Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Temple Beth-El of Jersey City, NJ, celebrating the 130th anniversary of its founding. The temple also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the dedication of its magnificent sanctuary. A Sabbath service rededicating the sanctuary will be held on May 17, 1996, and a gala dinner party will be held on May 18, 1996. In the mid- to late-1860's a small group of Jewish worshippers in Jersey City began to congregate for prayer and study. Soon thereafter, the congregation began to grow and this culminated in the formation of the Isaac Ephrain Congregation. Finally, in 1871 the congregation adopted the name Temple Beth-El. Over the years, Temple Beth-El has grown and flourished as a prominent religious and educational institution. The selection of Rabbi Samuel A. Berman, now Rabbi Emeritus, to join Temple Beth-El in 1936 proved to be an important decision. For 60 years Rabbi Berman has been bringing his enthusiasm, innate sense of spirituality, and devotion to Jewish learning into the temple. He created and implemented many new programs within the temple to assist its members. The temple, headed now by Rabbi Kenneth Brickman since 1989, offers many educational and support programs for the Jewish people. The nursery school, in cooperation with the Jewish Community Center, the Violet Zall-Hordes Mishpacha Family Education Program and the Sunday School allow young Jewish families to learn, appreciate, and enjoy their rich tradition. The Violet Zall-Hordes Lecture Series provides the adult Jewish community with an opportunity to enhance and learn more about their heritage and history. Members of the temple were active in the civil rights movement in the 1960's and remain committed to the message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Every year on the national holiday marking Dr. King's birth temple members and representatives of the African-American community join together for a celebration. In addition to Rabbi Brickman, the temple has been blessed with the leadership of Irwin Rosen, who has worked tirelessly for the membership. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Temple Beth-El for its commitment to its members and the community at large. Temple Beth-El is a place that offers hope and love for all those seeking a divine embrace.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ruben Pabon, Jr., for his distinguished and dedicated service to the community. Mr. Pabon will be honored today by the Cabinet of Lions District 16-E, the Newark Borinquen Lions Club, the Newark Pan American Lions Club, and the Elizabeth Cubanos Lions Club, the Newark Portuguese Lions Club. The gala dinner dance being held in Newark, NJ, will pay tribute to this unique individual. Today's commemoration recognizes the numerous contributions Mr. Pabon has made to the community. Born in New York City, Mr. Pabon served as a sergeant in the Armed Forces during the Korean war. He was stationed in Germany where he served his country with courage and distinction. After his career in the Armed Forces, he pursued a career that placed him in contact with the community. Mr. Pabon's community involvement began in 1981, when he joined the Newark Boriquen Lions Club. The club serves the large Hispanic community of the city of Newark. While a member of the club, Mr. Pabon began to get involved with various community issues, including his advocacy for the Association for Retarded Citizens, Bergen-Passaic County unit. He also serves on a Bergen County task force working to establish a multicultural center for Hispanic senior citizens. Mr. Pabon serves as a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 1345 of Dumont-Bergenfield and as a treasurer of the Spanish-American Cultural Association. He has been honored on special occasions for his wonderful work with the Lion's Club. Among his many awards are: the Governor's Award; the International Presidents Award; and the Ramiro Collazo Award. Ruben Pabon, Jr., has distinguished himself with his contributions to the elderly and disabled citizens of New Jersey. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this outstanding individual.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Magill Property Management for their wonderful contribution to the community. They will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday May 13, 1996, to unveil 11-unit affordable housing complex at 800 East Jersey Street in Elizabeth, NY. In 1987, Magill Property Management began work on its first property. Through the years, the business grew and flourished into a well respected enterprise. Magill Property Management is a certified minority business that strives to help the community. Angel Magill combines a strong sense of community with a shrewed business sense. When Mr. Magill undertakes an enterprise the whole community profits, not just himself. Magill Property Management is marking a great achievement. Angel Magill built this affordable housing project on the ashes of a dilapidated old building. He was aided in his efforts by the Elizabeth Home Improvement Program, which secured the funding from various sources including the Home Investment Partnership Program [HOME] and the low income housing tax credits [LIHTC]. Affordable housing units are more than bricks and mortar. They are a place where dreams come true for low income families, where people can rebuild their lives, and where they can take steps to build a financially secure future. Mr. Magill and his firm make these dreams turn into reality. Magill Property Management has done its part for the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Magill Property Management for their efforts to provide comfortable and affordable housing for low- income families.