Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the bill and to express my grave disappointment that we are having a debate that could have been avoided if only policy had won out over politics. If my colleagues were truly interested in good public policy that would become law, we would be debating the Hoyer-Greenwood bill, a superior alternative that provides the most broad-based restriction on late-term abortions of any bill being considered in the House; a proposal that ensures that no healthy woman, with a healthy fetus, can terminate her pregnancy in the third trimester regardless of the type of procedure used. I strongly support these restrictions and always have. But for the life and extreme health threats to the mother, I know of no compelling reason to terminate a pregnancy at this late stage, and the Hoyer- Greenwood alternative would have banned all such procedures. Equally important from a good public policy perspective is that it would have become law. The President has said that he would sign those tough standards set in Hoyer-Greenwood. But rather than to work to enact meaningful restrictions on late-term abortions, which we all agree should be limited, we are again engaging in a purely political debate. My Republican colleagues even oppose what Governor Bush, the candidate for President, has governed under in Texas, which has a law that is even broader than Hoyer-Greenwood. It says that no abortion may be performed in the third trimester on a viable fetus unless necessary to preserve the woman's life or prevent a ``substantial risk of serious impairment to her physical or mental health, or if the fetus has a severe and irreversible abnormality.'' That is the law in the State of Texas. That is the law that Governor Bush has been operating under during the last 5 years as governor of the State of tax. It is a law similar to the 40 laws that have been passed in the different States that have such meaningful late-term abortion restrictions. It is what Hoyer-Greenwood would have given us the opportunity to do. But my Republican colleagues chose politics over policy, and they are not saving one life with their legislation.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to increase funding for diabetes and support a $1 billion diabetes research budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I ask that Congress make the quest for a cure for diabetes a top national priority--there can be no cure without a significant increase in funding. Diabetes has been called the ``epidemic of our time'' by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1995, 135 million cases of diabetes were reported worldwide, and that is expected to exceed 300 million by 2025. Diabetes is a debilitating and deadly disease: it affects 16 million Americans; it kills one American every three minutes; it is the leading cause of new adult blindness, kidney failure, and non-traumatic amputations; and it is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Diabetes disproportionately affects young children, older Americans, and members of minority populations. In addition, expenditures for the treatment of diabetes are in excess of $100 billion and individuals with diabetes account for one in four Medicare dollars. In the past, Congress has strongly supported providing the necessary resources to find a cure for diabetes, but funding has often fallen short of desired expectations. I strongly support the findings in the Diabetes Research Working Group's (DRWG) report, which has laid out a comprehensive plan for utilizing increased resources. The report indicates that diabetes research is significantly underfunded when compared to the burden of the disease and the scientific opportunities in the field. I ask my colleagues to join me in substantially increasing funding for diabetes research. Let us put this terrible disease on the path to a cure. If we act now, diabetes will never again be the burden on society that it is today.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Smith of Bayonne, New Jersey, for being named this year's ``Man of the Year'' by the Circolo Italiano Club of Bayonne. Starting out in the Bayonne Police Department's Patrol Division in 1983, Mr. Smith's keen abilities and dedication to his career helped him to move quickly through the ranks. In 1985, Mr. Smith was promoted to detective of the Narcotics Squad; and, by 1988, he was assigned to the City of Bayonne Department of Public Safety's Detective Bureau. Mr. Smith's remarkable and impressive career on the police force has earned him numerous service and valor awards. He has received more than forty Excellent Police Service Awards and more than twenty departmental commendations, as well as the Hudson County American Legion Police Officer of the Year Award in 1992; the City of Bayonne Police Department Valor Award in 1991; the New Jersey State PBA Valor Award in 1991; and the Hudson County 200 Club Valor Award in 1991, and again in 1999. In addition to his work for the police force, Mr. Smith has been active in a variety of community service organizations. He has served on the board of the Chandelier Golf Charity Committee and the Hudson County ARC, and has dedicated his time as a member of the Bayonne Hospital Citywide Health Steering Committee, the Bayonne Elks Club, the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO, and the Bayonne Family Y.M.C.A. For his dedication and service to the citizens of Bayonne, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Mark Smith on being named this year's Circolo Italiano Club's Man of the Year.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monsignor Edward J. Hajduk, pastor of St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church in Bayonne for being selected as the Bayonne Contingent Marshal of the 2000 tri-state Pulaski Day Parade. Born and raised in Bayonne, Monsignor Hajduk established his faith and resolve at a young age through guidance from his parents, the late John and Mary Hajduk, and an education devoted to the Catholic faith. He received his undergraduate degree in Theology from Seton Hall University, his graduate degree in Theology from the Catholic University of America, and was awarded an M.S.E. degree from the graduate division of Pastoral Counseling at Iona College. For almost half a century, since the day he was ordained in 1953, Monsignor Hajduk's extraordinary dedication to his church and his community has been unparalleled. Moreover, his unwavering commitment to youth has allowed him to provide spiritual guidance to generations of young people, enriching their lives and strengthening their faith. Monsignor Hajduk's service to the church has allowed him to