Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to a fiscally irresponsible, unsafe, and discriminatory bill that is only on the House floor due to a back-room deal that was reached late at night to gain passage of the Republican Medicare prescription drug bill. That deal was reached at the expense of Americans of Hispanic descent and of other immigrant groups that are now legal and also U.S. citizens, as well as our Nation's health is disgraceful. We continue to see elements of the xenophobic face of the Republican Party. What does this bill do? If you are rolled into an emergency room and you do not have insurance, then you are to be asked whether or not you are here legally in the United States. Now, I get rolled into an emergency room, Mr. Menendez, or maybe someone who might even be described as more characteristically Hispanic, or maybe Asian, or some other group, and I do not happen to have insurance, as unfortunately 40 million Americans who are here as U.S. citizens do not have, and I get asked whether or not I am a citizen of the United States. That is shameful. You would not ask any other citizen that. But because I happen to have the misfortune of not having health insurance, you ask me. And of course those of us who look a certain way will for sure be asked. And then what else do you do? While I am suffering, not only do you want that information, but then we are going to go through an Orwellian process of getting some type of digital electronic identifier of this U.S. citizen who does not have insurance but cannot prove that he is or is not a U.S. citizen lying there in that emergency room. That is what the bill of the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) does. Do not be deceived. Now, I know he says there are a lot of lies going on about his bill. I guess the hospitals of the Nation are lying as well. Let me tell you what they say. Here is what the American Hospital Association said. It says, America's hospitals treat everyone who walks through their doors, and we are opposed to Mr. Rohrabacher's bill because it is bad policy, bad policy for hospitals, nurses, doctors, and other health care personnel who work in hospitals, but most importantly it is bad policy for patients. Rohrabacher's legislation is bad policy because it takes hospitals away from what we do best, caring for and healing our patients. The requirements for reimbursement under the legislation would turn hospital workers into border patrol agents. That is not our jobs. We are caregivers, not cops. And hospital caregivers are already burdened with paperwork which requires at least 30 minutes, often an hour for every patient. The additional burden of policing suspected undocumented immigrants would take health care workers away from their primary mission of healing and caring. And not only that, it hurts everyone else waiting in that emergency room for care. Because as we are trying to get all this documentation, for which we give these hospitals no funding to do it, we are also taking away from the care of everyone else there, and we are allowing communicable diseases to spread in communities like that. That is outrageous. This bill should be defeated. It is shameful that it is even on the House floor.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Moshe Dworkin for his years of service and dedication to the Jewish community. Mr. Dworkin passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2004, in Cambridge, Massachusetts at the age of 68. Mr. Dworkin was raised by a loving family that taught him to take great pride in Jewish culture and his Jewish heritage. He began his professional career as a teacher in the Detroit United Hebrew Schools alongside his mother. Following his graduate studies, Mr. Dworkin became involved at the University of Minnesota's Herzl Camp, where he served as director and touched the lives of Zionist children from across the Midwest. Mr. Dworkin took great pride in always working, professionally and as a volunteer, on issues relating to Israel and the Jewish community. Founder and president of M. Dworkin & Co., Mr. Dworkin served as a publishing consultant for many major Jewish organizations, including the World Jewish Congress, Jewish National Fund, and the Anti- Defamation League. He also was the founding publisher of Moment Magazine, which today is the largest independent Jewish magazine in America, with a circulation of 65,000. Mr. Dworkin was not only an active member in the Jewish community, but a leader. He served for several years as president of the National Jewish Book Council, and as president of the UJA-Federation, chairing the Jewish Community Relations Council. Mr. Dworkin was also a long- time member and past vice president of the B'nai Zion, and, along with his wife, was among one of the founding families of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County. Mr. Dworkin received his bachelor's degree from Wayne State University. He also held a Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota in Political Science. Mr. Dworkin is survived by his wife, Susan, sister, Alezah Weinberg, two sons, Benjamin and Aaron, and daughter, Jenny. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Moshe Dworkin for his dedicated service to the Jewish community. His leadership, countless contributions, and passion will be truly missed.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Jersey City Medical Center on the opening of the new Wilzig Hospital. The extraordinary life of Mr. Siggi B. Wilzig will be honored by Liberty Health on Thursday, May 6, 2004, at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson in Jersey City, New Jersey. The life of the late Mr. Wilzig is a story of struggle and triumph. A survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, Mr. Wilzig came to the United States in 1947. Starting out as a bow tie presser, Mr. Wilzig's tireless work soon led to a position as a furniture salesman, and from there to manager of the furniture store. After wisely investing his earning in the Wilshire Oil Company, Mr. Wilzig was elected to their Board of Directors in 1965. He went on to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. Rising from humble beginnings, Mr. Wilzig is the personification of a self-made man. Under Mr. Wilzig's strong leadership, the Wilshire Oil Company acquired a large percentage of the Trust Company of New Jersey. In 1971, Mr. Wilzig was elected President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. He served in that capacity until his passing in 2003. Mr. Wilzig was also an ardent community activist, serving on the National Israel Bond Cabinet and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. For his outstanding volunteer work, Mr. Wilzig received the Prime Minister's Medal of the State of Israel and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Mr. Wilzig's life of philanthropy and community activism is being commemorated by naming the Wilzig Hospital at the Jersey City Medical Center in his honor. The Wilzig Hospital will bring to Jersey City modern amenities that have become standard in hospitals, as well as providing the tools necessary for the most updated medical care. One such major technological advance is the new wireless telemetry system, which allows physicians and nurses to monitor every moment of a patient's cardiac activity from a computer. