January 8, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H125 [Ceremonial Swearing-In Jan. 5, 2003, lion. OUr federal budget is already close to a destiny is being charted. That right derives Cleveland, Ohio] $200 billion deficit due to huge tax cuts for from our very Declaration of Independence, IRAQ AND THE ECONOMY the wealthy. Remember when we had a budg- which claimed self-governance as a basic (By Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich) et surplus? right. Government does not just happen in Each time the administration talks about Washington, DC. It is the result of a process The America I envision seeks world unity war, fear is created and when fear goes up, instead of unilateralism. It gains its power that takes place in thousands of cities, vil- the market goes down. War will mean a through being the first to help, not the first lages and townships. It is also a process sharp increase in oil prices, which will hurt to strike. It extends itself to the peoples of which also takes place in our hearts, which jobs in manufacturing and transportation. the world to life their burden. It is an Amer- is brought to life by our love of country, and One economic study with a worst-case sce- ica, which when asked for help, dispenses our love of each other. bread instead of bombs, medical assistance nario puts the cost of an all-out war, plus f instead of missiles, and food instead of fissile long-term occupation of Iraq at $1.6 trillion. You cannot separate war from the econ- VETERANS BEING DENIED HEALTH materials. There is a role for America in the world. It omy. You cannot separate war from Amer- BENEFITS ica’s ability to meet the needs of our own is in working with the community of nations The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. to achieve the security of all nations. It is in people here at home. We need to ask the questions: Why does REHBERG). Under a previous order of restoring the promise of the Non Prolifera- the House, the gentleman from Ohio tion Treaty to lead the way to get rid of all America have hundreds of billions to ruin nuclear weapons. It is through strengthening the health and take the lives of innocent (Mr. STRICKLAND) is recognized for 5 and abiding by international treaties. It is in people in Iraq but no money to provide minutes. assuring control and eventual elimination of health care for all Americans? Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, at a Why would America spend hundreds of bil- biological and chemical weapons, and land- time of pending war, the President has lions to retire Saddam Hussein, but no mines. It is in protecting our global climate. submitted a program to this House re- money to protect the retirement security of America can help protect the world. Amer- ferred to as the stimulus package that ica can help save the world. But America its own people? Why does America have money to blow up will direct about $300 billion to the cannot control the world, nor should we bridges over the Euphrates River in Iraq, but richest 5 percent of America’s citizens, want to do so. Yet our Administration would project no money to build up bridges over the Cuya- and I would like to place that against American power for the purpose of domina- hoga River in Cleveland? further decisions made by this adminis- tion. The National Security doctrines call The path America must take is one of tration which affect America’s vet- for America to strike any where it pleases peace which leads to prosperity. It is one erans. which understands that creating a structure and to be the first to use nuclear weapons. At a time of possible war, at a time Our nation is now poised to go to all-out of peace ensures that economic structures can be sound, affirmative of human needs when we talk about our admiration for war against Iraq. Iraq has not committed our military and at a time when we any act of aggression against the United and restorative of human values. States. Iraq was not responsible for 911. No This is the dream of a Department of Peace verbalize our appreciation for those credible evidence exists linking Iraq to Al making nonviolence an organizing principle who have served our country in mili- Queda’s role in 911. Iraq was not responsible in our society—making the work of Dr. Mar- tary service, we are treating our vet- for the anthrax attack on our nation. The tin Luther King Jr. a reality—working to erans in the most shabby manner. United Nations has yet to establish that Iraq make war itself a thing of the past. It is this A case in point, last February the ethic of peace building which will cause us to has usable weapons of mass destruction. Veterans Administration increased the There is no intelligence that Iraq has the take down weapons from the heavens and work to create a heaven on earth. copayment that veterans must pay for ability to strike at the United States. Ac- prescription medications by a whop- cording to the CIA, Iraq has no intention to Peace and prosperity shall be as two pillars attack America, but will defend itself if at- in a newly rebuilt America which provides ping 350 percent. Now at a time when tacked. for the economic and social security of its we find money to give billions to the Why then, is our nation prepared to send own people as a cause of nationhood and for richest among us, we are nickel and three hundred thousand of our young men the economic and social progress of peoples diming America’s veterans. Perhaps and women into house to house combat in of other lands as a cause of brotherhood. the most egregious example of how we the streets of Baghdad. Why is our nation This confirmation of the purpose of nation was the dream of Franklin Roosevelt and the are shortchanging our veterans is prepared to spend $200 billion or more of our found in a memo that was written on hard-earned tax dollars for destruction of New Deal Lyndon Johnson and the Great So- Iraq? ciety, and John F. Kennedy and the New July 19, 2002, a memo that was sent out Why is our nation preparing to use the Frontier. This shall continue to be our by the Deputy