Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the Republican tax plan is nothing more than voodoo economics. Only in Washington would Republicans tell average American families that raising their national debt is a way to solve this economy's malaise. Raising their debt. This is not a $350 billion tax package; it is a $1 trillion tax package, because no one believes that it will be ultimately eliminated once it is enacted. And that $1 trillion tax package is a job killer, not a job creator. Ask the 2 million-plus jobs we have already lost under the original Bush tax plan. And, yes, it has a child tax credit; but then, before you know it, it is taken away and eliminated. But guess what is not eliminated? The accelerated reductions in the top income tax. They are forever. Child tax credit: here today, gone tomorrow. Top tax relief: there forever. That is class warfare.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, what are Republicans afraid of? Are they afraid of the anger of millions of unemployed when they find out Republicans are passing yet another massive tax cut to the already well-off, while unemployment benefits for hard-hit families are about to run out? Are Republicans afraid of middle-class workers who do not know whether we are going to have another waive of corporate downsizing in this country that will put their jobs, their health care, and their kids' educations at risk? What is clear is that Republicans are afraid of something because they will not even allow Democrats to offer our alternative plan. Republicans do not want an open debate because they do not want the American middle class to see that they are borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars tomorrow for the tax cuts they pay today. America cannot be red, white, and broke and meet its challenges both at home and abroad. It is time for the Republicans to realize that a tax cut is not the answer to every problem. For 2\1/2\ years it has not worked; ask the 2 million jobs that are now gone. It is time to stop squandering the future of American families and start doing something about this economic mess.

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 for their outstanding achievements at the HOST/SHPE Gala Banquet on April 30, 2003. The Hispanic Organization of Students in Technology/Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers represents a group of extremely talented and dedicated students, who, at a young age, have already shown amazing promise and success. Under the leadership of Student President Danial Calles, HOST/SHPE attained the second highest membership of a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers student chapter nationwide and was responsible for the third-highest attendance to the 2002 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Eastern Technical Career Conference. Moises Cordero, Daniel Nunez, and Randy Weston, three students who form the Web Site Competition Team, made new strides for New Jersey Institute of Technology and for aspiring students when they won first place for the first ever Web Site Competition at the 2002 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Eastern Technical Career Conference. Their success illustrates not only the strength of NJIT, but the drive and potential of these promising students. Under the guidance of Carlomango Ontaneda, the SHPE chapter advisor at NJIT has helped to empower many promising students achieve their goals at NJIT and beyond. As Assistant Director for Recruitment at New Jersey Institute of Technology's Educational Opportunity Program, Mr. Ontaneda continues to demonstrate his commitment to increasing educational opportunities and helping students attain their dreams. He was recently the recipient of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Eastern Technical Career Conference Higher Education Award. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the achievements of 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. I applaud their dedication and their success, and wish them the best as they head towards an already bright future.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, what are Republicans afraid of? Are they afraid of the anger of millions of unemployed when they found out Republicans are passing yet another massive tax cut while unemployment benefits for hard hit families are about to run out? Are Republicans afraid of middle-class workers who do not know whether we are going to have yet another wave of corporate downsizing in this country that will put their jobs, their health care and their kids education at risk? What is clear is that Republicans are afraid of something because they will not even allow Democrats to offer our alternative plan. We go halfway around the world to bring democracy to Iraq, and then they stifle democracy here. What a lesson to all those who we seek to spread the benefits of democracy to. They defile this bastion of democracy. Republicans do not want an open debate because they do not want the American middle class to see what they are doing. They borrow hundreds of billions from tomorrow to pay for tax cuts today, geared to those who already have plenty of income. Republicans create a mountain of debt on this and the next generation of Americans, and they conduct class warfare when they sunset the minimal tax provisions they provide to average Americans in 3 years, but wealthy Americans, they let those provisions continue to ride for quite some time. America simply cannot be red, white and broke and meet its challenges both at home and abroad in the years to come. It is time for Republicans to realize that their tax cut is not the answer to every problem. For 2\1/2\ years it has not worked; ask the 8.8 million Americans who are unemployed. Let us stop squandering the future of American families and start doing something about the economic mess they have created; and if my colleagues will not, at least allow us to offer an alternative that will put millions of Americans back to work. Give us the opportunity for a vote. What are my colleagues hiding from? Let us show the rest of the world what democracy is really about.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 182nd Anniversary of Greek Independence Day. On March 25, 1821, the people of Greece began their quest for freedom from the Ottoman Turks, and we commemorate their resolve and their country's enduring independence. The birth of democracy in Greece ushered in one of the true golden ages of Western Civilization, and the democratic ideals of ancient Greece provided an inspiration and foundation for American democracy. The peoples of Greece and the United States enjoy a rich friendship based on our common devotion to the ideals of freedom and democracy. Our nation continues to strive for high standards of equality and justice championed by Greek philosophy; and, in shaping their new democracy, the Greeks used the Declaration of Independence as a guide. The celebration of Greek Independence Day provides a chance for Americans and Greeks alike to reflect on and celebrate a common history that shares the same principles of freedom and democracy. The Greek Independence Day parade continued its grand tradition this year, marking the 65th annual parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City. I praise the efforts of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York for making such a celebration of Greek Independence possible. This annual tradition provides a chance for Greeks and Americans to celebrate Greek culture and to continue the great partnership between our peoples and cultures. The commemoration of the Independence of Greece is an important reminder of the contributions of Greece to democracy in America and worldwide. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Greek Independence Day and to pay tribute to the shared traditions of Greek and American democracy.