Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Sudan Peace Act. The National Islamic Front, which rules the Sudan, is one of the most degenerate and depraved regimes this world has ever known. It kidnaps, rapes, tortures, bombards; and yes, in this 21st century, enslaves its own civilians. It manipulates, blocks, and even bombs relief flights to advance its war aims. It attempts to destabilize the governments of its neighbors, including by assassination. And it sponsors terrorism abroad, including against the United States. The situation in the Sudan is not only a humanitarian crisis, it is a crisis of humanity. Its extreme severity and sheer depravity call for international action. And it calls especially for United States leadership, which this bill provides. While I support the appointment of a diplomatic envoy to advance the peace process, let me underscore that only international pressure has moved the thugs of Khartoum to make even the slightest gesture towards peace. They have been mostly empty gestures and lies at that. This bill has it right. Only international sanctions and pressures can affect this regime's unconscionable behavior. This bill will also have the Secretary of State report on war crimes from all sides. In my view, it is evident that the Sudanese regime are genocidal war criminals. The disclosure requirement on business activities make it clear that the line has to be drawn somewhere, and I fully support it. National interests cannot be determined simply by the color of money. But let us be realistic about any prospects for progress. On May 25, the regime said they will cease bombing, and within a week they were bombing in the south and the western Nuba mountains. In the last couple of days, the government came close to hitting two World Food Program food planes, and bombed the civilian areas that were intended recipients of that aid in Bahr al-Gazal. Mr. Speaker, we are morally obliged to do what we can to help the hungry, the abused, the besieged, and enslaved people of the Sudan. Let us have no illusions as to their intent, but let us do what we can. Let us pass the Sudan Peace Act.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amtrak on its 30th Anniversary. On May 1, 1971, Amtrak began operations at a time when passenger rail service in America seemed to be fading into the past, destined to take its place in American history. But when Amtrak was created thirty years ago, there came an opportunity for passenger rail service to play a role in addressing America's transportation needs. Today, with congestion dominating our highways and skies, and with airline delays and gas prices reaching record levels, wary travelers have turned to rail service for relief. And Amtrak has succeed in providing travelers with a quality alternative to every-day transportation headaches. Amtrak has worked hard to understand the needs of passengers. It understands that people want to travel safely and comfortably, that people want to reach their destinations on time, and that people do not want to pay excessive fares. Because of this understanding, Amtrak is currently experiencing a tremendous growth in ridership: just last year, Amtrak logged a record 22.5 million trips, making Amtrak the ninth largest commercial passenger carrier in the United States. To meet the demands of increased ridership, Amtrak has been working hard to make improvements to its infrastructure. In New Jersey, as well as throughout the Northeast, Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service provides an essential link between regional businesses and communities. To maintain its commitment to the region, Amtrak is working with the New Jersey Transit Authority (NJTRANSIT) to build and improve rail lines and tunnels. NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak are in the process of completing improvements to Newark Penn Station, and construction of the Newark International Airport Station, which will create a link between the airport and the Nation's busiest rail line. These improvements to local infrastructure will further empower local communities and the region's economy. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Amtrak's commitment to passenger rail service on its 30th Anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, what is section 245(i)? For my colleagues who may be watching in their offices, to the American people listening to the debate, it was the law of the land. It was the law of the land. We actually had as part of our immigration law a recognition for several years as part of the immigration law that United States citizens who have a member of their family, their husband or wife, their mother or father, their brother or sister, their son or daughter, who could be naturalized or seek permanent residency through them, would have the opportunity to do so under that part of what was the law of the land, and so that they could keep families together. That was the law until not too long ago. So that is what we are debating about. Madam Speaker, why not reinstitute what was the law of the land and worked well. We have a public policy that I have heard debated on this floor so many times in a domestic context about family unification and the role of the family in our society, and the importance of family in our society. Madam Speaker, my colleagues have hundreds of thousands of United States citizens and permanent residents who cannot keep their family together because in a previous Congress we stripped what was the law of the land and we took it away from all of them. Therefore, their families were forced to make a decision: stay together but not be here in a legal context; or divide and strip families apart. We simply believe that 245(i), which was the law of the land, should be the law of the land again because it produces a basic fundamental public policy which I believe both sides of the aisle, but certainly my Republican colleagues, have said time and time again is a primary context of their efforts, which is the preservation of the family. That is why 245(i) should proceed. This is not about getting at the head of the line, not about getting something that otherwise cannot be obtained because you will through your relationship with a United States citizen ultimately be able to become a permanent resident. Through a relationship with a permanent resident of the United States, you will ultimately be able to get your residency in terms of a spouse or a child. So why not keep these families together? That is the public policy question before us. Yes, we recognize that 4 months is an effort in the minds of some, but it does not ultimately reach the goal that we want. Let us turn this temporary extension into a permanent one. Let us understand if we had a vote in this House, we would have a positive vote for a permanent extension of 245(i), as we had in the last Congress. Let us do the right thing. Let us seek a permanent extension, and let us give the dignity to those families of United States citizens to be able to keep their families together. