Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) for an explanation of next week's schedule.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I would ask him if he would be able to answer a question or two about the schedule. We certainly all wish our colleagues a safe journey and a good Columbus day celebration. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman expect any late nights next week, in view of the schedule as the gentleman has announced it? And in terms of our effort to make this place family-friendly, does the gentleman expect any late nights next week?

Mr. MENENDEZ. I thank the gentleman. That would be helpful to our families. We have heard about a November schedule from some of our colleagues on the other side who are wondering, and we are wondering, when that might be available to the minority so that Members can plan. If our expectation is to be here in November, we would like to know that schedule as well, if the gentleman would be so kind as to respond.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ironbound Community Corporation as it celebrates its 30th anniversary of service and dedication to the people of the ``Ironbound'' and East Ward sections of Newark, NJ. Serving one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods in the State, the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) has been a progressive and vocal force in the community since it opened its door in 1969. it has led the way in addressing the particular needs and concerns faced by a multicultural and multilingual community. For 30 years, the ICC has planned, implemented, and operated a number of vital programs for residents of the Ironbound. From a nationally accredited preschool child care program to an extensive ``Meals on Wheels'' delivery service for seniors to environmental clean-ups to GED, English, and college courses, the ICC has worked diligently to improve the quality of life in Newark's Ironbound. This weekend, led by President Susanna Stradiotti and Executive Director Joseph Della Fave, the ICC will commemorate its 30th anniversary by honoring three members of the community who embody the intent and purpose of the organization and three individuals who directly benefited from ICC's various programs. This year's three honorees are: Patricia Moreira, Preschool Teacher for 30 years at the Ironbound Children's Center: June Kruszewski, resident of the community for 72 years, volunteer for 20 years, co- chair of the Ironbound Committee Against Toxic Waste, and member of the ICC Board of Trustees; and, Joseph Rendeiro, principal of the Hawkins St. School and former teacher at the Ironbound Adult Education Project. This year's ICC Success Story honorees are: Rosa Coneicao, graduate of the ICC Adult Education Project, Director of Work First at Essex County College, Fellow at Leadership Newark, and member of the ICC Board of Trustees; Fred Linhares, graduate of the Ironbound Childern's Center, President of the Portuguese American Congress, and Municipal Judge; Ed Norton, graduate of the ICC Community School and Owner/ Operator of the Dalfen Printing Co. For its unwavering commitment to the Ironbound and East Ward sections of Newark, and for its continued leadership in community service, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Ironbound Community Center on its 30th anniversary.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yolanda's Academy of Music and Dance on the celebration of its 25th Annual Recital and its founder, Ms. Yolanda Fernandez-Quincoces, for her many accomplishments. She has made every effort to provide a forum in which the young people of Hudson County, and particularly of Union City, NJ, are able to express their interest in the arts. Born in Havana, Cuba, Ms. Fernandez demonstrated tremendous artistic ability at a very young age. After moving to the United States with her family, Ms. Fernandez begun taking lessons in ballet and piano at the age of five. She continued her training at the New Jersey Ballet, Oneida's Dance Studio, and the American Ballet Theater, where she also excelled in Flamenco dance and piano while attending classes with renowned leaders in the fields of study. Ms. Fernandez, since receiving her bachelor's degree in Music Education from New York University, has served as a music and dance educator at the Woodrow Wilson School for the Integrated Arts in my hometown of Union City, NJ, where she is known for her remarkable commitment to her student's education. Ms. Fernandez has demonstrated her dedication to the arts and education through her involvement in such associations as the Dance Educators of America, the Dance Masters of America, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the National Education Association. Her participation in the advancement of the arts includes making personal appearances at the New Jersey Opera and on various television broadcasts. In addition, she produced and hosted her own television program called ``Art Beat.'' Ms. Fernandez's artistic contributions to the community and her unwavering commitment to promoting the arts in our schools have not gone unnoticed. In 1996, she was named ``Teacher of the Year'' by Union City, Hudson County, and the Governor of the State of New Jersey. In 1996 and 1997, she received the prestigious ``Outstanding Choreographer'' Award from the Dance Educators of America in New York City. In recognition of Ms. Fernandez's impassioned devotion to promoting the arts in our schools and communities, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating her, as well as Yolanda's Academy of Music and Dance, on this occasion, the 25th Annual Recital, and wishing Ms. Fernandez continued success in her endeavors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Dingell-Norwood bill because it is the only bipartisan bill that addresses the needs and concerns of some families in my district who need a level playing field in dealing with their managed care plans. I am hopeful, however, we will have the opportunity to provide the funding offsets we were denied on the floor today. This issue is simply too important to families like the one in my district in which a child was denied postoperative care by their managed care plan and, as a result, suffered severe life-long health complications. It is these families for whom we should level the playing field. And the Republican leadership should be having breakfast with them, not the fat-cat insurance companies who want to kill the Patients' Bill of Rights. We can ensure that doctors, not insurance bureaucrats, make medical decisions in the best interests of the patient not the health plan. This is not about lawyers. It is about empowering patients by giving them the right to hold their plans accountable when they are denied care. The Dingell-Norwood bill levels the playing field, empowers patients and, as a result, ensures access to quality health care for all Americans.