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Siggi B. Wilzig, a survivor, a talented businessman, and a source of inspiration. His legacy will be forever remembered with the opening of the new Wilzig Hospital at the Jersey City Medical Center.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club (JCHCLC) celebrated with a 50th Anniversary Ball held on Saturday, May 1, 2004, at Puccini's Restaurant in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since 1954, the Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club has fulfilled the motto of the International Lions Club of ``We Serve,'' and has taken an active role in civic, cultural, and social events. With a membership of dedicated men and women, the JCHCLC has provided exceptional services for our community, promoting a better quality of life for the people it touches. Working with local churches, hospitals, clinics, summer programs, shelters, and food banks, the Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club has given all its support in gathering necessary supplies and food to help those in need, taking tremendous pride in the positive difference it makes in the lives of the people in its community and around the world. Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club is renowned for its sight-related programs. Working with St. Joseph's Home of the Blind, the JCHCLC has provided services, including guide dogs, walking canes, vocational training, summer camps, books on tape, spring barbeques and Christmas parties. They also provide vouchers for Lenscrafter, so that children, who would otherwise have no access, can purchase eyeglasses. At the 50th Anniversary Ball, the Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club honored former JCHCLC President Frank Walsh (1973-1974), who was presented with the ``Lion of the Year Award'' for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service over the years to the JCHCLC. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the members and officers, past and present, of the Jersey City Hudson City Lions Club in recognition of their outstanding contributions and caring dedication to our community over the last 50 years.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer a personal explanation. Earlier today, I was unavoidably detained on rollcall votes 147, 148, and 149 due to a prior obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 147, ``yea'' on rollcall vote 148, and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 149.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Hispanic Organization of Students in Technology (HOST), the student chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). They were honored at the HOST/SHPE Gala Banquet on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at Ibera Restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. This year's gala banquet featured New Jersey State Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo as the keynote speaker, as well as NJIT President Robert Ailtenkirch and Provost Joel Bloom. The Hispanic Organization of Students in Technology/Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers represents a group of extremely talented and dedicated students who have shown amazing promise and success. Established in 1991, the objective of the HOST/SHPE was to create an organization to serve as a role model to the Hispanic community. Under the leadership of Student President Cynthia Camacho, HOST/SHPE has continued to excel as one of the premiere HOST organizations in the United States. With the second highest membership of a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers student chapter nationwide, HOST/SHPE was the recipient of New Jersey Institute of Technology's Newark College of Engineering 2004 Outstanding Student Organization. Cynthia Camacho has also been acknowledged for her outstanding leadership. At the SHPE Eastern Technical Career Conference in Washington, DC, she received the Pedro Ortiz Student Leadership Award. This award is presented to the student member who has displayed leadership qualities in activities within SHPE and their community. Ms. Camacho has served as a role model for her peers and youth, through her outstanding academic excellence and commitment to her community. Carlomango Ontaneda, the SHPE chapter advisor at NJIT, has been an integral force in helping students achieve their goals at NJIT and beyond. For his dedication and tireless effort, Mr. Ontaneda was awarded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers National Technical Career Conference Educator of the Year Award. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the achievements of Cynthia Camacho, Mr. Ontaneda, and the talented students of the Hispanic Organization of Students in Technology/Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the West New York Leones Cubanos de Hudson in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The West New York Leones Cubanos de Hudson commemorated their 25th anniversary on Saturday, April 24, 2004, at the Landmark in East Rutherford, New Jersey. West New York Leones Cubanos de Hudson is the largest Lions Club in the State of New Jersey, and the fourth largest in the United States. With a membership of 260 dedicated men and women, the West New York Lions Club has been able to take an active role in civic, cultural, and social events. A non-political and non-sectarian group, the Lions Club is renowned for its sight-related programs, providing services to the blind, including guide dogs, walking canes, and vocational training. Since 1979, the West New York Leones Cubanos de Hudson has done an exceptional service for its community with the help of dedicated individuals. Working with local churches, hospitals, clinics, summer programs, shelters, and food banks, the Lions Club has given all its support to promoting a better quality of life to the people it touches. It has also been heavily active in youth development. The Lions-Quest program provides youth with a sense of community, as well as tools and assistance for their success in the future. With a diverse Hispanic community in West New York, the Lions Club has been active in helping in disaster relief and rebuilding efforts to many areas in the Caribbean and Central and South America impacted by natural disasters. It has been a force in gathering necessary supplies and food to help in times of need, and takes tremendous pride in the positive difference it makes in the lives of the people in its community and around the world. