Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this measure to reauthorize the OPIC and the U.S. Trade Development Agency. Basically, there is a version that has already passed the House 357- 71, but to expedite it in the Senate, we are pursuing it in this fashion. Export promotion programs, like OPIC and TDA, provide crucial support for American businesses in the global marketplace. U.S. exports of goods and services are estimated to support more than 12 million domestic jobs. Each $1 billion in U.S. goods and services supports approximately 13,000 jobs. This is a reality in my home State of New Jersey, as well as throughout the country. OPIC has had a positive net income for every year of operation, which reserves now total more than $3 billion. Last year it earned a profit of $139 million and contributes over $204 million in net negative budget authority. So at a time when Congress is striving to adhere to the constraints of a balanced budget, OPIC stands a part of a revenue earning program. It also complements our efforts across the globe to open up markets. I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), my colleague, for his efforts to work with our office to achieve an agreement that ensures OPIC will continue to provide services to American investors overseas. I also want to thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman Gilman), the distinguished chairman of the committee, for his commitment to work with myself and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson) on an International Trade Administration reauthorization bill at the beginning of the next session of the 106th Congress. I hope that we can build on the bill that we develop in this session and pass an ITA reauthorization bill as early as possible next year. I urge Members to support passage of the legislation.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ramon de la Cruz, President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, for his outstanding work on behalf of the Hispanic Community. An active member of the Hispanic Bar Association for more than ten years, Mr. de la Cruz was recently appointed as the New Jersey Regional President of the organization. And he has shown continued commitment to its growth and success. From fighting racial profiling and domestic violence, to battling against anti-diversity efforts across the country, the Hispanic Bar Association has been a motivating and unifying force for the Hispanic community in New Jersey under Mr. de la Cruz's leadership. In addition, Mr. de la Cruz and the H.B.A. of New Jersey have worked extensively with several associations to bring attention to the lack of Hispanic representation on the New Jersey federal judiciary. Because of his efforts and vision, Mr. de la Cruz was instrumental in the recent recommendation of New Jersey's first ever Hispanic to be nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Third District in the State. Knowing the importance of a clear and unified message from the H.B.A., Mr. de la Cruz served as editor of ABOGADO, the official newsletter of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Inc., for four years. Highlighting the accomplishments of fellow Hispanic abogados y abogadas, as well as confronting the tough issues that the Hispanic community faces, Mr. de la Cruz's work has made the newsletter an informative report to the community. For all of these achievements and for his remarkable leadership, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. de la Cruz and the H.B.A. on another year of hard work and dedication to both the Hispanic community and the State of New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the West Hoboken Social & Athletic Association of Union City, New Jersey, for its hard work and dedicated service to the community for the past fifty years. Organized after World War II to reunite friends and foster continued camaraderie, the WHSA championed public and private causes in an effort to follow its motto, ``service to the community.'' During the early years, the association sponsored several sports teams to encourage youth involvement in athletics. Today, it continues that tradition by offering youth athletic programs and positive adult role models as coaches. The WHSA was instrumental in providing the necessary financial aid and guidance to one young athlete who competed in the World Special Olympics. The WHSA has developed programs to help the members of their communities by providing a summer camp program for underprivileged children, awarding savings bonds to school children for higher education with the ``Edward Trevelese History Award,'' and organizing companionship and entertainment for the elderly through the ``Walter Scarpetta Nursing Home Volunteers'' program. The WHSA continues to work with other organizations and charities such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Cerebral Palsy, providing expertise, leadership, and support. For its service to the residents of the West Hoboken community in the State of New Jersey, and its long tradition of active leadership, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the West Hoboken Social & Athletic Association and all of its members as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation for its continued service to the City of Bayonne, New Jersey, and this year's honorees, Mr. Al Sambade and Mr. Thomas Cuseglio. The Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, a social service agency in its 34th year, has remained a vibrant and reliable force in the community. Following the slogan, ``People Helping People,'' the foundation has remained dedicated to serving the people of the community through various outreach programs, including Head Start and Meats on Wheels. And this year's honorees truly embody the goals of this organization. Serving as Assistant Municipal Engineer from 1981 through 1987, Mr. Sambade has worked diligently for the City of Bayonne throughout his career. From funding procurement to construction supervision of various public buildings, drainage systems, and vital water distribution systems, Mr. Sambade's contributions can be seen throughout the city. Mr. Sambade, a registered architect, licensed engineer, and professional planner in the State of New Jersey, founded the DAL