contribute to the development and direction of the Catholic faith in general, and the Archdiocese of Newark in particular. Since 1953, Monsignor Hajduk served as: the parochial vicar of Sacred Heart in Lyndhurst; Bergen County Catholic Youth Organization moderator; a member of the Theology Department of Felician College; the youth director of the Archdiocese of Newark; chaplain to Pope John Paul II; administrator of the St. James Parish in Newark; rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral; parochial vicar at St. Mary's in Dumont; dean of the Central Bergen Deanery; and until 1992, pastor of St. Hedwig's in Elizabeth. He has also contributed to parish evaluation and reorganization, and has helped with church renovations. For his extraordinary dedication to the Roman Catholic Church and his commitment to the City of Bayonne, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Monsignor Hajduk on his many accomplishments, and for being selected as the Contingent Marshal of the 2000 tri-state Pulaski Day Parade.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I believe we are at a crossroads in our Nation's history. In front of us is every opportunity for a future so bright, so filled with promise that our children and grandchildren have a chance to live in a Nation where every person truly has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, a Nation where every child is educated in a modern school, in smaller classes with an excellent teacher; a Nation where people who have worked a lifetime can retire with security and without worries; a safe Nation with guns off of our streets and away from our schools. We can achieve these things if we make the right choices today. Mr. Chairman, I say to my colleagues, this Republican budget makes all the wrong choices. Its main goal is a $1 trillion tax cut that snuffs out the aspirations of all but the wealthiest among us. It cuts 310,000 low-income babies and mothers off the nutritional assistance they use to buy things like milk and baby food. It takes away home heating assistance from 164,000 poor families. It cuts financial aid from hundreds of thousands of students. It ends Head Start for 40,000 preschoolers. It does not extend Social Security and Medicare, not even for a single day. That is no way to lift people up, to give them a chance to make a brighter future. Great nations recognize that families in trouble are families with untapped potential, not problems to be swept under the rug. Mr. Chairman, we can pay off our debt, save Social Security and Medicare, give our children the education they deserve, and our seniors the retirement they have earned, and lift people up to join in the prosperity and opportunities of this country. But we cannot lift people up if they are buried under the mountain of debt the Republican plan would pass along to our children. Mr. Chairman, let us reject the short-sighted choices of the Republican budget and pass a Democratic budget that will help us get to that even brighter future that is now well within our reach.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, my constituents in New Jersey have not been immune to skyrocketing oil and gas prices. We have seen consumers, truckers, and oil-dependent industries suffering for months as a result of exorbitant prices, including some independent truckers having to take their trucks off the road, because they simply cannot afford to operate them. In essence, what this legislation does, which we voted for in the community, but let us be honest, what it does is, it does exactly what the administration has been doing, which is to leverage its relationship with OPEC countries and diplomacy to get them to produce and, therefore, help the price. That is what we expect the result to be next Monday when OPEC meets; that is the diplomacy that we need. This is a cheering of that effort. Regardless of what happens on Monday, we need steps to protect the American economy and consumers in the short and long terms. In addition to passing this bill, we will send a message to OPEC that the administration has already done through its diplomacy, that we will not be held hostage to its monopolistic practices. We need to implement President Clinton's initiative to create a home heating oil reserve for the Northeast to cushion future spikes in oil prices. And we should also reauthorize the strategic petroleum reserve, which is set to expire in a few days on March 31, next week. Regardless of your position on drawing down the reserve in these prices, we think we can all agree that that option should remain available, including to create opportunities for fluctuations in the market. The majority has the power and should have already brought that bill to the floor. Over the last 5 years the majority has failed to provide Americans with energy security. When they vote against alternative fuel research and development, when they send Alaskan oil to Japan, when they do not reauthorize the strategic petroleum reserve with provisions to deal with extreme market fluctuations, when they make the administration sell off part of the reserve in order to meet some of their budget requirements and when they fail to assist the administration in buying oil, that will give us the opportunities. Let us not have our constituents choose between heating their homes and feeding their families. Let us get some real energy policy going here.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, residents in my home State of New Jersey certainly haven't been immune to exorbitant energy prices. The cost of home heating oil for my constituents has doubled to $2 a gallon in just a matter of weeks. As a result, a typical household could spend an additional $350 or more in home heating costs this winter. Consumers, truckers, and other oil dependent industries have been suffering for months as a result of these excessive prices. Some independent truckers have taken their trucks off the road because they simply can't afford to operate them. The legislation before us, which I voted for in committee, simply does exactly what the administration has been doing. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson has already been engaged in diplomatic efforts to leverage our relationship with oil producing nations and to demand an increase in oil production. As a matter of fact, he just recently completed his whirlwind OPEC diplomatic tour, which I'm hopeful will yield results at next Monday's OPEC meeting. Today's debate is simply a ``cheering-on'' of those efforts. But regardless of what happens on Monday, we need to take steps to protect the American economy and American consumers in the short- and long-terms. In addition to passing this bill which will send a message to OPEC that the United States will not be held hostage to its monopolistic practices, we should implement President Clinton's initiative to create a home heating oil reserve for the Northeast to cushion future spikes in oil prices. We should also reauthorize the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is set to expire next week--on March 31. Regardless of your position on drawing down the reserve in this crisis, I think we can all agree that the option should remain available to address fluctuations in the market. For the last 5 years, the Republican majority has failed to provide Americans with energy security. Rather than address the real issues, our Republican colleagues have failed to bring a Strategic Petroleum Reserve reauthorization bill to the floor; they continue to send Alaskan oil to Japan, despite our current domestic price spike; and they have failed to fund research and development into alternative fuels and energy efficiency. They have not only failed to build up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve when fuel was cheap, but they proposed eliminating the Department of Energy and selling off the reserve, even when the nation was not facing an energy crisis, simply in order to balance the federal budget. Despite their claim that the administration should repeal the gas tax, they have failed to even bring the issue to the floor for a debate. It's obvious that we must do more than has been proposed today to ensure that consumers in the Northeast will never again have to forfeit heating their homes, in order to feed their families.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentlewoman for organizing this special order this evening to speak to one of the most important peacetime activities that take place in our country, which is the census, and for her leadership as the ranking Democrat on the committee of jurisdiction that has dealt with the census. The gentlewoman has done a fantastic job in ensuring that the census be as full and as accurate as every American I think wants it to be, and we salute the gentlewoman for her work. Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that as Americans throughout the country get that census form in the mail, this is, again, one of the most important peacetime activities that we will conduct, because the census is about over 100 programs, with $150 billion every year, that in a great part are determined by the demographic information, the statistical information that the census derives. So it is about schools, it is about seniors and home health care, it is about transportation dollars, it is about community-oriented policing, it is about housing, it is about every imaginable thing that we face in our communities, and the census dictates, to a large degree, the resources of Federal and State governments in the context of that information. It is also about representation. This is more than a snapshot about who we are at a given time, although that is important throughout our country, for us to know who we as Americans are. But it is also about representation, because from Congressional districts in our various States, to legislative districts in our respective States, to even our local council people who may run a ward or district across the entire spectrum of the political landscape, the question of who represents us will be determined again by the census and its demographic information. Lastly, it is about private sector decisions, which in fact make billions of dollars in decisions. Am I going to market to this part of the country? Am I going to open up my corporate headquarters in this part of the country? Am I going to open up a regional headquarters in this part of the country? Is this where I am going to put some of our stores? Mr. Speaker, the repercussions are enormous, and that decision is made to a large degree by the demographic information in the census. In essence, democracy requires demography. That is why the census is so important. For each one us who does not get counted, this is not about, well, I did the right thing, I sent my census form in. This is about being our brother's keeper. It is about making sure that our family and our friends and everyone else that we know, our neighbors, make sure that their census form goes in, because when they do not get counted, each and every one of us is diminished. I am a New Jerseyan. When a New Jerseyan does not get counted, all New Jerseyans suffer. When someone from my community where I live does not get counted, all of the residents of my community suffer, because each person has actually a value. Roughly, that is about $1,000 per person for 10 years. For each individual person who does not get counted, roughly about $10,000, multiply that by the numbers of people undercounted and it is enormous. That means less opportunities for our children, for our grandparents, for our communities, for a better way of life. Now, that is why we Democrats have been fighting to ensure that we have the most accurate census possible in this millennium year. This fight began with an agreement within the scientific community that the use of modern scientific methods, which we call statistical sampling, would greatly improve the accuracy of the 2000 Census. But despite the evidence from the scientific community, Republicans have persistently opposed an accurate census that includes that scientific determination to have a sampling. Now, Mr. Speaker, when the Labor Department puts out labor statistics and we see what the unemployment rate is and Wall Street reacts to that and other businesses react to that, that is a statistical sample. It is in essence what scientists have said we can use and we already use that in the government. Why should we not use it for the census to ensure that we have the best possible count? I am really concerned when I see that one of the two Presidential candidates, George W. Bush, falling in lockstep with his Republican congressional leadership, has made his true intentions known that he does not support what scientists say makes sound science, which is a full and accurate count by using modern statistical sampling methods. When he takes that position, which came about only after various caucuses in the Congress wrote to him and said, what is your position? We have heard the position of Gore on this. What is your position on the question of the census and sampling? He finally came forth and said, I do not support sampling. Therefore, I do not support good science. But more importantly, when he fails to support sampling, he fails to support having every citizen ultimately counted. He has no interest