Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma under my reservation of objection.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my further understanding that of those 6 minutes, the Chair is going to be instructed as to how those 6 minutes are going to be divided.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, continuing under my reservation of objection, let me ask an inquiry of the Chair. How will the Chair recognize individuals for those time frames on each side? It is my understanding that of the 6 minutes to each side, I was to receive 3 of those 6, and I just want to make sure that that in fact take place.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and it is not my intention to object but to clarify, the gentleman's proposition here, on unanimous consent, is that the 12 minutes on the Goss amendment are to be divided 6 apiece.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, based upon that, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. MENENDEZ. I yield under my reservation of objection to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, after 10 years in the House, and as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, it is amazing on an issue that is vital to my district and my constituency how I have to fight for time on the floor, but I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time. President Bush came to this Chamber and said of countries who support terrorism, you are either with us or you are against us. It is amazing to me how I have heard some of my colleagues come to the floor and begin to equivocate. I remember the standing ovation the President received when he said that, about whether some terrorists are okay and others are not. For the purposes of this amendment, let me just put Cuba under Castro in context. On May 10, 2001, Castro visited Iran and he said, ``Iran and Cuba in cooperation with each other can bring America to its knees. The United States regime is very weak, and we are witnessing this weakness from up close.'' Then we found out that Ana Montes, who was a senior analyst for our Defense Intelligence Agency of the United States, was a Cuban spy. She gave us all of the wrong information and analysis on Cuba, and gave the Cubans and Castro all of the sensitive information she had as a senior analyst on the United States, and she was specifically instructed to discredit Cuban defectors' reports of Cuba's biological weapons development. Then we saw the Cuban spy ring in the south of Florida. These are all agents of the Castro regime, who has enough money to put all of these people here in Cuba and to have them be able to create these operations; however, does not have enough food to put on the plates of Cuban families back in Cuba, including that of my family. What did this spy ring, when they came before the judge and pleaded in some cases, say? That they sent detailed information. On what, on the United States Postal System to Cuba. What a boring issue, the United States Postal System. But we add Castro's visit to Iran right before September and May, add the Defense Intelligence spy giving all of our sensitive information and giving us all of the wrong information about Cuba, look at the pleas that took place in the Southern District of Florida and the statements made there, and we have more than enough to be concerned about this benign regime that some would paint here on the floor. Vote for the Goss amendment for a whole host of reasons.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Cyprus Federation of America, Inc., in remembering the 28th anniversary of the tragic invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces. To commemorate this anniversary, a concert was held at the Summer Stage in Central Park on Saturday, July 20, 2002, featuring two exemplary artists from Greece, Dionyssios Savopoulos and Alkinoos Ionnides. On Sunday, July 21, 2002, memorial services were held for the victims of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus at the Cathedral of Holy Trinity in New York City. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded the sovereign Republic of Cyprus and placed 37 percent of its territory under military occupation. Over the past 28 years, hundreds of thousands of Greek Cypriots have been expelled from their homes and forced to live as refugees in a homeland ravaged by ethnic strife and human rights abuses. This illegal occupation persists today, infringing upon principles of national sovereignty and violating the Cypriots' natural right of self- determination. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in solemnly commemorating the 28th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus. I further ask you to stand firmly with the people of Cyprus in their quest to cast aside the chains of oppression and restore their fundamental rights of self- determination and self-government. To our friends engaged in the struggle for freedom in Cyprus, I offer the words of the American patriot Thomas Paine: ``Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.'' Let us hope that this anniversary will herald the coming of a glorious triumph for the Cypriot people after decades of injustice and for the cause of freedom throughout the world.