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the rule considering the No Child Left Behind Act still leaves many children behind. It fails to address national concerns, such as the desperate need to repair and modernize our schools, to reduce class sizes and to hire counselors so that our children learn in the best possible environment. It treats limited English proficient children unfairly. With one hand the majority tries to court Hispanic voters, but in this bill it places new and undue burdens on Hispanic children. Democrats have made this bill enormously better, but it is too bad that the Republican budget resolution would not fund many of these initiatives. The majority showed its priorities last week and decided to leave education behind. The bill has the wrong answer on mandatory testing. At a time when the majority is quick to pass provisions ordering the National Academy of Sciences to study ergonomic standards before implementing rules and the effects of dredging the Hudson River to remove contaminants, it is remarkable that it is going to allow mandatory multiple testing of children from the third to eighth grade without allowing the National Academy of Sciences to study the proposal. The rule we are considering today does not give us the opportunity to correct those mistakes and improve the bill. The rule shuts the door on initiatives that American people care about, while opening the door to proposals the American people have rejected.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, part of the en bloc is one that I offer on Iran because I am deeply concerned about U.S. taxpayer dollars being used to support the development of a 1,000 megawatt nuclear power reactor at Bushehr in Iran's Persian Gulf coast. I want specifically to address the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency's technical assistance for this plant, because I believe the agency is indirectly supporting Iran in its well-known endeavors to acquire dangerous nuclear technology. Iran claims it is merely seeking the wherewithal to meet its publicly desired statement to have a civil nuclear power program to generate electricity, which is suspect in light of Iran's having the world's largest oil and natural gas reserves. But it is no secret that Iran is also pursuing a nuclear weapon's development program. Last fall, Assistant Secretary of State for Nonproliferation Bob Einhorn stated in testimony before the Senate that the administration opposed construction of the Bushehr plant because, ``it would be used as a cover for maintaining wide-ranging contacts with Russian nuclear entities and for engaging in more sensitive forms of cooperation with more direct applicability to a nuclear weapons program.'' I could not agree more. Let me suggest to my colleagues that we must decide as a government whether to oppose or acquiesce in the construction of the plant, which is being built with Russian support. I submit to my colleagues that acquiescence in this case is tantamount to our acceptance as inevitable the construction of the nuclear power plant. This is not about safety, this is about operational capacity. If we do not speak out, who will? My amendment would simply withhold U.S. proportional voluntary assistance to the IAEA for programs and projects of the agency which go for technical assistance for the Bushehr plant. I have no interest in cutting off all IAEA assistance to Iran, but it is ludicrous for the United States taxpayers to support a plant which could pose a threat to the United States and to stability in the Middle East. Please support my colleagues in supporting the en bloc amendment.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very talented group of students at Theodore Roosevelt School in Weehawken, New Jersey. On May 15th, 11th annual Panasonic Kid Witness News program will present its New Vision Awards at the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey. Theodore Roosevelt School's K-8 is this year's New Vision Award winner for producing the best ``Local Hero'' video. Videos in the Local Hero category profile an individual who represents accomplishments, heroism or spirit, and demands our attention and adulation. The video created by the Weehawken school KWN team used a series of on-camera narrators, interviews, still photographs, and home video footage to create a moving portrait of one of their classmates, 12-year-old Lenny Rodriguez, a cancer survivor who made the hard decision to have his leg amputated. In choosing the Theodore Roosevelt School, the judges selected ``Our Little Giant Dares to Dream,'' an inspirational story about one person's extraordinary triumph over adversity. I commend Mr. Jon Hammer, 7th grade teacher and KWN coordinator, and 6th grade teacher Eileen Hochman for their generous time and support given to the Weehawken KWN team to produce such an outstanding and special video. I am very familiar with Panasonic's Kid Witness News program. It is a hands-on, video education program, in more than 200 primarily inner- city schools in 120 U.S. cities. Using Panasonic-supplied equipment to create video projects, young people are encouraged to develop their creative, communication, and technical skills through video production. Annual awards are presented to student teams in various categories, including Best Video, Documentary, Local Hero, Multiculturalism, and News at a special program held in New Jersey each spring. Theodore Roosevelt School was the very first participating school in Panasonic's KWN student news program. Mr. Anthony LaBruno, the school's principal, clearly understands the students' pride in accomplishing from these kinds of programs. Congratulations to him, to the KWN program advisers, and to the students of Theodore Roosevelt School for work well done. And a special recognition and best wishes to Lenny Rodriguez, a very courageous young man. For 11 years the Panasonic KWN program has been helping young people learn about issues that affect them, their classmates and their community. And in its efforts to bridge the digital divide, KWN encourages students' discovery of what technology can do to enhance their educational experience. Therefore, I commend Don Iwatani, Panasonic's Chairman and CEO of North American operations, for his leadership and support. The effort of KWN to bring information, knowledge, and understanding of current events to tomorrow's citizens will make a difference in the world we all share. Kid Witness News certainly has made a difference in the lives of children in New Jersey and throughout the United States. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the talented students and teachers who have contributed to the great success of Panasonic's Kid Witness News program.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Dominguez for his committed service to the community of Elizabeth, NJ, and for his extraordinary business achievements. Frank Dominguez is president and CEO of Imperial Construction Group, Inc., one of the fastest growing construction firms in the country. From 1996 to 1999, sales increased from $6.4 million to over $21 million. This year, Imperial stands to earn revenues exceeding $30 million. Hispanic Business Magazine ranked Imperial as one of the 100 fastest growing Hispanic-owned companies in the United States. The company has over 70 employees who provide construction and design services for private corporations and government agencies. Many associations have recognized Mr. Dominguez for his outstanding business achievements. In 1993, he received the ``Contractor of the Year'' Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has honored him four times in the last 8 years. In the past three years alone, Imperial has awarded over $14 million in subcontracts to numerous small businesses in the State. Mr. Dominguez's dedication and commitment in assisting other small businesses speaks volumes about his character. Frank Dominguez resides in Warren Township, NJ, with his wife and their two children Anthony and Mark. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Frank Dominguez for his hard work and for his years of service to the State of New Jersey, where he has helped build houses, develop and revitalize communities, and change lives for the better.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this important legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member, in particular, and my colleagues on the committee for making it possible to include in the bill various provisions that I have sponsored. The bill includes a resolution I introduced in committee on the Kyoto Protocol that expresses the sense of the Congress that, first, global warming is a serious problem, and the United States must take responsible action to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from all sectors; and, second, that the United States continue to participate in ongoing international negotiations with the objective of completing the rules and guidelines for the Kyoto Protocol consistent with U.S. interest and respecting the integrity of the Protocol. On another matter, last Thursday, the GAO reported that, despite years of effort from the Congress, the State Department has failed to make any significant progress in the recruitment and promotion of qualified minorities to senior management positions. I am glad to have developed language in this bill to ensure that the Department moves forward in its recruitment and promotion to senior most ranks of minorities. I have been working on this, this is my 9th year now, and I am glad to see the bill provides $2 million to increase minority recruitment into the Department and requires that a data-bank track its results. I urge the President and Secretary Powell to make sure that we obtain results at the State Department in minority recruiting and promotion. This bill also provides the National Endowment for Democracy with a modest increase for the first time in years. This vital and cost-effective organization promotes internationally our fundamental American values, democracy and human rights. Promoting these values overseas is in our national interest since democracies make peaceful allies and good trading partners and neither support terrorism nor proliferate dangerous weapons. By leading many efforts on the struggle for freedom worldwide, the NED enjoys strong bipartisan support as it advances our national security. Finally, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment on the IAEA. Iran does not need a nuclear power plant or U.S. money to conduct a nuclear power plant and create a nuclear threat for that part of the world and for our country.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, this is the people's House, not the special interests' House, not the billionaires' House, not the oil companies' House, but the people's House. The budget we pass tells the people what this House stands for. The problem is, this Republican budget tells them we want to return to the days of budget-busting deficits and away from investing in our future. This budget shortchanges the agency that keeps our air clean and our water pure, while President Bush gives a free pass to oil and gas companies who want to rob our public lands for private profits; and it raids the Social Security and Medicare trust funds to pay for new tax breaks for millionaires while denying many working families even a dime in tax relief. Budgets represent values. They tell the American people what we stand for. This House must stand for more than just doling out tax breaks to the wealthy. This budget does not represent the values of the American people; it represents the values of a few special interests. It is a sham, it is a disgrace, it is the real atrocity, and it should be defeated.