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to set the record straight on managed care reform. Just this week, the GOP leadership accused the President of trying to rush through a health plan simply to get it done and said that, ``Republicans want to get it done right, not fast.'' However, Republicans want it done right for their special interests like insurance companies, not for the American people. Their plan would protect insurance companies from liability, rather than protect patients when insurance bureaucrats deny them care. Our proposal on the other hand is the right approach for the American people. We guarantee patients the right to hold plans accountable when they arbitrarily deny medical care. The Republican leadership's proposal is right for insurance companies because it lets insurance bureaucrats rather than doctors make decisions about medical treatment. Our proposal is right for the American people because it ensures that doctors make medical decisions that are in the best interest of a patient, not the health plan. So I ask, who is really doing what is right for the American People?

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, crafting a responsible budget is about choices. It is about priorities. We Democrats want to use the surplus to save Social Security and Medicare, pay down the debt, and educate our kids; but Republicans want to use the surplus to fund their risky $800 billion tax giveaway. Now we Democrats stand by our priorities because we know that they are the priorities of the American people, but Republicans cannot seem to figure out what they stand for. One minute they are for a huge tax cut for the wealthy. Then they claim their number one priority is saving Social Security. Then they are the party of education. Then it is paying down the debt. Republicans have yet to accept the responsibility of leadership because they cannot have it all. Right now, their own Congressional Budget Office says their plan breaks the spending caps. It busts the budget. If we are going to save Social Security and Medicare and pay down our debt, then they cannot have an $800 billion tax giveaway. Democrats know that. The President knows that, and the American people know that. Apparently, with one day left in the fiscal year, Republicans have their heads buried in the sand and their priorities all mixed up.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Susan Corrigan for winning the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton Memorial Award. Initiated by the United Way of Hudson County in 1990, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit a deep commitment to community service as exemplified by Congresswoman Mary T. Norton during her 13 terms in the House of Representatives (1925-1950). A leader who championed thinking outside of the box, Congresswoman Norton advocated government action in areas, such as day care, fair employment practices, health care for veterans, and the inclusion of women in high levels of government service. Ms. Corrigan, one of this year's award recipients, is the founder and President/CEO of Gifts In-Kind International, the world's leading charity in product philanthropy. Under her guidance, Gifts In-Kind International is now the 13th largest charity in the United States. And, as the organization has continued to have a very positive impact on the nonprofit sector, Ms. Corrigan has twice been named in The NonProfit Times' list of the Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Philanthropy. Because of her commitment to community service, Ms. Corrigan received the 1991 Cantor Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from the Pacific Graduate School in Stanford, California, and the Samaritan Foundation's 1996 Humanitarian Partnership Award. In addition, she is a member of The Washington Center's Independent Sector Program Initiative Honorary Advisory Committee. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Ms. Corrigan has served as Assistant to the President at United Way of America and is the author of several publications, including Establishing an In-Kind Program, The Business Sense of In-Kind Giving, and Employment Generating Services. A well deserving award recipient who embodies the life work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton, Ms. Corrigan has dedicated her life to community service. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Corrigan for all of her outstanding service to the community and for carrying on the work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Harriet Hamilton for winning the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton Memorial Award. Initiated by the United Way of Hudson County in 1990, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit a deep commitment to community service as exemplified by Congresswoman Mary T. Norton during her 13 terms in the House of Representatives (1925-1950). A leader who championed thinking outside of the box, Congresswoman Norton advocated government action in areas, such as day care, fair employment practices, health care for veterans, and the inclusion of women in high levels of government service. Sister Harriet, a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and one of this year's award recipients, began her career serving Hudson County under the auspices of Catholic Community Services, providing counseling and support services to pregnant teens and their families. For the last 12 years, Sister Harriet has dedicated full-time service to the needs of multi-handicapped blind children at St. Joseph's School for the Blind. In addition, Sister Harriet is the executive director of the York Street Project in Jersey City, New Jersey. A nonprofit social service organization, the York Street Project provides transitional housing, education, child care, and counseling to the homeless and economically- disadvantaged women and children of Hudson County. From the Project's planning years in the early 1980's Sister Harriet's commitment, leadership, and faith have helped bring about positive change in the lives of hundreds of area residents. Sister Harriet was also proactive in the establishment of Kenmare High School, an alternative school offering a second chance for young women forced to drop out of high school, and founded The Nurturing Place, an Early Childhood Development Center for homeless and at-risk children. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Sister Harriet is a well deserving recipient of the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton Memorial Award. For the past 36 years, she has dedicated her life to compassionate service for others. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sister Harriet for all of her outstanding service to the community and for carrying on the work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Loretta Long for winning the United Way's Congresswoman Mary T. Norton Memorial Award. Initiated by the United Way of Hudson County in 1990, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit a deep commitment to community service as exemplified by Congresswoman Mary T. Norton during her 13 terms in the House of Representatives (1925-1950). A leader who championed thinking outside of the box, Congresswoman Norton advocated government action in areas, such as day care, fair employment practices, health care for veterans, and the inclusion of woman in high levels of government service. Dr. Loretta Long, one of this year's award recipients, has been with the goundbreaking children's show Sesame Street since its first season. As television has been evolving to portray a more real and true vision of American life, particularly in roles for women and minorities, Dr. Long has enjoyed watching her role as Susan grow from housewife to nurse to working mother. In addition to her work on Sesame Street, the former schoolteacher is a sought-after educator and consultant who holds a doctorate degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She has joined several institutions as a distinguished visiting scholar and has taught at Sage College, Rowen University, the University of Scranton, the University of Massachusetts, and Western Michigan University. Dr. Long extended her years of knowledge and experience in the field of education on topics such as the media and cultural diversity in the following school districts: Albany City Schools; Troy City Schools; Schenectady City Schools; Atlantic City School District; Pittman Consolidated School; Cape May County Schools; Pocono Valley School District; Scranton City Schools; North Pocono Valley Schools; Valley View School District; Scranton Prep; and the Laboratory School at the University of Scranton. A much deserving award recipient who embodies the life work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton, Dr. Long has dedicated her life to the education of America's children. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Long for all of her outstanding service to the community and for carrying on the work of Congresswoman Mary T. Norton.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Infineum's Linden Technology Center for being awarded the star site status by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under its Voluntary Protection Program. A distinguished petroleum additives company, Infineum has continued to lead the way in employee health and safety. It has been an active force, committed to improving the quality of life for its employees and for the residents of the City of Linden and the State of New Jersey. Because of its dedication to achieving the utmost in safety regulations for its employees, Infineum's Linden Technology Center's program is one of the most comprehensive safety programs in the country. In fact, Infineum has voluntarily set the highest standards for safety and health at its facilities around the world. The OSHA Star, one of the highest honors awarded by the department, hails businesses that not only comply with OSHA's strict health and safety guidelines but also strive to surpass them through additional self-imposed restrictions. This year, the Linden Technology Center has achieved this level of excellence and is recognized as an OSHA star site. For its continued efforts in, and dedication to, occupational safety, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Infineum's Linden Technology Center, its management team, and all of its employees on being named an OSHA star site.