Design Group in 1987. As the organization's President, he supervised millions of dollars worth of diversified housing and commercial and industrial development projects in the State. A graduate of the Roberson School in Bayonne, Mr. Sambade is also very active in charitable organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Windmill Alliance, and the Hudson County ARC. Mr. Cuseglio has been both an active and visible force in the Bayonne community for more than three decades. From 1979 through 1983, Mr. Cuseglio served as City of Bayonne Building Inspector. By 1983, because of his expertise and unmatched commitment to the City, Mr. Cuseglio was serving as City Construction Official, Building Sub Code Official, Zoning Officer, and Relocation Officer. After retiring from the City in 1992, Mr. Cuseglio continued his commitment to his life work by accepting a part-time position with the City of Keansburg as a Field Inspector to Code and Specification for its revitalization programs. And just four years later, in 1996 returned to Bayonne as ``Clerk of the Works.'' In this capacity, Mr. Cuseglio was responsible for inspecting all construction sites. Mr. Cuseglio remains active in community and charitable organizations. Presently, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation. These two men exemplify leadership and dedication to the City of Bayonne and to the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation. For these tremendous contributions to New Jersey and their incredible example as public servants, I am very happy to congratulate Mr. Sambade and Mr. Cuseglio for their achievements. I salute and congratulate both of them on their extraordinary accomplishments.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc., for 25 years of hard work and dedication to the residents of Middlesex County, the State of New Jersey, and the Hispanic community. For years, PRAHD has been committed to improving the standard for living of Hispanic families through the administration of programs and services which address the social, economic, health, and educational status of these communities. Founded in 1974 as a charitable organization by the Hispanic leadership of the Perth Amboy area, the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development operates a number of service programs. From day care, educational tutoring, and youth and family counseling, to emergency legal, housing, and medical assistance, drug prevention, and various senior services, the PRAHD serve more than 12,000 people annually. The agency creates alliances with other organizations to help revitalize communities by assisting people link needs with resources. Since its inception, PRAHD has expanded to a comprehensive service agency with a budget of more than 1.6 million dollars through funding from federal, state, county, and city governments; the United Way of New Jersey; the United Way of Tri-County/IBM; the Turrell Fund; local corporations; and individual donors. The agency is governed by an eleven-member board of directors selected from the community, and is administered by Executive Director Lydia Trinidad, who is also PRAHD's Chief Executive Officer. PRAHD also relies on the support and effort of community volunteers who work in all areas of agency operations. For its unwavering commitment to the residents of New Jersey and its continued efforts on behalf of Hispanics, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding work of the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development on its 25th Anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding time to me. Madam Speaker, with all the rhetoric out there, there may be people listening to this debate who do not know what difference this bill can make in their daily lives. I think they deserve to. In a word, it is about choice. It is about consumers having more choices. If they do their banking at a small community bank and buy their insurance from a local independent agent, they can continue doing that. Nothing in this bill changes that, but it will open the doors to new innovations for people who might want them. With this bill, it is likely we will be able to dramatically reduce the fees and prices we pay for financial services when we choose to do business with a single company that offers banking, insurance, stock and mutual fund needs, all under one roof. Credit cards with permanently-fixed low interest rates may be offered, along with these unified accounts. We may see new generation ATM machines where on the way home from work we can view our mutual fund, checking and savings account, pay all our bills, from whichever account we decide, and then withdraw some cash for dinner, all in one stop. In fact, with this bill, consumers will see a whole new range of options to cut their costs and make their lives more convenient. It is also true that with these options comes legitimate concerns about privacy. That is why this bill statutorily bans the sale of our account information to third-party telemarketers. That is why we give consumers the right to decide whether or not their information can be shared with any unaffiliated party. There are, in fact, a whole host of provisions in this bill that will protect consumer privacy. Those against this bill want different privacy provisions, an opt-in, an opt-out, a broader ban. We can debate that all day, but remember, without this bill, consumers will continue to have no privacy protections and will have no access to these lower- priced services. That is why a vote against this bill is in my mind a vote against progress. A vote for this rule and for this bill is a vote for protecting consumers' privacy and increasing consumer choice. I urge my colleagues to support the conference report to S. 900, and I want to congratulate, on our side of the aisle, the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Vento) for all of their hard work.