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the members and officers, past and present, of the West New York Leones Cubanos de Hudson in recognition of their outstanding contributions and caring dedication to our community over the last 25 years.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, we teach our children that promises matter. And they do. So what kind of message does it send to our children when the President promises to leave no child behind but then breaks that promise by failing to provide our children the resources they need to get a world class education. The fact is the President's budget cuts education funding by $9.4 billion. That is $9.4 billion less than the President himself said we needed to leave no child behind. So the only standard we are holding the President to is the standards he himself agreed to in his own education bill. If that is not a broken promise, I do not know what is. Of course, $9.4 billion is just a dollar figure. But to the children who do not and will not get the resources they need, it is much more than that; 2.4 million children will not get the help with math and reading they need; 1.3 million children will not have access to after-school activities, but will instead be sitting at home or out in the street without supervision. Other children will be denied enrollment in Head Start because the President froze its funding. And tens of thousands of students will lose the grant work studies or loans they need to pay for college. These are the human costs of President Bush's broken promises on education. He promised to leave no child behind, but then turns around and leaves millions of children behind. What kind of priorities are these? We Democrats want to do what we all agreed, Democrats and Republicans alike, is the right thing for our children: Investing the resources to raise student achievements in core subjects like reading and math; demanding results and accountability from our schools; making sure our students have up-to-date textbooks and technology; providing after- school programs for every child that needs them; ensuring access to Head Start; increasing financial aid to college students and simplifying the application process and forms; increasing the maximum Pell grant; doubling the HOPE Scholarship and making the HOPE tax credit refundable; expanding assistance to minority-serving institutions. I know these things are really important because I began my career in public service as a high school student. I did not care for the education I received in my public school. I might have been young, but I knew that was not right. So I fought to change that. I won a seat on the school board and won the funding so that every student who would attend that school would have a quality education. What we do here makes a difference in the lives of students. I know. The promises we make here matter in the lives of children. I know. And the level of our commitment to education will, in many ways, determine our success as a Nation in the years ahead. I believe in opportunity, in personal responsibility. But without providing a quality education to our students, we will not have those things. And if America is going to compete in the global marketplace of the jobs and commerce and technology of the future, we need a workforce that receives the best education available, not one taught on a shoestring budget. Today there are students learning in trailers, in outdated buildings, literally falling apart, with leaky roofs and without adequate heat, using outdated textbooks and crowded schools where teachers have to pay for supplies out of their own salaries. We can do much better than that. America cannot and should not settle for second or third best when it comes to educating our children. To do so, we need to make the investment now. Unfortunately, President Bush and the Republicans made promises but we are failing to keep them. We Democrats want to make sure all the children in our Nation get the world class education they deserve. If you give us that chance, we will deliver that promise.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to join my colleagues in the United States Congress and world leaders in celebrating the creation of the State of Israel on this 56th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day. On this historic day, we honor the achievements of the Jewish people and the Jewish state, and salute a young and proud nation that has accomplished so much in so little time. In the 56 years since independence, Israel has welcomed immigrants from all corners of the world as her population grew from 806,000 to 6,780,000 people, including over a million new immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Israel today is a vibrant democracy, the only democracy in the Middle East, and a world leader in technology and agricultural innovation for arid regions. We must remember that these great achievements have come at a great cost. More than 20,000 Israel Defense Force members have died fighting for the cause of a Jewish state in the years since the war of independence--over 185 Israeli soldiers in the past year alone, since the last Remembrance and Independence Days. And we must also honor and remember those innocent civilians who have been killed by terrorists trying to destroy the State of Israel and her people. In the last year, at least 176 people were murdered and 906 wounded in terrorist attacks. On this Day of Independence, the United States of America and Israel stand side-by-side in our commitment to democracy, to peace, and to the State of Israel. The United States will never flinch and will never waiver in its support for the safety and security of the State of Israel and of her people.