Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nina Dobkin for her exceptional community service and unwavering commitment to helping others. Mrs. Dobkin was honored at a dinner dance for the Richard A. Rutkowski Association's 26th anniversary gala on January 15, 2005, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Mrs. Dobkin has spent decades advocating for important community causes and offering her time and support at various institutions. Her participation has included serving as a past president of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and as a member of the YWCA advisory board and the School 3 Parent-Teachers Council. Currently, she is a trustee of the Bayonne Board of Education. An extraordinary leader, Mrs. Dobkin has demonstrated her keen ability to develop new and successful outreach programs, especially in the areas of children, health, and education. Her accomplishments include gathering support for the development of a local mental health center, starting a pre-school program for neurologically impaired children, and organizing a coalition to raise money for the establishment of the Community Day Nursery. She also worked in conjunction with the NCJW to co-sponsor a national taskforce to study and address issues affecting children and youth, and testified before Congress regarding day care regulations. Other projects have included developing a national survey about young girls and the problems they face in the juvenile justice system, helping to develop the Phone Friend program, and coordinating the distribution of Passover food to those in need. Mrs. Dobkin graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in music and has worked as a piano teacher for more than 50 years. She and her husband, Earl, are the proud parents of two children and two grandsons. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nina Dobkin for her impressive ability to spearhead and develop worthwhile community endeavors, her passion to help those in need, and her desire and drive to improve social services. Her work has touched the lives of countless individuals in Bayonne and the greater community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Thomas C. Blessin, S.J., for his 55 years of service to the Society of Jesus and the people of his community. Father Blessin will be receiving the 2004 Reverend James F. Fox, S.J. Award at the Loyola School of New York's Annual Alumni Dinner on January 7, 2005. Throughout the years, Father Blessin provided a strong spiritual foundation for the members of his community. Born, raised, and ordained in Staten Island, he later moved to New Jersey where he spent decades ministering to the community and attending to the spiritual needs of congregants at various churches, missions, and spiritual retreats. In addition to his work with churches around the area, Father Blessin served for 9 years as the assistant headmaster at Loyola High School and an additional 2 years as the school chaplain. For 25 years, he was a chaplain and active member of the New Jersey National Guard. He later worked at St. Peter's College where he offered mass and assisted with student services. Currently, he is retired and living in the Jesuit residence at St. Peter's College in Jersey City. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Reverend Thomas C. Blessin, S.J., for his outstanding spiritual leadership and years of faithful service to the people of New Jersey. His dedicated work throughout the decades has helped to enrich the lives of so many throughout our community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ethel Pesin for her years of dedicated public service and commitment to improving the community. Ethel Pesin will be honored at her 90th birthday celebration in Jersey City, New Jersey. Mrs. Pesin's involvement in a variety of civic and community endeavors throughout the years has earned her great respect and appreciation. Her willingness to volunteer her time helping those in need and her genuine concern for the improvement and preservation of local landmarks has made a significant impact on Jersey City and the surrounding area. Working with the Hudson County Citizens Committee, Mrs. Pesin was instrumental in helping to save the Boulevard and the Hudson County Courthouse from being demolished. Some of her past volunteer efforts include participating in ``Meals on Wheels'' and offering piano performances at the Academy House, a center for the mentally ill. Throughout the years, Mrs. Pesin's greatest passion has been devoted to the establishment and conservation of Liberty State Park (LSP). As a founding board of trustees member of the Friends of LSP, she has worked tirelessly to oppose commercialization and maintain and improve the beautification of the urban waterfront. In the past, she served on the LSP Public Advisory Commission and is currently a member of the LSP Interdisciplinary Planning Committee. The daughter of Latvian immigrants, Mrs. Pesin was raised in Jersey City. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1935 with a degree in music and taught at Snyder Junior High School and Lincoln High School before teaching private lessons for seven years. She later served one term as president of the Jersey City State College Community Orchestra. Many in Jersey City also know Mrs. Pesin from the popular clothing store she and her husband, Morris, owned for 28 years. Mrs. Pesin and her husband were married for 54 years and she is the proud mother of two children, Sam and Judy. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ethel Pesin for her unwavering commitment to improving the natural and historic beauty of her city and her dedication to helping those in need throughout the community. Mrs. Pesin's warmth, compassion, love for family and friends, and enthusiasm for life has touched all who know her.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to be introducing the Preserving Access to Affordable Drugs Act to preserve the drug benefits that millions of seniors in our country currently enjoy. Unfortunately, the misguided Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 threatens to reduce or eliminate the prescription drug benefits that millions of seniors across the country already have. Based on these and other detrimental provisions in the new law, which seniors continue to oppose vehemently, we should simply repeal the entire bill outright. But in the meantime, the bill I'm introducing today highlights the most egregious loss of benefits that seniors will suffer under the new law, and provides mechanisms to ``hold harmless'' those seniors who already have good drug coverage. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that as many as 1.7 million retirees could lose their employer-based prescription drug benefits as a result of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Also as a result of the new law, hundreds of thousands of seniors currently enrolled in state pharmacy assistance programs (SPAPs) will be forced out of those programs and into a private Medicare drug plan. Approximately six million seniors who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid will lose access to their Medicaid prescription drug benefits, which is more generous and has greater access to a variety of drugs. And, despite the fact that the new Medicare law has huge gaps in coverage, seniors who choose to enroll in the new drug benefit will be prohibited from purchasing Medigap coverage to pay for prescription drugs not covered by the new Medicare benefit. In my home state of New Jersey, alone, 94,000 retirees will lose their employer-based prescription drug benefits. More than 150,000 low- income seniors in New Jersey who are dually eligible for, and enrolled in, both Medicare and Medicaid will lose access to the Medicaid drug benefits they currently rely on. And 220,000 New Jersey seniors who are currently enrolled in Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) and Senior Gold, the state's pharmacy assistance programs for the aged and disabled, will face disruption in coverage and will likely receive less drug coverage than they currently receive. It is my view--and based on what I have heard in town hall meetings in my district, the view of an overwhelming majority of seniors in this country--that no senior should be made worse of by the new Medicare law. The legislation I'm introducing today will: Preserve employer-based retiree prescription drug coverage by allowing employer expenditures on drug costs to count toward the out- of-pocket threshold of $3600. By not counting toward the catastrophic cap any costs covered by employer-provided retiree benefits, those employers that maintain their retiree health benefits would see their retirees receive less of a Medicare subsidy than a beneficiary without employer-provided benefits. Without this fix, approximately 94,000 New Jersey seniors and 1.7 million retirees nationwide will likely lose their employer-based drug coverage. Enable states, if they choose, to administer the Medicare prescription drug benefit through their existing state pharmacy assistance program. This means that my home state of New Jersey could continue to provide prescription drug benefits to seniors through the very successful and popular existing PAAD and Senior Gold programs. As a result, these seniors will not have to enroll in the less-generous Medicare drug program, will be able to remain in PAAD and Senior Gold, and will experience no disruption in coverage. Ensure that States can provide supplemental Medicaid prescription drug coverage to complement the Medicare drug benefit to seniors who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Currently in New Jersey, 152,000 low-income seniors and disabled individuals who are Medicare eligible receive 100% of their drug coverage through the state Medicaid program. The Medicare bill replaces Medicaid coverage with more limited drug coverage and prohibits states from wrapping around the Medicare benefit with Medicaid coverage. This bill will enable states to completely wrap around through the Medicaid program. Restore Medicare beneficiaries' ability to purchase supplemental drug coverage through the Medigap program. Under the new law, those who participate in the new Part D drug benefit are prohibited from purchasing supplemental drug coverage through the Medigap program. Eliminate the premium support (Medicare privatization) demonstration program. This is particularly important for Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Salem counties in southern New Jersey, which currently meet the qualifications to be selected to participate in this program. Simply stated, a Medicare prescription drug benefit that chips away at the generous drug coverage that some seniors already enjoy is hardly a benefit at all. The new Medicare law is bad for seniors and should be repealed; but in the meantime, at the very least, we must do no harm. That's exactly what this bill intends to do.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act, which would force the federal government to finally get serious about protecting our nation's transit and intercity rail passengers. This bill addresses the tremendous disparity between what we spend on security for each airline passenger and what we spend for each bus and train passenger, who are no less vulnerable than those who fly. In fact, data from the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism shows that public transportation passengers are in far more danger worldwide than airline passengers. Since 9/11, there have been over five times as many attacks on public transportation targets around the world than on aviation targets, with nearly ten times the number of fatalities. The recent attacks in Spain, and intelligence that terrorists may strike the rail and transit systems here in America, dictate that we now broaden our attention to also include rail and transit security. Each year, approximately 24 million intercity rail passengers ride Amtrak, and 9.6 billion people travel by transit. Every day, 32 million commuters, students, and tourists depend on our public transportation system. One of the ripple effects of 9/11 was that the aviation industry was shut down for several days. Imagine the social and economic dislocation that would occur if a major attack destroyed people's confidence in our transit system, or made it grind to a halt. The economic impact would be far greater than 9/11. Our nation's rail and transit systems are highly vulnerable, and require at least $5.2 billion in capital equipment and $800 million in annual