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I rise in opposition to the rule, and I rise in strong support of what will be the Dingell motion to instruct conferees that will follow, should the rule pass. This motion would guarantee protections for all Americans in managed care plans. The Republican leadership's strategy has been obvious since this debate began: delay, dilute, and deny. First, they have pulled out every obstacle in the Republican play book to delay consideration of any patient protections. Then, once the Republican leadership realized they were losing that battle, they moved on to plan B, which was to dilute meaningful reform with a watered down bill they passed in the Senate. Again, the American people overcame the Republican opposition, and we won passage in the House of a strong patients' bill of rights sponsored by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood). The bill had overwhelming bipartisan support both in Congress and across this country. But even this overwhelming support has not stopped the Republican leadership. They have simply moved on to another phase in their strategy, denying supporters of the Norwood/Dingell bill a representative voice on the conference committee and creating a bill that is not supported by the bipartisan majority of this House or by the American people. I must admit the Republican leadership has been successful in one aspect. Their strategy continues to protect their generous industry contributors. But we will continue to work to overcome whatever obstacle is thrown our way and protect the hard-working American families who are being denied health care coverage in this process who are denied the best advice of their doctors and the ability to enforce those rights we seek to provide. We will have a meaningful patients' bill of rights, and we will do so with the help of the American people, who have spoken very clearly and very loudly that they do not want to see any more loved ones have to suffer under the present system.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Woodbridge- Perth Amboy Rotary Club for seventy-five years of dedication and service to the community. With more than 2,500 local clubs in 174 countries, Rotary International's membership surpasses 1.2 million members, and the organization is world renowned for its efforts in serving the needs of its communities. Made up of men and women with diverse professional backgrounds, the Rotary Club was created so that its members could come together to donate their time and talent to benefit the communities in which they live and work. The Woodbridge-Perth Amboy Rotary Club joined in this honorable cause in 1923 with the efforts of 17 members. Over the years, this club has distinguished itself through a strong tradition of member participation and active involvement in worthy community activities, focusing on humanitarian efforts and youth issues. From remodeling homes that provide low-income housing and pledging funds that benefit senior residents, to working with the World Health Organization to eradicate illnesses such as polio in impoverished nations and providing relief for earthquake victims in Europe, members of the Woodbridge-Perth Amboy Rotary Club have remained committed not only to the people of the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey, but have extended their compassion throughout the world. The Rotarians also have an unwavering commitment to improving their communities by concentrating on youth programs. Since the Club's inception, it has supported programs such as Scouting, elementary school mentoring, high school career day, and children's concerts. Each year, the Woodbridge-Perth Amboy chapter sponsors and hosts an educational and cultural student exchange and encourages students to pursue education by funding student loans. The Woodbridge-Perth Amboy chapter has been a leader and a model for other Rotary clubs in addressing local and worldwide social concerns. For its members' tireless efforts in living up to the Rotary motto ``Service above Self '' in the Woodbridge-Perth Amboy communities, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Woodbridge-Perth Amboy Rotary Club on this occasion, its 75th anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of Halloween, Republicans have many tricks to play on the American people but no treats, and it starts with today's Labor-HHS vote. This bill does not extend the life of Social Security even by one single day. In fact, Republicans, that is why the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) does not want to support some of these bills because you have already spent $17 billion of Social Security surplus through your appropriation process. This bill fails to provide one penny for a Medicare prescription drug benefit, and this bill only does things that ultimately hurt every American family in some real way. Just like your trillion-dollar tax cut would have saddled our children with a huge debt without extending the life of Social Security and Medicare or making investments in education. And the final trick included in this bill is a 1 percent across-the-board cut that deals a blow to those struggling with diabetes when we cut the National Institutes of Health or to the child in my district walking into an overcrowded classroom. Let us give the American people a real treat by voting against this bill, a bill that does nothing for Social Security, nothing for Medicare and hurts every American family.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I hear the nervous voices of my Republican colleagues, as they should be nervous, about what they propose today before this House and before the American people. When I am back home in New Jersey, I spend a lot of my time meeting with working families who are just trying to make ends meet, parents who have to work long hours and need a place to have after-school programs for their kids, senior citizens who are scared that they may have to choose between food and the medicine they need to stay healthy. I have a group in Middlesex County that I am working with to try to serve all of our homebound, bedbound and disabled seniors hot meals. Right now a lot of these people live on cold food or one meal a day. These are real people suffering in my communities and communities across the country. So when I look at this budget bill, the question I ask is: What does this do for these people? Well, for starters it guts the funding we made to them on hot meals, and it provides nothing to provide these seniors with a prescription drug benefit, but it does not stop there. It denies a million children the chance for a safe after-school program, it cuts funding for over 8,000 desperately needed new teachers, it cuts immunizations for 330,000 poor children, and it does nothing, Mr. Speaker, to extend the life of Social Security, not even by 1 day. And why does this bill fail in all these respects? Because Republicans need the money to pay for their trillion-dollar tax giveaway, a proposal the American people rejected during the break. It is all a matter of priorities. This bill does not extend the life of Social Security even by a single day. It fails to provide one penny for a Medicare prescription drug benefit, and the only thing it does, Mr. Speaker, is hurt some American families in some very real way. To Republicans, the top priorities are tax breaks for their special- interest friends. For we Democrats the top priorities are America's seniors and families. Let us vote with them and against this rule.