Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great family--a great American family. The Wood family is being honored as the family of the year by the Town of Harrison, New Jersey, and I am very proud to honor them for their contribution to their community. The Harrison Family of the year has its roots in the Martin family originally from Brooklyn, NY and the Wood family originally from Newark. Robert and Rachel Martin's family has lived in the Town of Harrison since 1910, and William and Esther Wood's family since 1919. After Robert and Rachel's daughter, Margaret, met William and Esther's son, Harold, in 1938, they were married, and began a family. Harold and Margaret Wood had eight girls and four boys. Of their twelve children, five still live in Harrison. Harrison is currently home to five of Margaret's children, seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. In all, Margaret has thirty-two grandchildren and forty great grandchildren. The Wood children have an enduring love for this country, a love instilled in them by their father, Harold Wood who, having served in the Navy in WWII, understood the power and value of community and patriotism. He lived in Harrison all his life until his death in 1996. For the pride they show in America, and for the contributions they have made to the Town of Harrison, New Jersey, I honor and praise the Wood family. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Wood family for being the Town of Harrison's family of the year.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monumental Baptist Church. For 100 years, Monumental has been a sanctuary for fostering Christian ideals and values. Monumental Baptist Church was established in 1900, in a store front in New Jersey. From its humble beginnings as a small congregation, Monumental has experienced significant growth, establishing a foundation for a prosperous future. Reverend William Edwards was Monumental's first pastor, followed by Reverend C.H. Garelick, and Reverend William S. Smith, who, in 1905, was able to secure a new site for the church, at 116 Lafayette Street. Reverend Smith served his church and community with dedication. After forty years as pastor and community leader, he passed away. Under Monumental's next pastor, Reverend William Fitzgerald, a mortgage was liquidated and the church received a new roof. On the first Sunday of December 1944, Reverend Ercel F. Webb came to serve as pastor of Monumental Baptist Church. For 42 years, Reverend Webb dedicated himself to providing his congregation with spiritual guidance as well as strong leadership. During Reverend Webb's service, financial support to local and national organizations increased significantly. The United Negro College fund received substantial contributions, allowing the church to realize its goal of helping to provide young African-Americans access to a quality education. Following Reverend Webb's retirement in 1986, Reverend Willard W.C. Ashley served until 1996. The current pastor is Reverend Joseph L. Jones. Today, Monumental Baptist Church is 100 years old. I ask my colleagues to honor the church and its congregation for their century of dedication to God.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was home in my district this Tuesday, June 6, to vote and participate in my state's primary election. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes Nos. 234, 235, 236, and 237.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Helen Steinel on her retirement after 30 years in education. Helen Steinel began her illustrious career in education as a teacher. She taught at Holy Family, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph and Michael, and Mother Seton elementary schools, all schools in Union City, NJ. For the last several years, Helen has been the principal of Mother Seton School, where she is a mentor to her faculty, and where she has educated teachers as well as children in her work with student teachers. For 30 years, Helen has dedicated herself to the education of children, and for 30 years, she has touched the lives of students and teachers in a way that her years of dedication cannot measure. Helen understands and imparts to others the knowledge that education is a profound tool for understanding the world and a necessary instrument in realizing one's full potential as a human being. It is said that teaching another something of value takes compassion, understanding, and patience; and absent these virtues, the simple process of imparting knowledge can become strained and cumbersome, leaving both teacher and pupil estranged, unable to truly learn from each other. In honoring Helen today, I honor the virtues that allow teachers to become great educators. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me as I honor Helen Steinel, a great woman and educator I respect and admire.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc., and the fifth annual commemorative flag-raising ceremony in celebration of the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Guyana. This fine organization was incorporated in 1988 to promote Indian culture, while also assisting with the sometimes trying period of adjustment that immigrant families experience upon entering, settling, and residing in a foreign land. Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc., serves the educational, cultural, religious, and social needs of New Jersey's Arya and Hindu immigrants in a way that improves the quality of their American experience. Guyana's independence is the primary reason for this flag-raising ceremony, and in honor of Guyana's Independence and its many years of struggle to realize that independence, it is important to provide overview of its history. `Guyana' is an indigenous Indian word that means land of many waters. In 1622, the Dutch began colonizing Guyana and in 1640, the first group of slaves arrived. Following the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion, British captured the colony in 1781, were ousted a year later, and they returned in 1812. Laborers were brought from Portugal in 1935, from India in 1838, and from China in 1853. Under universal suffrage, the first elections were held in 1953. The People's Progressive Party (PPP) won the election, but it was removed 133 days later by the British. The PPP was reelected in 1957 and again in 1961. In 1966, Guyana became an independent nation. However, corrupt elections led to 28 years of unpopular rule. It was not until 1992 that the Republic of Guyana held free and open elections. Today, the PPP- Civic government is in power under the Presidency of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc., and the fifth annual flag-raising ceremony in honor of Guyana's independence.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Elizabeth Waterfront Festival, an annual event celebrating the diversity of this great country by bringing together Hispanic families from Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Mexico. The festival will take place in Elizabeth, New Jersey on May 27, 28, and 29. The expected 450,000 visitors to the festival will enjoy three days of games, rides, crafts, and traditional Latin music and food. The Waterfront Festival celebrates the history, culture, and arts of the area's Hispanic community, while also providing access to some of Elizabeth's fine resources. The waterfront is an exceptional feature of the city and a perfect place to hold a festival honoring Hispanic heritage. In addition to celebrating the heritage of other nations, this festival celebrates America's heritage by acknowledging the contributions that made our country great--we are a nation of nations, and this festival is a fine example of why America's collective soul lives on in prosperous fashion--with this celebration, we honor our past and embrace our future. This celebration would not have been possible without the sponsorship and support of the City of Elizabeth, Melly Mell Productions, Inc., and the Elizabeth Cubanos Lions Club. For their kind support, I extend my sincerest gratitude. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this wonderful festival, and ask that we honor America's rich diversity.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Clayton and Marion Petty on their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. This special celebration is a great testament to their extraordinary dedication to each other and their family. Fifty years ago the world was a different place. President Truman was in the White House and Europe was still trying to overcome the destruction of World War II. And fifty years ago a young couple named Clayton and Marion began their married life. Fifty years later, that couple is surrounded by friends and loved ones celebrating a union more lasting and meaningful than newspaper headlines and trivia found in history books. Today, with so much change in the world, traditional values and long term commitments may at times seem lost and forgotten. However, on May 27, 2000 what will not be forgotten, but reaffirmed and celebrated, is the marriage of Clayton and Marion Petty and their commitment to their family and the community of Bayonne, New Jersey. They are an example for us all. Mr. and Mrs. Petty have contributed greatly to their community; and an example of that community involvement is their recent induction into the S.P.O.R.T. Bayonne High School Hall of Fame, an organization the Pettys helped found for local kids who love to play soccer. The Pettys are involved in many other organizations as well, including: Soccer Bees; F.A. Mackenzie Post; the Mackenzie Post Auxiliary; United Cerebral Palsy; Assumption Catholic War Vets; Korean War Vets; and the Bayonne Youth Foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Petty always place family first. They are the proud parents of five children, Patrick, Kathleen, Lauren, Robert, and the late Timothy. Their Children have brought them tremendous joy over the years. I extend my sincere congratulations and admiration to the Pettys. May your life together continue to be full of love and family. I also ask that my colleagues join me in honoring them on this very special occasion.