in an accurate census, he has no interest in a fair and full representation for all Americans, and he has no interest in ensuring that my constituents in New Jersey, much less his constituents in Texas, receive the Federal funds their communities are entitled to receive. Mr. Speaker, let me give an example of that. In the 1990 census, for example, more than 486,000 Texans were missed in the 1990 census. This translated into a loss of $1 billion, $1 billion in Federal funds to the State of Texas during this past decade. Now, George W. Bush's decision earlier this month to oppose the use of modern statistical methods and thus oppose an accurate census demonstrates that he is not committed to correcting a problem. But it is not just about affecting the Texans. It affects my constituents in New Jersey. Because when we fail to use statistical sampling, we fail in every State that has realized an undercount to realize for those citizens their full potential and the resources that they deserve. So this decision actually means double trouble for Texans in the next decade. Estimates indicate that an undercount in 2000 similar to the one in 1990 could mean a loss of $2 billion in Federal funding for the State of Texas over the next decade, twice the amount in 1990. Now, usually when we identify a problem, common sense dictates that we try to solve it, I say to the gentlewoman; and so that ultimately is what we are trying to do here. Ultimately, what the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is trying to do, what we are trying to do is to ensure an accurate count. In my own district, over 20,000 people were not counted in 1990. The State of New Jersey lost $231 million in Federal funding in that time period because of the undercount. That, and also lastly, because Hispanic Americans and other minorities who are among the greatest people who were undercounted, I hear all of these candidates talking about how they are reaching out to this community to ensure that, in fact, they vote for them. Well, if they want us to be counted on election day, they need to count on us in the census.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the budget is not just a question of numbers. It is a question of values. With Republicans ready to yet again propose a $150 billion tax cut for the wealthy, they have made their values very clear. They value giving a millionaire a tax break while our seniors struggle to pay for their prescription drugs. They value giving the wealthy a tax cut while mortgaging our children's future to pay for it. We Democrats have a different set of values. We value the commitment we have made to preserving Social Security and Medicare. We value the years of hard work our seniors have labored to build this country and the right they have to be able to enjoy their golden years without having to choose between the drugs they need and the retirement that they deserve. We value our Nation's children, who deserve a debt-free future, which is why we Democrats are fighting to use the surplus to pay down the national debt. That is why this budget is a question of values, and that is why we Democrats are ready to fight alongside our Nation's working families for the values they deserve.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize PROCEED on its 30th Anniversary and Ms. Haydee Lopez on her retirement after twenty- five years of service and commitment to the organization. Based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, PROCEED has assisted the underprivileged in the City of Elizabeth and Union County through comprehensive programs since 1970. As the organization prepares to celebrate this milestone, it is also honoring the accomplishments and dedication of Ms. Haydee Lopez, a woman who defines the vision and the promise of the organization. Joining PROCEED in 1975, Ms. Lopez served as both the force and the heart behind the organization. Described as a leader, an optimist, and a believer, Ms. Lopez always set the standard at PROCEED, never hesitating to purchase supplies or necessities for clients with her own resources, or to work for ``gratis'' when the budget faced a financial crisis. Ms. Lopez has served the Hispanic community, the constituents of PROCEED, and her fellow workers with pride, devotion, and professionalism. Whether acting in her capacity as Executive Secretary, Acting Executive Director, or Financial Officer, Ms. Lopez always made those around her feel that they were valued. Ms. Lopez is happily married and the mother of two children and four grandchildren. She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to Elizabeth in 1970. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating PROCEED on its 30th anniversary and to thank Ms. Haydee Lopez for her unyielding dedication to the Elizabeth community. All of your efforts on behalf of PROCEED are truly remarkable and I wish you a happy retirement.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. The Republican proposal we have before us today, I believe, is shameful. The Republicans claim that small businesses need tax breaks to offset an increase in the minimum wage, and we Democrats have a proposal that would do just that. But what Republicans are not telling us is that they offer the wealthiest Americans a tax cut of $123 billion but fail to provide working families a decent wage. Under the Republican proposal, minimum wage workers would have to wait 3 years to receive a mere dollar increase in their wages. Tell the woman working 40 hours a week, breaking her back pressing garments or cleaning hotel rooms, that she has to wait 3 years to get a dollar increase in her wage while the wealthiest Americans are getting a $123 billion tax cut. Tell a father, laboring all day in the field or in a factory, facing the indignity of a poverty-level wage, that he has to wait 3 years to get a dollar increase in pay while the wealthy are getting a $123 billion tax cut. Tell a single mom, who leaves her child in the care of strangers, with no idea about the quality of care they receive while she waits on tables, that she has to wait 3 years for a dollar increase in her wages while the wealthy are getting a $123 billion tax cut. We Democrats are not willing to tell those people who get up every day, work hard, play by the rules and at the end of the week find themselves in such circumstances that they must wait. Rather than proposing a timely increase in their wages, our Republican colleagues have opted to sacrifice these families in the name of tax cuts for the wealthy. This is a lose-lose scenario for minimum-wage workers. First, the Republican proposal jeopardizes their ability to provide for their children and denies them basic health and retirement security, and then Republicans propose an excessive tax cut for the wealthy that will jeopardize Medicare and Social Security. We must prevent this double jeopardy for working families.