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, people who rob and steal other people's money while sitting behind a desk in a corner office, wearing an expensive business suit, are no better than the common thief, burglar or pickpocket on the street, and they may be worse because those who committed fraud at Enron, WorldCom and Arthur Andersen have had every advantage and every opportunity our great Nation has to offer. Instead of giving something back to the Nation that has given them so much, they stole, they robbed, they cheated, they defrauded. They hurt workers and families who depend on every paycheck and every investment they made. They hurt seniors whose retirement savings were devalued. Mr. Speaker, free enterprise is part of our genius but so is honesty and integrity. So is honesty and integrity. It is time we start demanding those qualities from those who run and manage our businesses and from those who are supposed to enforce our laws, and for those who break that trust, the penalty should be equal to the enormous damage they cause.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my 83-year-old mother and millions like her across this country who work for decades, in her case, in the factories of New Jersey, now has Alzheimer's and spends over half of her Social Security check on prescription drugs and but for my sister and my assistance would not live with the dignity that she deserves. There is a difference between Republicans and Democrats on prescription drugs, and that is why Republicans will not even let us debate our proposal here on the floor of the House of Representatives. The denial of a vote on the Democratic proposal for a universal, affordable, guaranteed benefit under Medicare is a corruption of this institution by the Republican majority, by the way, for an industry that has given them millions in campaign contributions. There is a difference in who benefits. Democrats cover all seniors. My colleagues subsidize big insurance companies and cover less than a quarter of seniors' costs. There is a difference in what seniors will pay. Democrats guarantee a $25 monthly premium with low out-of-pocket expenses. My colleagues leave those decisions to the whims of corporations. Plenty of opportunity for more corporate greed. No senior in America should have to choose between paying their rent, putting food on the table, and having access to life-enhancing drugs. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, we're not talking about tracks, or trains, or rails, or stations--we're talking about people--their jobs, their families, their lives. And I am sick of people playing politics with it. In a modern nation, in the greatest nation on Earth, passenger rail service is not a luxury, it's a necessity for the millions of people who use it to get to work, to get to clients, to create new business, to meet friends, to see family, to take a vacation, to enjoy the Holidays. America needs reliable, affordable, efficient rail service--for all these reasons. All over the world, passenger rail service is a comfortable, popular, reliable mode of transportation, especially between cities that are two to four hours apart--like Paris and London, Tokyo and Osaka, and New York and Washington. The same should be true of travel between cities like Orlando and Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte, Chicago and St. Louis, and Los Angeles and San Diego. At a time when roads are increasingly clogged, when air travel is strained, wisely investing in rail service is the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. But this Administration has been asleep at the switch--and if Amtrak fails, if we lose passenger rail service, it will be because this Administration didn't think it was important enough--tell that to the parents who won't be able to get to work to support their families; tell that to the businesses that won't be able to get to their clients; tell that to the grandchild who won't be able to get to her grandmother's house; and tell that to the union worker who loses his or her benefits. As of last year, Amtrak employed 1,736 people in my state. Almost 4 million people from my state rode Amtrak last year--and 80 thousand daily commuters ride New Jersey Transit, that would be effectively shut down if the signaling and operators that Amtrak provides are closed. The passenger rail system in my state, my region, and our country provides hubs of job creation, commercial development, and commerce, especially in revitalized urban centers and smaller communities between major cities without an airport or other means of mass distance travel. The loss of commerce for even a single day closing would be enormous-- and in some cases devastating. So I say again: we're not talking about tracks and trains, we're talking families and towns and cities and livelihoods. Amtrak is not some disembodied entity--it's an integral part of the communities it serves. We need immediate action, and we need it now, but we also need this Administration to start getting serious about a real, long-term solution that ensures the smooth continuation of passenger rail service--not just a rehash of the Amtrak Reform Council's proposal to largely privatize the system and separate infrastructure ownership from operations, which has been tried and failed elsewhere. Besides, the nation's railroads are adamantly opposed to giving other entities the access rights to their tracks that Amtrak currently has. So to the Administration I would say: get serious and start dealing with reality. We need this Administration to be involved not just when we are at a crisis point--not just days before the system could go under--we need long-term thinking, long-term planning, and a real commitment to make sure America has the passenger rail service it deserves.