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 38th Annual Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade and Banquet for their efforts to stimulate cultural pride and diversity in Jersey City, New Jersey. Armed with a vision to promote Puerto Rican culture through pride and unity, the Puerto Rican Day Parade began its annual parade 38 years ago in Jersey City--the oldest such parade in the State of New Jersey. Starting out with just a few local organizations, both the parade and the message of cultural diversity which it emphasizes has grown tremendously. This year, the city is expecting more than 70,000 spectators at the event on Sunday, August 22nd, which starts at Lincoln Park in Jersey City. The Jersey City Puerto Rican Day Parade has continued to be a success, year after year, because of the dedication and tireless efforts of the Parade Committee Members. This year's members are: Hiram Cardonia, President; Antonio Torres, Vice President; Enid Rivera, Executive Secretary; Lourdes Arroyo, Corresponding Secretary; Evelyn Rodriguez, Treasurer; Grimilda Sanchez, Pageant Coordinator; Octavia Sanchez, Pageant Coordinator; Iris Tirado, Pageant Coordinator; Mariano Vega, Banquet Coordinator; Nidia Davila-Colon, Banquet Coordinator; Hiram Cardona; Annie Estrada; Helen Vargas; Elizabeth Morales; Hector Garcia; Roberto Valentin; Manay Matta; and Miguel Acosta. At the Banquet on Friday, August 20, 1999, which is being held in the Casino in Lincoln Park, the Parade Committee will be honoring some outstanding and truly noteworthy members of Jersey City's Puerto Rican community for all of their contributions to the city. Those honorees are: Rafael Bou, Grand Marshal; Hector Rodriguez, Puerto Rican Man of the Year; Lourdes Arroyo, Puerto Rican Woman of the Year; Grimilda Sanchez, Local Godmother; William Estremera, Local Godfather; Frank Lorenzo, Police Officer of the Year; Yomo Toro, Padrino International; Roberto Nunez, Fireman of the Year; Nellie Tanco, Madrina International; Captain George Bueno, Fire Officer of the Year; Jose Cotty, Paramedic of the Year; and Orlando Cuervas, Puerto Rican Artist of the Year. For its commitment to the Puerto Rican community and the city of Jersey City, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Puerto Rican community in Jersey City, all of the committee members who contributed to the event, and all of this year's honorees. Its remarkable efforts in promoting cultural diversity and unity have truly bettered the entire city.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Jersey's Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee for their efforts to stimulate cultural pride and diversity in Newark, New Jersey. The Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee is dedicated to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life for many Hispanic residents in the State of New Jersey. From raising money for scholarships to renovating community centers such as La Casa Puerto Rico Cultural Center, the PRHSC has continued to be a driving force to improve the community. Armed with a vision to promote Puerto Rican culture through pride and unity, the PRHSC began its annual parade 37 years ago in Newark. Starting out with just a few local organizations marching down Broad Street in Newark, the parade has grown to more than 100 groups marching in a two hour televised event. In addition, a feast, ``Fiestas Patronales,'' the largest of its kind attracting more than 150,000 people, was added to the festivities seven years ago at Branch Brook Park. Through the years, the parade has expanded the scope to applaud the achievements of other Hispanic communities such as Dominicans, Ecuadorians, Colombians, Peruvians, and Uruguayans. In addition, the parade and PRHSC have helped to create a forum in which the Hispanic community and the business community can join and work together to spread the message of unity. As we approach the 21st Century, PRHSC has spearheaded the effort to encourage businesses and leaders to invest in, and appeal to, the still largely untapped Hispanic community. For its commitment to the Puerto Rican and larger Hispanic communities, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating New Jersey's Puerto Rican Heritage Statewide Committee. Its tireless efforts have truly made a difference and continue to better the people of the State.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of this year's Ecuadorian Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate Ecuador's independence celebration for their tremendous contributions to the State of New Jersey. On August 10, 1999, the Ecuadorian Flag Raising Ceremony will observe Ecuador's independence by honoring an array of civic leaders and community activists from Jersey City, New Jersey. The Ceremony creates a forum which highlights efforts in promoting not only Ecuadorian cultural pride but also for the important and difficult task of providing role models for our children and young people. This year's honorees are: Ecuadoreans for Jersey City: George Barreto, Washington Davida, Sergio Mendez, Denis Tapia, Rosa Tapia, Lourdes Porras, Santiago Cavagnaro, Blanca Barzola, Frank Molina, Armando Molina, and Sara Velazquez. Ecuadorian Civic Organizations: La Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, Comite Civico Ecuatoriano, Sociedad Tungurahuense de New Jersey, A.S.O.P.R.E.X., and Cultuarte. Ecuadorian newspapers: Ecuador News, Campana News, El Expreso, and Latinos. In addition, special tributes and presentations are set to be awarded to Mr. Napoleon Barragan, founder of 1-800-MAT-TRES, Mr. Hector Delgado, founder and proprietor of Delgado Travel, and Mr. Angelo del Monaco, the five-time world record holding Ecuadorian cyclist, for their outstanding achievements and unquestionable leadership. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the recipients honored by the Ecuadorian Flag Raising Ceremony for all of their accomplishments. Their tremendous contributions have truly strengthened the City of Jersey City, and, I wish them all continued luck and success in community service.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership can somehow find the time to pass a trillion dollar tax giveaway to the special interests who said this last weekend, We got the sun, the moon, the sky in the Republican tax bill. But that tax cut will add hundreds of billions of dollars to our national debt, debt for the very people who pay the taxes we are asking about. But they cannot find the time to address the needs of America's families. We already know they will not bring a patients' protection act to the floor because they will not stand up to the HMO industry, and now, 1 month before the start of the school year, they will not even bring up a school modernization bill to the floor because they will not stand up and be counted for the Nation's children. So, this morning, we Democrats begin signing a discharge petition to force them to do so. Some of our children will be going back to schools where there is inadequate heating for the winter, and without the modern educational tools they deserve. Yes, this Republican Congress is a do-nothing Congress, but much worse than that, it has no values. The values of our children should be upheld today.