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I believe in free trade. But to me, free trade is not just about the products we are trading. It is also about the people who make them. If after more than a quarter century of engagement, the success of our human rights and democracy efforts in China can be measured in forced abortions, arrest of dissidents, Tiananmen Square, religious persecution, ethnic cleansing in Tibet, child labor, slave labor, aggression against Taiwan, and the arrests of the Falun Gong, then our record is not a success at all but a dismal failure. The victims of this failure are not just the Chinese people. The administration and American companies continue to accept displaced American workers as inevitable casualties of economic war for which there is virtually no assistance. I know I will not. Our trade deficit with China continues to grow, from a $6 billion deficit a decade ago to an almost $70 billion deficit today, all while the Chinese Government continues to break promise after promise, agreement after agreement. That $70 billion benefit to China is what they have, in essence, been investing in their military budget. Free trade exists when two countries open up their doors to compete on a level playing field, not when one country, the United States, opens its doors wide while the other, China, cracks its door open an inch while reserving the right to slam it shut if we ever dare ask for what they consider to be too much. Have we gotten to the point where we will throw all of our values out the window, even protecting children from forced labor, in order to maximize corporate profits? Our leadership, our international leadership, comes from these values, not just our profits. That is the America I believe in. That would be the kind of true free trade bill that would be worth fighting for. This is a bill that needs to be soundly defeated. Announcement By The Chairman

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 13 innocent individuals who were arbitrarily arrested by the Iranian regime over one year ago solely because of their religious beliefs. The 13 are Jewish. In Iran that means you can be arrested and detained without formal charges, denied bail and presumed guilty of spying, despite the absence of evidence or motive. As some Members of Congress seek to engage the Iranian regime to permit business arrangements, I urge all of us to consider the fate of these 13 people. We need to send a message to the mullahs in Tehran that only when Iran honors the will of the majority of its people, stops building weapons of mass destruction and ends abuses of human civil and religious rights, will the United States again consider engaging Iran as a legitimate member of the diplomatic community and the global economy.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, there is no Member of this body who understands our military more than the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). His expertise and commitment to our national security is unquestioned. So I urge Members to listen to and support him on this issue. I have been to Vieques, and I have seen the devastating impact of the Navy's live bombing activities on the island. I was appalled by the Navy's indifference to the impact it has had on the island and its residents. The Navy's bombing has destroyed the island's once vibrant fishing economy, prohibited development of tourism. The higher incidence of cancer and infant mortality rates suggest that the large quantities of explosives, including radioactivity of depleted uranium shells, have harmed the health of the island's residents. After years of deplorable conduct by the Navy, including violating all agreements with the government of Puerto Rico, the majority would now seek to violate the latest agreement between our respective governments. If what was done in Vieques was done anywhere else in the country, the Navy's operations would have been shut down a long time ago. Requiring the resumption of live bombing ignores the devastating impact of the Navy's activities on this group of Americans, and it is an indication of the second-class citizenship that some apparently assign to the residents of Vieques. Puerto Ricans have for a century donned the uniform of the United States, they have given their lives and their limbs in defense of this country in disproportionate numbers. Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to support of the Skelton amendment and to support the American citizens who live on Vieques.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Judge Julio Fuentes for his appointment to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Fuentes was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Toms River, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969 as a military police officer. He earned his bachelors degree at Southern Illinois University and his Juris Doctor at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His hunger for knowledge never ends: while serving as a judge, Fuentes earned two master's degrees, one in Latin American Affairs at New York University and one in Liberal Arts at Rutgers University. Throughout his career, Judge Fuentes has served with distinction and honor. For 21 years, he has proven himself to be a fair, open-minded, intelligent, and dedicated public servant. His dedicated service to New Jersey at the Municipal and Superior Court levels has well prepared him for this challenging position. Judge Fuentes' appointment resonates with historical significance. He is the first Hispanic ever to be appointed to this prestigious court. The time has come for the judicial branch to better reflect America's rich diversity, and Judge Fuentes' appointment embraces that diversity and honors our heritage. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Julio Fuentes for his appointment to the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the honorees of the 2000 Annual Brotherhood Awards Dinner. The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) has selected Alan J. Apfelbaum, James Jackson and Dr. Patricia L. McGeehan for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of understanding and respect among all races and religions. These three exceptional individuals have demonstrated a dedication to community that transcends our simple desire to belong. They not only promote tolerance, but embrace diversity, and that is why they are being honored by NCCJ this year; they understand and exemplify American ideals--the very ideals that make our nation great. With tremendous compassion and selfless determination Alan Apfelbaum, James Jackson, and Dr. Patricia McGeehan have shown the degree of compassion and guidance that ensures a better future for their communities, a better future for America's communities. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 2000 Annual Brotherhood Awards Dinner Honorees as well--they are truly great community leaders.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the Panasonic-sponsored Kid Witness News program (KWN) and this year's ``New Vision'' award winners. KWN began 17 years ago in Weehawken, New Jersey. Panasonic adopted the program in 1990, and has expanded it to include more than 200 schools in 117 cities across the nation. This is KWN's 10th anniversary with Panasonic. KWN is an exceptional educational tool, allowing young people to express their feelings and share their perceptions of our world. With this program, our youth can tell us what they value--what is important to them. In addition, students gain valuable experience in news gathering and video production. This Program is especially important because it provides public school students with education, professional development, instruction, and access to technology--essential ingredients for future success, at a time when these young people have the potential to be anything they aspire to be. The great success of KWN would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Panasonic, its staff, and numerous volunteers; and congratulations to the talented students and dedicated teachers who have contributed as well--you are all an asset to our communities and our schools. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Panasonic-sponsored Kids Witness News program on its 10th anniversary; and congratulations to this year's ``New Vision'' award winners.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the honorees of the Women's Division of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Bergen County and North Hudson. Today, the UJA Federation of Bergen County and North Hudson holds its Women's Division 2000 Spring Luncheon Journal, an event that proudly celebrates the heritage and solidarity of the Jewish community, while honoring the women who have tirelessly worked to preserve Jewish identity. This year's honorees are Dr. Adrienne Greenblatt, Lilo Ollendorf, and Susan Shaw. These three exceptional women represent the life-blood of community service--their contributions to the Jewish community will long endure. The UJA Federation serves more than 70,000 Jewish people living in 65 Bergen County and North Hudson communities. The 2000 Spring Luncheon will raise money to help the elderly, people with developmental disabilities, and families in crisis. Funds will also be used to help integrate Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union into American society. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Adrienne Greenblatt, Lilo Ollendorf, and Susan Shaw for their extraordinary contributions to the Jewish community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor St. Ann's Church and parish on its 100th Anniversary. St. Ann's Church was canonically erected in Hoboken, New Jersey in May, 1900. The church was originally established to care for the spiritual needs of a small group of Italian-Americans, but it quickly established a multicultural parish of noteworthy stature. During the first half of this Century, St. Ann's church witnessed many changes as it embraced the Hoboken community in an effort to establish a parish with an enduring future dedicated to the love of God and community. The immediate growth of the parish created a need to build a larger church to accommodate the congregation; the support, generosity, and cooperation of the entire community made this a reality. Later, the additions of a parochial elementary school and a convent completed St. Ann's facilities, and established a sanctuary for fostering Christian ideals and values. The 100-year success of Saint Ann's Church would not have been possible without the great dedication, leadership, and love of numerous pastors. I am proud to honor the many who made this anniversary possible: Reverend John J. O'Connor; Father Felix Di Persia; Father John Rongetti; Father Alphonso d'Angelo; Father Leopold Hofschneider; Father Michael Di Sapio; Father Michael Gori; Father Bernadino Chistoni; Father Mauro Landini; Father Seraphin Tirone; Father Gabriel Italia; Father Lawrence Lisotta; Father Achilles Cassiere; Father Richard Baranello; Father Emilio Banchi; Father Casimir Filipkowski; and Father Francis Sariego. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Ann's church and its 100 years dedicated to the love of God and community. Congratulations.