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Rose Thering for her dedication to promoting religious understanding and providing educational opportunities for her community. Sister Thering was the keynote speaker at the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance on April 29, 2003 at the Bayonne City Council Chambers. Professor Emerita at Seton Hall University, Sister Thering has been an active writer, speaker, and lecturer on Judeo-Christian and Holocaust studies for over 30 years. Sister Thering has organized and directed the annual Seton Hall University Study Tour to Israel since 1972, and has traveled to Israel on over 50 occasions during her tenure at Seton Hall. As an active member of a number of academic, religious, and community organizations, she continues to be a strong advocate for building relations between Jews and Christians. Sister Thering currently serves on the Newark Archdiocesan Commission for Interreligious Affairs and is executive director of the National Christian Leadership. She was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Kean University in 1994 and has been a member of the New Jersey Commission for Holocaust Education since 1980. She also served on the U.S. Bishops' Advisory Committee to the Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations for 20 years. At Seton Hall University, she continues to improve the Endowment Fund established in her honor, which provides scholarship assistance to school teachers furthering their education in Holocaust studies. Sister Thering is a life member of Hadassah, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. As a leader and educator on an issue as important as the Holocaust, I want to praise her for decades of tireless determination and dedicated work. She has touched so many lives by reminding us of the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust during human kind's darkest hour. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sister Rose Thering for her commitment to pursuing religious understanding and for her desire to educate and serve members of our community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Devarajan P. Iyengar for his contributions to the medical field and his dedication to the people of Jersey City, Kearny, and Bayonne, New Jersey. He was honored by the Bayonne Community Cancer Support Group at Puccini's Restaurant on April 26, 2003 in Bayonne. For over 20 years, Dr. Iyengar has dedicated himself to providing quality care for the people of Bayonne and surrounding areas. Currently director of oncology at Bayonne Medical Center and chairperson of the Transfusion and Cancer Care Committees, Dr. Iyengar has served on the staffs of Christ Hospital, Greenville Hospital and Union Hospital in Jersey City; West Hudson Hospital in Kearny; and Bayonne Medical Center since 1993. Dr. Iyengar is committed to providing a level of care that goes beyond the average standard of health care. He recently helped found the Bayonne Community Cancer Support Group and is well known for taking the time to provide additional support for his patients and their families. Dr. Iyengar earned his degree in medicine from the University in Baroda, India and completed his residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. After finishing his fellowship in oncology and hematology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, he was a research associate and later an attending physician for Newark Beth Isreal. Dr. Iyengar is a fellow at the Academy of Medicine of New Jersey and a member of the American Society of Breast Disease. Dr. Iyengar and his wife, Dr. Rekha Iyengar, a radiation oncologist, have three sons, Arjun, Ashwin and Arvind. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Devarajan P. Iyengar for his years of service and dedication to the medical community and to the people of New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ludo Nolfo, for his outstanding dedication to the community of Bayonne, New Jersey. Mr. Nolfo was named the 2003 Man of the Year by the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO National on April 5, 2003 at the Chandelier Restaurant in Bayonne. An Italian immigrant at age 16, and a graduate of New York University with a degree in accounting, Mr. Nolfo served two years in the United States military before working with Manufacturers Hanover in New York. For over 27 years, Mr. Nolfo worked for First Union National Bank, where he was Vice President of Trade Services. He is currently Vice President of International Trade Banking at the New York Branch of Rabobank Nederland. In addition to his remarkable professional record and successful career, Mr. Nolfo has a distinguished record of community service. As trustee of the Bayonne Board of Education and Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, commissioner of the Bayonne Housing Authority, and treasurer of the Board of the Bayonne Visiting Nurses Association, Mr. Nolfo continues to demonstrate an impressive level of commitment to serving the people of Bayonne. A past president and district governor of the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO National, Mr. Nolfo has been committed to serving the Italian community throughout our region. He is a founding member and formal grand marshal of the Bayonne Columbus Committee; a member and past president of the Bayonne Sicilian Citizens Club; and a member of the Sons of Italy of Bayonne. He also served on the Committee on Italian Migration, sponsored by the Italian Consulate. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Nolfo for his exceptional service to the people of Bayonne and in congratulating him on being named Bayonne UNICO's 2003 Man of the Year.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 209) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the Markey-Johnson amendment. In my view, the potential benefits to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge are greatly outweighed by the loss. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that only 2.5 billion barrels of oil are economically recoverable from the refuge. That is less than a fourth of what proponents of drilling claim, and about what the U.S. consumes in 4 months. It is not simply worth trading the possibility of 4 months of energy for the loss of crucial breeding and migratory habitat of more than 200 animal species and over 130 species of birds. Nevertheless, this legislation allows drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which reflects an utter disregard for the preservation of America's last remaining untouched wilderness. To believe that we could drill in ANWR without causing irreversible environmental damage is foolish. This bill contains no true environmental protections for the refuge, and this amendment would provide that environmental protection. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, as Thomas Jefferson notes in Jefferson's Manual, ``The minority in any legislative body looks to the rules of that body as its best and often only defense against the potential tyranny of the majority.'' Tonight, Republicans have corrupted this House with a process that in the darkness of night raises the national debt to nearly $12 trillion, ensures that every American family ends up with a debt tax of over $8,000, has a budget that bleeds red as far as the eye can see, and that budget that began bleeding red well before September 11, and ensures that their tax dollars go not to invest in our people and health care and education and taking care of our veterans, but, no, goes to pay interest on this debt that you continue to raise. That is the real waste, fraud and abuse that you should be talking about. Imagine deciding on $2.2 trillion, when Members have been given only an hour before debate begins. Only in Washington would Republicans say to American families that this is prudent. What American family makes major financial decisions in their life in the middle of the night at midnight when their whole future is at stake? This corrupt process that will cut $6.2 billion in veterans' health care over the next 10 years, is there no shame, as we have men and women halfway around the world fighting for us and for democracy, that in this hallowed hall of democracy a system is so corrupt that we are going to make major decisions about each and every American family for the rest of their lives. Vote no against the rule. It is ultimately the opportunity to preserve America's future and the intergenerational responsibility that this Republican majority has forfeited for the next generation.