operating expenses to adequately meet security needs, according to the American Public Transportation Association. This legislation provides that funding, and just as importantly, it allows operating expense grant money to be used for the best security device of all: more police officers. Giving our transit agencies money for fences, cameras and explosive detection equipment is necessary, but only a half-measure unless we also give them money for the cops and security officers that make all that equipment work. This bill allows money to be used for hiring new cops and security officers, pay them overtime when necessary, deploy additional K-9 units, conduct helicopter patrols, and more. In short, it unties the hands of our transit agencies and lets them spend the money where they need it. This legislation also provides badly needed security and safety funding for Amtrak, including $670 million for safety upgrades to the tunnels that run underneath New York, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. These tunnels are simply not properly equipped for rescue operations or evacuation should either be necessary. An additional $62 million for Amtrak to put towards security expenses, including the hiring of additional police officers, is also provided. Mr. Speaker, this bill would authorize new research and development grants to help develop new technologies for both passenger and freight rail that can help reduce the threat of terrorist attacks. And since rail security involves more than just deterring terrorist attacks, the legislation would establish new inspection procedures for rail track, and set new standards for tank cars, to make sure their hazardous cargo isn't released in the event of an accident. I believe this bill is already long overdue. I urge my colleagues to imagine what we would have done, what action we would have taken, if the Madrid train bombings had occurred in our homeland, on our soil. What immediate investments would we have been ready to make? What urgent action would we have been willing to take? Well, we can do it now. Let's make that investment and take those actions now. Let's take what steps we can to reduce the risk to our nation's transit. We don't need commissions and studies after a tragedy in order to act, so let's not get mired in that now. Nearly three years of needs assessment and analysis have occurred, and we have the data to put a program in place. All it takes is Congress having the gumption to act before a tragedy on the rails takes place in this country.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment to the resolution, but before offering that amendment, I request that there be a division of the question on the resolution so that we may have a separate vote on the Chaplain.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the remainder of the resolution.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Clerk, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I am directed by a unanimous vote of that caucus to present for election to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 109th Congress a lady of great distinction, a lady of integrity, a fighter for America's children and families and a leader not only of House Democrats but a leader for our Nation and this Congress, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, a Representative-elect from the State of California.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as minority whip the gentleman from Maryland, the Honorable Steny Hoyer.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I have been directed to report to the House that the Democratic Members have selected as Minority Leader the gentlewoman from California, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Democratic Caucus, I rise to pay tribute to a great American, a dear colleague, a good friend, one of our own, the late Congressman Bob Matsui. I would like to offer my condolences to Doris, to Brian, to Amy, to Anna, and to his staff, both in California and in Washington, for the wonderful job they have done for him and the people of his State over the past 26 years. It is unique when a colleague of ours dies because we are called to look back at their accomplishments over the years and we begin to realize what a great human being they really were. We see our colleagues on the floor every day and we obviously know them, we like them, we have friendships but unfortunately not until they leave us do we have an opportunity to think back on their careers. Looking at Bob's career, it is easy to see that his passing is a great loss for America, a great loss to his constituents, a great loss to the United States Congress. He was and will be remembered for his work in the House of Representatives, for being a leading opponent of Social Security privatization, a supporter of free and then fair international trade, and a fair-minded tax writer who was a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility. These contributions as a public servant over the past decades helped move our Nation towards a better and brighter future and that will be his lasting legacy. Bob Matsui was held in the highest regard by all who knew him for his unquestionable honor, his keen intelligence and his heartfelt kindness. All of us in this institution are referred to as the gentlelady or gentleman from the day we are sworn in as a Member of this body. However, Bob Matsui truly deserved that title since he was truly the gentleman from California. On a different level, Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. To ascribe so many positive qualities to one individual might be seen as the usual gilding of the lily. In case of Bob Matsui, it was simply the truth. My life, this House, and our country are better off thanks to his life here on Earth with us. God bless you, Bob.