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman, the ranking Democrat, for helping us bring this to the floor and for yielding me this time; and I thank the chairman of the committee as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3034, legislation that I authored to honor Hoboken, New Jersey's favorite son, a superstar, an icon, and a legend, the late Frank Sinatra. The bill will rename Hoboken's main Post Office as the ``Frank Sinatra Post Office Building,'' bringing a much-deserved and much-awaited fitting tribute home to the birthplace of the most famous ``Chairman of the Board.'' I appreciate my colleagues from the New Jersey delegation joining unanimously in this effort. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 12, 1915, Frances Albert Sinatra was one of the preeminent entertainers of the 20th century. Whether wooing us with soulful melodies or his cinematic charisma, Frank Sinatra always managed to attract and entertain large and diverse audiences with a unique and innate style. Epitomizing the essence of coolness and class, Sinatra used his charm and harmonious voice to become an idol of both young starstruck admirers and older professionals. This musical mastermind mesmerized crowds with ageless classics such as ``New York, New York,'' ``My Way,'' ``Night and Day,'' ``Witchcraft,'' ``Love and Marriage,'' ``Strangers in the Night,'' ``September of My Years,'' ``The Lady is a Tramp,'' along with countless others. Ol' Blue Eyes utilized his dynamic talents and culturally-acute instincts to do more than simply entertain. He used music and theater as mediums to carry a socially-conscious message to fans and admirers around the world. In films such as the ``Manchurian Candidate'' and ``Von Ryan's Express,'' Sinatra the actor educates us on the heroic and selfless sacrifice of America's World War II and Korean War veterans who vigorously defended the cherished principles of freedom and democracy. During his critically acclaimed performance in ``The House I Live In,'' Sinatra was able to make thousands of Americans understand and appreciate how ethnic and religious diversity is the foundation for cultural and societal progress. If we listen to the lyrics of that song, ``What is America to Me?'' in the movie ``The House I Live in,'' I think it wraps up in part why Sinatra was able to touch the hearts of so many people in this country. He said: ``What is America to me? ``A name, a map, or a flag I see ``A certain word, `democracy.' ``What is America to me? ``The House I live in ``A plot of earth, a street ``The grocer and the butcher ``Or the people that I meet ``The children in the playground ``The faces that I see ``All races and religions ``That's America to me ``The place I work in ``The worker by my side ``The little town, the city ``Where my people lived and died ``The howdy and the handshake ``The air a feeling free ``And the right to speak your mind out ``That's America to me ``The things I see about me ``The big things and the small ``The little corner newsstand ``Or the house a mile tall ``The wedding in the churchyard ``The laughter and the tears ``And the dream that's been agrowing ``For more than 200 years ``The town I live in ``The street, the house, the room ``The pavement of the city ``Or the garden all in bloom ``The church, the school, the clubhouse ``The million lights I see ``But especially the people ``Yes, especially the people ``That's America to me.'' It was those people who came and flocked. In the middle of his career, Frank Sinatra earned the nickname ``Chairman of the Board of Show Business'' because of his simultaneously successful career as a musician, entertainer, and leading Hollywood actor. This Chairman of the Board also was the founder and leader of one of the most dynamic and star-studded ensembles known as the Rat Pack. Members included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop. Along with being featured performers on the Las Vegas entertainment scene, this group went on to star in four amusing and witty films: ``Ocean's Eleven,'' ``Sergeants Three,'' ``Four for Texas,'' and ``Robin and the Seven Hoods.'' During his show business career that spanned more than 50 years, Frank Sinatra is widely regarded to be one of the most successful entertainers of his era. His appearances and performances sparked attention and excitement worthy of only an admired global icon. His resume of achievements and accomplishments include Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and numerous other entertainment honors. Although most Americans will remember Frank Sinatra for his chic and graceful presence, there was also a generous and philanthropic side for this superstar. Sinatra's family and people closely associated with him say his charitable interests were endless, and it is estimated that he gave millions of dollars to worthy causes around the world. Naming Hoboken's main post office after the late Frank Sinatra honors and recognizes Hoboken's number one hero. I am extremely proud to offer this legislation, and I hope that my colleagues join me in passing this measure. Today we bring decades of Sinatra's success back home to where it all began: Hoboken, New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 247, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 248, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic sacrifices and the noble struggle for peace that the people of Colombia are engaged in today. I rise in strong support of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for the