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of St. Anthony's Church. The church will celebrate its centennial anniversary on May 6, 2001 with the Mass of Thanksgiving at twelve noon. What was originally established as a church for Italian immigrants has become a church that ministers to a largely Hispanic community. The church was founded by Bishop John O'Connor on April 7, 1901. The first church was established in a rented store by Reverend Peter A. Catalano, the church's first pastor. Shortly thereafter, on June 24, a small wood-framed Protestant church was purchased and dedicated as Saint Anthony's Church. In January, 1935, both the church and rectory were destroyed by a devastating fire. In June of that year, on the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the first mass was celebrated in the new church, which was conducted by Father John J. Rongetti, the parish's second pastor. Father Rongetti served the parish until his death on May 4, 1947. The church was then served by Father David Cassazza until he was recalled to active military duty as a Naval Chaplain in September, 1950. For the next twenty-six years, Reverend Michael A. Calabrese served loyally and faithfully until his death on May 24, 1976. Archbishop Peter L. Gerety appointed Reverend Anthony F. Granato as administrator and pastor on October 17, 1977. During his tenure, Reverend Granato formed the church's pastoral council and revised the religious program. Through the work of loyal parishioners and financed through such activities as bingo, raffles, and various fundraisers, the church and other parish buildings were renovated. In the past century, the church has gone through several structural and demographic changes but continues to serve the faithful parishioners of East Newark, New Jersey. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of St. Anthony's Church.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carlos Santos, who is a candidate for District Governor of the Elizabeth Portuguese Lions Club. Mr. Santos has been an extraordinarily dedicated member of the Portuguese American community and the community of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Carlos Santos has served in a number of organizations within the local and national Portuguese community. He served as president of the Portuguese American Citizens Club of Elizabeth and president of the Elizabeth Portuguese Sports Club since 1994, and as both former president and vice-president of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club. In addition, he serves in the Portuguese American Congress and on the Portuguese American Leadership Council of United States, Inc. He is currently the Treasurer for the Portuguese Heritage Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Mr. Santos is also the Mayor's Liaison to the Planning Board of the City of Elizabeth, and he is a founding member of the Chave Business Organization of Elizabeth. Mr. Santos serves on a number of professional councils, including the New Jersey State Council of Electrical Contractors Association, the Union County Electrical Contractors Association, and the Economic Inclusion Council of Union County. Since 1995, Mr. Santos has served on the Building Construction Advisor Council of the Hudson County School of Technology. A member of the Elizabeth Portuguese Lions Club since 1990, Mr. Santos has served on the Membership Committee since 1995. From 1994 to 1995, he served as the group's president. In his tenure with the Lions, he has received a number of awards from the group, including the 100% President Award. Carlos Santos is also the owner and president of Advent Electric, Inc. He resides in Elizabeth with his wife Manuela and his children Tony, Mary, Carla, and Carlos Jr. He is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elizabeth, where he served on the Parish Council from 1991 to 1994. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Carlos Santos for his involvement in the community of Elizabeth and for his contributions to the Portuguese American community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Hudson County Funeral Directors Association, which will be celebrated on Thursday, May 3, 2001 at the Association's annual dinner dance. The event will commemorate the Association's history, as well as its fine service to the community of Hudson County. The Hudson County Funeral Directors Association has met the needs of area residents for an entire century. In times when families and friends gather together to mourn the loss of a loved one, it has provided comfort and closure. For 100 years, the Association has offered dignified and compassionate funeral services in order to afford families with the opportunity to mourn their losses and to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Every single day, funeral directors face the sensitivities and challenges of meeting the needs of mourners, supporting them in their final good-byes, and providing them with thoughtful and loving services. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Hudson County Funeral Directors Association.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miguel Miqueli, founder of the Jose Marti Student Aid Fund, Inc., for his contributions to education and to the Hispanic community in West New York, New Jersey. To celebrate the success of the Jose Marti Student Aid Fund and to honor Miguel Miqueli, an award dinner and dance will be held on May 5, 2001. Miguel Miqueli was born on July 11, 1937 in San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba. He received his elementary education in El Colegio Belen in Havana, Cuba. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Science and Philosophy from the Pitman Academy, and concluded his studies in Business Administration at Havana University. In April, 1961, Mr. Miqueli emigrated from Cuba to the United States, where he and his father opened a jewelry store in West New York. In 1965, Mr. Miqueli became a member of the Lions Club of West New York, and he later co-founded the Hispanic Mercantile Federation, to which he was elected president in 1973; he is currently a member of the board of directors. In February 1978, along with a group of dedicated teachers, he founded the Jose Marti Student Aid Fund, Inc., and served as the president until 2000. As a collaborative effort with the Cuban- American Foundation he coordinated the project ``Mision Marti'' in 1992. Through his work as an educator and community activist, Miguel Miqueli has truly been a valuable asset to Hudson County. He has compassionately dedicated himself to the field of education and to the Hispanic community. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Miguel Miqueli and the Jose Marti Student Aid Fund.