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding me time and for his statement before as well. Mr. Speaker, where is the outrage? Where is the outrage regarding the latest barbarity from the dictatorship of Fidel Castro? Where is the outrage that a blind dissident, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva, is detained in the harshest of political prisons and that the Castro regime denies him his needed medication; that Leonardo Bruzon, an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience who suffers from the ill-effects of a hunger strike, is denied needed medical attention? Where is the outrage, that three of the four brave authors of the pro-democracy essay, ``La Patria Es De Todos,'' the nation belongs to everyone, Marta Beatriz Roque, Rene Gomez Manzano and Felix Bonne, have been mercilessly thrown in jail and face sentences raging from 20 years to life? Ms. Roque, who had the audacity to call herself an independent economist and criticized Cuba's economy, has already been sentenced to 20 years. The fourth author, the Afro-Cuban leader, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, who already served 3 years for displaying national flags upside down in an act of civil disobedience, will also be sentenced. His three colleagues having the audacity to fast peacefully to protest his detention. Where is the outrage, that the independent journalists movement in Cuba, led by journalist and poet Raul Rivero, have been rounded up, had their houses ransacked by state security thugs, and their professional personal belongings taken from them? We learned this morning that Raul Rivero was sentenced to 20 years. Among the dangerous materials that Rivero possessed was a collection of Martin Luther King's speeches autographed by former President Jimmy Carter on his recent trip to the island. It was taken as evidence of subversive thought. Where is the outrage, that those who gathered the signatures of 30,000 brave men and women who, much like our Founding Fathers, with the stroke of a pen, had the courage to peacefully demand a referendum calling for democratic changes, were unceremoniously rounded up and are being sentenced in show trials reminiscent of Hitler and Stalin? Where is the outrage that independent union activists have been rounded up, that this crackdown occurs when the U.N. Human Rights Commission meets in its annual session in Geneva? The Castro dictatorship's membership of that commission is itself a mockery and a travesty. The show trials have begun, with the same coerced confessions and the same betrayal of dissident organizations by Castro's security agents who infiltrated these groups. And what are the verdicts? Guilty. Guilty of criminal association. Guilty of enemy propaganda. Guilty of dangerousness. Guilty of contempt for authority, of resisting authority. Guilty of seeking democracy and a respect for human rights. That is Castro's socialism. So far, 47 peaceful dissidents have been sentenced to between 12 and 27 years in prison in what the State Department calls ``Kangaroo courts'' that began proceedings last Thursday. Let me just mention a few of those sentenced. Omar Rodriguez Saludes, an independent journalist known to ride his bicycle to news conferences with a camera dangling by a strap from his neck: 27 years, the hardest sentence so far. Hector Palacios, one of the key figures promoting the Varela Project: 25 years. Oscar Espinosa Chepe, who wrote critical articles about the Cuban economy for the Internet: 25 years. Ricardo Gonzalez Alfonso, Raul Rivero's editor at ``De Cuba'' magazine: 20 years. And it goes on and on. So to all who go sip wine with Castro, smoke his cigars and are regaled by his soliloquies, where is the outrage? Mr. Speaker, the expression of international outrage has begun from European governments to Jimmy Carter to the AFL-CIO. May we all raise our voices to join the growing chorus of outrage and condemnation of this dictatorship heard around the world, heard everywhere, except for these hallowed halls. May this Congress not sit silent now as the show trials proceed. May this Congress stand in solidarity with those dissidents and human rights activists who heeded Pope John Paul's words during his visit to Cuba: ``Do not be afraid.'' ``Do not be afraid.'' Let us in this bastion of democracy also not be afraid to vote for this resolution.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today must be April Fool's Day, because what I hear in this debate is our Republican colleagues renouncing their budget and, in essence, accepting ours. This motion to recommit is about values. Mr. Speaker, what message is the Republican majority sending our brave men and women fighting in Iraq even as we speak when it cuts $14.6 billion in veterans benefits in the budget resolution; when it cuts the health care and disability compensation even as hundreds of thousands of men and women are deployed in the Middle East risking their lives for America, even as dozens of our wounded troops are airlifted back to hospitals in Germany and the United States? The Republican value is very clear, as is their message: fight for us today, but we cannot make any promises to you about tomorrow. And that is exactly what their budget does. In fact, the Disabled American Veterans described the House Republican approach in the following terms by asking, ``Has the Congress no shame''? Mr. Speaker, Republicans choose to dishonor the sacrifices of our Nation's heroes and rob our programs to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, and it is a real shame. These young men and women may well depend upon the benefits they are seeking to cut. This weekend, I was fortunate enough to visit 7,000 troops at Fort Dix, New Jersey, 7,000 men and women, 7,000 sons and daughters, 7,000 mothers and fathers about to be deployed to Iraq. They were unanimous in their dedication and selflessness, and they are ready to perform and perform proudly. But soldiers do not pick the battle or the place or the time. They just respond to the call. We should respond to the call by rallying behind them and those that served before them, our veterans. Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit is that opportunity. Try telling them that they are part of waste, fraud and abuse. The other side had 8 years of Republican control to root out that waste, fraud and abuse, and Republicans did nothing. Do not do it on the backs of veterans today. Vote for the motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for not only yielding time, but for offering this most important motion to instruct conferees on the Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution. What message is the Republican Majority sending our brave men and women fighting in Iraq even as we speak, when it cuts 14.6 billion dollars in Veterans' Benefits in the Budget Resolution? Cuts to health care and disability compensation, even as hundreds of thousands of men and women are deployed in the Middle East, risking their lives for freedom and democracy? Cuts to health care and disability compensation, even as dozens of our wounded troops are airlifted back to hospitals in Germany and the United States? The Republican Budget's message is clear: Fight for us today, but we can't make any promises for tomorrow. And that's exactly what their budget does--in fact, the Disabled American Veterans described the House Republican approach in the following terms: ``Has the Congress no shame? Is there no honor left in the hallowed halls of our government that you choose to dishonor the sacrifices of our nation's heroes and rob our programs . . . to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy?'' It is a real shame. Our men and women in uniform are fighting in Iraq or are about to be shipped out to the Middle East, and Republicans are suggesting cutting benefits many of these young men and women may depend on upon their return. This weekend I was fortunate enough to visit 7,000 troops at Fort Dix in New Jersey; 7,000 men and women; 7,000 sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, about to be deployed to Iraq. They were unanimous in their dedication and selflessness--they told me that, no matter what their personal views may be on this war, they will fight honorably and will make us proud. I wish the Republican Leadership had even an iota of their bravery, selflessness and dedication. But instead, it turns its back on these troops, their families, our communities, and, worst of all, our veterans. Soldiers don't pick the battle. They don't pick the place. They don't pick the time. they just respond to the call, and we should respond to the call by rallying behind them, and those that served before them, our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I believe all of us who say we support our troops and veterans should be on this floor supporting this motion when the time comes. I urge my colleagues to vote for the gentleman's motion to instruct.