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, tomorrow the Republican majority starts on their march to trying once again to pass over a $1 trillion tax cut, the same tax cut that Governor Bush offers his candidacy for President. They begin, instead of offering it as a whole, by dividing it up. They will start with the marriage tax penalty. The fact of the matter is we Democrats also want to end, not just adjust, we want to end the marriage tax penalty; but we want to do it in ways that not only value the institution of marriage, we want to do it in ways that value other issues, such as extending the life of Social Security and Medicare, the values of our seniors, and such as improving the quality of education for children, the value that we hold of our children. This Republican bill is too expensive than it needs to be. It makes no attempt to pay for itself; and lastly, many middle-income families with children will not get any tax relief because the bill promises a lot more than it provides because they ignore the minimum tax when writing their bill. In fact, we need to have values that, yes, take care of the marriage tax penalty and reward marriage, but, at the same time, take care of our seniors, take care of our children and extend the life of Social Security and Medicare.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Guillermo Descalzi for his vast achievements in journalism and to congratulate him on being honored by the Colegio de Periodistas de Cuba. Born in Lima, Peru, Mr. Descalzi came to the United States at the age of nineteen to attend Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Descalzi received his Bachelors of Science degree from Canisius College in 1968 and went on to earn a Masters in Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After completing his education, Mr. Descalzi returned to his native Peru to teach at the University of San Marcos. Mr. Descalzi's impressive career in television journalism began when he returned to the United States and joined the Spanish International Network (SIN), now known as Univision. Knowing the growing demand for news and programming from within the Hispanic community, Mr. Descalzi spearheaded the network's first-ever national newscast in Spanish to be televised in the United States. Because of his vision and commitment to address the needs and concerns of Hispanics, Mr. Descalzi soon became one of Univision's national correspondents. Continuing his goal of providing news coverage to the often marginalized Hispanic community, Mr. Descalzi was the first continental correspondent to link the Americas via the television airwaves. By airing footage and covering stories affecting Latin America, Mr. Descalzi's efforts provided a connection for Hispanic Americans to their heritage and culture. Currently, Mr. Descalzi is the host of the award-winning investigative newsmagazine, ``Ocurrio Asi.'' Featuring a broad range of topics, ``Ocurrio Asi'' goes behind the scenes and the headlines to tell the untold story and extract the truth. Mr. Descalzi's unyielding efforts have helped the show win more than 40 Emmy Awards from the Academy of Television, Arts, and Sciences, attracting presidents, celebrities, sports heroes, and activists to appear on this show. For his unmatched journalistic achievements and integrity, and his work on behalf of the Latino community, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Descalzi. His dedication and hard work have truly earned him this recognition.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership likes to complain about bureaucracy, but when it comes time to do something about it, something their special-interest friends oppose, they are remarkably silent, because on this very day, as we speak, families across our country are being forced to wade through a seemingly endless bureaucracy, a mountain of paperwork, simply to get the care, the health care, they or their children need and deserve. It does not need to be that complicated. If your child has fallen and hit his head, you should not have to call an insurance bureaucrat to see if you can go to an emergency room and you should not have to get authorization before taking your child in. You should be free to have only one thing on your mind, and that is your child's safety. That is what the Patients' Protection Act ensures. It puts health care first and bureaucracy last. That is what we Democrats and some conscientious Republicans are fighting for. That is the reform the supposedly pro-family anti-bureaucracy Republican leadership has been stalling for years. Mr. Speaker, the time for Republican stalling is over. The time to act is now. Let us vote for the motion to instruct conferees later today and move the Patients' Bill of Rights to the President's desk.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. I believe that once again the time has come for Congress to stand up for a democratic Taiwan, to reconfirm our commitment to Taiwan's security, and to act in such a way that we ensure the continuation of peace, stability, and security in the Taiwan Straits and the Pacific Rim. Since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the Congress has sought to strengthen U.S.-Taiwanese relations and ensure stability in the region by establishing that an attack against Taiwan is inimical to the security interests of the United States and will compel an American response. China's true intentions towards Taiwan are clear. China is engaged in a military buildup in the Taiwan Straits. It is quite likely that the only deterrent to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is the strong security commitment of the United States for its defense. I believe we must balance the desire by those in this House to trade with China with the resolve to send a clear message that that does not mean abandoning the Taiwanese. The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act builds on a policy that has served American and Taiwanese interests well and fulfills our commitments to Taiwan's security as established by the Taiwan Relations Act. By doing several things that I believe are of consequence in terms of military cooperation with Taiwan, in terms of direct communications, in terms of Taiwan's military officers, in exchanges of senior officers, and in ensuring that they have full access to defense articles and defense services, we will uphold the detente of deterrence that has served us since 1979. Congress was right in 1979 to stand up for our democratic ally, Taiwan, and we are right today to pass legislation that will ensure another 20-plus years of peace, stability, and security in the region. I urge every Member to support this bill. It is a reaffirmation of our support, our support for a democratic Taiwan and the continuation of peace in Taiwan Straits.