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Filomena ``Minnie'' Zaharsky, recipient of this year's United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Hudson County, New Jersey, ``Lifetime Achievement'' Award. As the first Executive Director of UCP, ``Minnie'' Zaharsky was instrumental in managing the overall operation of the agency. In an effort to address the growing needs of children suffering from cerebral palsy in Hudson County, Mrs. Zaharsky and the UCP successfully worked to obtain Medicaid coverage for children to receive therapies and services provided by the UCP. This fantastic feat made it possible for several families to provide their children with the necessary examinations and therapies needed to treat cerebral palsy. During her tenure at UCP, Mrs. Zaharsky was humble and dynamic in her many roles. As a parent volunteer, she put in several hours answering phones, typing letters, scheduling appointments, and providing transportation to families who otherwise would not have had access to the facilities at UCP. Furthermore, she raised funds to keep the UCP agency in secure financial standing. Whether she was organizing auctions to raise needed funds, or answering phones, Mrs. Zaharsky exemplified true leadership. For her years of outstanding work and charitable dedication, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Zaharsky for being one of the recipients of the UCP ``Lifetime Achievement'' Award.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 140th Anniversary of Saint Mary, Star of the Sea. The church has served the community of Bayonne, New Jersey since 1861. Saint Mary's will celebrate its anniversary with a special dinner dance and liturgy on May 5, 2001. Saint Mary, Star of the Sea is considered the Mother Church of Bayonne. It was founded in a small, humble church to serve the needs of Irish and German Catholic immigrants. Today, Saint Mary's resides in a beautiful Gothic style church, the cornerstone of which was laid on May 22, 1880. Construction was completed and the church was blessed on November 8, 1881. Saint Mary's has benefited from the continuous presence of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, who have worked with the church since 1879, when the parish school opened. Today, the school, which offers pre-school through grade 8 instruction, has a student body of 300 children. Because of its record of academic excellence, the school is considered one of the best in the area. The Church recently adopted a mode of management that focuses on mission and ministry, which is called a Pastoral Council of Ministries. Under this form of management, parish ministries are clustered into four different areas: Word, Worship, Community, and Service. This will help strengthen community outreach and spiritual guidance throughout the parish. In addition, the church is focused on revitalizing existing structures and the formation and construction of a Parish Center, which would provide places for meetings and offices for parish groups. To meet its goals, two new programs have been implemented: the Stewardship Renewal process and the Treasure the Traditional Campaign. Each will help raise needed funds for growth and revitalization. Throughout the community of Bayonne, Saint Mary's is well known for its compassion and generosity and for its involvement in the parish. Saint Mary's stands poised to continue as caretaker of the spiritual needs of the residents of Bayonne well into the new millennium. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saint Mary, Star of the Sea, the Mother Church of Bayonne, on its 140th Anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nick Starita, who will receive the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) ``Lifetime Achievement'' Award on Saturday, May 5, 2001. Mr. Starita will receive his award at the 9th Annual Gala Dinner Dance, which is sponsored by the UCP of Hudson County, New Jersey. The Gala is an annual event that recognizes the contributions of distinguished individuals and their efforts to assist fellow community members with cerebral palsy. Mr. Starita's involvement with the UCP began in 1973, when he joined the UCP Board of Directors. In 1985, as a result of years of hard work and dedication, his peers on the UCP Board appointed him to the position of Executive Director. During his tenure as Executive Director, Mr. Starita has increased the number of UCP therapy facilities from one to three. Through his efforts, Mr. Starita has helped the UCP vastly increase the number of services and programs offered to children suffering from cerebral palsy. His zeal and devotion to improving the lives of those who suffer from disabilities has earned Mr. Starita strong praise from a number of organizations and associations including the United Way of Hudson County, the A. Harry Moore School, and the Latin American Kiwanis Club of West New York. These honors, along with being a recipient of the UCP ``Lifetime Achievement'' Award speaks volumes about his strong character and dedication. Today I ask that my colleagues join with me in recognizing Nick Starita for his many contributions to the community of Hudson County and to the State of New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th Year Celebration of the First Hispanic Council Member Elected in Hudson County, New Jersey. The Hispanic Pioneers Civic Association, Inc., will host the celebration on Friday, April 20, 2001. The Hispanic Pioneers Civic Association, Inc., (HPCA) was formed to promote and honor Hispanic leaders and non-Hispanics who have made significant contributions to the progress of the Hispanic community during the past twenty years. Whether in the field of education, politics, or community development, HPCA acknowledges those who have made a real difference. And during the past twenty years, in New Jersey and elsewhere, many Hispanics have won elective office. However, the number of Hispanics in elective office does not proportionally reflect the number of Hispanics in America. Nevertheless, we are making great progress, and Hispanic representation will soon reflect our community's growth and our years of hard work. In my home district, Hispanics have achieved great success in many fields, and politics is certainly no exception. I am an example of that success; and I could not have done it without the support of the Hispanic community. There have been other success stories that demonstrate how far we have come as a community. The following individuals deserve credit for helping to lay the foundation for Hispanic political and civic involvement in America, which they accomplished through hard work and dedication: Benjamin Lopez; Nydia Davila-Colon; Efrain Rosario; George O. Aviles; Jaime Vazquez; Mariano Vega, Jr.; Fernando Colon, Jr.; Jose O. Arango; and Edwin Duroy. The 20th Year Celebration presents a wonderful opportunity for the Hispanic community to reflect on the important contributions that Hispanics have made to American society. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 20th Year Celebration of the First Hispanic Council Member Elected In Hudson County.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Let's Celebrate, Inc., and to commend its mission, `helping people move from hunger to wholeness.' Let's Celebrate, Let's Swing, the organization's annual fundraiser, will be held on April 19, 2001. The event will provide an opportunity for Let's Celebrate to express gratitude to its supporters, while also paying tribute to community leaders. Let's Celebrate, Inc., provides the type of assistance that allows struggling community members to get through the hard times. Let's Celebrate has developed a variety of programs to meet the needs of the poor. These programs offer food assistance, career and money management counseling, and job training: The Emergency Food Network consists of 14 food pantries and 7 soup kitchens; The Housingplus Program provides budget/money management counseling and career counseling; The Senior Service Program provides home-delivered meals to seniors and the disabled; and The Jobpower Culinary Arts Training School is a twenty-week training program that targets homeless, at-risk youth, and low-income individuals to help them develop into well-rounded people who can gain stable housing and permanent employment in the food service/hospitality industry. Every community across America depends on the generosity, compassion, and hard work of dedicated men and women who spend their lives helping others. The impact these individuals have on their communities is not only beneficial to those who receive assistance, but is also beneficial to every citizen of this great country. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Let's Celebrate's important contributions to America.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the Katyn Forest Massacre, sixty-one years after the horrible tragedy. Memorial Services will be held on April 7, 2001 at the Katyn Monument site in Jersey City, New Jersey. In September, 1939, Poland was invaded by Soviet troops, while boldly and courageously fighting the Nazi invasion in the West. The Polish army, which was hopelessly overextended fighting both the Germans and the Soviets, succumbed to those incredible odds. In April and May, 1940, in an area called the Katyn Forest, over four thousand Polish soldiers, army officers, intellectual leaders, prisoners of war, members of the intelligensia, and Polish civilians were executed by Soviet troops and the Soviet secret police on direct order from Joseph Stalin. An estimated 21,000 Polish citizens died in Katyn, Miednoye, and Kharkiv, as well as other areas. These horrendous crimes are commemorated as the Katyn Forest Massacre. On September 16, 2000, the Polish American Congress, the Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial Committee, and the Siberian Society of Florida sponsored a memorial service in honor of the victims. Today, I honor the victims of the Katyn Forest Massacre. I commend their courage and sacrifice. They fought against terrible aggression, and not only fought for their own freedom, for the world's freedom as well. I ask that my colleagues join me in remembering the victims of the Katyn Forest Massacre. And I ask that we honor their sacrifice for freedom.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Polish Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski for his contributions to the political and social freedoms enjoyed by the citizens of Poland today, after enduring decades of Soviet domination. From September 1940 until April 1941, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski was imprisoned in Auschwitz. During World War II, he was active in the Polish military; secretly founded the Zegota Council for Aid to Jews; participated in the Rebirth of the Poland clandestine movement; and proudly took part in the Warsaw Uprising as a Home Army soldier. Minister Bartoszewski's activism did not stop at the end of the war. He became involved in the Polish Peasant Party and became the co-editor of Gazeta Ludowa (Peasant's Daily). His work with these groups landed him in communist jails twice during that period. After his incarceration, throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Minister Bartoszewski continued to fight for the freedom of Poland by participating in Radio Free Europe and the Polish Independence Alliance. In November of 1980, he founded the Committee for the Defense of Those Harassed for Their Beliefs. Once again, the Minister was arrested for his efforts and placed in the Jaworze Internment Center. In addition to his dedication to Poland's independence movement, Minister Bartoszewski has spent a great deal of his life in the field of education. He taught at the Catholic University in Lublin, and at universities in Munich, Eichstadt, and Augsburg. In addition to writing 1,000 papers and 40 books, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski holds many honorary academic titles from universities all over the world. Wladyslaw Bartoszewski reached his position of Minister of Foreign Affairs in December of 1995. During the 1990s, he also served as a Senator and as the Polish Ambassador to Austria. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski for his great struggle to bring freedom to Poland and its people and for his many years of service to his country.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, Cuba is a totalitarian state controlled by Fidel Castro. The Government's human rights record remains a poor one. It continues to violate systematically the fundamental civil and political rights of its citizens, who do not have the right to change their government peacefully. The Government retaliates systematically against those who seek political change. Members of the State security forces and prison officials continue to beat and otherwise abuse detainees and prisoners, neglecting them, isolating them and denying them medical treatment. The authorities routinely threaten, arbitrarily arrest, detain, imprison and defame human rights advocates and members of independent professional associations, often with the goal of coercing them into leaving the country. The government severely restricts worker rights, including the right to form independent trade unions. It requires children to do farm work without compensation during their summer vacation. Political prisoners are estimated at between 300 and 400 persons. Charges of disseminating enemy propaganda can bring sentences of up to 14 years. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international reports of human rights violations and mainstream foreign newspapers and magazines constitute enemy propaganda. The Government controls all access to the Internet, and all email messages are subject to censorship. All media must operate under party guidelines and reflect government views. The Government attempts to shape media coverage to such a degree that it exerts pressure on domestic journalists and on foreign correspondents. The law punishes any unauthorized assembly of more than three persons, including those for private religious services in a private home. The authorities have never approved a public meeting by a human rights group. The Government continues to restrict freedom of religion. The Government prohibits, with occasional exceptions, the construction of new churches. Madam Speaker, these are not my words. They are not the words of the Cuban American National Foundation. They are the dispassionate words of the State Department Human Rights Report. I'll close with two specific accounts of Cubans who suffer under Castro. Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, a doctor and human rights leader, was imprisoned for hanging a Cuban flag upside down. He has been beaten and, during several prolonged periods placed in punishment cells in isolation, prohibited from receiving visitors, food, clothes and books--including the Bible. This is worse even than the treatment given to Nelson Mandela as a prisoner. Dorca Cespedes, a reporter for independent Havana Press, was told by the director of her daughter's daycare center, that the toddler could no longer attend, due to the mother's ``counterrevolutionary'' activities. Dr. Biscet has been called the Martin Luther King, Jr. of Cuba. Ms. Cespedes could be any one of us--a parent trying to make a living and raise her child in a life of truth and justice. Madam Speaker, any even cursory reading of what's going on in Cuba today tells us that we've seen this totalitarianism before. We've seen it for decades in Cuba, just as we saw it for decades in the former Soviet bloc. Madam Speaker, let us today recall our support for human rights and democracy in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and let us pledge, by agreeing to this resolution, the same support for Cubans endeavoring to seek truth and break free. Whatever a member feels about our policy towards Cuba with regard to the economic sanctions, there is no excuse for not agreeing to this resolution condemning the human rights practices of Cuba's government. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for bringing it before us; I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the resolution; and I urge its unanimous adoption today by the House.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Officer Edward Ryan, Firefighter Brian O'Sullivan, and EMT Lt. Raymond Branagan, all of whom will be honored by the Knights of Columbus on March 31, 2001. For the past eight years, The Fourth Degree Assembly 675 Knights of Columbus of Bayonne, New Jersey has honored officers from the city's three branches of service. The award honors both individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty and the departments that employ these brave men and women. Police Officer Edward Ryan is being honored for evacuating the occupants of two burning buildings. On January 22, 2000, Officer Ryan was dispatched to a call regarding a fire at 86 W. 16th Street. Upon arrival, Officer Ryan found the building engulfed in flames with the fire spreading to the adjoining residence. Despite a rapidly spreading fire and severe smoke conditions, Officer Ryan heroically evacuated all residents from both buildings, allowing the fire department to immediately concentrate on fighting the fire, rather than on performing a search for trapped residents. Firefighter Brian O'Sullivan is being honored for recently saving a life. He is a member of Bayonne's Engine Company 6. In December 2000, Engine Company 6 was dispatched to Marist High School in response to a call about an unconscious female. Upon arrival, Firefighter O'Sullivan recognized that she was not breathing, so he used an automatic external defibrillator and a bag valve mask to save her life. Brian O'Sullivan became a firefighter in 1999, and was a member of the first class trained as both a firefighter and an EMT. Lieutenant Raymond Branagan is an EMT, and is being honored for his administrative and instructional work with McCabe Ambulance. He is currently the lead instructor and administrative assistant to the Director of the McCabe Institute of Emergency Preparedness. Lt. Branagan is in charge of arranging courses on CPR for the American Heart Association, on First Aid for the National Safety Council, and on OSHA/PEOSHA blood and airborne pathogens for the Bayonne Police and Fire Departments, the Bayonne Board of Education, and Bayonne Head Start. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Officer Ryan, Firefighter O'Sullivan, and Lt. Branagan for their courageous contributions to their community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget is full of empty promises. President Bush says he is the education President, but he eliminates the commitment to modernizing our aging schools. President Bush says he wants to protect Medicare, but his budget does not provide the resources to shore it up. President Bush says he wants to protect the environment; but at the same time he is allowing arsenic into our water supply and preparing to drill for oil in the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He shortchanges environmental protection by $60 billion. President Bush says he wants to fix our broken election system to avoid another fiasco like we had in Florida, but he does not provide a dime in his budget to solve the problem. Why all the unfulfilled promises? Because one cannot provide a $2 trillion tax cut targeted to those making a million dollars a year, and one cannot provide tax-free inheritances for the sons and daughters of billionaires without giving something up. What President Bush gives up are priorities like educating our kids, health care for our veterans, saving Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, and keeping our air and water safe and clean. We Democrats