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to be joining Senator Corzine and my Democratic Colleagues from New Jersey in 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, which was recently signed into law, 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 6 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 off 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 $3,600. 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, I am in strong support of Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organization (WHO). It is once again time for Congress to stand up for a democratic Taiwan. Secretary Powell has noted before the International Relations Committee that there should be ways for Taiwan to enjoy full benefits of participation in international organizations without being a member. H.R. 4019 only calls for the Secretary of State to initiate a United States plan to endorse and obtain observer status at the WHO for Taiwan. Time and time again in recent years, Congress has passed similar legislation to provide for Taiwan's participation in the WHO. Yet time and time again, Taiwan has been thwarted from joining this international organization because of objections from the People's Republic of China. This most recently occurred last May at the World Health Assembly in Geneva; even after Congress enacted legislation authorizing the U.S. Government to implement a plan for Taiwan to obtain observer status. In recent years. Taiwan has expressed a willingness to assist financially and technically in international aid and health activities supported by the WHO, but has been unable to render such assistance because Taiwan is not a member of the WHO. Last year's SARS outbreak in Asia should have made it perfectly clear how important it is to allow Taiwan to participate in the WHO. Taiwan offered to work with the WHO yet was denied; only later were two WHO experts dispatched to Taiwan. Meanwhile, the WHO has allowed observers to participate in the activities of the organization, including the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the Knights of Malta, and the Vatican. Along with many of my colleagues, I am extremely disappointed that Taiwan is not a full member of the U.N. and all international organizations that its democratically led government wishes to join. Although this resolution does not go anywhere near far enough to address this concern, it is a first step in addressing the problem that Taiwan faces. Therefore, I urge every member of this House to support a democratic Taiwan by supporting this bill.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Club Espana for continuing to promote Spanish culture throughout the City of Newark. On Saturday, April 17, 2004, Club Espana celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner/dance at 8 p.m., at 180 New York Avenue, Newark, New Jersey. For forty years, Club Espana has served the city and community of Newark as a center for promoting Spanish culture. As the city continued to diversify, Club Espana has continued to provide a place to keep Spanish cultural tradition alive. Through music, traditional dance, and events, Club Espana has afforded generations of Spanish immigrants an opportunity to continue to practice the traditions of their native land and honor their heritage. Cultural centers, like Club Espana, provide communities with numerous opportunities to learn and participate in activities, and for friends, families, and strangers to meet and interact. Club Espana not only serves as a Spanish cultural center, but has also been actively involved in its community. Located in Newark's historic Ironbound district, Club Espana has instituted several social programs for children, families, and seniors, in order to assist those who are less fortunate. One shining example is the youth members program, established to teach children about the history and culture of Spain. The programs offered by Club Espana provide a sense of community, as well as tools and assistance for our children to succeed in the future. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Club Espana for its distinguished public service, and its dedication to promoting Spanish culture in the City of Newark. I was truly honored to be Club Espana's guest of honor at the 40th anniversary Dinner/Dance event.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zoila Perez Robaina on her 90th birthday. On Sunday, April 18, 2004, Mrs. Perez Robaina celebrated this momentous occasion with her closest friends and family. Zoila Perez Robaina was born in Consolacion del Sur, Pinar del Rio, Cuba on April 22, 1914. She was one of 11 children born to Encarnacion Robaina Gonzalez and Antonio Perez Robaina. At a young age in Cuba, Mrs. Perez Robaina took an apprenticeship in embroidery and fashion design. Once she was proficient, she began a private business from her home specializing in infant clothing and bridal accessories. After sustaining 10 years under the Castro regime, Mrs. Perez Robaina, who met her husband Wilfredo Alfonso Ortega in Cuba, left the island with her daughter in 1969 and made her way to Newark, New Jersey. Her husband was forced to stay in order to be supportive of their son, Lazaro, who had been imprisoned for his political pursuits against the revolution. It was 4 years until the entire family was finally reunited in the United States. Once in New Jersey, Mrs. Perez Robaina worked tirelessly at Koryette's Department store as an inventory clerk to provide for her family. She was a dedicated parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. After the passing of her husband in 1981, Mrs. Perez Robaina moved to the City of North Bergen where she began to attend Our Lady of Libera church. During her time at both Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Our Lady of Libera Church, she was an active member of Mary's Legion. Mrs. Perez Robaina is the loving mother of two children, Lazaro and Gloria, and the proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren. And at the age of 90 years, she is an integral part of her family, with her infectious energy and love. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Zoila Perez Robaina in celebration of her 90th birthday. I wish her good health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance. On Sunday, April 18, 2004, the Inter-Faith Clergy and the Bayonne Jewish Community Council co- sponsored the Holocaust Memorial Observance Program held at 2 p.m., at Bayonne City Hall Council Chambers. The Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance Program not only honored the victims of the Holocaust, promoted Jewish history and culture, but also served as an opportunity to bring together the Bayonne community to foster understanding among all people. The United Jewish Appeal Federation of Bayonne, the umbrella organization for the Jewish Community in Bayonne, has served to promote civic and communal duties, in order to enhance the quality of life in Bayonne. The Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance Program was chaired by Alan J. Apfelbaum, an active and dedicated member of the Jewish community. Mr. Apfelbaum has been a constant figure at the Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance Program since its inception. The event included proclamations made by Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr., as well as keynote speaker Professor Harry Reicher from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. As Director of International Affairs and Representative to the United Nations of Agudath Israel World Organization, Professor Reicher has fought for international human rights, particularly religious freedom. Born in Prague and raised in Australia, Professor Reicher has done extensive research, focusing on Nazi legislation and its assault on the Jewish community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance for remembering the victims of the Holocaust; and I ask that we, too, remember the Holocaust, its victims, and the ruthlessness of the Nazi regime. We must never forget.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the Davis motion to recommit increases the funding in this bill to the Senate level of $318 billion, and it does something about donor-donee issues which we have heard a lot about here. Unlike the previous objection that was originally heard, the Senate bill, which is in essence the way in which the gentleman from Tennessee has constructed this, is a fiscally responsible bill. There is no new gas tax in it, so let us not be deceived. That increase to rise to the 318 is fully offset by what? By cracking down on abusive tax shelters and by preventing American companies from avoiding paying U.S. taxes by moving to a foreign country. It is not only fiscally responsible; it is responsible national economic development policy. It is going to create 1.8 million more additional jobs, and God knows we need those jobs in this country. And it is about national security policy. The bill is supposed to be about a legacy. Do we want it to be a legacy of congestion and deteriorating infrastructure? Or do we want it to be about increased productivity and more good-paying jobs? About a Nation that has the redundancy and multiplicity of transportation infrastructure to respond to national emergencies on the scale of what happened on September 11 where after so many different modes of transportation were shut down, there is still one available to get people out of downtown Manhattan over to New Jersey into hospitals? If you want more money to go to your State, if you do not want just to stop the decay of the Nation's infrastructure, but dramatically improve it; if you want to help create good-paying jobs, 1.8 million more jobs for the people of this country; if you want to have multiple avenues to evacuate people and for first responders to reach the site, God forbid, of the next national emergency, then you will vote for the Davis motion to recommit. It is fiscally responsible. It is about creating jobs. It is about the national security of the United States.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to also commend the leadership of the committee in producing a bill within the constraints that they had and in keeping so many items that are of great, important policy intact. But I oppose the rule because the committee does not allow the House to work its will on a higher funding level that the committee, on a bipartisan basis, recognize is needed for the Nation's infrastructure. Also, because of a critical issue on this bill that is also about jobs, the committee did also not accept my amendment which was a sense of the Congress that none of these jobs in transportation should be outsourced. Now, it is very difficult to see billions of dollars going to Iraq for infrastructure funding and to leave America short of where we need to be. I believe, as does I think a majority, if they were given the opportunity, that the Senate bill of $318 billion is a fiscally responsible bill. I also believe that it is responsible national economic development policy, and I also believe it is responsible national security policy. That is why I was pleased to have joined my colleagues in offering an amendment in the Committee on Rules that would have increased the funding of this bill to that Senate level of $318 billion and let the House work its will. We did not get that chance in this rule. Now, transportation is about a lot more than simply moving goods and people from one place to another. It is about economic development in both the short and the long term. It is about good-paying jobs at a time that we desperately need those jobs. Having lost several million jobs during this administration, it would be great if we could have the resources to meet the infrastructure needs and create more good-paying jobs here in America. It is about improving the environment by creating a transportation system that pollutes less and helps us achieve Clean Air Act requirements. It is about spending less time in traffic and more time with our family or on our work, being productive, and it is about security. On September 11, my district, right across from mid-town, if it was not for the multiplicity of transportation modes, the people who were trapped in downtown Manhattan would have not gotten out but for a ferry system. When all the tunnels, all the bridges, all the trains were closed, security on that day came in the vehicle of a ferry system. That is why this bill in this modern age is so important. That is why we should be having a higher funding, and that is why we should have the ability for the House to work its will on economic development, on jobs, on making sure those jobs are not outsourced and on the Nation's security in the context of transportation. That is why I oppose the rule; and, hopefully, we will be given the opportunity to have a vote on these issues and, in doing so, strengthen America financially, economically, jobs and security.