Colombians who reside in the United States and in the 13th Congressional District. The Colombians who reside here have made, and continue to make, enormous sacrifices for the safety and well-being of their families. I know this because I know them. We look forward to the day, when their beautiful country, our historic friend and neighbor, Colombia, once again stands as the proud nation we know it to be--a peaceful nation, a nation free of conflict, free of the scourge of narcotics, and free to live in peace. We admire the great spirit of the Colombian people. They area very generous and hospitable people, they are a gifted people with a great culture, and they are among the very best friends of the United States in this Hemisphere. On the occasion of the Colombian rally in support of TPS on June 21, 2002 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, I want to say to directly to my Colombian friends: ``Mis queridos amigos Colombianos: Conocemos bien su situacion. La persecucion, la violencia, los secuestros, el desplazamiento. Ayer, estuvo su presidente-electo, Alvaro Uribe Velezvisitando el Congreso. Juntos con el, apoyamos al TPS para Colombia. Que viva Colombia. Que viva los Estados Unidos. Y que viva la amistad de nuestros pueblos.'' The crisis of violence and economic strife in Colombia has caused tens of thousands of Colombians to flee their homes and seek out a safe haven elsewhere, including in the United States. Most are not so lucky. There are more than one million displaced Colombians inside of Colombia alone. As long as danger and conflict persists in Colombia, Temporary Protective Status would provide Colombians who are here a safe refuge in America. I want also to congratulate the Colombian people for the free and fair election of President-Elect Alvaro Uribe Velez, and Vice President-Elect, Francisco Santos Calderon. I, along with all Colombians in the United States, expect and hope that President-Elect Uribe will request Temporary Protective Status for Colombians in the US. I have faith that the situation in Colombia will change for the better. In the meantime, let TPS become a reality for Colombians, let us extend to Colombians the American hand of friendship and of humanity so that they may live without fear for their lives and those of their loved ones. Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the need for TPS for Colombians. Let us grant Temporary Protective Service to those in need, and let those fleeing Colombians have refuge in the United States.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member on the Committee on Rules for yielding time. Protecting the American people is our first obligation, and I know that we as Democrats are committed to working with all of our colleagues here in the House to protect our families, our cities, and our way of life from the enemies of freedom. In this work, maybe the most important work of our generation, there are no Democrats, no Republicans, only patriots. Following September 11, I assumed the chairmanship of the Democratic task force on homeland security, which introduced two comprehensive bills that addressed the threat of bioterrorism and future terrorist attacks on our Nation. We successfully united the entire Democratic caucus behind our legislation, and we are proud to see that major provisions of that legislation has in essence been enacted into law. Now as we pursue the select committee and its proposed work along with the committees of jurisdiction, we Democrats have, I believe, certain principles that will seek to guide us. We strongly embrace and support the reform and reorganization of departments and agencies with responsibilities for homeland defense, but we seek a continuing and thorough review of the events and factors that led to the tragic and unfortunate deaths of September 11. Such reform and reorganization, coupled with a comprehensive threat assessment and strategy to address threats to the American homeland, is the best way to improve the safety and security of the American people. We are glad that the President has come to agree with Democrats that the head of Federal homeland security efforts must have the requisite statutory and budgetary authority to effectively and efficiently protect America from terrorism. But we also believe as we protect and defend our country, we must protect and defend the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our civil liberties which collectively is the rock upon which we have built our life as a society. We also believe when the hometown is secure, the homeland is secure. So as we consolidate the Federal Government's homeland security functions, we need to ensure that the hometown is secure. The democratic principles of getting more money out of Washington and into our communities for police, fire, emergency management and public health will be a guiding principle as we try to succeed in this reorganization. Finally, the select committee is a continuation of our efforts to address the challenges ahead. Yes, we need to do it expeditiously on behalf of the American people, but we need to do it well. 170,000 employees, $39 billion in the budget, these are very significant items, which is why we seek to have the White House submit an amended budgetary process in order to make sure that we do this in an open and fiscally responsible manner. Those are some of our challenges. They are legitimate public policy issues. These are trying times; but as a united Congress, and with the support of the American people, we can rise to that occasion, we can make our homeland secure, and we can do it in a way in which the American people will be proud.