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Reverend Monsignor Frederick M. Eid for being named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, a remarkable accomplishment. His conferral of Papal honors is the crowning achievement in a long and illustrious career dedicated to the Catholic faith and the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Throughout his life and career, Reverend Monsignor Eid demonstrated a willingness to reach out to his community in a meaningful way, and he has enriched the lives of many through his efforts to foster spiritual growth. Reverend Monsignor Eid officially began his extraordinary dedication to church and community the day he was ordained to the priesthood of the Archdiocese of Newark on May 31, 1947. His many assignments for the Archdiocese of Newark include: St. Michael's Church, Union City, New Jersey; the Missionary Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; the Black Mission of Holy Spirit, Orange, New Jersey; St. Peter Chaver, Montclair, New Jersey; St. Mary's Church and High School, Jersey City, New Jersey; and Our Lady of Grace, Hoboken, New Jersey. In addition, he was chosen as chaplain of the Hoboken P.B.A., the Hoboken Fire Department, and the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He is also the chairman of the Child Placement Review Board of the Superior Court of Hudson County, New Jersey. At Our Lady of Grace, Reverend Monsignor Eid was called upon to form a center for Hispanic culture. He answered the call by developing a Spanish liturgy instruction center for children and youth. I myself attended Our Lady of Grace in kindergarten, several years before he arrived. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me as I honor Reverend Monsignor Frederick Eid for all he has accomplished in a life devoted to faith and community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mary Ann Roswal on her retirement after 35 years of teaching. It is said that teaching another something of value takes compassion, understanding and patience; and absent these virtues, the simple process of imparting knowledge can become strained and cumbersome, leaving both teacher and pupil estranged, unable to truly learn from each other. In honoring Mary Ann Roswal today, I honor the virtues that allow teachers to become great teachers. For 35 years, Mary Ann Roswal taught English at Union Hill High School in Union City, New Jersey. And for 35 years, she touched the lives of her students in a way that her years of dedication cannot measure. As my teacher, she imparted to me the knowledge that language is a profound tool for understanding the world, and a necessary instrument in realizing one's full potential as a human being. I am proud to say that I learned this then; I accept this now; and I have done my best to impart this to others. It is with great honor that I remember the lessons of yesterday--the lessons taught, and those who taught them. It is my history, and I am thankful that Mary Ann Roswal made it a history worth remembering, worth honoring. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me as I honor a great teacher I admire and respect.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Annual Bayonne Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance. This is not just a day to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust, it is also a day to celebrate the special commitment the Jewish community has to its heritage and the preservation of Jewish identity. The ceremony will feature speaker Norman Salsitz, a Holocaust survivor himself. He was born in Kolbuszowa, Poland, the youngest of nine children. During the war, he was confined to a ghetto and three labor camps, escaping on several occasions, and eventually commanding a Jewish partisan group in southern Poland. Later, he joined the Polish army and rose to the rank of colonel. Germans murdered Norman Salsitz's mother and sisters, and their husbands and children. He witnessed the shooting of his father. These tragic events have contributed to his unwavering commitment to the Jewish community and its legacy. For many years, Norman Salsitz has participated in numerous and diverse Jewish organizations, such as Israeli Bonds, United Jewish Appeal, and Jewish Fighters and Partisans. He is an executive board member of the National Federation of Holocaust Survivors. He has authored two books: Against All Odds: A Tale of Two Survivors, co- authored by his wife; and A Jewish Boyhood in Poland: Remembering Kolbuszowa. Proclamations will be made by Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr., the honorary chairman of the event. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of Colonel Anthony Podbielski, a longtime and active member of the committee. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance; and I ask that we, too, remember the Holocaust.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students selected as Bayonne Elks Lodge No. 434 Students of the Month. Each year, the Bayonne Elks Lodge No. 434 selects students from a group of applicants to participate in Bayonne Elks Youth Day. On this day, young students from around the Bayonne community are provided a unique opportunity to interact with local government. Students take on the role of a government official, and under the guidance of that official, learn the process by which local government functions. This is an excellent chance to reward hard working students for their commitment to academics, while providing them with useful knowledge for their future as community leaders. Today, I commend the Bayonne Elks Lodge for its commitment to our youth and for its support and recognition of young student's achievements in the classroom, reaffirming and strengthening the students' character and resolve. I congratulate the students who have achieved this great success, and I look forward to a future in which the next generation proudly takes on the responsibility and commitment of public service. I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring the Bayonne Elks Lodge No. 434 Students of the Month, on their special day.