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time and for his work. The budget is more than a series of numbers. It is about priorities and values and visions and commitments. It is about the kind of America we want to build. It is about the kind of Nation we want to bequeath to our children. It is about the future. Will we have a future of debts and deficits or a future with a balanced budget? Will we have a future where seniors have access to the medications they need, or one where they will have to choose between life-saving prescriptions and putting food on the table? Will we have a future where every child gets the education he or she deserves, or one where many children arrive into adulthood unprepared for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century? Will we have a future where Medicare and Social Security are there for our retirees, or one where the funding runs out? Will we have a future where our cities and States have funding they need to hire, train and supply our local first responders, our first line of defense against terrorism, or will we leave them and their communities defenseless? Will we have a future where our veterans have all of the benefits and services they need and deserve, or will we have a future where their sacrifices go unappreciated? On every single count, the Democratic plan provides a future where the priorities and values of the American people are met and fulfilled, and on every single count the Republican budget shortchanges these priorities of the American people by sacrificing them on the altar of a massive round of additional tax breaks and tax cuts. Their budget makes no fiscal sense, it makes no moral sense, and it makes no practical sense. We are, as I speak, as we debate, at war. Our men and women in uniform are fighting for our way of life, and we all stand behind them in their mission, but the Republican budget cuts $14.6 billion from mandatory veterans' benefits, including disability, burial benefits, pensions, rehabilitation, housing and education, and that is a disgrace, a disgrace. Our soldiers are fighting to protect our way of life, and Democrats believe we have a duty to protect them. Fiscally irresponsible tax breaks are not the answer to every problem. I believe our way of life is about more than just tax giveaways. Our way of life is about educating our children, taking care of the needs of our seniors, and building an America we can all be proud of. The Democratic budget takes care of these priorities. The Republican budget does not. It is that clear, it is that simple, and the choice for Members is to vote for a future with promise and hope, or vote for a future with massive debt and broken commitments. I urge my colleagues to look into their hearts, make the right choice and support the Democratic alternative.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I'm pleased to be joined by my Colleague from Ohio, Deborah Pryce, to introduce the Patient Navigator, Outreach, and Chronic Disease Prevention Act of 2003. The existence of significant health disparities in this nation is undeniable. For years, research has told us that minorities and low- income populations are the least likely to receive the health care they need to live a long, healthy life. We've done a very good job of identifying this problem--it's high time we do something to solve it. That's why I'm very excited about the bill we are introducing today and the strong support we've already received for it. The bill is supported by the American Cancer Society, the National Association of Community Health Centers, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the National Hispanic Medical Association, the Intercultural Cancer Council and their Caucus, the National Council of La Raza, 100 Black Men of America, the National Rural Health Association, Dean and Betty Gallo Prostate Cancer Center, MHz Networks, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Dia de la Mujer Latina, Inc., the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, and the National Patient Advocate Foundation. This bill addresses what I believe are the root causes of health disparities in minority and underserved communities: lack of access to health care in general--and particularly lack of access to prevention and early detection--as well as language and cultural barriers to care. The bottom line is: the only way to stay healthy is to see a doctor when you are healthy. Yes, there are a number of explanations for the higher rates of disease among minority populations, including higher rates of uninsured, reduced access to care, and lower quality of care. But all of these barriers point to the same underlying problem, minority patients are less likely to receive early screening and detection, so their disease is found at a much later stage and they have less chance of survival. The bill we're introducing today will ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, income, or geography, will have access to prevention screening and treatment, and that they will have an advocate at their side, helping them navigate through today's complicated health care system. It does this by building upon the existing infrastructure of the Consolidated Health Center program, the Indian Health Service, the Office of Rural Health Policy, and the National Cancer Institute. It creates model programs to ensure that people are educated about the importance of prevention screening and early detection. A key component of the proposal is year-round outreach to the target community, in a language that they can understand. It funds culturally and linguistically competent providers that reach out into the community, build their trust, build relationships, and educate the public, while providing prevention screenings and follow-up treatment. And it ensures that navigators are available to help patients make their way through the health care system--whether it's translating technical medical terminology, making sense of their insurance, making appointments for referral screenings, following-up to make sure the patient keeps that appointment, or even accompanying a patient to a referral appointment. The original concept for the legislation comes from Dr. Freeman's ``navigator'' program, which he created while he was Director of Surgery at Harlem Hospital. Recently, I was fortunate to get to visit Dr. Huerta's local Cancer Preventorium, which replicates Dr. Freeman's navigator concept within a comprehensive model of prevention services. This bill will translate the work of Dr. Harold Freeman and Dr. Elmer Huerta into a legislative model for cancer and chronic disease prevention and treatment for minorities and underserved communities. The track record of these programs speaks for itself. It's very clear that these are not new ideas or new concepts, they're models that have been proven to work. And it's time that we take what's worked and use it to benefit underserved populations across the country. That's exactly what this legislation will do.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 104) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, this gentleman did not cast any reflections on the Senate. The question was, how does one make a decision under the Constitution. Is the Constitution not permissible to be talked about in this body in the context of what roles the Members of the United States Congress have in terms of the Constitution?