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Eleanor Tiefenwerth of Bayonne, New Jersey. The Richard A. Rutkowski Association has selected Mrs. Tiefenwerth as one of this year's honorees, acknowledging her accomplishments and her dedication in making Bayonne a better community. Since its 1965 inception, Mrs. Tiefenwerth has been an instrumental leader of the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation [BEOF]. Accepting the role of executive director in 1981, Mrs. Tiefenwerth has remained the driving force behind and the embodiment of the BEOF's logo, ``People Helping People.'' During her administration, Mrs. Tiefenwerth spearheaded vital programs, including a cross-town transportation service for seniors and disabled individuals and a variety of food service programs. Mrs. Tiefenwerth also implemented Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for those individuals spending the holidays alone. In addition to her work with the BEOF, Mrs. Tiefenwerth served as a commissioner of the Bayonne Housing Authority and is a member of the Community Education Advisory Council. Presently, she is serving on one of the cities redevelopment committees and has joined the Census Committee in an effort to ensure the fair and unencumbered counting of the 2000 Census. The recipient of many honors, Mrs. Tiefenwerth's unyielding commitment to community service has not gone unrecognized. The honors include: the Hudson County Golden Recognition Award; the Senior Citizen Today Award; the Jersey Journal Woman of Achievement; the Hudson County Director of Human Services Distinguished and Caring Service Award; the Hudson County Girl Scout Community Service Award; and the Boy Scout Endowment Committee Medallion for Volunteer Work. Mrs. Tiefenwerth, wife of the late Mr. William Tiefenwerth, both Bayonne natives, attended the Horace Mann School, Bayonne High School, and Jersey City State. She is a registered certified social worker and a HUD certified housing counselor. For her continued efforts on behalf of the Bayonne community and the State of New Jersey, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Eleanor Tiefenwerth. Her far-reaching accomplishments in the area of community service have undoubtedly made the city of Bayonne a better community in which to live.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Rocco Coviello of Bayonne, NJ, on being named one of this year's ``Ireland's 32'' Millennium honorees. Using his success as a businessman and a proprietor, Mr. Coviello is recognized as a community leader and activist. Perhaps his most prided project, Mr. Coviello has tirelessly promoted the ideals and goals of the Milestones Program, an organization that treats developmentally impaired children. This early intervention program is a full service program, which affords families a resource center, as well as in-home treatment for children suffering from disabilities. Through Mr. Coviello's efforts, the Milestones Program recently financed a building of its own in Bayonne to house the facility, resource center, and treatment areas. In September 1999, the building was dedicated as Chandelier House, in honor of Mr. Coviello's work. In addition to the Milestones Program, Mr. Coviello has spearheaded the Chandelier Charity Golf Committee and has raised funds for charities, such as the Scoliosis National Foundation, the D.A.R.E Program, the Bayonne Police Vest Fund, and the Hudson County Hospice. Mr. Coviello is an active member of the Bayonne Chapter of the Unico Club, as well as the local Rotary Club. He also serves as a board member of the Bayonne Hospital Foundation and is a member of the Bayonne Parking Authority. Born in Summit, Mr. Coviello attended Summit High School and Fairleigh Dickenson University at Madison. He now lives in Bayonne with his wife, Janet, and their two children, Raquel and Rocky. For his unyielding commitment to the Bayonne community, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Rocco Coviello. His remarkable generosity on behalf of his community is truly inspiring.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Benjamin Purnell of Bayonne, NJ, on being named one of this year's ``Ireland's 32'' Millennium honorees. Mr. Purnell's community service efforts in Bayonne began in 1972, when he joined the Omega Lodge No. 64, where he has served as secretary and worshipful master, the highest office in the lodge. Through the lodge, Mr. Purnell organized many projects addressing the specific needs and concerns of children and young adults. In an effort to instill a sense of community, as well as to provide young people with a safe haven, Mr. Purnell spearheaded the lodge's block parties, Halloween parties, and its annual Christmas party. For more than 12 years Mr. Purnell has served as president of the Bayonne Youth Center. At the center, he has provided guidance, leadership, and friendship to many of the city's young people. Mr. Purnell has been instrumental in creating the programs necessary to benefit the young people of the community, including the Youth of the Month Program, the summer camp, an after-school program, computer and cooking classes, and day-care services. In addition, Mr. Purnell has remained very active in the Wallace Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, serving as superintendent of the Sunday School, co-chair of the board of trustees, director of the junior ushers, treasurer of the senior ushers board, secretary of the Men's Club, and member of the James T. Gregory Male Chorus. Mr. Purnell has also served as secretary of the Bayonne Branch NAACP, member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and as planning committee member of the B21C for the city of Bayonne. Because of his continued commitment to community service, Mr. Purnell has received numerous awards, including the Andrew Young Black Male Achievement Award, the Omega Lodge Service Award, the Bayonne Branch NAACP Community Service Award, and the N.C.C.J. Brotherhood Award. Born in Berlin, MD, Mr. Purnell graduated from Worcester High School in Snow Hill, MD and has been a resident of Bayonne for more than 30 years. Mr. Purnell is married to Laura Mumford. The couple has two sons, Angelo and Benjamin, one daughter, Lolita, and six grandchildren. For his unyielding dedication and service to the Bayonne community, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Benjamin Harrison Purnell. He has truly earned his place among this year's honorees.