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, for his early work on this, along with the chairman. As a cosponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution expressing our condolences and our support for additional assistance to the victims of the natural disasters in South and Southeast Asia. It is hard to find words to express our sympathy, our condolences, and for that fact our admiration for the strength and courage of the people in the many countries who survived the devastating earthquakes and tsunamis only 10 days ago. I am proud that the United States has pledged $350 million in aid, bringing the total aid pledged worldwide to approximately $2 billion; but we will be called upon to do more. It is almost impossible to comprehend that over 150,000 people died and that an additional 3 to 5 million are living without the basic necessities to survive. Unfortunately, these survivors now face a new threat from disease and starvation. Right now, ruined transportation, infrastructure, and communication systems are hampering some aid efforts. The international community needs to address these serious problems to ensure aid reaches all those who need it. We must house, feed, and protect the people who survived and help these same people rebuild their homes, their economies, and their lives. That is why the United States and other donor countries have pledged our involvement now and in the future. But it is also the individual contributions of Americans that make the difference and show our collective compassion and understanding. It is impossible to calculate the number of people who lost family members or whose homes, towns, and villages were destroyed; and I often think about how would we feel if this catastrophe happened in our homes, our towns, our States, or our country. We must also remember that each person lost was an individual whose life touched many others. In New Jersey in my own district, we have families from the impacted countries; and I extend my deepest sympathy to anyone who has lost a family member or a loved one. I also want to recognize the generosity of Americans and private citizens around the world. Just as the world supported the United States and the victims of the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks, our citizens have shown their sympathy and commitment to the victims of the tsunami. In particular, I want to thank our troops who are on the front lines in the disaster areas, bringing food, water, medical assistance, and other relief to those who need it most. Finally, even in the midst of our mourning, I believe that from the ashes of this tragedy new opportunity will arise. In Sri Lanka, rebels and the government are working to provide relief together. In Indonesia, the United States and the international community are all working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. In the United States, we have a great opportunity to show our empathy and our generosity to the world. I believe we can lead not only in war but in relief, and that we need to be as committed to fighting disease, famine, and tragedy as we are to fighting the war on terror. Then we will win the hearts and minds of many people in this country, as well as show America to be the beacon of light that it is.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer legislation to honor my great friend, the music icon, Celia Cruz, who lost her courageous battle with cancer on July 17, 2003. Today, in the People's House, I am joined by my colleague, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, to introduce legislation that will posthumously award Celia Cruz the Congressional Gold Medal. Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alonso was born on October 21, 1924, in Havana, Cuba. Her career blossomed when she left Cuba for the United States in 1960, where she eventually made Fort Lee, New Jersey her home. Over a five-decade career as an entertainer, Celia Cruz became known as the ``Queen of Salsa,'' and claimed the calling card cry of ``Azuuuucar!'' Celia's passion, boundless energy, and charisma transfixed generations of salsa fans and musicians. She recorded more than 70 albums and her collaborative efforts with other performers including the legendary salsa artist Tito Puente, pop star David Byrne, and hip-hop producer Wyclef Jean helped break down ethnic and cultural barriers. She was one of the few bridges that crossed cultural and racial divides. Celia's musical talent earned her hundreds of awards worldwide, including five Grammy's, two Latin Grammy's, and the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor bestowed on an artist in the United States. She was a Hispanic Heritage Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient, and has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Her music was a unifying force, and her passion for a free Cuba was evidenced in both her music and her words. Celia touched the lives of millions. More than 100,000 individuals mourned her loss at her wake in Miami, Florida and 75,000 people lined the streets of Manhattan to pay their respects as her funeral procession made its way through the streets of New York City. Celia Cruz made countless contributions to American society and the world as an entertainer, and she was an ambassador of Latino culture and a voice of freedom. Her music, her words, and her love of freedom live on. This legislation would make Celia the first Latina to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge the leadership to bring it swiftly to the Floor for a vote.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Kist for her outstanding leadership and contributions to her community. Ms. Kist was honored as a distinguished alumna at the Harvest Ball Sixth Annual Saint Dominic Academy Gala on November 13, 2004, in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Throughout the years, Ms. Kist has served the citizens of Bayonne in a variety of capacities. She has contributed greatly to the city's development by serving as general counsel of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority and as a member of the law department. Among other accomplishments, Ms. Kist was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Military Ocean Terminal, which has become the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor. She continues to play a leadership role as the current executive director of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority, and is known for pursuing all her professional endeavors with enthusiasm and a passion for improving the well-being of the community. A graduate of Saint Dominic Academy, Ms. Kist developed an early interest in civic affairs and was vice president of the student government in school. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy Kist for her years of dedication to serving the people and city of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 63rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The day after, President Roosevelt said, ``I will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.'' In the days after the attacks of September 11, we as a Congress pledged to do the same exact thing. However, since then the record of this House can be questioned. In July of 2002, with only 25 Republican votes, House Democrats voted to create the 9/11 Commission to investigate what went wrong and what needed to be done to protect the American people. Earlier this year, some in this House sought to block an extension of the deadline for the commission's report. Last month, some in this House blocked consideration of the conference report to implement the critical recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Mr. Speaker, it is almost 3 years and 3 months since the attacks of September 11, and 138 days since the 9/11 Commission unanimously made their bipartisan recommendations, yet Congress has still not given the American people a bill that reforms our intelligence agencies' structure and secures our Nation against terrorism. Mr. Speaker, we have one final chance to do right by the American people. I urge the House leadership to bring this Conference Report to a vote today in the House.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Strydio for his support and remarkable work in helping others who are living with cancer. Mr. Strydio was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, NJ. At the age of 67, Mr. Strydio underwent a life-changing experience during a battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of cancer. After surviving chemotherapy, several cases of pneumonia, and other health complications, including learning how to walk again, he decided to channel his energy into helping others with the disease. He devoted two years to visiting cancer patients before determining that he should establish his own support organization, which he named the Community Cancer Support Group. The group is a valuable resource consisting of a team of people who reach out to offer support, encouragement, and hope to cancer patients. The Community Cancer Support Group holds monthly meetings and brings in guest speakers that address the educational, psychological, spiritual, and medical needs of its members. Mr. Strydio grew up in Bayonne and was an outstanding high school football and baseball player. At one time a catching prospect for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Mr. Strydio shifted his focus in 1970 to teaching Okinawa-style martial arts called Isshin Ryu. After more than 30 years, he is still teaching at St. Peter's College in Jersey City. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Strydio, a champion in many respects, for his courageous battle with cancer and his establishment of the Community Cancer Support Group.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Urban League of Union County for its exceptional service to the community. The Urban League celebrated its 60th anniversary at the 34th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner on November 12, 2004, in Newark, New Jersey. The Urban League was originally established to help African Americans secure economic independence and work for civil rights. Decades later, it has grown and expanded to assist the entire community with health needs, employment services, housing assistance, and educational opportunities. The Urban League offers the residents of Union County a wide range of services to improve their quality of life. The Economic Development and Employment Department offers assistance with interview techniques, job referrals, career counseling, and job placement. In addition, it offers a Summer Youth Employment Program and a Work Opportunity Program for welfare recipients, as well as evening classes on computer literacy. Working diligently to address important health issues, the Urban League has created the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Assistance Program, which works to positively influence teenagers by educating and counseling them about relationships, sexual development, and other related issues. The organization has also established a Housing Community Development Department, which provides counseling on a variety of housing issues including mortgages, consumer credit and budget management, weatherization, and rental assistance. Other services include grant programs, emergency homeless programs, and Federal Emergency Management Assistance. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Urban League of Union County for six decades of outstanding service to the community. Its extensive services will continue to help improve the lives of countless individuals and families throughout Union County.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nick Starita for his exceptional community service and passion for helping others. Mr. Starita was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Mr. Starita has devoted more than 30 years of service to the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Association of Hudson County. During his extensive time at UCP, he has helped the organization expand and diversify its services. His contributions include helping UCP establish a second facility, securing greater accessibility to therapy services, and developing new programs to better serve Hudson County residents. The organization also offers an Adult Special Needs Program to help those who are developmentally disabled and require special medical assistance, and a day care program that works with both able-bodied and disabled children. The time and passion Mr. Starita has dedicated to UCP throughout the years has transformed the organization into an extensive network that includes three facilities and services ranging from advocacy to accessible transportation. Mr. Starita has demonstrated his strong leadership skills as UCP's executive director for the past 16 years and previously, as a member of the Board of Directors for 13 years. Always striving to help others, Mr. Starita has volunteered at the A. Harry Moore School and served on the boards of numerous community and civic organizations, including the State Interagency Coordinating Council, the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities, the Center for Enabling Technology, and the Boy Scouts Council, to name a few. Mr. Starita has received awards from numerous organizations for his work, including the United Way of Hudson County, the PTA, the New Jersey State Parent Advisory Council for the Handicapped, and the Latin American Kiwanis Club of West New York. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nick Starita for his outstanding service and tireless efforts to help the United Cerebral Palsy Association successfully achieve its mission to serve the people of Hudson County.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mrs. Cookie Daughtrey for her dedicated work in serving the community and those in need. Ms. Daughtrey was honored at the Bayonne Community Mental Health Center's cocktail reception on October 27, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Mrs. Daughtrey was known for her tireless efforts to help those less fortunate than herself. Even as a child, she reached out to others and would often invite underprivileged peers over for dinner. She greatly helped the citizens of Bayonne by matching people with service organizations that offered the food, shelter, healthcare, or substance abuse treatment they needed. In addition, she coordinated food drives in City Hall for the past five years. With a passion for community involvement, Mrs. Daughtrey participated in numerous groups, including the New Frontier Democrats, Ireland's 32, and the HIGHWAYS program. Additionally, she volunteered extensively at the Bayonne Democratic Organization and was on the Board of Directors for the Bayonne Community Day Nursery. Born and raised in Bayonne, Mrs. Daughtrey worked as a welfare investigator for the city for 27 years, and was employed at Woolworth's department store. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late Cookie Daughtrey for her deep commitment to serving others in her community. Her years of volunteerism helped countless individuals and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church, which celebrated its 75th anniversary on November 18, 2004, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Throughout the years, the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church has helped the residents of Jersey City by supporting local organizations, providing outreach programs, and aiding in the spiritual development of its congregation. Its efforts to serve the community include establishing a program to feed the homeless and offering building space to local Alcoholics Anonymous groups. It has also been a major supporter of the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops in the area. The church's dedication to serving others has greatly contributed to the success and stability of the community, and its contributions to the surrounding areas are to be commended. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Woodcliff Community Reformed Church for its 75 years of exemplary work within the community and its spiritual leadership in Jersey City, NJ.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sue Shapiro for her active role in community organizations and years of dedicated leadership. Mrs. Shapiro was honored at the Bayonne Jewish Community Center's 52nd annual Sustaining Dinner Gala on October 23, 2004, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Sue Shapiro's commitment to serving her community has been demonstrated by her steadfast involvement in local organizations. In the past, she has served as a member and trustee of the Bayonne Board of Education and was the second woman to serve as president of the Temple Beth Am. Her most extensive service has been with the Jewish Community Center. As chairperson of the Health and Physical Education Committee for 24 of her 29 years of participation, Mrs. Shapiro has overseen a successful athletic program for youth and adults of Bayonne. She has also served as chair or co-chair of the Open Tennis Tournament, Winter Holiday Elementary School Basketball Tournament, Annual Golf Tournament, and Annual Sports Awards Program. In addition, she has successfully organized three reunions at the Jewish Community Center. Throughout her years of involvement with these organizations, Mrs. Shapiro has continued to work as a dedicated employee for the Rexall Drug Company and Judge Harvey L. Birne. Born and raised in Bayonne, Mrs. Shapiro was the wife of the late Harold Shapiro and is the proud mother of three sons and three grandchildren. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sue Shapiro for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the community of Bayonne, New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ironbound Community Corporation, a multiservice organization that has made amazing contributions to the city and residents of Newark. The Ironbound Community Corporation celebrated its 35th anniversary on October 22, 2004, at the Mediterranean Manor in Newark, NJ. Guided by a desire to ensure justice and equality for all people, the Ironbound Community Organization provides a variety of programs and outreach services and offers assistance in areas such as family literacy, multilingual adult education, family assistance and development, and senior citizen care. In addition, it develops programs for children, adolescents, environmental projects, and general neighborhood issues, with the goal of improving the lives of those living in and around the ethnically and culturally diverse Ironbound neighborhood. More than 700 people benefit daily from the services this wonderful organization provides. Each year, the Community Corporation honors those who have contributed greatly to the organization's success. This year's honorees include Gabriella Morris, Joseph DiVincenzo, Antonio Matinho, David and Florence Schnegelberger, Bernadine Fillmore, and Eva Harris. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ironbound Community Corporation for 35 years of dedicated and honorable service working to improve the lives of the people of Newark. Its broad range of programs and services has greatly impacted the community and will no doubt continue to benefit the lives of countless people in the years to come.