billion a year and put it into care for everyone, we'd have enough money to cover every American. Not just basic health care, with doctor of choice, but dental care, mental health care, vision care, prescription drugs, long-term care, all would be covered. Everything.

People say how is that possible? It's because we're already paying for the universal standard of care. We're just not getting it.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 663 I inadvertently voted ``no.'' I intended to vote ``yes.''

Let me tell you a story about a bright, high-spirited woman who, like many American women of the Greatest Generation, sacrificed for her family and her Nation.

Instead of going to college, she helped the war effort, working in manufacturing during the day and singing for the USO at night. She met a young marine combat veteran, fell in love, married, nursed her war- injured husband back to health, and began a family which quickly grew to seven rollicking children. She and her husband never owned a home. As renters, the family was forced to move from place to place. In the first 20 years of their marriage, the family lived in 21 different places, including a couple of cars. Despite economic hardship and

her own illnesses, she taught her children to read in preschool years, raised her children to appreciate life, to love God, to count spiritual blessings, to be strong of heart, always to be grateful, to be kind, honest, respect others and never to quit.

Her name was Virginia, and she was my mother. And today would have been her 85th birthday. Happy birthday, Mom.

Madam Chairman, I want to thank Mr. Murtha and the ranking member for the work that they've done for our country, and my remarks are in no way in disrespect of that.

We are talking about $636 billion, which will help, among other things, to empower the continuation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will have a brief debate here about $636 billion. The Congress has been gripped by the debate over health care for months now. We really need to have a serious discussion and debate about both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan--the wars which are causing casualties to the troops that Mr. Murtha is so dedicated to. We really need to look at that and figure out when we are going to get out of there.

We need to set a time to get out of Iraq for real, not just the so- called combat troops and leave detachments there, but to get out of Iraq for real and to get out of Afghanistan, where the casualties are increasing. We need to start coming back home and taking care of things here. We need to plus-up our military so we can be strong in defense but not cause our strength to be wasted in wars that are unnecessary.

I really appreciate the work you do, Mr. Murtha, but I also will tell you that we really need to have a much bigger debate about whether we should continue to be in that war. I'm going to vote against this bill just on principle. We should get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and I have the same love for those troops that you have.

Announcement By the Chair