think that is a bad deal, a poor trade-off; so we are offering America a more balanced, more responsible choice for a brighter future. We are for a tax cut, yes, but one that gives as much of a break to the middle-manager or teacher or fire fighter as it does for the oil magnate. With the money we save by giving a fair tax cut for all, instead of an enormous tax cut for the millionaires, we can pay down our national debt; we can provide a prescription-drug benefit for our seniors, something we all know will be there when we retire; we can make sure every child, whether from an inner city or wealthy suburb or rural community, can get an education in a modern school with up-to-date textbooks and access to the Internet; and, yes, we can provide a $60 billion stimulus package right now, immediate tax relief; and we can improve the standard of living for the soldiers who protect our freedom. The choice is clear. Let us not give up all of these possibilities just so a multimillionaire can get a $30,000 tax cut. We have been down that budget-busting, deficit-spending road before. It took us a decade and a half to get out of it. We had high inflation, high unemployment, high interest rates. We do not need to go back to that with the economy as it is today. Let us win a brighter future for all of America's families. That is what the Democratic budget does. It does it responsibly. It gives tax relief. It pays down the debt at a quicker rate. Ultimately, it secures America's economic future and those of its families. Vote for the Democratic substitute.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc, New Jersey Chapter (NCBW-NJ). Founded in 1971, NCBW is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to community service, leadership development, and the enhancement of career opportunities for African-American women. NCBW is dedicated to the empowerment of African-American women by increasing their access to and participation in America's economic and political arenas. In addition, NCBW addresses the challenges African-American families face today, and promotes African-American culture. The Coalition did not become the National Coalition until 1981, a decade after the first group of women met in New York City. Today, NCBW includes more than 7,000 members from 62 chapters representing 23 states and the District of Columbia. The 20th Anniversary of NCBW celebrates and commemorates the great progress that African-American women have made in the United States over the past 30 years. This progress was made possible through the hard work, dedication, and compassion of the founding members of NCBW, as well as many others, who understood and continue to recognize the adversity that minority women face each and every day on the road to realizing economic and political empowerment. I'd like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for their important contributions to NCBW-NJ:--the late Wynona Lipman; Barbara L. James; Bettye Ingram; the Honorable Janet E. Haynes; Dolores Buchanan; Lynn M. Stradford; Karen Lee Stradford; Carol A. Collins; Cherre E. Ogden; Karyn Stewart; Gessie Barnes; Brenda J. Murphy, Henrietta D. Ward, Marion Rhim Fowler; Katherine Daugherty Brown; Natalie Cole; Jeri Warrick Crisman; Redenia C. Gilliam-Mosee; Coretta Scott King; Constance Woodruff; and Larrie West Stalks. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the National Coalition of 100 Black Women--New Jersey for all it has done to empower African-American women.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Lilia A. Munoz, Claudia L. Moreno, and Julia Valdivia, winners of the Elena Mederos Award, and Sandy Acosta, winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award. On March 25, 2001, the National Association of Cuban-American Women will honor these outstanding women for their great contributions to the Hispanic Community. Sponsored by the National Association of Cuban-American Women, the Elena Mederos Award was instituted in memory of Dr. Elena Mederos (1900-81), who is considered the most prominent Cuban woman of the Twentieth Century. Born in Cuba, Judge Lilia L. Munoz is currently the Chief Municipal Court Judge in Union City, New Jersey, and has made history in becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in that capacity. She was also the first Hispanic President of the Hudson County Bar Association. Judge Munoz served as the municipal prosecutor for the Town of West New York from 1997 to 2000, and also served there as the prosecutor for the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. She currently serves on the Character Committee for the Board of Bar Examiners and as a Trustee for the Hudson County Legal Services Corporation. Professor Claudia L. Moreno is a resident of Weehawken, New Jersey. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. Professor Moreno serves as a Grant Reviewer for the Administration for Children, Youth and Families under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Discretionary Grants Program. She is also a consultant with the Parent's Support Group of the New Center For Outreach and Services for the Autism Community. Born in Cuba, Julia Valdivia earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of La Havana. In 1974, Union City hired Ms. Valdivia to perform outreach to the growing Hispanic community. While serving the Hispanic community, she focused on immigrants new to Hudson County and provided them with essential information regarding housing, employment, education, and business opportunities. She has served the last four Mayors of Union City, and has become one of the most powerful community activists in the city. Ms. Valdivia helped found the Alliance Civic Association, which helps Hispanic community leaders attain public office. In this past election, she was the only Hispanic in the State of New Jersey selected to be a delegate to the Electoral College. Ms. Acosta is completing a Master's Degree in International Affairs concentrating on International Politics at American University. In 1998, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from Florida International University. She currently serves as the assistant to the Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in Washington, D.C. Ms. Acosta has served as an intern with Senator Bob Graham and at Freedom House and the Center for a Free Cuba. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these four outstanding women for their great contributions to the Hispanic Community.