Mr. MENENDEZ. I am not characterizing Senate procedures in this case. I am raising the question of the obligation under the Constitution of Members of the other body. I thought one could not mention the word ``Senate.'' You just did, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in any event, the fact of the matter is, I hope I am not upsetting people, but the fact of the matter is that we have a set of circumstances under which we cannot be supportive of a candidate who absolutely does not want to be forthcoming; that is not providing for informed advice and consent. I would simply say, Republicans cannot have it both ways. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has supported Republican, conservative judges nominated by this administration. A judge in Florida, a judge in my home State of New Jersey, got the unanimous support of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This is nothing about partisanship. It has nothing to do with the question of ideology in terms of conservative or liberal. But those individuals received our support because they had the history and the background and the abilities with which we could in fact say, when they go to the bench, they are going to represent our community. Lastly, I find it incredible to hear those voices who would suggest that those of us who represent Hispanic Americans in this country, over 10 or 12 million Hispanic Americans in this country, are being anti- Hispanic. That is just incredible. Those voices who are saying they are anti-Hispanic, those are the ones that denied Judge Paez a hearing for 4 years. They are the ones who denied judges coming out of Texas even an opportunity to have their nomination be heard before the committee. Those are the voices that called us ``enemies of the state'' on this very floor during campaign finance reform debate. Those are the voices who say, we want to shut the door on you and we want to deny, as they just did on the welfare reform bill, that legal sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers of the United States citizens living in this country legally, that they cannot receive any of the benefits that they pay taxes for. So you cannot have it both ways, my friends. You cannot, as Republicans, come to this floor and question us, when you have consistently, consistently, acted in ways and voted in ways that dramatically hurt our community. That is the most outrageous set of circumstances, and I applaud the Members of the other body who are doing everything they can to uphold their constitutional obligations under the law. Announcement by the Speaker pro tempore

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to speak tonight not as the chairman of the Democratic Caucus but as a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and I want to join my colleagues in their opposition to the nomination of Miguel Estrada for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is generally known as the second most important and powerful court in the land. It is not lightly or easily that members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus come to the floor to oppose a nomination of an American of Hispanic descent to such a high position; but we do it out of a principled view, and those principled views are based in the fundamental belief that the reason that we advocate for Americans of Hispanic descent who are qualified, who are competent, who have the judicial temperament and the experience to be able to serve admirably for all Americans on the bench is because we want to bring to that institution and to other institutions the experience of what it is to be a Hispanic American in this country, to bring the challenges and the obstacles in this case in the judicial system. I will never forget when I was actually trying cases of having judges who would yell at me about having my client look at them straight in the eye when they were talking to them and having to explain to that judge that in the culture of which my client came from that in fact it was a sign of defiance to look the judge straight in the eye but a sign of respect not to be doing so. I will never forget the trucker with a family of four who was trying to keep his job and who had been given a ticket for refusing to take a Breathalyzer test, but when we looked at the videotape of his particular case and saw that an officer who was not bilingual was telling him to breathe in instead of to blow out into that Breathalyzer machine gave him a ticket for refusal which would have meant a loss of his license. Luckily that case was won. But they are two simple examples of culture and language that affected the livelihoods and the futures of individuals who came before the court system. And having someone from the community, as the White House has heralded this individual being, it was the White House in the first instance who said that Miguel Estrada, we are nominating him and he is a Hispanic American, he has a great Horatio Alger story, and in fact we are proud to be doing so. Once one puts that as one of the merits of the individuals, then it is truly legitimate to look at what experiences that individual has in the context of our community. When Mr. Estrada came before the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for nearly an hour, he demonstrated no sense of what it is to be Hispanic American in this country. He never participated in any national organization, he never participated in any State organization, he never participated in any local organization in the Hispanic communities. He never used the ability that he had as a lawyer to do work pro bono work on behalf of any individual or cause or community organization. He never used the opportunity in his firm to bring someone in from the Hispanic community, to open the door of opportunity for others. He did not know some of the landmark cases that are crucial to the Hispanic community, like Lau v. Nichols, which is the question of what services a limited-English-proficient student should have, a landmark case. This was not to discuss how he would judge in the future, but simply to say, what do you think about that ruling? Did that ruling make sense? Do you agree with the ruling or disagree with the ruling? Did the court go too far? That was only one of many examples. Now, either this candidate did not know, in which case it is rather appalling, because even those, Mr. Chairman, as you have suggested in some of our meetings, who may not be lawyers, know about these landmark cases because of how important it is to our community. Yet this individual did not. Nor did he seek to answer other questions as it relates to other landmark cases that are well established as the law of the land. So either he did not know or he chose not to answer because he was hiding whatever his true positions are. Now, this is a lifetime appointment. It is a lifetime appointment. And I believe when someone is going to get a lifetime appointment, we clearly have not only the right, but the obligation to know what this person's opinions are, what is their view on the role of the judiciary, what is their view on some of these landmark cases determined by the United States Supreme Court, so we can determine. Also what is their temperament? To be very honest with you, Mr. Estrada, in the hour he spent with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in which he was treated with great respect, did not exhibit the temperament that one would want of a Federal District Court judge, or, in this case, a Federal Appellate judge. He also has no experience. He has never sat on the bench at any level, in a municipal court, a State court, a Federal court, at any level. So that is like going from the stockroom at AT&T to being the CEO of the company. That just does not happen in real life. Having some experience, especially when you are coming as a member of a minority community, seeking to get onto these benches, and then doing a great job so others will be considered as well, is critically important to us. So whether it is his lack of experience, whether it is his unwillingness to answer questions about what are landmark cases, whether it is his total, it seems to me, disdain for having anything to do with the Hispanic community, we asked him, what do you view, and I am not quite sure I want to paraphrase the question, because I am not sure exactly how the question was posed, but what does it mean to be Hispanic to you in the context of being a judge, and he said it was irrelevant. Irrelevant. Well, the White House cannot have it both ways. They cannot say, this is a great Hispanic appointment, and yet the man tells us his being Hispanic is irrelevant to any experience he might bring to the bench. When we asked him whether he would or has considered in the past qualified law clerks who may be from minority backgrounds, that answer was not in the affirmative. So, for a wide range of issues, I do not know how one gives consent when one does not even have the information necessary by which one devises consent. And that is why the other body, as it is debating at this very moment, I think, debates on the fundamental crucial issue, which is the constitutional obligation of Members of the other body to give advice and consent; but to give advice and consent, you must have informed opportunities to make a decision. The reality is, if a candidate is unwilling to give you substantive answers to critical questions or there is nothing to read about his writings because they will not give you his legal writings, or there is no history to look at, how does one make informed consent under the constitutional obligations required of the Members of the other body? They simply cannot. This is the most stealth candidate that has ever come before the other body. Announcement by the Speaker pro tempore

