Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report that the rule looks at and I want to focus on what I believe are some misconceptions, particularly in the context of immigration provisions. Even though this bill is about intelligence and reforming our intelligence process, nothing stops the Congress from considering any other provision of law necessary to protect the American people. If we want to use it as a process to unravel what is trying to be done in intelligence reform, that is another issue. The fact of the matter is that this report actually has an enormous amount of immigration-related provisions. It has over 100 pages of the bill with 43 sections of immigration-related provisions in the conference report. If enacted into law, these 43 sections, 100-plus pages of provisions, would implement all of the 9/11 Commission's formal immigration-related recommendations. On the driver's license issue that is often referred to, all of the 19 hijackers had documents to enter the country legally in the first place. Therefore, stopping them from entering legally is a critical issue, and that has been part of previous reforms that have taken place. Plus, the conference report establishes tough new Federal standards on the issues of State driver's licenses without creating a national driver's license and gives States the powers to continue to enforce, including insisting on in-person identification to receive a driver's license. Lastly, on the question of asylum, the comments that are constantly made about gaming the asylum system were before the reforms that took place. In 1996, an expedited removal system was established that has required aliens arriving at a U.S. port of entry without proper documentation to be detained and demonstrate a credible fear of persecution before they could bring even their asylum claim before an immigration judge. As I have said before, if we know a terrorist is in our possession, I do not want to deport them and let them try to do harm again to the United States. I want to arrest them, I want to imprison them, I want to send them to jail; but I do not want to send them back to go ahead and have another shot at us. And at the same time, I want those people who truly come to the United States because we have given asylum to people who are oppressed from religious and other entities to have their shot. So it is the immigration provisions that were reformed in 1996 and thereafter that ensure that people cannot game the asylum provisions in order to do harm to the United States. Finally, as the Catholic bishops say, if you look at the 100-plus pages and the 40 different sections, this is a major, significant rewrite of the immigration law as it is in an intelligence bill.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the question we have before us today is not whether this conference report will pass. As Governor Kean, the chairman of the 9/11 Commission, said recently, ``The question is whether it will pass now or after a second attack.'' Because we know the enemy seeks to attack again. We just do not know when and where it will occur. That is why we as a Congress pledge to do everything possible to make sure the tragic events of 9/11 were never repeated. That is why the Commission was created to investigate what went wrong. Nothing is more important than that mission. In fact, the work on this bill and conference report is the most important of the entire 108th Congress. This conference report that we have before us today secures America against terrorists by making sweeping changes to our homeland security and intelligence operations. It addresses the key intelligence failures that allowed the 9/11 attacks to succeed. This will be the first comprehensive overhaul of our intelligence apparatus since 1947, updating it from the Cold War to the war on terror. The bill will establish a Director of National Intelligence in charge of all of the government's intelligence gathering, analysis and counterterrorism operations. It would streamline and unify our intelligence-gathering capabilities, foster greater intelligence sharing, and end the senseless turf battles that plague the current system and that so failed our country on that fateful day. It will improve the overall qualities of our intelligence, and, yes, it contains numerous and significant immigration-, visa security-, and border security-related provisions; over 43 sections, 100 pages, adding thousands of additional Border Patrol agents, immigration and Customs investigators; new technologies across the border; criminalizing the smuggling of immigrants; and establishing tough Federal minimum standards for birth certificates and driver's licenses just as the 9/11 Commission report recommended. It is time to honor the memories of all of those who perished on September 11, including the 122 of my fellow citizens from my congressional district. It is time to secure America. It is time to put the turf battles aside. It is time to try to stop using other issues for the purposes of derailing the ultimate goal here, which is intelligence reform, and it is time to make America secure by voting yes on this conference report.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Inspector Claudio Gonzalez for his remarkable work with the Union City police force throughout his 27-year career. He is being honored today, October 8, 2004, at a retirement party in Union City, New Jersey. After emigrating from Cuba in 1962 and attending school in Jersey City, Inspector Gonzalez began his career as a patrolman for the Union City Police Department. Since that time, he has held an extensive array of positions within the police force, including working as a member of the Office of Professional Standards and becoming the first Hispanic Lieutenant of Police, Captain of Police, Commander of the Investigations Division, and Inspector of Police, which made him the highest-ranking Hispanic officer in the State of New Jersey. Inspector Gonzalez was known for being a fair, savvy, street-smart officer who accelerated in all of his assigned divisions, relying on his impressive martial arts training as well as quick thinking to handle difficult situations. When he was not working to secure the safety of Union City, Inspector Gonzalez developed and taught anti-drug programs at local schools. He received a proclamation from the New Jersey State Legislature for his efforts, which preceded the establishment of D.A.R.E. programs. Additionally, he has taught classes to narcotic agents and members of the Detectives' Bureau. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Inspector Claudio Gonzalez for his leadership and extensive work with the Union City Police Department. His courage, contributions to the force, and strong commitment are an inspiration to the community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Richard Steinel, Jr., for more than 30 years of outstanding public service on the police force. He is being honored today, October 8, 2004, at a retirement party in Union City, New Jersey. Chief Steinel began his career in 1974 as a patrolman in the Union City Police Department where he worked with the Safe and Clean Neighborhood Program. He later spent time working for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey before returning to Union City and advancing through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and, in 1992, Captain of Police. After years of quality service as a Captain, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police, a position he held for the rest of his time on the force. Earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his reputation for fairness, Chief Steinel was especially successful in matters concerning domestic violence enforcement and education. In addition to his police service, he was a guest lecturer at universities and was a member of the State Attorney General's Criminal Justice Training Staff. An accomplished law enforcement officer, Chief Steinel was the first person from Union City to attend the FBI National Academy in 40 years. Continuing a long-standing family tradition of police work, Chief Steinel joined his great-grandfather, grandfather, father (Captain Richard J. Steinel, Sr.), and uncle in their proud service to the community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chief Richard Steinel, Jr., for his years of dedicated public service. His strong leadership and commitment to improving law enforcement and safety has benefited the lives of the police force and the citizens of New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes in the House late in the afternoon on Thursday, September 30, due to an unavoidable commitment, and for the first two votes on Monday, October 4, due to mechanical problems on the plane from Newark International Airport. Had I been present, I would have voted the following way: On rollcall vote 484, H.J. Res. 106, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage, ``no''; on rollcall vote 485, H. Con. Res. 501, honoring the life and work of Duke Ellington, ``aye''; on rollcall vote 486, H. Res. 792, honoring the United Negro College Fund on the occasion of the Fund's 60th anniversary, ``aye''; on rollcall vote 487, S. Con. Res. 76, recognizing that November 2, 2004, shall be dedicated to ``A Tribute to Survivors'' at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, ``aye''; and on rollcall vote 488, S. 1814, the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center legislation, ``aye.''

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Charles Reinhardt for his years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the police force and the people of Union City. He is being honored today, October 8, 2004, at a retirement party in Union City, New Jersey. From an early age, Lieutenant Reinhardt took an interest in military and police work. At the age of 18, he became one of the youngest officers in the history of the Union City Police Department when he joined the force as a police special. Three years later, he was sworn in as an official police officer. As an officer, he worked in a variety of areas, including traffic, crime prevention, community policing, and patrol. His tireless work and solid leadership skills earned him the rank of Lieutenant, also serving for a short time as the unit's commander and as a supervisor. He became one of the first Hispanic police sergeants in Union City and was the first Puerto Rican Lieutenant on the force. Known for his attendance of community events, Lieutenant Reinhardt made great efforts to reach out to the citizens of Union City, particularly the Hispanic community. His passion and hard work have been acknowledged by numerous groups, including the American Federation of Police, the American Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Officers Association of Hudson County, the Union City Police Department, and the American Police Hall of Fame. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lieutenant Charles Reinhardt for almost three decades of selfless service to Union City and its residents. The passion and commitment he demonstrated throughout his career and for his community made him an important member of the police force.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD) for its remarkable service to the community throughout the past three decades. On October 9, 2004, it will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the 18th annual Roberto Clemente Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This year's anniversary celebration will include community leaders from private, business, public, nonprofit, and community sectors throughout New Jersey. Since 1974, PRAHD has been serving the residents of Middlesex County in a variety of capacities and has established itself as an invaluable resource in the community. In 1975, it opened the first bilingual day care center in New Jersey. Other educational programs it offers include tutoring and after-school latch key programs. PRAHD also hosts summer recreation and youth activities. Committed to serving all members of the community, PRAHD offers employment for senior citizens, as well as home care for developmentally disabled people. This exceptional organization strives to improve the lives of its Middlesex residents by developing programs that address child abuse, HIV/AIDS, emergency food and shelter care, and substance abuse prevention. It also provides the community with advocacy, transportation, and interpretation services. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc., an organization that has demonstrated 30 years of dedicated service and has contributed greatly to the success and stability of New Jersey's Puerto Rican community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCC), an organization that has contributed greatly to the development of the Hispanic business community. New Jersey's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 14th Annual Convention & Expo on October 8, 2004, at the Newark Airport Marriott Hotel in Newark, New Jersey. For 15 years, the SHCC has been instrumental in the development and support of small businesses within the state. As the Hispanic market continues to be the fastest-growing sector in the United States, the SHCC plays a pivotal role in supporting Hispanic business owners and providing resources that help them succeed. Over the past ten years, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey has increased to more than 45,000, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in sales. At this year's convention, the SHCC will host a career fair for students and inner-city residents, informing them of internships and job opportunities. The convention will offer a variety of workshops on issues such as financial literacy and home ownership, and will provide government officials and business leaders the opportunity to attend luncheons and networking receptions to help build relationships and strengthen the community of small business owners. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for its 15 years of service working to establish and promote Hispanic businesses, leaders and develop New Jersey's economy.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several members of the Union Police Force. Sergeant Frank Caputo and Police Officers Mike Ortega, Joe Botti, Phil Alvarado, Juan Silva, and Eddie Antommarchi deserve special recognition for their exceptional bravery and selfless service to the citizens of New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. On the morning of September 11, the officers were called upon to assist the New York Port Authority in protecting the Lincoln Tunnel entrance from potential terrorists by closing it off to all vehicles and pedestrians. After securing the entrance, they moved to the New York City side to help secure the tunnel and ensure that it, too, was closed. In the midst of the chaos that followed the attacks, the officers worked diligently to maintain order and safety in their stationed areas and to calm frightened citizens. The officers are to be commended for their quick response time and their ability to work under the most stressful of situations. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Frank Caputo and Police Officers Mike Ortega, Joe Botti, Phil Alvarado, Juan Silva, and Eddie Antommarchi for their heroic actions and sense of duty during one of America's most difficult times. Their dedicated service is a shining example of the quality of character of America's best citizens.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker I would like to thank the following supporters of H.R. 918: American Cancer Society National Council of La Raza National Association of Community Health Centers American Diabetes Association National Rural Health Association Intercultural Cancer Council Intercultural Cancer Council Caucus 100 Black Men of America National Alliance for Hispanic Health National Hispanic Medical Association Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center MHz Networks Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum Dia De La Mujer Latina, Inc. National Congress for American Indians National Indian Health Board Navajo Nation National Patient Advocate Foundation National Health Council I would also like to thank the following additional individuals who worked to make this bill a reality: Ellen Heier, Patrick Fritz, Elizabeth Cameron, Colleen Chapman, Kelly Green Kahn, and Wendy Selig.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 15 seconds. A deadly mistake is the number of recommendations the 9/11 Commission put forth that are not included in H.R. 10, and as it relates to declassifying the top line budget, that vote was 55 to 37 in the Senate, with people like John McCain, Chuck Hagel and Trent Lott voting for it. I do not think they want to risk the danger of American troops. So I think that makes imminent sense that people like that support that amendment. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the distinguished ranking Democrat on the Committee on Government Reform.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the Chair how much time remains on both sides.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 25 seconds to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman).

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), the distinguished ranking Democrat on the Select Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 10 seconds. Fewer safeguards to protect America than the unanimous bipartisan recommendations of the 9/11 Commission? That is outrageous. Are we saying the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, with a unanimous vote of 51 Republican Senators and 96 Senators actually voted to reduce the safeguards to America? I do not think so. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), someone who fought for his country, someone who has enormous experience in the national security and defense of the United States, and who is the ranking Democrat on the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MENENDEZ. First, in 1997 and 1998, we disclosed the top line and we did not risk the national security of the United States.