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, they built this Nation, raised their families and fought for our freedom, so no senior in this country, not a single one, should be without the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy. Every senior deserves access to the prescriptions they need at an affordable price. We do that in our plan. Republicans do not. That is what we Democrats are fighting for. If we controlled the House, we would pass a bill to cover all seniors, not just some, but all seniors today. In fact, we would have passed a bill years ago, but almost 8 years after Republicans took control of the House, they still refuse to give all seniors the coverage they deserve. Why is that? The sad truth is that Republicans would rather protect 100 percent of their special interest friends and leave millions of seniors without the coverage they need, and that is a sorry, inexcusable disgrace. Let us have what Democrats are proposing. Let us have a vote on this floor for a universal, affordable, voluntary prescription drug program for America's seniors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, because of duties I was required to perform, pursuant to State statute, as Democratic county chairman in my district, I was unable to be present for votes after 1:30 p.m. on June 12, 2002. On rollcall No. 223, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 224, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' On rollcall No. 225, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barbara Johnson for her 40 years as an educator and leader at Washington School. Her retirement will be celebrated on June 14, 2002, at Washington School, the very place where generation after generation of students benefited from her guidance. Barbara Johnson dedicated herself to a life of teaching, greatly influencing the lives of Union City residents. She started her career as a fourth grade teacher at Washington School in 1962. In 1971, she became a helping teacher/curriculum resource teacher, was eventually promoted to assistant principal in 1992, and will retire as Washington School's esteemed principal. Barbara Johnson has left a lasting legacy at Washington School, having introduced the following outstanding programs: violin program, marching band, multicultural extravaganza, parent dinners, field day picnics, and peer mediation. Over the past four decades, Barbara Johnson has devoted her life to the students of Washington School. She advocated on their behalf, served as an educational leader, developed the curriculum, and maintained an open door policy for her staff, students, and parents. Her willingness to be an active part of the lives of the students, parents, and staff, her innovative new programs, and her years of commitment will never be forgotten. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbara Johnson for 40 years of service to Washington School. She will be missed, and remembered for her commitment and hard work on behalf of Washington School's students and staff. At Washington School, her legacy will live on forever.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 90th Anniversary of Bayonne's Temple Emanu-El. This momentous event took place on Sunday, June 9, 2002, at Temple Emanu-El, and featured the television personalities, ``The God Squad'', Msgr. Thomas Harman and Rabbi Marc Gellman. Initially formed in 1911 as a response to the Conservative Movement of America, Temple Emanu-El, with its modern outlook, has served and continues to serve as a inviting place of worship for Bayonne's Jewish community. In a departure from the Orthodox practice, in 1913, it was decided that men and women should sit together, demonstrating the Temple's enlightened vision, as well as its commitment to the congregation. The Temple's first President was Hyman Lazarus, followed by many outstanding leaders, all of whom contributed greatly to making Temple Emanu-El the esteemed place of worship it is today. The Temple's first building was purchased in 1912 and completed in 1913. In 1953, the building was completely renovated, and continues to serve as the congregation's meeting place. Over the past nine decades, Temple Emanu-El has established itself as Bayonne's leading Jewish religious institution with a beautiful house of worship, exceptional religious instruction for its students, and countless social functions for its congregants and their family and friends. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Temple Emanu-El for ninety years of Jewish religious guidance, the congregation's contributions to the community of Bayonne, and its success at making Bayonne a more prosperous and spiritual community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, because of the New Jersey Primary, I stayed in my district, and I was unable to be present for all votes on June 4, 2002. On rollcall No. 208, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''. On rollcall No. 207, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I come today to address the critical issue of American seaport security. I am acutely aware of the dangerous possibilities for terrorist acts against our seaports since I represent the third largest and the busiest seaport on the East Coast of the United States--the Port of New York/New Jersey, which creates over 229,000 jobs and generates more than $25 billion in commerce. As we are all sadly