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the publication of Cubans in America: A Vibrant History of a People in Exile, by Roger E. Hernandez, and Alex Anton. A documentary of four centuries of Cubans living and thriving in America, the book follows the history of Cubans in America from the 16th century, with the settlement of St. Augustine, to the present day. Mr. Roger E. Hernandez, a nationally syndicated columnist writing on Hispanic-American issues, along with Alex Anton, published Cubans in America in May of 2002. Mr. Hernandez writes for a weekly op-ed column distributed by King Features Syndicate to some 40 daily newspapers across the nation. He also writes articles for other newspapers and magazines, is a frequent guest on televisions and radio political talk shows, travels the country delivering lectures, and wrote several books that make up part of a series about South America for 4th through 6th grade students. Mr. Hernandez left Cuba with his parents at the age of nine. He quickly established himself in the United States and earned a BA in Journalism at Rutgers University in 1977. Currently, he lives with his wife and two children in Boonton, New Jersey. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Roger E. Hernandez and Alex Anton for the publication of Cubans in America: A Vibrant History of a People in Exile. I commend these authors for celebrating the importance and influence of Cubans in our Nation.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHRFR) and its outstanding professional firefighters and rescue personnel who are the pride of the five northern New Jersey communities that they serve with such great distinction--Union City, Weehawken, North Bergen, West New York and Guttenberg. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, there is renewed national appreciation and respect for the heroic men and women who put their lives at risk in the line of duty every day in every American community. These are truly the heroes in our midst, each and every one an authentic profile in courage. I share the pride of my fellow Hudson County citizens in the outstanding performance of NHRFR fire and rescue personnel in support of their NYFD and NJ-based colleagues on 9/11, and each and every day preceding and following that horrific tragedy. Prior to my Congressional service, I had the privilege of being the mayor of Union City, New Jersey. As a mayor, I learned a lot about what it takes, in terms of money, management and leadership capability, and training time to develop and maintain a fire and rescue fire-responder team that is prepared and equipped to handle every conceivable emergency situation in a community. I am grateful to have had that experience, because I gained a great deal of understanding and insight about what we, as a nation, must now do to ensure that our fire and rescue first responders have the tools and the training to meet the growing demands and dangers of their public safety mission. Since 9/11, the mission of our local fire and rescue first responders has expanded exponentially, and is now elevated to the level of a national defense imperative. With the ominous continuing threat of more terrorist attacks on American soil, our local fire and rescue teams face a daunting array of new and highly-dangerous emergency response conditions, ranging from ``conventional'' bomb attacks on buildings, aircraft and public transportation systems, to attacks involving ``dirty'' nuclear bombs, lethal chemicals and biological warfare materials. Regrettably, the President's words about providing resources for first responders have not yet been matched with funding that our local fire and rescue teams desperately need for upgraded equipment and specialized training to meet the growing challenge of post-9/11 terrorist attack scenarios. I have publicly urged Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to release critical funding for our nation's first responders. The President's words of praise for fire-fighters and rescue personnel at the World Trade Center disaster site included his promise to deliver major funding for first responders. This Presidential promise must be kept, because failure to do so imperils the safety of the American public, and endangers the very lives of the heroic men and women whose job it is to run toward the danger and help to save their fellow human beings. Specialized training for our local fire and rescue first responders is a key area where there is a critical need for additional federal funding. In order to underscore the importance of good training, I would like to share with my colleagues an article about North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue that appeared in the December, 2002 edition of Fire Engineering. I commend this article about NHRFR to my colleagues, because it will provide them with a ``window'' through which to view all of the complexities involved in planning and managing technical rope rescues. Though the NHRFR team might regard this operation as ``just another day at the office'', the techniques employed in their dramatic rescue of a man who had fallen 100 feet off the Palisades cliffs should conjure up images in the minds of my colleagues about the application of these highly specialized technical skills in disaster site settings. I also want to extend my congratulations to North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue for its achievement as the winner of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities 2002 Innovation in Governance Award for its exemplary Quantitative Safety Project. NHRFR's achievement has been further recognized by the National League of Cities, which has added NHRFR's project information to the NLC national research database of ``best practices'' models. Mr. Speaker, I ask consent to include the text of the December 2, 2002 Fire Engineering article about North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue with my remarks in the Congressional Record. [From Fire Engineering, Dec. 2002] Planning and Managing Technical Rope Rescues (By Anthony Avillo) On October 11, 2002, North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire & Rescue responded to the Palisades cliffs for a reported injured man. The victim was discovered approximately 100 feet below Boulevard East in Weehawken, New Jersey. Rescuers successfully removed him from the cliffs and transported him to a local hospital, where he was treated for injuries suffered in the fall and for hypothermia (see photos and cover photo). Successful technical rope rescues (TRRs) do not just happen. Successful rope and rigging operations are the end product of a program approach based on planning, preplanning, practice, and implementation. There are three priorities to address whenever operating at a technical rescue: Priority 1: Safety of operating personnel (Command's overriding concern). Priority 2: Stabilization of the victim medically and of possible incident complications. Priority 3: Victim removal. keys to success For a positive outcome, you must consider the following points: Preplanning. A large percentage of TRR decisions lend themselves to preplanning. The ``we'll figure it out on the mountain'' school of thought is a failure-rich mindset. When preplanning, consider tactics, strategies, and action paths. Preplanning clears the screen for the rescue commander and allows him to focus on unique aspects and variables of the particular incident. TRRs require rapid, on-site decisions and tactics. This task can consume command energy and divert attention away from other command and control goals. If you preplan system construction, apparatus placement (anchor points), and on-line and in-system personnel assignments, the IC and rescue personnel will arrive on-scene with a continuum of pre-determinations and are more able to respond to the variables. Training and technical skills. North Hudson Regional performs three or four of these rescues a year, and each presents its own set of challenges. Improvisation is often the name of the game to be successful. Remember, however, that only through mastery of the technical skills and equipment required to conduct a technical rope rescue is safe improvisation possible. To be able to safely improvise at the scene takes countless hours of training and extreme familiarity with the equipment. At times, it may be necessary--based on staffing and the demands of the rescue--to teach simple rescue techniques such as belay line on the spot as the incident is unfolding. This still requires initial personnel with technical skills. Preassigned positioning of