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 590) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I want to start off by thanking the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for his incredible work on this budget and for helping the American people understand what is at stake here. And as far as I have heard, it has been scored so it seems to me we are talking about different things here. Here are the top 10 reasons we Democrats oppose the Republican budget resolution. First, it makes the ballooning deficit even worse. It fails to protect Social Security. It spends every penny of the Social Security surplus over the next 5 years, $1 trillion. It offers more of the same failed economic policies that have already caused the loss of 3 million private sector jobs during this administration. It underfunds education and, specifically, the No Child Left Behind Act by over $9 billion less than was promised. It provides for $1.3 billion less than the Veterans' Affairs Committee on a bipartisan basis recommended for our country's veterans. It cuts homeland security at a time of national insecurity below even the President's request by nearly $857 million. It fails to protect the Nation's environment. It cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health, Maternal and Child Health. It creates long-term deficits that will undermine economic growth and fails to extend unemployment insurance to those who have lost their jobs. And during the war on terror, it actually cuts benefits to widows of military retirees, limits improvements to military housing, and discontinues last year's TRICARE for Reservists. And the President's tax cut proposal is a gift that keeps on taking, taking from our children, our families, and our seniors. His tax cut takes from the next generation and replaces with that taking a mountain of debt on the backs of our children. America simply cannot be red, white and broke and meet its challenges at home and abroad; but that is exactly where the Republican budget takes us. Therefore, it is the duty of Democrats to bring these wrong priorities for America to the light of day, and to offer an alternative that reflects the priorities of America's working families by stimulating the economy, by creating jobs, by expanding educational opportunity, by improving health care, by strengthening homeland security, those first responders we see the President take the pictures with, but then he goes ahead and cuts their funding dramatically. It is outrageous. Tell him to go see the firefighters now that he cut a quarter of a billion dollars, and after he basically zeroed out the Safer Act to help communities hire more firefighters, or the interoperable communications equipment that is necessary. Tell the firefighters how you are their friend and how you are their heroes with this budget. We do all of our things, however, in a positive way by creating opportunities, and, yes, helping the firefighters and all those who provide emergency management for homeland security while bringing our budget into balance in 8 years. In fact, over the next 5 years the Democratic budget is going to provide over $9 billion more for education and training than the Republican budget, $11 billion more for health care programs than the Republican budget, $17 billion more for environmental protection than the Republican budget, nearly $6 billion more for first responders for port security, for aviation security, and for border security than the Republican budget. And the Democratic budget also targets $2 billion in fiscal year 2005 to support our troops and includes the full $2.5 billion increase that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs says is critically needed for our Nation's veterans. It is time for Republicans to stop lamenting the deficit they recklessly created and join us in balancing the budget just like American families have to do every day of their lives, and give us an opportunity for a future of hope, growth and opportunity, not a future of debt and despair.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jose Rohaidy for his years of outstanding work and dedication to the Hispanic community. Mr. Rohaidy was honored by the Hispanic State Parade of New Jersey on Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the Fiesta Banquets in Woodridge, New Jersey. Mr. Rohaidy was honored for his numerous contributions to the Hispanic community. Mr. Rohaidy was one of the pioneers of the Puerto Rican Parade in Paterson, New Jersey, and also Trenton, New Jersey. He was also one of the four founding members of the Hispanic Statewide Parade of New Jersey. For his tireless efforts and perseverance in the Hispanic community, Mr. Rohaidy has been the recipient of over 200 proclamations, awards, and citations. Mr. Rohaidy was born in Zulueta, Cuba, to a Lebanese father and a Mexican mother. In Cuba, he worked as the Director of the news show Radio Nacional. While in Cuba, Mr. Rohaidy served as the President of Brigade 21 of the Red Cross. In 1968, when Mr. Rohaidy came to the United States, he continued his passion for journalism working for El Diario La Prensa, as Chief Editor of the New Jersey section of the paper. He also worked for Radio WADO covering the New Jersey area. Mr. Rohaidy owns Mini-Mundo Printing along with his wife, Magali. Mr. Rohaidy received a Doctorate degree in Journalism from Essex County Community College and was the first Hispanic to do so. He is a loving husband for over 46 years to his wife, Magali, father to four children, and grandfather of seven grandchildren. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jose Rohaidy, a true pioneer, outstanding leader, visionary, and dedicated servant to the Hispanic community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miguel Rivera for his years of outstanding work and service with Verizon Communications. Mr. Rivera will be honored by the Friends of Mike Rivera Committee for 35 years of dedicated service to Verizon Communications and the Hispanic Community at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2004, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Mr. Rivera is retiring from Verizon Communications after 35 years of service. Mr. Rivera started his career with Verizon as Facilities Engineer from 1968 to 1972. He also held the position of Systems Equipment Engineer from 1972 to 1977. From 1977 to his retirement, Mr. Rivera was Director of External Affairs, serving as the face of Verizon Communications to local government, consumer relations, and Hispanic relations in New