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey on a ``Decade of Success'' in the State of New Jersey on this occasion, its 9th Annual Convention and Expo. Starting out with just a handful of volunteers in 1989, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has become the flagship organization for New Jersey's small business community. Today, the SHCC is an organization committed to serving the needs of the Hispanic business community, while working closely with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide leadership and to promote the continued growth and development of New Jersey's economy. Championing the needs of Hispanic businesses in the State of New Jersey, the SHCC is a voluntary network of individuals, businesses, Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and regional professional associations. The network is responsible for expanding business opportunities, forging a mutually beneficial relationship between the public and private sectors, advocating businesses in the political arena, and promoting trade between New Jersey businesses and their national and international counterparts. The SHCC encourages growth through technical assistance and regional conferences for area businesses, professional associations, and entrepreneurs. Also, the SHCC provides strong leadership for New Jersey in the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as in programs such as Education NOW for future business leaders. Nationwide, Hispanic businesses are thriving. With 30,000 Hispanic- owned businesses supporting 128,000 jobs and generating $7.5 billion in sales nationwide, the Hispanic market is the fastest growing sector in the United States. In the State of New Jersey alone, this booming market has experienced an 87% increase in less than ten years. The efforts of groups such as the SHCC have been instrumental in fostering this growth. For its commitment to the survival and prosperity of Hispanic-owned businesses, as well as its unwavering leadership, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bayonne City Council Member-At-Large, Mr. Nicholas Capodice, for being named this year's 1999 Man of the Year by the Sicilian Citizen's Club. Grandson of Pietro Capodice, charter member of the Sicilian Citizen's Club, Mr. Capodice has been committed to serving the City of Bayonne. Through his exemplary service to the community, he has shown tremendous leadership. Receiving his B.A. in special education and an M.A. in Administration and Supervision from the New Jersey City University, Mr. Capodice's commitment to the educational and social development of his students is truly remarkable. He has continued his work in the field of Special Education by serving on the Bayonne Board of Education for 10 years and on the Jersey City Board of Education for the last 11 years. Mr. Capodice was recently elected Bayonne's City Council Member-At- Large, where he is Commissioner of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority. In this capacity, Mr. Capodice is responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of the economic redevelopment of the City of Bayonne. Prior to being elected to the City Council, Mr. Capodice served as a Trustee for the Bayonne Board of Education from 1991 to 1996, acting as President from 1992 to 1995. In addition, he was a member of the Board of School Estimates from 1993 to 1994. For his dedication to the people of the City of Bayonne and his extraordinary service record, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating City Councilman Nicholas Capodice on being named 1999 Man of the Year by the Sicilian Citizen's Club of Bayonne.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hispanic Summer Program on its 10th Anniversary, and to recognize its Director, Dr. Justo Luis Gonzalez, for his dedication and leadership in the organization. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1937, Dr. Gonzalez has embodied the spiritual values of community, dignity, and ministry throughout his life. His significant contribution to theological education over the past twenty-two years has helped build a worldwide ecumenical network that serves as a model for academic globalization. Upon completion of college studies in Cuba, Dr. Gonzalez studied at Yale University and received three graduate degrees there, including a doctorate. He was ordained as a Methodist Minister and, in 1969, he became an American citizen. Dr. Gonzalez has educated students as a professor at the Evangelical Seminary in Puerto Rico and at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of more than sixty books and hundreds of articles, which can be found in the Spanish, English, Chinese, Russian, and Korean communities. Currently, Dr. Gonzalez is committed to theological education in a variety of ways, including serving as editor of ``Apuntes'', a journal of Hispanic theology published in the United States. For his remarkable commitment to theological education, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Justo and the Hispanic Summer Program on its 10th Anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Guillermo Estevez, Director of the New Jersey Office of the International Rescue Committee, for 20 years of dedicated service, and to congratulate him on his retirement from the organization. From volunteer to Director, Mr. Estevez has had a remarkable career with the International