aware, a terrorist's intent is not only to kill innocent people and destroy valuable property, but also to destroy our livelihoods and our way of life. Any terrorist action against our strategic seaports would have disastrous effects nationally and internationally. Any attempt on our part to grapple with the complex issues and details of developing and implementing a maritime security system must take into consideration the fact that we will need international cooperation and equal security capabilities. We need to ensure the safety of cargo originating overseas, which then must pass through the global chain of custody, before it reaches our domestic ports. To fully understand the scope of dealing with maritime security, simply imagine that every single container bound for entry into the United States or simply passing through the United States is a potential weapon of mass destruction. Every ship could be a delivery system of doom and every port a potential target. Now realize that the equivalent of six million containers entered the United States last year aboard 7,500 commercial vessels making 51,000 port calls. H.R. 3983, the Maritime Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, as amended, is an important step in ensuring the safety of cargo originating overseas. Together with the manager's amendment adding the Coast Guard reauthorization bill and the Custom's reauthorization act passed by the House shortly before the Memorial Day Work Period, the Congress is finally taking a comprehensive approach to port security. Perhaps most critical to a timely global implementation of a port security system is the fact that H.R. 3983 incorporates the need to work effectively with foreign governments in order to ensure national security. This bill calls for the Department of Transportation to identify foreign ports that pose a security risk to the United States. If the Department finds a foreign port's security measures to be inadequate, it will make recommendations to improve these security measures. But if the foreign port fails to take corrective actions within 90 days, the Department can prescribe additional security conditions for ships and cargo entering the United States from these ports. The bill also requires development of a cargo identification, tracking, and screening system, as well as performance standards to enhance the physical security of shipping containers. Also important is H.R. 3983's inclusion of a deadline (June 30, 2003) for the deployment of this cargo security system. We all know that such a time schedule is crucial to the protection of our people, seaports and national and international commerce. There is no time to waste on this endeavor. We must start and complete this strategy against terrorism greatly reduce the degree of vulnerability of our ports. Finally, it codifies an emergency Coast Guard rule put in place immediately after the attacks of September 11th. Under this rule, shipping companies must electronically transmit passenger and crew manifests to the Department of Transportation prior to the vessel entering the United States. Unfortunately, H.R. 3983 is vague or does not address many issues important to port security and I hope that my colleagues will address these issues in conference. For example, the bill creates a single, national transportation security card to be issued to port workers, merchant mariners, and truck drivers who work in ``secure'' areas based on the successful completion of a background check. Background checks and a single security card are something we have been doing at the Port of New York-New Jersey for many years. However, it remains to be seen how this single, national transportation security card is going to work in an actual seaport setting and I urge my colleagues to heed the concerns raised by those who actually run and work at our nation's seaports. These concerns include having a set of clear, defined standards; the ability to appeal based on merit, not just technicalities; and the fluidity of port traffic among many levels of security. Another concern is the inadequate funding to assist ports in addressing the threat of terrorism. H.R. 3983 authorizes $225 million in grants over the next three years to assist U.S. ports in implementing the Coast Guard-approved maritime antiterrorism plans. Congress appropriated $93 million in the Defense Supplemental Bill to initiate this program. Unfortunately, the need greatly exceeds the amount provided in this bill. The question becomes ``How do we develop and implement a worldwide maritime security system which ensures the maximum security while causing minimal disruption to domestic and international commerce?'' If we are serious about ensuring the safety of our seaports, then we must also ensure that sufficient funding is available for the development and implementation of the necessary technology, as well as for the training and hiring of additional personnel, if needed. Among the important provisions of the Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002 is the specific placement of the primary responsibility for the development of standards and programs under the newly created Transportation Security Administration headed by the Undersecretary for Transportation Security. Ladies and gentlemen, we know now that the security of our homeland is a matter that concerns everyone in the country. We have been entrusted with the grave responsibility of developing timely and cost effective solutions to the complex issue of national security. There are