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I know it is an election year and this type of partisan ploy is expected, but still I find it incredibly difficult to understand how my balanced budget minded, fiscally conservative Republican colleagues, who shut down the Federal Government to save the future of our children, can come before this House and stretch out their hands for $1 million to fund a special committee for 6 months when its oversight work could easily be done by the House Committee on International Relations, of which I am a member. It is the right committee on substance, on policy and process as it relates to this issue. The most expensive subcommittee of the House Committee on International Relations does not spend in 1 year what the Republicans are proposing to spend on this committee for 6 months. Mr. Speaker, we can get to the truth that the majority leader spoke of without more government and more tax dollars. In truth, the genesis of the Bosnian crisis and the arms issue goes back to the Bush administration, and if we are going to have this committee, I hope we bring out members of that former administration to discuss what they did and did not know and what they did and did not do. Mr. Speaker, these are the same Members who stood before the House arguing that children in my district did not need school lunches, that the cost of safe drinking water and clean air were too high, that energy assistance for seniors and financial aid for college students had to be forfeited in time of fiscal constraints. Mr. Speaker, this is nothing more than a baldface use of taxpayers' dollars to fund a Republican campaign gimmick, one that was expressed in a memo from the Republican leadership to cause political harm to the President. What a waste of taxpayers' money.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation. Last August, I raised questions about the wisdom of this piece of legislation. Here is why I am concerned about this bill: $571 billion of economic activity move through our Nation's ports; 15 million jobs are generated in those ports. That is one in every seven jobs in the country. Oceangoing vessels move over 95 percent of the U.S. overseas trade by weight and 75 percent by value. This generates an estimated $15 billion in U.S. customs duty revenue. These are truly staggering numbers and the bill today jeopardizes all of them. Listen my colleagues, if you have a small or medium sized port and you support H.R. 2149, you can kiss your port goodbye. I want to cite a September 1995 article in World Wide Shipping which discusses ocean shipping deregulation. It states that a few giant shipping consortia with global reach will dominate the world sealanes before the end of the century, four short years away. One of the prime supporters of today's bill outlined the scenario where maritime container commerce would be 85 to 90 percent controlled by a few conglomerated super-companies and that is the driving factor in today's move to deregulate the U.S. shipping industry and carrier operating alliances. The Republican revolution is putting deregulation into the fast forward mode. At what cost? The byproduct will be the demise of the niche carrier, the feeder lines and the north-south lines with no other links in the shipping chain. One can almost hear the long knives sharpening as these huge combinations prepare to carve up the commerce of the United States. You will be told that this is the wave of the future. This is the key to international competition. We were told the same things before the current downsizing craze and the merger and acquisition craze of the 1980's. Tell this lame economics to the workers who have been laid off and the port workers who will lose their jobs. See if they believe you. I want to quote a former Republican colleague of ours from Maryland who has stood foresquare in opposition to this legislation, Helen Bentley, recognized as an expert on maritime commerce. Ms. Bentley is unequivocal: she says that this legislation will result in the reduction of U.S. ports to as few as four. There are now over 100 public ports serving this country. From 100 ports to 4, now that's downsizing any corporate pirate can be proud of. This bill is simple. Big shippers and big carriers have gotten together and put the screws to the nations' commerce. Ask your local port authority. They oppose this legislation and have been threatened and punished for it. Right now, port-critical language in the Water Resources Development Act is being threatened with reprisal. There has never been even a single hearing in the House on this bill. One hearing was held last February 1995 on maritime issues. Last week, there was even a hearing on the Federal Maritime Administration authorization but this legislation was not even mentioned. If you read the February 1995 testimony, only one, single witness favored the position taken in this bill. There was strong opposition from every other sector of the maritime community against wholesale deregulation. Then something mysterious happened. Let me now quote page 10 of the committee report: It should be noted that during the Spring and Summer of 1995 numerous, in depth meetings and discussions were held under the committee's auspices to forge a bill that could enjoy wide support among all segments of the ocean shipping industry to the greatest extent possible. I note that the use of the phrase ``forge a bill'' could be construed in the same sense one could forge a check because this bill is drawn on an insufficient basis. A bill was introduced one day before the markup in August, yet it took until November to file the report. There is something very fishy about this bill and it smells of backroom, closed door, special interest at the expense of everyone else. I say let the sunshine in. If this legislation enjoys widespread support in the ocean shipping community, why are responsible parties expressing concern about this bill being subjected to bullying, threats, and intimidation? Why were all the discussions conducted behind closed doors? I know that responsible parties with legitimate interests like the port authorities and labor have been repeatedly threatened because they have voiced concerns about what this legislation means. Here are a few of the concerns that have been raised about this bill. H.R. 2149 would allow large carriers and large shippers to discriminate against ports in favor of super-hub ports without public notice or public recourse. H.R. 2149 would effectively impose higher rates on small and medium sized shippers to subsidize secret deals made between large carriers and large shippers. Many shippers would simply go out of business. H.R. 2149 would result in massive job dislocation in port communities. Wages and benefits would be pushed downward as ports compete against ports and exporters compete against exporters. H.R. 2149 is not deregulation. It is cartelling. H.R. 2149 will not result in an ocean transportation industry governed by market principles or competition. It will result in a system of cartels which will operate with legal impunity. The United States has never before recognized a cartel of this type. H.R. 2149 threatens billions of dollars in taxpayer investment in public ports and facilities. I think that these are issues of consequence. I think that a radical change in $571 billion in commerce merits at least a single hearing in an open and free atmosphere. Here is the bottomline: H.R. 2149 smells of the bad old days of monopoly power. It reeks of secret contracts, immunity from antitrust laws and no Government safeguards to act as a referee. If you like secret deals, monopolies, unemployment, and recession, while billions of dollars get funnelled directly into the pockets of the cartels, then you should vote for H.R. 2149. If you care about the Nation, the economy or government conducted in the sunshine, you will oppose this bill.