Under-Secretary for Op- most powerful military machine in history dream in the days ahead, that no matter the erations and Management of the Vet- to wage an assault against the people of Iraq, darkness, we shall holdup the light of Amer- erans Administration. I would like to to destroy their houses and buildings, to ica’s higher purpose, which calls to us across read a few comments from that memo. wipe out their water and electric systems the age from Washington. Jefferson and Adams through Lincoln to the present day. It was sent to all of the health care and to block their access to food and medical providers across the country. supplies? Our nation has always had a higher call- There is no answer which can separate ing, despite the darkness of 911 and the offi- It says, ‘‘As you are aware, the Vet- itself from oil economics, profit require- cial response to it. It is a calling to maintain erans Health Administration is cur- ments of arms trade, or distorted notions of the quest for democracy, for freedom and lib- rently facing a growing crisis related empire-building. erty at times of peril as well as in times of to the continuing demand for health War with Iraq is wrong. But if war is pros- peace. That higher calling is our heritage. care services that exceeds our re- ecuted further in Iraq, we must be prepared The words of Francis Scott Key still echo: sources. Moreover, actuarial projec- ‘‘Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner to advance the cause of peace in this coun- tions indicate a widening gap in the de- try. We must be prepared to stand up, to yet wave, o’er the land of the free and the speak out, to organize, to march, to demand home of the brave?’’ he celebrated the link mand versus resource availability.’’ an end to the war, or to demand an end to an between freedom and bravery: it takes cour- And then the shameful conclusion of administration which insists on war. age to live in a democracy. It takes courage this memo, ‘‘Therefore, I am directing It is urgent we oppose this war. It will to stand up to terrorists and maintain basic each network director to ensure that dominate our nation’s priorities. It will liberties. It takes courage to lead the way no marketing activities to enroll new threaten Social Security. It will threaten toward global disarmament while some are veterans occur within your networks.’’ Medicare. It will block a prescription drug bent on destruction. Let me read that sentence again. ‘‘I am benefit for the elderly. It will stop America It takes patience to face dictators around from providing jobs for all, health care for the world and not be tempted to bomb them directing each network director to en- all, education for all. into submission. It takes wisdom to have sure that no marketing activities to There are some who believe that it is unpa- great power and to make gentle its presence enroll new veterans occur within your triotic to challenge the Administration on in the world. networks.’’ the war. They believe it is politically wiser And it takes compassion to understand the Even though some sites may have to debate the economy. But how can one rea- plight of peoples world wide who themselves local capacity as a national system, all sonably separate war from the budget, war are trying to survive, to live out their own facilities are expected to abide by this humble lives despite having conditions from the economy, war from America’s abil- policy. Marketing activities may in- ity to meet the needs of the people of this which are challenging or governments which nation? are oppressive. clude generalized mailings to veterans, The Administration’s own top economic My friends. This is still your government. prohibited. Local newspaper or news- adviser said the war could cost up to $200 bil- You have a right to have a say in how its paper articles encouraging veterans to

VerDate Dec 13 2002 04:39 Jan 09, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08JA7.072 H08PT1 H126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 8, 2003 enroll, prohibited, or similar public Committee on Veterans Affairs: Mr. Evans available; but, of course, other people service announcements. In other words, of Illinois. have gotten there before them. But, the policy of the VA is to withhold in- Committee on Ways and Means: Mr. Ran- who are these people? Up to 13 million formation from veterans regarding the gel of New York. of them are people who are not citizens services that they are legally entitled The resolution was agreed to. of this country. A motion to reconsider was laid on to. b 2200 Now, I call this the new ‘‘if they do the table. not ask, we will not tell’’ policy. If the f We import them. Of course it is true that many businesses hire people who veterans do not ask what services they ELECTION OF MEMBER TO COM- are entitled to under the law, the VA are here illegally, even knowingly hire MITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OF- people who are here illegally because policy is that we will not tell them. FICIAL CONDUCT And, furthermore, we will prohibit our they believe they will work for less, health care providers from reaching Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, by di- they will work under conditions that out to sick or disabled veterans and rection of the Democratic Caucus, I perhaps other people would not. We telling them what this body has pro- offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 23) take advantage of many people. They vided under the law for them. This is and ask for its immediate consider- are oftentimes manipulated by unscru- shameful. I ask how the American peo- ation. pulous employers once they get here. ple can tolerate and why the adminis- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- This is all bad, it is all illegal, but we tration would institute such a policy lows: ignore it and we suggest that we have that says to America’s veterans that H. RES. 23 to do something else to provide jobs for they may be entitled to certain serv- Resolved, That the following Member be, people who are here. But why do we not ices legally, health services, but we are and is hereby, elected to the Committee on look at the fact that if we secure our prohibiting. Think of that, we are pro- Standards of Official Conduct: own borders, if we ask people who are Mr. BERMAN of California. hibiting our network providers from here illegally to return to their coun- giving veterans information that they The resolution was agreed to. try of origin, that we would imme- deserve, that they need to know in The motion to reconsider was laid on diately provide millions of jobs for order to get the services that they are the table. American citizens? Only we would not legally entitled to receive. This is f have to spend another dollar; we would not have to appropriate any more shameful. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION I call upon the administration and I money. call upon those of us who are Members The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Today it was 7 or $8 billion for the of this body to hold this administra- previous order of the House, the gen- extension of unemployment benefits, tion accountable for this shameful act. tleman from Colorado (Mr. TANCREDO) but doing what I ask, and that is to se- I wonder how many veterans who have is recognized for 5 minutes. cure our borders, to identify people served this country and paid with their Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, today who are here illegally and deport them. health and their bodies understand we have successfully debated and This does not really cost all that much. what this administration is doing to passed a bill to provide an extension of That is what the Federal Government them. unemployment benefits to millions of should be doing. That is our role and Americans who find themselves out of responsibility, to secure the border, to f work. This is a laudable activity for us know who is coming into this country, ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO CER- to be involved with and I was proud to for how long and for what purpose. We TAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF be able to support that particular piece choose not to do that. We choose not to THE HOUSE of legislation. do that because there are political im- Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, by di- I find, however, that we are soon plications there, and there are political rection of the Democratic Caucus, I going to be debating another piece of ramifications of such a decision. If we offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 22) legislation that is referred to as an eco- were to actually defend our own bor- and ask for its immediate consider- nomic stimulus package, and during ders and control the process so that ation. the course of that debate we will un- people coming into this country would The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- doubtedly be talking about the number do so in a legal process, we would, of lows: of jobs that need to be created in the course, diminish the flow of illegal im- H. RES. 22 United States in order for our economy migrants. That would upset the Demo- Resolved, That the following named Mem- to get moving again. All of these crats because they would say that this bers be, and are hereby, elected to the fol- things I support and I believe need to would impede their ability to gain po- lowing committees: be done, but I also believe that there is tential voters, knowing that many im- Committee on Agriculture: Mr. Stenholm something which has been left out of migrants, especially illegal immi- of Texas. the equation and left out of the discus- grants, would flock to the Democratic Committee on Appropriations: Mr. Obey of sion when it comes to jobs and pro- Party. Wisconsin. viding economic benefits for American On the other hand, we have the Re- Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Skel- citizens. I underline the word ‘‘citi- publican Party which says that if we ton of Missouri. Committee on the Budget: Mr. Spratt of zens’’ because what has happened over were to secure our own borders, if we South Carolina. the course of the last decade is that we were to stop the flow of illegal immi- Committee on Education and the Work- have allowed into this country, ille- grants into the country, that would im- force: Mr. George Miller of California. gally we have allowed into this country pede the ability of businesses to hire Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. between 8 and 13 million people. We do cheap labor. Both of these reasons are, Dingell of Michigan. not know for sure, of course, because I think, bogus. They do not reflect Committee on Financial Services: Mr. they came without our permission. what we should be doing in this body Frank of Massachusetts. Committee on Government Reform: Mr. They came across the borders. We are and, that is, to uphold the law. We Waxman of California. told that they are here working and should be demanding that the INS, we Committee on International Relations: Mr. taking jobs no other Americans would should be demanding that this adminis- Lantos of California. take. tration uphold the law and that we ad- Committee on the Judiciary: Mr. Conyers Mr. Speaker, I get many, many let- dress the issue of border patrol, in- of Michigan. ters from people in my district who are creasing border patrol and also putting Committee on Resources: Mr. Rahall of out of work and they tell me that they the military on the border which is ab- West Virginia. would take any job available to them. solutely necessary in order for us to Committee on Science: Mr. Hall of Texas. Committee on Small Business: Ms. Velaz- There are steelworkers out of work, achieve any degree of security on our quez of New York. factory workers up and down the East borders and on our coastline. That is Committee on Transportation and Infra- Coast, all across the rust belt, these imperative. But we refuse to do it. We structure: Mr. Oberstar of Minnesota. people are willing to take any job are fearful of doing it.

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