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen). (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), ranking Democrat of the Committee on International Relations.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2\1/4\ minutes. First, let me thank the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the ranking member of the committee, for yielding me this time. I join my colleague the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews) in saying that I am against corporate welfare, but this, the subject of his amendment, is not about corporate welfare. It is hard to understand how anyone can object to a program that returns money to the U.S. Treasury while at the same time furthering our foreign policy goals and helping to increase foreign investments and exports overseas. Last year, OPIC earned a profit of $139 million. And in fiscal year 2000, OPIC will contribute an estimated $204 million in net negative budget authority. In fact, OPIC has had a positive net income for every year of operation with reserves now totaling $3.3 billion. All that we do through the appropriation process is to allow OPIC to spend money that it has already earned to cover its administrative costs. We do not save money for the taxpayers by cutting OPIC's appropriations. In fact, quite to the contrary. By supporting this amendment, we will forfeit an estimated over $200 million in net budget authority for the next fiscal year. At a time when Congress is trying to adhere to the constraints of a balanced budget, OPIC stands apart as a revenue-earning program. And at a time that we are facing record high trade deficits, we need to be looking at ways to expand our export promotion programs, not contract them. More American exports mean more American jobs. More than 237,000 American jobs have been created as a result of OPIC's supported projects. In our home State of New Jersey, OPIC has provided over $1 billion in financing and insurance, generating $3 billion in U.S. exports and creating over 10,000 jobs. We should not be so shortsighted. We live in a global economy and only those who can compete will succeed. This is not corporate welfare. OPIC is one of the ways that we ensure that American companies and American jobs thrive in the next century. We cannot afford to be so naive as to believe that American companies, large and small, can compete without this type of support when their competitors have the full economic and diplomatic support of their governments. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose the Andrews amendment.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the distinguished ranking Democrat on the Committee on Ways and Means. (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Paul J. Hanak on twenty-nine years of dedicated service to the citizens of Union City, New Jersey, and to congratulate him on his retirement from the force. In August 1970, Mr. Hanak joined the Union City Police Force as a Patrol Officer where his hard work and dedication was quickly recognized and rewarded. By 1974, Mr. Hanak started his rise through the ranks when he was promoted to Sergeant. In the following years, he rose to Lieutenant in 1979, Captain in 1983, Deputy Chief in 1987, and finally Chief of the Union City Police Force in 1997. Through the years, Chief Hanak was revered by his fellow officers as being responsive to their needs and compassionate about their daily stresses. He always set time aside to give advice and counsel. In fact, it was his mission statement which set the stage for the entire force: ``Compassion, Proficiency and Respect.'' It is this type of work ethic, of motivation, that epitomized Chief Hanak's career. Always committed to his sense of civic responsibility, Chief Hanak continued to flourish and grow in the criminal justice field outside the bounds of the police force. Receiving a Law Degree from Seton Hall University, Chief Hanak passed the New Jersey State Bar in 1971. In addition, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Jersey City State College, teaching courses on the Criminal Justice System. I am happy to congratulate Chief Paul Hanak for his long and distinguished career; for his dedication and service to the Union City Police Force; and for his compassion for and understanding of his fellow officers and all the people of Union City. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in wishing this exceptional man a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, Republicans keep saying that the money in the budget surplus belongs to the American people, falsely implying that we Democrats disagree with that. For the record, we do not disagree. The surplus belongs to the American people. They are the ones who have paid for it. They are the ones who worked for it. That is why we are listening to the American people, who are telling us that their values is to use the surplus to pay down the national debt and to save Social Security and Medicare. Republicans, on the other hand, are listening to all the special interests and high-priced Washington lobbyists, who are telling them to waste the surplus on a trillion dollar tax giveaway. So, Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. It is we Democrats who are listening to the voices and values of America's working families. Because we know this Government does belong to them and they are demanding that we exercise some real fiscal discipline, pay down the national debt, and extend the life of Social Security and Medicare. Democrats are committed to doing that. If the Republicans really believed the surplus belongs to the American people, they would listen to the voices of those people.