Mr. MENENDEZ. The American people have the right to know how much that collective amount is. It does not tell us where we divide that money, covert, overt, and for what other purposes. And I would say that the other body overwhelmingly voted for the disclosure.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 5\1/2\ minutes. Mr. Chairman, in my district on September 11, 122 of our friends and neighbors never returned home from work, never returned to their families. The smoking ruins of the Twin Towers were visible for all of my community to see and, to this day, their absence is still felt every time we look across the Hudson River and see the void where the Towers once stood. So the events of that day are very personal to us. We are reminded of them always. This debate is the most important debate that will be held during the entire 108th Congress: how do we respond to the unanimous, bipartisan recommendations of the 9/11 Commission in protecting this Nation and helping prevent future terrorist attacks from occurring? Over 3 years after that fateful September 11 day, my amendment is based upon the work of the 9/11 Commission and an inquiry that spanned 20 months, 19 days of hearings, 160 witnesses, the review of 2.5 million documents, and interviews of more than 1,200 individuals in 10 countries. The new structure proposed in this amendment is based upon a rock-solid foundation of inquiry and information. Under Governor Kean and Congressman Hamilton, the bipartisan Commission unanimously made 41 recommendations to strengthen our country against terrorists. Those recommendations were for sweeping changes to our government, our intelligence community, and to how oversight is provided by Congress. The two they have called the most urgent; that is, the most time-sensitive to act on: a strong National Intelligence Director, and a National Counterterrorism Center, form the centerpiece of the Menendez substitute we consider here today. That is why the 9/11 Commissioners and organizations that represent the 9/11 families such as the family steering committee for the 9/11 Commission all support the McCain-Lieberman-Collins combination legislation that this substitute embodies. The gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and other Republicans wrote asking that the Shays-Maloney amendment be made in order. The Committee on Rules, I would argue, did so by making the Menendez substitute in order. And, after a 96-to-2 vote yesterday in the Senate on legislation very substantively as this substitute, the principles and provisions of this amendment are also supported by both Senate Republicans and Senate and House Democrats. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill, H.R. 10, leaves out many of the bipartisan recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. In fact, out of the 41 recommendations, it appears that only 11 are implemented, 15 are not implemented at all, and 15 others are done so incompletely. H.R. 10 also includes provisions that are unrelated to the bill's stated purpose: reorganizing the intelligence community and strengthening the Nation against terrorist attacks. In doing so, over 50 extraneous provisions were included that go well beyond the Commission's recommendations. Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute creates a strong national intelligence director with real budgetary and personnel authority. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill creates a weak NID with no budget authority and limited personnel authority. Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute creates a strong National Counterterrorism Center headed by a strong director appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill creates a weak NCTC without a presidentially-appointed director. Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute strengthens the nonproliferation programs that keep nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists. Unfortunately, the Republican bill only calls for a study into the matter. Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute requires vulnerability assessments and security plans for our critical infrastructure, including our ports, chemical plants, and public transportation systems. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill makes no effort to address these issues. Like the 9/11 Commission recommendations, the Menendez substitute authorizes new money to protect the United States by taking real action to secure the peace in Afghanistan, the home of the Taliban, al Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill only asks for new reports. My constituents and all Americans expect us to do everything we can to defeat terrorism, not to do a third of what is necessary or half of what is necessary or even three-quarters of what is necessary. We need to use, we have a responsibility to use every tool we have. The facts are clear. Our proposal implements the Commission's recommendations. The Republican bill implements only 11 of the recommendations in full, partially implementing another 15. That is just not good enough. America needs a complete and total strategy to fight this enemy, not a partial one like the Republican bill gives us. America requires and deserves better than that, and that is why I ask my colleagues to support the Menendez substitute and the 9/11 Commission's report. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the distinguished Democratic leader of the House of Representatives.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. As my colleagues know, the minority party always asks for a substitute to be made in order. To have asked for anything less than the 9/11 Commission's recommendations would have been to do a disservice not only to the 9/11 families but to the memories of over 2,900 people that were murdered on that fateful day over 3 years ago. And I think there is a real consequence to enacting the Republican bill, legislation whose title suggests enactment of the 9/11 Commission report but that leaves us far short of where the 9/11 Commission and the families have said we need to be. Instead, the People's House needs to serve this Nation and those families well by truly protecting our country from further terrorist attacks. On this issue, we need to put partisanship aside. I want to be perfectly clear to all my colleagues in the House about what exactly my substitute amendment is and what it does. My substitute is identical to the bipartisan Shays-Maloney substitute amendment that was taken before the Committee on Rules, endorsed by the 9/11 commissioners and the 9/11 families. That is, in essence, the Collins- Lieberman-McCain legislation that passed so rigorously yesterday in the Senate. In fact, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and other Members wrote asking that the Shays-Maloney substitute be made in order, and I would suggest that the Committee on Rules did exactly that by making the Menendez substitute in order. And after a 96 to 2 vote yesterday in the Senate on legislation that is the essence of this substitute, the principles