the rescue team. Successfully conducting this type of operation requires developing an organization prior to the incident. Training on rigging construction and rope and knot skills is essential, but you also must focus on preassignment of incident positions and responsibilities. Address span-of-control issues and key operating positions, and spell out responsibilities and duties in standard operating procedures. Preassign primary and backup personnel for all on-line and rigging positions. It is a good idea to have at least one member of each on-line team trained to at least the first responder or EMT level so that you can perform an immediate victim assessment when you reach the victim. Also preassign Command positions such as rescue group leader, hauling boss (that member assigned to run the actual hauling/lowering operation), rigging master (the member assigned to oversee all anchoring and rigging operations), hot zone safety officer, and other support positions. Continuous cross-training of personnel will increase organizational and operational flexibility and thus effectiveness. Apparatus positioning. You get only one chance to position properly at this type of incident. Officers should stage apparatus for optimal tactical flexibility. Congesting the scene, especially in a remote area where many of these rescues take place, will only complicate the problem. Aerial apparatus should get the key positions, as the device will likely be used as a gin pole from which to lower personnel and hoist victims. Again, preplan. Companies responding without aerial capability must not drive into the middle of the operational zone. Foremost in the minds of the IC and the first-arriving officers is the availability of anchor points. These should be ``bombproof,'' or immovable. Common anchor points include apparatus, trees, telephone poles, and solidly anchored fences. In apparatus-unfriendly areas, big trees or big rocks have been used. Leave a clear path between anchor points, hauling/lowering devices, and the target zone. Command and control. Strong command and control are integral to safe, organized, and coordinated rescue operations. The key to this organization is decentralization of the rescue ground. If this can be resolved prior to an incident, the less the IC has to think about in regard to how to break down the operational area and to whom to assign these responsibilities. Predesignation of rescue personnel coupled with an effective SOP that is both adhered to and enforced is the first step in this organizational process. One of the most crucial positions assigned is the Operations Section chief, who will act as a buffer between the IC and the rescue operation, freeing the IC to attend to other issues pertinent to the incident, while not directly participating in the operation itself. Control of the scene by designating operational zones is the next step in the command and control process. Address scene and perimeter control in SOPs, similar to establishing haz-mat control zones. Control zones are as follows: Target zone: The area where the victim is located. Keep the number of target zone personnel to a bare minimum, usually two rescuers. This is the most dangerous area on the rescue ground, usually the last zone established and the first terminated. A major focus of Command should be to minimize operational time in the target zone. It is essential that, whatever number of rescuers are on-line, there be an equal number of rescuers (basically a rescue rapid intervention team) properly geared up and ready to go should something go wrong in the target zone. Hot zone: The main area where technical rescue operations (rope systems and rigging) take place. Participation in the hot zone should be by ``invitation only'' and be limited to those personnel whose duties and responsibilities are directly related to the safe setup, operation, and breakdown of rescue systems. The rescue group leader, hot zone safety officer, hauling boss, rigging master, and rescue group support personnel are located in the hot zone. Warm zone: The area where support of the technical rescue operation is attended to. The Operations Section chief is generally located in this area. He should liaison with the hot zone safety officer and rescue group leader and reinforce and support the hot zone activities as required. He will also keep Command informed and updated on incident progress. Generally, if the incident is going smoothly, the Operations Section chief remains in the warm zone. He only moves if the need arises. The incident safety officer, whose duty is to monitor overall scene safety, is generally located in the warm zone but may spend some time in the other zones as the situation dictates. Also initially located in the warm zone are those personnel who will support the operation and work in the hot zone once the rescue system is assembled. They are essentially hauling personnel, who are best kept a safe distance from the main setup area until the hauling/lowering is ready to proceed. Cold zone: This is the area where incident support operations are directed to both the internal rescue operation and external activities required to coordinate and bring the incident under control. The Command Post is located in this area, providing direction and overall control of the incident. An accountability officer and entry control point supervisor should also be located in this area. In addition, firefighter rehab and EMS are located in the cold zone, as are personnel assigned as tactical reserve. Public zone: This area is for such extrinsic activities as public information. The department's public information officer should establish a press area. Uncommitted apparatus staging should also be located in this zone. Perimeter and scene control is nothing new to the fire service, but it is a critical and often overlooked portion of the technical rescue operation. Victim/target zone access and stabilization. The main priority of the entire operation must be the victim and where he is located (the target zone). The rescue group leader must determine the safest, most effective path for rescuers to reach the victim. Assess target zone terrain. Ask yourself, What hazards are present? Is it dark? Is a steep slope involved? Is there a frictionless footing hazard such as wet or icy terrain? Are there anchor points in the target zone that can be used as temporary tie-offs for rescuers? What special equipment will be required to work in the target zone, and what is the best way to get it there? Utility umbilicals should be built into all rescue systems to ferry equipment and supplies to the target zone. Lifelines should NOT be used for this purpose. Then, assess the victim: Can you even see the victim? Is there more than one victim? Can a thermal imaging camera help? What is the probable medical profile of the victim(s)? You must try to improve victim comfort as soon as possible. This may include conducting a medical assessment in the target zone, providing blankets to keep body heat from being lost, and administering fluids and possibly intravenous medication prior to removal. The rescue group leader must keep the victim's comfort in mind as the incident unfolds. Sometimes, so much is going on topside that the victim's needs take a backseat. Remember, the entire complex operation stems from the victim's predicament. EMS considerations. EMS will play a large part in this type of rescue, from administering to the victim to medical monitoring of rescue personnel. As with any other agency, determine the scope of EMS personnel's participation, roles, and responsibilities in advance. Assign an EMS group supervisor, preferably prior to the incident. The bulk of the EMS responders should remain in the cold zone, with unobstructed access into and out of the operational area. A skeleton crew of EMS personnel with equipment should stand by in the warm zone until the victim has been packaged and is being removed from the target zone. EMS personnel should be in a safe area (you can call this area the victim landing zone) where they can have immediate access to the victim when he is brought safely topside. Unassigned personnel/staffing considerations. To conduct technical rope rescues safely and properly requires much staffing. Command must ensure that a tactical reserve is on- scene as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb to follow is to double the number of personnel you think you will need. To maintain proper control over incoming personnel, establish strict staging and nonassigned personnel policies. Additional personnel should report to the command post for assignment. This requires a gatekeeper position similar to the lobby control officer in a high-rise operation. Establish a gatekeeper position at each zone to keep track of who passes in and out. From the command post, assign staffing as per the requirements set forth by the operational zones. As stated, personnel will be required for the bull work, the working of rescue and belay lines. These personnel are not usually essential to the rigging operation, so stage them in the warm zone. When they are needed, conduct a briefing outlining their hot zone duties. In the hot zone, brief them again prior to