Rescue Committee, Inc. Mr. Estevez and IRC provided assistance to more than 25,000 refugees from all over the world in the quest for freedom. Since his arrival in the United States in 1979, Mr. Estevez has been a pro-active leader in the human rights struggle in Cuba. A political prisoner himself, who served more than 20 years in the jails of Communist Cuba, Mr. Estevez has firsthand knowledge of the flagrant disregard for civil and human rights on the island. Over the years, Mr. Estevez has spearheaded many marches and demonstrations against the Communist Regime in Cuba. Through the streets of New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, and various cities in my home State of New Jersey, Mr. Estevez has been instrumental in shining a light on the too often overshadowed abuses in Cuba. In Mr. Estevez's fight for a free and democratic Cuba, he founded, organized, and served as first General Coordinator of the Cuban Civic Committee. Mr. Estevez's efforts were rewarded when he was recently named to the Free Cuba Task Force by the Governor of the State of New Jersey. Mr. Estevez was the first Hispanic member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey State Prison Complex and was a member of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee of the Hudson County Human Services Advisory Committee. For his remarkable contributions to the fight against civil and human rights violations, specifically in regard to the fight against the Cuban Communist Regime, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Estevez on a truly exceptional career and to wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, I rise to offer this amendment. Thousands of passengers ride in commercial passenger vans daily. I know because I see them driving throughout my district, one of the most heavily traveled and populated districts in the country. Currently, commercial passenger vans carrying less than 16 passengers do not have to meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety standards. As a consequence, in New Jersey we have seen increasing violations of safety guidelines by commercial van operators that carry less than 16 passengers. Now, these are not typical van pools or church vans or limousines. That is not what we are concerned about. Rather, they are for-profit entities providing transportation services, hundreds of them over the same route, damaging each other. Two of them have hit pedestrians just within the last year. So while many operators act in good faith and comply with safety guidelines, there are some who risk the lives of their passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road around them. They do not meet safety standards. According to the Department of Transportation, however, there is still not enough data available to justify forcing these companies to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. That is why I am offering my amendment. My amendment would have the DOT carry out a comprehensive study of commercial vans carrying more than eight passengers and submit the report to Congress in a year.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, I appreciate the Chairman's support; and I know when to cease and desist.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I rise to engage the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking Democratic member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, in a colloquy. I am extremely concerned about commercial passenger van safety as a result of what is happening in my own district, one of the most densely populated in the country. Section 4008 of the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st century, TEA 21, enacted in June of 1998, provides that vehicles carrying more than eight passengers for compensation shall be subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, except to the extent that within 1 year of enactment of TEA 21, the Secretary of Transportation specifically determines through a rulemaking proceeding to exempt any of these operators from these regulations. In September of 1999, the Secretary issued two rules regarding commercial van safety. Neither of these rules immediately applies safety regulations to small passenger-carrying commercial vans. DOT proposes to require that these vehicles file a motor carrier identification report, mark their commercial motor vehicles with a U.S. DOT identification number, and maintain an accident register. If this proposal is made final, DOT would collect data for an unspecified period of time, and then presumably begin proceedings to consider whether the vehicles should be subject to Federal regulations. Thus, today, 16 months after TEA 21 was signed into law, commercial operators are still not subject to motor carrier safety regulations; and DOT has just started proceedings to finally determine this issue. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota to see if he can give me some perspective.

Mr. MENENDEZ. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his information, and I look forward to working with the ranking member and the chairman of the full committee in hopefully trying to make some progress on this matter. Amendment Offered by Mr. Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to the amendment.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. As one of the cosponsors with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) on this legislation, I want to rise to support the rule and also support the legislation. This is one of those pieces of legislation that has been worked on in a bipartisan effort. It has many Democrat cosponsors on it. It is one that brings us together on the issue of trade because it is about creating American jobs at home and making sure that America is competitive abroad. I know that during the debate we will hear different views of that, but the fact of the matter is that this is an agency that gives money to the Federal Treasury, that ultimately promotes American interests abroad, that creates jobs at home, and at the end of the day, also serves America's national foreign policy interests by having our entrepreneurs abroad engage in those economies. So for all of those reasons, I urge adoption of the rule, and I urge adoption of the underlying legislation.