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Carine, Jr., for his outstanding public service and demonstrated commitment to community participation and leadership. He was named the 2004 Honoree of the Year by the Sicilian Citizens Club on October 23, 2004, in Bayonne, NJ. Mr. Carine has dedicated more than 27 years of his life to law enforcement. His service includes time on the municipal, county, and federal law enforcement teams. For the past 18 years, he has worked with the U.S. Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Agency and is currently a Supervisory Special Agent in the Newark, NJ, division. Within the law enforcement community, Mr. Carine has established himself as an exceptional leader as a three-term president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, New Jersey Chapter 2. His leadership abilities are also clearly demonstrated through his positions as vice-president of the Nicholas Capodice Association, secretary for the Holy Family Father Club, executive board member of the Sicilian Citizens Club, and chairman and co-chairman of fundraisers for the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to his years of public service, Mr. Carine has contributed his time and energy to helping others, including coaching Bayonne youth soccer teams. His extensive community involvement includes being a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 371, as well as a member of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, the Federal Agents PBA local 121, and the Honor Legion of the Police Departments of New Jersey. In addition, he serves on the Annual Blue Mass Committee for the Archdiocese of Newark and the Hudson Liberty District Committee. Mr. Carine was born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Jersey City University (formerly Jersey City State College) and graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in Sea Girt, NJ, and the DEA/FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Frank Carine, Jr., for his years of dedicated service to law enforcement and his significant contributions to the community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Yolanda Fernandez- Quincoces for her remarkable accomplishments in dance and music and her exceptional artistic contributions to the community over the past few decades. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces's extensive career includes teaching, choreographing, and producing. In 1974, she founded Yolanda's Academy of Music and Dance, which has developed young talent in New Jersey for 30 years. In addition to managing the school, she has taught classes in the gifted and talented program in Union City and in the Woodrow Wilson School for the Integrated Arts. Under her dedicated instruction, more than 38 students have won recognition in statewide talent search competitions and many have continued their dance training at prestigious institutes such as the New York City Ballet's School of American Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, and established universities. Her professional credits include a position as a teaching liaison between the New York City Ballet and New York City Opera and the Woodrow Wilson School. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces was also involved with hosting and producing a television arts program on Cablevision, and has made several guest appearances on other shows. In addition to her current projects, she is a member of the National Education Association, the Dance Educators of America, and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. For her exceptional work, Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces has received numerous awards, including ``Teacher of the Year'' for Union City, Hudson County, and the State of New Jersey, and ``Outstanding Choreographer'' for three different productions from the Dance Educators of America in New York City. Most notably, she was also honored at the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration with other well-known artists, performers, and political figures. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces emigrated from Cuba to the United States when she was three years old. She began studying ballet at the age of five, training at the New Jersey Ballet, Oneida's Dance Studio, and the American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Fernandez-Quincoces also received a bachelor's degree in music education from New York University and, in addition to her dance training, is also an established pianist. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Yolanda Fernandez- Quincoces for her years of outstanding teaching and choreographing. She has demonstrated remarkable passion for the arts and has influenced the lives of many with her instruction and creative works.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Tyrone Chess for his deep commitment to serving others. Reverend Chess was honored at the Holy Ghost Tabernacle's Tenth Annual Banquet Anniversary celebration on November 7, 2004, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Throughout the years, Reverend Chess has provided a strong spiritual foundation for the members of his community. As pastor and founder of the Holy Ghost Tabernacle Ministries, he has spent years attending to the spiritual needs of his congregants. His tireless service and willingness to help people in need has helped to enrich the lives of so many. For more than 21 years, he has been active in community and civic affairs, where he has held a variety of leadership positions. Reverend Chess served as the political and social chairperson of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and is currently the division director for the Hudson County Consumer Affairs and Constituent Services Divisions. Reverend Chess was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He attended Essex County College and the American Fellowship Seminary, and received his bachelor's degree in theology from the Adonai Temple Christian Center Bible Institute. He and his wife, Martha, are the proud parents of five children. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Tyrone Chess for his outstanding spiritual leadership and years of service to his congregation and community in Jersey City, New Jersey.