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I honor ``Tertulias de Antano'' (``Get Together of Yesterday'') for its contribution to the Cuban- American community of West New York. ``Tertulias de Antano'' came into existence 22 years ago because one woman, Lidia Gil-Ramos, who came to America in 1965 as a Cuban refugee, had the desire to ``help make the elderly happy and help them take part in local life.'' She founded the program and volunteers her time as program coordinator. ``Tertulias de Antano'' has helped Cuban elderly within the Cuban- American community of West New York, New Jersey to escape the disconnect and loneliness often experienced by immigrant communities. In describing the work of a small group of volunteers dedicated to helping the Cuban elderly, Gil-Ramos said: ``We work for love, not for profit.'' ``Tertulias de Antano'' does not receive any government funds--only private donations are accepted. However, this has not prevented the organization from achieving success. I attribute the success of this wonderful organization to the hard work and dedication of Lid Gil-Ramos and her equally dedicated staff of volunteers. Today, it is my great pleasure to honor ``Tertulias de Antano'' and everyone who has helped integrate the Cuban elderly community into American society. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them as well.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County Eighth Annual ``Outstanding Achievement Award'' Dinner Dance. Since 1951, United Cerebral Palsy (UPC) of Hudson County has had one mission: ``To advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities.'' At UPC of Hudson County, this is more than a mission, it is a cerebral way of life. And the annual ``Outstanding Achievement Award'' honors those who have truly embraced this way of life, giving of themselves in a profoundly selfless and compassionate manner. This year there are three such individuals, and I am proud to honor them as well. I honor them for their compassion; I honor them for their dedication; and I applaud them for what they have done for people with disabilities. Henry Sanchez, Migdalia Viole, and Vincent J. Bottino where chosen by UPC of Hudson County to receive the ``Outstanding Achievement Award'' because they exemplify the strength of character and sense of purpose necessary to become outstanding community leaders. Hudson County has benefited enormously from their very special contribution to the community. I ask my colleagues to join me as I honor these extraordinary individuals for their unparalleled commitment to bettering the lives of people with disabilities. Congratulations to this year's ``Outstanding Achievement Award'' winners.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Hoboken Little League for the 50 years it has provided young people with access to one of America's greatest athletic traditions. Baseball teaches responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship, and nurtures self-esteem. Fifty years ago, on April 15, 1950, the Little League began its commitment to the young people of Hoboken with four teams. This commitment has grown to 12 teams, with 144 boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 currently participating in what has become one of the finest youth organizations in the country. Of historical importance: In 1972, Maria Pepe, the first female to play Little League Baseball, joined the Hoboken Little League. Maria became the force behind the Supreme Court's 1974 ruling that gave women the right to participate in any and all sports. This great youth organization would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of those who understand the positive impact sports have on the lives of our young people. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the growth and continuation of the Hoboken Little League, especially the following dedicated individuals: Tim Calligy, James Farina, Charles Casalinos, Anthony Cardino, Dominick Miele, and Mike Turner. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hoboken Little League on its 50th anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Bayonne Little League Baseball Inc. for the forty-nine years it has provided young people with access to one of America's greatest athletic traditions. Baseball teaches responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship, and nurtures self-esteem. Forty-nine years ago, on April 15th, 1951, the Bayonne Little League Inc. began its commitment to the young people of Bayonne when W. Vincent Cook, and a handful of associates, organized a four-team program. Volunteers contacted several merchants who agreed to provide uniforms and equipment for the 90 youngsters in the league. In 1952, twelve more teams were added to accommodate the incredible numbers of boys who wanted to participate. The increase in participation led to the building of a stadium. The League received assistance building the stadium from William Rosenthal, and, as a gesture of its appreciation, the