and provisions of this amendment are also supported by Senate Republicans and Senate and House Democrats. Unfortunately, the House Republican bill, H.R. 10, includes provisions that are unnecessary, unrelated to the bill's stated purpose, which is the reorganization of the intelligence community aimed at strengthening the Nation against terrorist attack. In doing so, there are over 50 extraneous provisions that were not recommended by the Commission included in that bill, many of which are highly controversial. H.R. 10 also leaves out many of the bipartisan recommendations of the unanimous 9/11 Commission. In fact, out of the 41 recommendations, it appears that only 11 are implemented; 15 are not implemented at all, and 15 others are done incompletely. In fact, the base bill that we consider today is weaker than the 9/11 Commission's recommendation, weaker than what the Senate passed. It does not provide the National Intelligence Director with budget execution authority and only provides the NID the unilateral authority to nominate the CIA Director. That is in direct contravention of the statement of administration policy put out by President Bush where he says that they support the Collins- Lieberman bill and specifically oppose any amendment that weakens the establishment of the NID with full, effective, meaningful budget authority and other authorities to manage the intelligence community, including the statutory authority for the newly created National Counterterrorism Center. They are running against the President on this. The Director of the National Counterterrorism Center is not appointed by the President, not confirmed by the Senate, does not have budget authority or hiring authority. Their legislation does not create an information-sharing network, a new trusted network with common standards to share information within the intelligence community. Their legislation only requires the Transportation Safety Administration to give priority to explosive detection, but it does not, as the commission called for, require improved detection capabilities. Their legislation does not create an independent civil liberties board. It does not declassify the intelligence budget topline. So, today, we have an opportunity to see who really supports the 9/11 Commission's recommendations and who does not. Those who support the 9/ 11 Commission's recommendations will have the opportunity to do so when the Menendez substitute comes to the floor. That is the one that has passed in the Senate. That is the one supported by a unanimous bipartisan vote of the 9/11 Commission. That is the one that is supported by the overwhelming majority of the 9/11 families. That is the one that best protects the Nation and creates the changes necessary to ensure that this Nation is safe, secure, as that Commission, after thousands of hours and thousands of pages, decided.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, as a senior member of the Committee on International Relations, I am shocked that the Republican bill falls well short of the Commission's recommendations. On four key international relations proposals designed to reduce the threat of terrorism, our Democratic amendment provides new money while the House Republican bill does virtually nothing. On prioritizing efforts in Afghanistan, reforming education in the Middle East, promoting American ideals abroad, encouraging economic development in the Middle East, our bill provides real support, and their bill does virtually nothing. Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute protects the United States by taking real action to secure the peace in Afghanistan, the home of the Taliban and breeding ground for bin Laden and al Qaeda. Our bill puts new money on the table to fight terror and promote democracy in Afghanistan. Their bill asks for new reports. When will we learn that Osama bin Laden attacked the United States, not Saddam Hussein? Like the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the Menendez substitute recognizes that the gravest threat our Nation faces today is the potential for a nuclear weapon to land in the hands of terrorists. That is why we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons and secure the world's existing stockpiles. Our amendment requires a plan to do exactly that. It also pushes the administration to secure loose nuclear material in the former Soviet Union and allows for increased funding to deal with proliferation threats elsewhere. At a time when this country has secured less weapons material in the 2 years after September 11 than in the 2 years before it, the House Republican bill only calls for a study. Vote for the Menendez substitute, which embodies the 9/11 Commission's recommendations on international relations and nuclear nonproliferation. That is, in essence, the way in which we strengthen America. And I thank the distinguished ranking Democrat for his very strong statement and his expertise, and I only wish that we can get our substitute passed because it embodies his views.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miguel Rodriguez, Chief Community Relations Specialist for the Newark Housing Authority. On Thursday, October 7, 2004, friends, co-workers and family members will gather at Nanina's in the Park in Belleville, New Jersey to celebrate his retirement after 39 years of dedicated public service. Mr. Rodriguez, or Don Mike as he is referred to by friends and colleagues, began his career in public service in the early 1970s when he was appointed Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark, New Jersey by former Mayor Kenneth Gibson, a position he held for sixteen years. In his current position with the Newark Housing Authority, Mr. Rodriguez is responsible for providing information to the community regarding low-income housing options. An active member of the greater Newark community, Mr. Rodriguez has founded various organizations, including the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce of Essex County and the Newark Borinquen Lions Club. Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez has served on the Boards of the Newark Symphony Hall, the Essex County Board of Economic Development, and The Hispanic American Political Forum. A strong believer in the power of education, Mr. Rodriguez established the Communications Information Marketing Scholarship Award (CIMA), a private, nonprofit organization that supports students from Hispanic and African American families who are pursuing a career in communications, and has provided over $22,000 in scholarships for minority journalists. A native of Puerto Rico and a resident of Newark for 44 years, Mr. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor's Degree from Shaw University in North Carolina. He is the proud father to Myra, Michael, Ricardo and Carlos, and the doting grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Miguel Rodriguez as we celebrate his 39 years of public service to the City of Newark and wish him well as he begins a new chapter full of good work and many more contributions to our community.