operation. You will need other personnel for equipment and stretcher shuttles, lighting, and other support operations not directly involved in the rescue but essential to the operation. Remember, too, that other odd jobs will always pop up. The work of support personnel keeps the operation moving in the proper direction. Communications. Communications during large-scale incidents can be a nightmare if you do not properly control and predetermine them before the incident. The rescue team (on- line), the rescue group leader, and the hot zone safety officer at a minimum should operate on a rescue frequency (basically the fireground frequency) while the Operations Section chief and the IC maintain a Command frequency. Aides can be used to monitor the rescue frequency. Although many of the communications will be face-to-face, also establish a hand signal communication system--especially for the member operating the aerial device. From the turntable, it may be difficult to hear the commands of someone guiding the device over the target zone. Establish communication with the victim as soon as possible. Make every effort to put him at ease. Explain to the victim that he should not risk further injury by trying to respond to conversation or attempting to help the rescuers in the rescue operation. Also explain to the victim what is taking place and how the rescue will unfold. Establishing confidence and trust will greatly assist in the transition (vertical trip) from the target zone to the hot zone. Safety. Safety must be the IC's overriding concern at all times. He must have zero tolerance for firefighter injury and must communicate this attitude through strong command and control. A predesignated hot zone safety officer must oversee the operation in the hot zone and monitor and advise on activities in the target zone. He must have the technical skills and training of the other members operating in the hot and target zones. An overall incident safety officer should monitor hazards in the other designated operational zones. Safety should permeate the entire rescue ground. Aerial devices must be rated for rope operations. Light- duty ladders rated for 250 pounds at the tip are not acceptable. Aerials should be rated for at least 500 pounds at the tip. Platforms may be well-suited if they have an adequate tip load to handle such rescues. Use aerial devices as gin poles only. While rotation of the devices is acceptable and will be necessary, using the devices for raising and lowering a load is not advised. This should be done only by manipulation of the rope systems. All rope systems for rigging and on-line operations should be redundant--no member should operate with fewer than two ropes attached to him. The same is true for any victims moved on-line in litters. Use utility tag lines on all equipment lowered and raised. This will eliminate unwanted equipment movement and help steer it in the right direction. Another safety consideration is proper lighting of the target zone and topside, especially if the incident will extend into the night hours. Request a light unit well in advance of when you'll need it. Engine noise and exhaust can create problems on-scene. Shut down apparatus not directly involved in the operation, especially those in the hot zone just being used as anchor points. Technical rope rescue operations often show just how well or how poorly a department is prepared on the command and tactical levels. How well are you prepared?

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Muriel Seabrook for serving the children and families of Jersey City. Upon her retirement, she was honored at Casino in the Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 7, 2002. Mrs. Seabrook began working as a parish social worker for the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City, and became a caseworker for the Hudson County Welfare Board. In 1966, she began her 37 years of devoted service with the Jersey City Child Development Centers, Inc., ``Project Head Start''. Through her hard work and dedication, she rose to the position of assistant director in 1979. For her exceptional work, the National Head Start Association honored her as the 1999 Administrator of the Year. She has further contributed to the community through her involvement in a variety of organizations, including: the Hudson County-New Jersey Child Placement Review Board, as chairperson; the National Review Panel for the Office of Human Development Services; and the Comprehensive Program Review Team, as an ACYF peer reviewer. In addition, she has been an organist and choir director in parishes throughout Minnesota and New Jersey for over 40 years. Mrs. Seabrook graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Sociology. She is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Muriel Seabrook for her selfless devotion to making Jersey City a better place for our children and our families.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 79) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Mariano Vega, Jr., who was honored on February 7th at the Hispanic American Good Scout Award Dinner at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Vega's career demonstrates his dedication to social service and his compassion for families, children, and the elderly living throughout our community. Before serving on the City Council, he was director of Hudson County Department of Public Resources, chief of Hudson County Division of Social Services, and director of the Jersey City Division of Welfare. A dedicated educator, Councilman Vega has worked in many capacities as part of his commitment to improving education. A former teacher and counselor, he also served as assistant director of Admissions at Montclair State College in New Jersey, and as acting director for the Equal Opportunity Office at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. A graduate of Montclair State College, Mr. Vega also studied at Rutgers University School of Social Work, School of Law, and Graduate School of Education; Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations; and has participated in the Leadership Institute on Workforce Development and the Hispanic Leadership Opportunity Program. Mr. Vega was a National Policy Fellow at the former Department of Health, Education and Welfare, which today is known as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Councilman Vega has served as president of the Jersey City Board of education and Jersey City Borinquen Lions Club and commissioner of the Jersey City Planning Board. He founded the Liberty Soccer Club and International Recreation and Educational Exchange Program, and was a founding member of the Liberty Academy of Visual Arts and the Hispanic Leadership Association. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mariano Vega, Jr., for his contributions to the City of Newark and the state of New Jersey, and his continued dedication to public service.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel Humberto Jara, who was honored on February 7th at the Hispanic American Good Scout Award Dinner at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey. The president and founder of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Mr. Jara oversees a network of business partnerships that represent over forty thousand businesses throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia. He has attained national acclaim for his leadership and role in the Hispanic business community, and Hispanic Business Magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the nation. The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was rated first out of the top 50 chambers by Business New Jersey in 1998 and 1999. In 1992, Mr. Jara was appointed to chair the National Hispanic Legislative Forum and in 1993 he chaired the National Convention of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was elected to serve as vice chairman of the Board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Prior to founding the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Mr. Jara was president of the Greater Paterson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for two consecutive terms, served on Governor Whitman's Advisory Council on Minority Business Development, and the Governors Study Commission on Discrimination in State Employment and Contracting. Mr. Jara has received the Hispanic Achievement Award from Hispanic Magazine and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Jersey Policy Research Organization. He has also been an active advocate for the disabled community and has been recognized by the Association of Hispanic Handicapped of New Jersey for his exemplary contributions. Mr. Jara obtained his bachelor's degree in Economics and master's degree in Finance and Business Administration from Rutgers University, where he was president of the Rutgers Newark Program Board and the head of a number of Hispanic student organizations. He is an honorary member of the Rutgers Leadership Recognition Society. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Daniel Humberto Jara for his leadership in the Hispanic business community and his contributions to the state of New Jersey.