League named the new stadium in memory of his son, Lewis Rosenthal. In 1954, the number of Little League teams increased to twenty, and by 1962, the astounding success of the League led to the establishment of a program that consisted of 24 Major League and 12 Minor League teams. The challenge of expansion and the substantial financial obligation that went with it was a constant challenge for the organization; but not once did this prevent the League from successfully providing for the many young people who registered to play. After numerous complications, and an extraordinary fund raising drive by the community of Bayonne, the League was able to move to a new stadium in 1965. The decades to follow demonstrated the same growth that the first did, and the community of Bayonne never wavered in its profound commitment to its young people and the challenge of Little League expansion. This great youth organization would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Commissioner Gene Klumpp and all those who understand the positive impact sports have on our young people. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the growth and continuation of the Bayonne Little League. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bayonne Little League Baseball Inc. on its 50th season anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I honor Dr. Nestor Carbonell-Cortina for his life-long commitment to freedom and democracy. Born in Havana, Cuba, Dr. Carbonell-Cortina understood early in his life that the price for freedom is high; that the fight for freedom is long; and that the cost for freedom is often paid for with the lives of those who never knew it. In 1960, shortly after Castro seized control of Cuba, Dr. Carbonell- Cortina was forced to leave his native land, fleeing the oppressive communist rule imposed by the Castro regime. However, he returned and courageously fought in the Bay of Pigs Invasion, hoping to restore freedom to his homeland. In 1962, Dr. Carbonell-Cortina was responsible for the diplomatic strategy that removed the Castro regime from the Organization of the American Estates. With the publication of numerous articles, essays and speeches, Dr. Carbonell-Cortina has continued his fight for freedom and his opposition to the Castro regime. Among his many publications are: El Espiritu de la Constitucion de 1940; Perfil Historio del IV Presidente de Cuba; Cortina: Tribuno de la Republica; And the Russians Stayed; y Por La Libertad de Cuba: Una Historia Inconclusa. Dr. Carbonell-Cortina graduated from the University of Villanueva in the city of Havana with a law degree, and received his MA from Harvard. Currently, he is Vice President of International Relations for PepsiCo., Inc. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Nestor Carbonell-Cortina for his courageous commitment to the pursuit of freedom in the face of extraordinary opposition.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, every year we come to the House floor to commemorate and pay tribute to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide. Sadly, 85 years after the tragedy began, Turkey still refuses to recognize the Armenian Genocide and apologize for the atrocious acts it committed. Since 1923, Turkey has denied the Armenian Genocide despite overwhelming documentation, and since 1923 there has been no justice for the victims and the families of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. To those who continue to resist the truth, I can only believe that they have chosen to ignore the hard evidence or to indulge their shame by ignoring the facts. Like the Holocaust, denying the Armenian Genocide cannot erase the tragedy, the lives that were lost, or compensate for driving people from their homeland. For the people of Armenia, the fight continues today, particularly for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabagh, who are impacted by modern day Turkey and Azerbaijan's aggression toward Armenia in the form of the Azeri blockade against Nagorno-Karabagh. But their actions are not without consequences. I believe the Congress will continue to provide assistance to the people residing in Nagorno-Karabagh, and we will continue to uphold section 907 of the Freedom Support Act that denies assistance to Azerbaijan until they end their stranglehold on Nagorno-Karabagh. Our message to Turkey and Azerbaijan must be loud and clear. We will not stand by as you once again seek to threaten the Armenian people. For my part, I will continue to support assistance to improve the lives of all Armenians; I will continue to remember those who have lost their lives, and continue to commemorate this somber occasion. Lastly, I will continue to hold the Turkish and Azeri governments responsible for their actions past and present. For this reason, I have joined as a cosponsor of House Resolution 398, commemorating the genocide and calling on the President to characterize in his annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide, the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of the United States intervention in opposition to that genocide. I am hopeful that we will see the day when peace, stability, and prosperity are realized for the people of Nagorno-Karabagh and for all Armenians. But until then, the United States Congress must continue to be on the side of what is right, what is just and continue to assist to make sure that history does not repeat itself.