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gerald Nowicki of Bayonne, NJ. Acknowledging the accomplishments of those rare individuals dedicated to making Bayonne a better community, the Richard A. Rutkowski Association has selected Mr. Nowicki as one of this year's honorees. Joining the Bayonne Historical Society in 1991, Mr. Nowicki has been instrumental in working to preserve and foster the historical and artistic beauty of Bayonne. Knowing the importance of maintaining outdoor sculptures to prevent corrosion, Mr. Nowicki coordinated a Tender Loving Care workshop to teach volunteers the proper guidelines for outdoor sculpture upkeep at the public buildings in Bayonne. In addition to maintenance, Mr. Nowicki emphasized the necessity of restoration efforts for public artwork in the community. By cochairing the ``Save the Hiker'' project, an effort to restore the Spanish- American War Monument in Stephen Gregg Bayonne Park, and chairing the restoration project for the Civil War Monument in the same park, Mr. Nowicki has helped bring arts awareness in Bayonne. To continue his efforts for the arts, Mr. Nowicki spearheaded the fundraising campaign designed to bring both funds and attention to the arts field--two very significant components to achieving his goals. His campaign drives helped to restore oil paintings from the Brennan Fire Fighting Museum and the Bayonne Public Library, and restored the antique grandfather's clock, which stands in the lobby of the library. Because of his vast experience in Bayonne history and culture, Mr. Nowicki served as editor and co-author of ``Bayonne Landmarks.'' The book served as an instrumental local history guide, winning the acclaim of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey. Mr. Nowicki, born and raised in Bayonne, attended Assumption School Marist High School, and Jersey City State College. For his continued efforts on behalf of the Bayonne community and the State of New Jersey, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Gerald Nowicki. His accomplishments in historical preservation and community service have undoubtedly made the city of Bayonne a better community in which to live.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Right Reverend John Shelby Spong, D.D., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ, on his retirement as chairman of the Christ Hospital Board of Trustees. Born in Charlotte, NC, Bishop Spong began his religious and spiritual education in North Carolina and Virginia. After years of devoted study, he was consecrated as Bishop in 1976. A noted author and scholar, as well as being hailed the most published member of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States, Bishop Spong fought for the integrity of Christ Hospital for more than 22 years. Under his direction, the hospital has grown and matured into the remarkable institution it is today. In addition to his remarkable work for the hospital, Bishop Spong has served as president of the New Jersey Council of Churches and as theological consultant on a variety of diocesan committees and commissions. For all of his efforts, Bishop Spong was named ``1999 Humanist of the Year.'' Bishop Spong, married to Christine Spong, is the father of three and the grandfather of four. For more than two decades of dedicated service to Christ Hospital and more than three decades of religious guidance, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Bishop Spong a happy and healthy retirement. His remarkable leadership and inspiring work ethic will be missed.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Dorothy Harrington of Bayonne, NJ, on being named one of this year's ``Ireland 32'' Millennium honorees. Mrs. Harrington has had an exceptional career in the public arena. A longtime advocate for the education system in Bayonne, Mrs. Harrington was appointed to the Bayonne Board of Education from 1981 to 1986. Because of her vision and enthusiasm in this role, Mrs. Harrington became the first woman president of the Board. Her success with the Board of Education and her desire to do more for the community led Mrs. Harrington to seek elected public office. In 1986, she was elected first ward council member and in 1990, she was elected council member-at-large. This election made Mrs. Harrington the first woman to be elected to the city council. During her time with the council, Mrs. Harrington acted as liaison on the Kill Van Kull dredging project and was instrumental in the circulating of information regarding many transportation projects in the city. Most significantly, Mrs. Harrington led the efforts in Bayonne to improve cable television service, to obtain the local television channel for residents, and to create a modern production studio in Bayonne High School. A dedicated volunteer, Mrs. Harrington served as president of the Hudson County School Board Association, president of both St. Andrew's Parish and its Sports Organization, vice president and treasurer of the Evening Division of the Bayonne Women's Club, and member of the Holocaust Committee. Mrs. Harrington continues to be involved in a variety of local volunteer and service organizations and is the current chair of the Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority. Mrs. Harrington's accomplishments in public service have not gone unrecognized. Recently, she received the Mary T. Norton Congressional Award for her outstanding community service record. A Bayonne native, Mrs. Harrington lives in Bayonne with her husband, Mr. Dan Harrington. The couple has four children and five grandchildren. Mrs. Harrington's tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens of Bayonne are truly remarkable. For her dedicated service and unparalleled volunteerism in the Bayonne community, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Dorothy Harrington on receiving this honor.