many questions still to be answered and many difficult decisions from our part still to be made. However, there are certain irrefutable facts that must guide us in making those decisions: Our seaport security systems are currently neither comprehensive enough nor strong enough to deter a terrorist act. Developing and implementing an effective seaport security system will require the cooperation and coordination with local, state and Federal government, port authorities, terminal operators, shippers and ocean carriers, and everyone involved in maritime transportation activities including labor. In order to protect our national seaports, we must ensure that all ships and cargo bound for an American port have been inspected and cleared for entry. Thus, we must enlist the cooperation of foreign governments and make sure that these governments also have comparable security capabilities. The development and implementation of a global maritime security system will require a substantial financial commitment, regardless of what cost-cutting measures may be taken. The time for developing such a security system is now. Any legislative bill that passes the House must have a timetable or deadline for deployment. We have an onerous responsibility upon our shoulders and we will have to make some very difficult decisions in the near future regarding the overall security of our beloved homeland. However, we should not despair. For over seven months we have seen how united our country has been in our determination to confront terrorism and our refusal to allow a terrorist attack to change our American way of life. We have demonstrated our courage, patriotism, strength of spirit and dogged determination in the face of the most catastrophic attack on our Homeland. We will need these same traits as we work together to protect our people and our country.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ferreiro family, Harrisonfest's 2002 Family of the Year. The family was honored on May 31st, at the annual Harrisonfest in Harrison, New Jersey. This festival, consisting of a marathon race, an array of vendors, fun family games, dazzling floats, fireworks, and performances by folk groups and musical bands, lasted through the weekend to raise scholarship funds for the students of Harrison Public Schools. In 1905, at the age of nine, Louis Ferreiro, along with his mother, father, four brothers, and two sisters arrived in America and settled in Harrison, New Jersey. It was to be the beginning of a prosperous and wholesome life for his entire family in the community of Harrison. Louis Ferreiro married Angelina Forte in 1925, and together they raised five sons. This blossoming family ran a landmark store known as ``Louie the Sausage King'' at 7 North 3rd Street for over 50 years. The store was known for its delicious Italian-style hotdogs, and many Harrison citizens continue to reminisce about the good old days when you could catch up with friends, while enjoying the store's speciality. The Ferreiro family also had many talented athletes participate at Harrison High School: Tom Jr., a Football and Girls Basketball Coach; Vin, a star Basketball player; Michelle and Donna, exceptional players on the Girls Basketball team; and Jim Jr., an outstanding Football and Baseball player. The five Ferreiro sons and their families, as well as their children's families, have created a legacy of 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. And today, four generations of the Ferreiro family--29 individuals--continue to live in Harrison. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ferreiro family, who, through their strong sense of family values, and their commitment and dedication, helped shape today's beautiful community of Harrison, New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this undemocratic rule, and I stand here today to honor our troops who are putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom and our way of life. We Democrats support funding the war on terrorism and homeland security, and if Republicans gave us a clean bill to fund just these efforts, we would have a unified House; a unified House. But instead of supporting our troops, Republicans are playing politics, the very worst type of politics, with the futures of the very people who are protecting us. And yes, there is an emergency here, and that is the $750 billion debt we are placing on America's children, seniors, families, and veterans. Yes, I stand here today to honor our troops who are on the front line for freedom and those who have fought in the past to secure the freedoms we enjoy. But this House has a responsibility to protect these American heroes, and that is what we intend to do. That is why we Democrats are trying to do everything in our power to prevent Republicans from mortgaging the future of our fighting men and women by saddling them with a debt that will take generations to pay off, a debt that will raid Social Security and Medicare. If my colleagues believe in this debt limit increase, if they believe in unbridled credit card spending, then vote for it and let those of us who oppose it vote against it and let the American people see who stands on what side. Yes, our troops are defending our freedom, and freedom is about openness and democracy and responsibility, little of which we are seeing from the Republican side today. Democracy is not about martial law. If you want to honor our troops, then do not saddle them and their families with a mountain of debt. You want to honor our veterans, then do not threaten their Social Security and do not seek cover behind the bravery and valor of our troops to hide your own lack of conviction. Give us a vote up or down on how high America's debt will be and let us see where the people will stand. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the $750 billion you have saddled on America's future.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, because of a commitment to deliver a graduation commencement address in my District, I was unable to be present for all votes on May 21, 2002. Honorable Robert Menendez (NJ-13) Mr. Speaker (Mr. Chairman), On rollcall no. 174, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 175, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 176, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 177, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 178, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 179, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 180, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 181, had I been present, I would have voted Yes. On rollcall no. 182, had I been present, I would have voted Yes.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, with all due respect to the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, when Republicans put the debt ceiling in this legislation, they politicized the process. When they put deeming the budget, the Republican budget, in this process, they politicized the process. So to be lectured to that we are politicizing the process, we are responding to what you have created on the floor which you control as the majority. For those who might not understand the sometimes arcane rules of this institution, let me put what is going on here in very plain language. Republicans have already spent all of the surpluses we had well into the future and now they are trying to get a further credit line increase without even giving us a chance, those of us who represent 49 percent of all of the American people on this side of the aisle, to approve it in an up-or-down vote. There are some of us here, and many Americans out there, who think that raising America's debt limit is irresponsible. Why are you hiding your efforts to increase America's debt? You are hiding behind it because you clearly must be ashamed of the mess that you have made of America's budget. They are hiding behind it because they do not want the American people to know that you are raising the ceiling on how much they will owe, and their children and their grandchildren. And why do they need this debt limit increase in the first place? Not because of the recession. After all, the Congressional Budget Office is projecting deficits long after the recession is supposed to be over. Not because of the war on terrorism, which we support. Because even if you add up every last additional dollar we are spending on the war abroad and here, it does not even come close to accounting for the debt increase Republicans are proposing. So why the huge increase in debt? The answer is obvious. Republican fiscal mismanagement. Democrats support fiscally responsible tax cuts that are paid for. But this bill saddles our children and grandchildren with huge debts that will take generations to pay off, by taking funds from Social Security and Medicare that our seniors are, and baby boomers soon will be, relying on, by increasing the amount of interest Americans pay on this debt, which is nearly $1 billion a day. Huge debts, deficits as far as the eye can see. Social Security raided; higher interest rate payments; the Republican fiscal plan is a disaster. Republicans passed this budget. They cannot blame anyone but themselves for the fiscal mess we are now faced with. But today they want to pass the buck to working Americans to clean up their mess and they think they can pull the wool over the eyes of the American people while doing it. At least you should have the courage to stand up and vote for what you have done. At least they should have the courage to do this out in the open instead of by illusion. We Democrats demand the chance to vote on and oppose your irresponsible debt limit increase, this reckless credit card spending binge that you are on. But if you will not give us the chance to vote against a debt limit increase, this reckless credit card spending, if you are determined to hide it from the American people in this bill, if you are determined to raise the debt of all Americans even without so much as a single vote, then the shame is theirs, as are the consequences. This is exactly what we Democrats said would happen if you passed your irresponsible budget. So I would say to my Republican colleagues, you who want to blame this fiscal mess on the recession, tell that to the laid-off workers whose unemployment benefits you held hostage for weeks. And do not try to blame it on the war on terrorism. You dare not use our fighting men and women as an excuse for the deficits you have created. If you want to know who is to blame for our return to deficits, merely look in the mirror. This is an abomination on the greatest democratic institution in the world that in the marketplace of ideas that we promote throughout the world we cannot have a vote up or down on the debt ceiling so that the American people will know how you are hocking their future generations for generations to come. It is a shame. It is an abomination. That is why you will hear the anger throughout this evening as I think you will hear it from the American people in the days ahead.