Jersey. As Director of External Affairs, Mr. Rivera was able to dedicate a great deal of time and resources to the enhancement of the Hispanic community in New Jersey. Serving as Corporate Representative of Verizon Communications with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Rivera was able to bring increased prosperity to Hispanics throughout the state by forming new partnerships with Latin America, bringing products and jobs back to New Jersey, and creating further economic development and business opportunities throughout our region. Mr. Rivera currently is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Community United for the Rehabilitation of the Addict, Inc. (CURA), Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Puerto Rican Action Board, and Trustee for New Brunswick Tomorrow. Mr. Rivera's vast community activities are an example of his wide variety of concerns for his community, while showing his dedication and desire to improve his community through action. Mr. Rivera received his bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico. Mr. Rivera is a loving husband to his wife, Nina Rivera. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Miguel Rivera for his 35 years of distinguished service, outstanding leadership, and devotion to Verizon Communications and the Hispanic community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I hear my colleagues now talk about human rights and brutality, and there is no question about that; but there is human rights and brutality in many parts of the world, and that has not caused American troops to intervene in those countries. One year after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, it is time to focus on the truth. Yet this resolution leaves out the administration's most important justification for the war in Iraq, weapons of mass destruction. This administration systematically misled the American public and Congress into believing that there were weapons of mass destruction and that we were under an imminent threat. According to the Carnegie Endowment For International Peace recent report, the administration systematically misrepresented the threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction by presenting the case as solid instead of expressing the uncertainty that existed in the intelligence assessments, and making the threat seem dire rather than minor by misrepresenting the inspector's findings. In fact, a report by the minority staff of the Committee on Government Reform found the administration made over 200 misleading public statements on the Iraqi threat. The truth is that this administration will not have the American people know what really happened with the intelligence until after the November elections, a year from today. Most importantly, this Republican Iraq resolution, crafted with no input from Democrats, makes no mention of the over 565 American men and women who gave their lives in Iraq to date and over 3,500 others who are wounded. I say we should honor those who gave their lives, not ignore them. This resolution should commemorate that ultimate sacrifice. In the wake of the recent attacks in Spain, it is shameful that Republicans are acting as dividers, not uniters. It is shameful that the Republicans without input from Democrats on a crucial resolution that could express our collective sentiment as we did after September 11 seek partisan gain out of what should be a national embrace.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard A. Rutkowski and Regina J. Rutkowski for their years of service and dedication to their community. Mr. and Mrs. Rutkowski were honored by the Richard A. Rutkowski Association at the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner-Dance on Saturday, January 17, 2004, at the Hi-Hat Caterers in Bayonne, New Jersey. Richard A. Rutkowski is former mayor and two-term council member-at- large for the City of Bayonne. In 1992 and 1993, Mr. Rutkowski was elected by fellow mayors to the 25 member executive board of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Mr. Rutkowski is currently a director of the Bayonne Chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice, an active member of the American Polish Veterans, Assumption Catholic War Veterans Post no. 1612, and Bayonne Elks Lodge #434. Mr. Rutkowski has served on a number of boards of directors for committees, civic, religious, professional and ethnic organizations He is a former member of the Parish Council and school board member at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where he served as the chairman of the Parish Centennial Committee. Mr. Rutkowski has also served as assistant cubmaster of Pack 19. For all his remarkable accomplishments, dedication to his community, and leadership, Mr. Rutkowski has received numerous awards, including the YMCA Award, Citizen of the Year Award from the Bayonne Kiwanis Club in 1990, and National Conference for Community and Justice Humanitarian Award in 2001. Born and raised in Bayonne, Mr. Rutkowski attended Saint Peter's Prep and received his bachelor's degree from Saint Peter's College. Mr. Rutkowski received a master's degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. Regina J. Rutkowski was born in Poland, and is a survivor of the Nazi occupation. After years of suffering, her family relocated to England and then to the United States. Mrs. Rutkowski attended New Jersey City University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and received her bachelor's degree in History. Mrs. Rutkowski has been involved in a variety of charitable, social and civic organizations in which she has held several positions, such as Bayonne's marshall of the Pulaski Day Parade in 1997, trustee of the Bayonne Historical Society, and honorary chair on the 25th Anniversary of the Pro Arte League of the Kosciuszko Foundation. Mrs. Rutkowski is an active member in numerous organizations, including the Bayonne Pulaski Memorial Committee, Polish-American Heritage Committee of Bayonne, Polish-American Citizens Club, and Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Rutkowski is a member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she serves on the Parish Council. She is an usherette and former member of the parish's Centennial Committee. She currently serves as treasurer of the Mount Carmel Guild. Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Rutkowski are the proud parents of three sons, Richard Jr., Stephen, and Robert, and grandparents of three wonderful children, Stephen, Alexa and Robert. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Richard A. Rutkowski and Regina J. Rutkowski for their outstanding leadership, tireless work and service in the community, and commitment to their fellow man.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harrison Post 282 American Legion on its 65th Anniversary. An anniversary celebration was held on Saturday, January 17, 2004, at Post 282 Headquarters, 8 Patterson Street, Harrison, New Jersey. The ceremony was presided over by Commander Edwin Marshman, Sr. On September 16, 1919, the United States Congress chartered the American Legion. The purpose of the American Legion is to serve as a community organization sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, to foster and promote the ideals of patriotism, and to preserve the memories of wars and battles fought by our courageous men and women in uniform. The American Legion is vital to the preservation and celebration of American heritage. It understands the power and value of our history. Yesterday, these brave soldiers served in the Armed Services to preserve America; today, they serve in our communities to preserve our heritage. Although the majority of the service provided by the American Legion is geared towards veterans' issues, its service does not stop there. The American Legion is heavily involved in children and youth and community service activities. Since its inception in 1919, the American Legion has been a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. Today, the Legion is the chartering agency for more than 1,700 scouting units involving more then 64,000 youths. Harrison Post 282 was formed in 1939 by a group of dedicated Harrison veterans who wished to foster the goals of the American Legion in their community. Harrison Post 282 received its permanent charter from the American Legion in 1941. In its 65 years, Harrison Post 282 has continuously upheld the goals of the American Legion, helping countless veterans and serving as a pillar of the Harrison community in a variety of activities. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the Harrison Post 282 American Legion and in honoring its outstanding commitment to veterans and their community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister June Favata for her years of service and dedication to the young women of Saint Vincent Academy in Newark, New Jersey. Sister Favata was honored at the Celebration of the Life of Monsignor Geno Charles Baroni luncheon on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at the North Ward Center in Newark. Sister June Favata has been a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth for 42 years, dedicating most of her time and focus to the education of young women at Saint Vincent Academy. Sister Favata began her career at Saint Vincent Academy as an English teacher in 1969. After years of hard work and innovative thinking, she became program director of the Administrative team in 1978, and assumed the position of administrative director in 1985. For over 30 years, Sister Favata has helped to establish several interdisciplinary programs at Saint Vincent Academy, focused on preparing students for the rigors of college by promoting self- discipline, personal responsibility, and enhancing academic skills and work ethic. Sister Favata, along with other colleagues, spearheaded the Students-in Community Program, a tool used to integrate social responsibility with formal education. It is an opportunity for students to learn of the underlying causes of social issues, while volunteering and helping out their respective communities. Sister June Favata has received several awards for her dedicated service to the City of Newark and Saint Vincent Academy, such as the Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Award in the State of New Jersey from Princeton University; Community Leadership and Service Award from Saint Benedicts Preparatory School; and the Miracle Maker Award from the United Way of Essex and West Hudson. Sister Favata is a life-long New Jersey resident, and received her bachelor's degree in English from the College of Saint Elizabeth and her master's degree in Communication Art from the University of Notre Dame. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sister June Favata for her dedicated and tireless service to her community and for 34 years of outstanding leadership to the students of Saint Vincent Academy of Newark.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alan Apfelbaum for his years of service and dedication to the Jewish community. Mr. Apfelbaum was honored at the 51st Annual Sustaining Dinner Dance on Saturday, November 1, 2003, at the Bayonne Jewish Community Center in Bayonne, New Jersey. Mr. Apfelbaum has been an active member of the Bayonne Jewish Community Center for over thirty years. He is a past president and a prior honoree at the Annual Dinner. Mr. Apfelbaum chaired the Nominating, Day Camp, Policy, and Scholarship committees, as well as the Louis Greenberg Lecture Series for the Bayonne Jewish Community Center. Mr. Apfelbaum's commitment to the Jewish community led him to serve as president of the Bayonne Zionist District and the South Hudson Lodge of B'Nai B'rith. He served as chairman of the United Jewish Appeal Campaign, and is also a dedicated member of the Jewish War Veterans and the Holocaust Remembrance Day Committee. Mr. Apfelbaum is a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving one tour of duty. After his service, Mr. Apfelbaum joined the Army Reserves in 1976 until his retirement in 1998 with the rank of Sergeant Major. Mr. Apfelbaum has received several commendations for his bravery and service to his country, such as the Army Good Conduct Medal, United States Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Medal, Air Medal, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals. Mr. Apfelbaum is currently the supervisor of the Social Services Department at the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny. Previously, he was the owner of Bargain Bin, a small business in Bayonne from 1987-1994. Mr. Apfelbaum graduated from his native Bayonne High School, and received his bachelor's degree in Hebraic Studies from Rutgers University. Mr. Apfelbaum also holds a Master's Degree from New Jersey City University in Student Personnel Services. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alan Apfelbaum for his dedicated service to his country and his outstanding contributions to the Jewish community in Bayonne.