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martha Tafoya Sandoval and Andres Lopez Sandoval on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. This remarkable milestone is truly a reflection of the devotion these extraordinary individuals share for one another. On December 16, 1949, Martha and Andres married and began their life together. Through the years, the Sandoval's have used the love they have for each other to reach out to those in need. Together, they have been active civic leaders and successful business people, dedicating their time and resources to the League of United Latin American Citizens and the St. Joseph's Church in Bakersfield, California. However, their greatest accomplishment has been their incredible family. This loving couple has been a wonderful example for their four children: Andrew, Rosalie, Alexander, and Vicki Ann; their children's spouses, Judy, Arnie, and Louisa; their nine grandchildren, Valerie, Kristian, Lisa, Andrea, Ernest, Evette, Alicia, Vanessa, and Joel; and their six great-grandchildren, Autumn, Eric, Marissa, Jessica, John, and Samuel. The dedication, patience, and wisdom they have demonstrated every day has provided a firm foundation on which all family members have developed and flourished. For their unyielding strength and unparalleled inspiration, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Sandoval on five decades of love, commitment, and perservance. You both are truly wonderful role models for all of us. I wish you continued health and happiness.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jean and Frank Perrucci for receiving the ``Lifetime Achievement Couple'' award from the Bayonne Historical Society, Inc., and for their extraordinary accomplishments in community service. The Perrucci's, who have dedicated their time and service to the City of Bayonne for more than fifty years, are the first couple to be jointly recognized by the organization. From veterans organizations, to school charities and church functions, the Perrucci's willingness to get involved and work toward the improvement of the City of Bayonne has been exceptional. A World War II veteran of the United States Army and the Maritime Service, Mr. Perrucci has continued to play an integral role in a variety of veterans groups. Of the many organizations he is involved with, Mr. Perrucci serves as chairman of the World War II Welfare Fund and as commander of the Hudson County Catholic War Veterans. In addition, he is president of Bayonne for the Battleship of New Jersey, Inc. Mr. Perrucci's efforts on behalf of war veterans have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by the Catholic War Veterans, receiving the Hudson County Home Award and Hudson County Commanders Award, and was honored again by the National Catholic War Veterans, receiving the National Award and the Lifetime Member Award. Jean Perrucci, a life-long resident of Bayonne, has been a community activist for more than three decades. Never turning away from a challenge or the chance to help someone in need, Mrs. Perrucci is a wonderful role model for civic and community involvement. Mrs. Perrucci has been instrumental to so many organizations, offering her knowledge, guidance, and experience. From serving as Chair of the ``I Love Bayonne'' project, to collecting food for the Make A Difference Day program, to raising funds for the Bayonne Vietnam Memorial monument, Mrs. Perrucci's work has greatly impacted the lives of the residents of Bayonne. Mr. and Mrs. Perrucci, the parents of four children and seven grandchildren, spearheaded and founded a grassroots organization called the Concerned Citizens of Bayonne twenty-nine years ago and instituted the Frank P. Perrucci Scholarship Award for students. For more than fifty years of extraordinary service to the City of Bayonne, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this remarkable couple on receiving the Bayonne Historical Society, Inc.'s ``Lifetime Achievement Couple'' award. Their contributions to the City and to the 13th Congressional District remain unmatched and I wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes our roads for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. For too long, the Department of Transportation has neglected commercial passenger van safety. When the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century passed, I thought the DOT would address this issue because that was the intent of Section 4008 in the bill. Unfortunately, the DOT did not meet this intent since they chose to delay the application of Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations to for-profit commercial passenger vans. I am pleased that this bill forces the Department of Transportation to complete its rulemaking and not exempt all for-profit commercial passenger van operators from the final rule when it is issued. Another problem we have and that the bill addresses is the lack of data and information on the causes of and contributing factors to crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, specifically for-profit commercial passenger vans, regardless of where they originate. We have provided the DOT with the resources and guidance to complete a comprehensive study on this issue. It is my hope that this national study will give special attention to metropolitan areas like northern New Jersey. I want to thank the Chairman, Mr. Shuster, and the Ranking Member, Mr. Oberstar, on these two important provisions which will lead to safer travel for all those who use our roads.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Marge Wilk, a life-long resident of Bayonne, New Jersey, for her dedicated service to the Bayonne Historical Society, and for being named this year's ``Volunteer of the Year.'' Mrs. Wilk began her remarkable career in volunteerism with the Bayonne Historical Society, an organization of residents dedicated to preserving the history of this great city. Serving as a trustee for this organization for many years, Mrs. Wilk worked to foster the growth of the Society. In addition to her work with the Bayonne Historical Society, Mrs. Wilk became an active member of numerous civic and educational organizations, playing a vital role in their growth. She served as recording secretary of Marist High School PTA, president of Holy Family Academy Mothers Club, and president of the Holy Family Academy Alumni Mothers Club for eight years. A graduate of Bayonne High School and the Horace Mann School, Mrs. Wilk is currently a trustee on the Board of the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation and is the recording secretary of the Colgate Retirees Association. She is also a volunteer member of the Communications Committee of B21C, Bayonne in the Twenty-First Century. Mrs. Wilk, wife of the late Henry Wilk, has worked as an advertising representative at the Bayonne Community News for the past 15 years and in the business office of the Bayonne Times for the past 19 years. She is the mother of four children and the grandmother of Evan and Nicolas. Mrs. Wilk exemplifies what we appreciate most in the human spirit and provides a living example of what we all should strive for in our everyday lives. For her service to the residents of Bayonne, and for her hard work for the Bayonne Historical Society, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Marge Wilk as ``Volunteer of the Year.''