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words in support of the Oberstar amendment. I want to salute the ranking member [Mr. Oberstar] for his creative and market-oriented proposal. This amendment is precisely what should have been done in the committee process, an open discussion of the meaning and implication of the legislation. I am no enemy of deregulation, and believe all of us who are supporting Mr. Oberstar are of the same view. I personally wrote the New Jersey Telecommunications Act, which substantially deregulated the industry and modernized my State phone system into a national telecommunications leader. I have voted for similar proposals here in the House. I think there are constructive measures that will improve ocean transportation, but it cannot be a backroom deal. The Oberstar amendment has broken the code. Look at the bill. What does the term ``confidential agreement'' mean? If we are deregulating this industry, why do we have to include authorization for confidential contracts? The gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Oberstar] has it right. Secret deals. This bill is carteling in its purest form, secret deals, antitrust immunity and no Government oversight. Do we really think the small shipper has any chance in the face of this monopoly power? To the friends of small businesses in this Congress, you have got to think, your transportation price may go down in the short term just long enough to consolidate the vast grants of monopoly power, and then you will pay and you will pay dearly. Chairman Shuster has stated correctly that antitrust immunity covers only the conference rate and not rates negotiated by an individual carrier, but in reality both rates are part of a package. The carriers are allowed to get together under antitrust immunity to set a conference rate. Each carrier is then free to depart from this rate on a selective basis. To evaluate antitrust immunity we need to know when the conference rate is followed and when it is not. Are special rates being made available only to certain large shippers? Is the conference rate set under antitrust immunity subsidizing discount rates for larger carriers? If individual agreements are secret as they would be under H.R. 2149, we will never know. Mr. Oberstar's amendment says yes to smaller Government, it says yes to less regulation, it says yes to savings in the budget, but it says no to secret deals and cartels. If this legislation is enacted, only the largest shippers will benefit from secretive shipping contracts that discriminate against smaller shippers, and these secret deals will allow Fortune 100 corporations to avoid public disclosure and to use their already potent market powers to exact privileged rates while smaller shippers, businesses and carriers, their employees and ports across the Nation will be left defenseless. Clearly, the thousands of smaller businesses that rely on the transparency of prices, and the level playing field that provides--we heard a lot about that in the Telecommunications Act that was passed here in the House, that everybody starting on a level playing field, about transparency. That is in fact what we are arguing for here. If not, we will be forced to pay higher rates and thus subsidize the larger more powerful competitors. For American ports and thousands of longshore, warehousing, trucking, rail, and related industry employees in and around port communities, this unfair pricing and operating environment could lead to severe economic dislocation, declining wages, and job loss, and that is something we cannot afford. That is why the American Association of Port Authorities recently joined transportation labor and many smaller shippers to oppose H.R. 2149 in its present form. The Oberstar amendment would eliminate a Federal agency, it would allow for sensible ocean shipping reforms, but it would ensure the essential terms of contracts are not kept in secret at the expense of ports, shippers, employees, and other shipping interests. That is why it deserves our unanimous support, and that is why we urge all of our colleagues to be voting for it.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Carmen Maldonado, a woman of distinguished character and grace. The Puerto Rican Society of Elizabeth, Inc. will honor her with its Woman of the Year Award on April 28 in Linden, NJ. Mrs. Maldonado arrived in New York from her native Puerto Rico in 1950. While living in New York, she met and married Sal Maldonado and later moved to Elizabeth with their children Edgar, Joseph, Carmen, and Edna Isabel. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Maldonado began working with the Elizabeth Board of Education. For a quarter of a century, she has dedicated herself to improving our educational system. As a liaison between the community and the school district, Mrs. Maldonado interacts with the students, parents, and teachers to create a better environment for our school children. Mrs. Maldonado genuinely cares about her community. She dedicates her energy to various community services that aid the citizens of Elizabeth. For example, Mrs. Maldonado devotes her time to improving city services for the elderly as a board member of Community Services for Senior Citizens. Her charitable committment to the community does not stop there. She is also involved in improving the educational needs of the adult community, an active member of P.R.O.C.E.E.D., Inc. and president of the local Y.M.C.A. With her busy schedule as a full time mother and career woman, Mrs. Maldonado still finds time to help her community. In addition, Mrs. Maldonado is a member of other organizations, including the Puerto Rican Society of Elizabeth, Inc. and Saint Patrick's School and Church. Over the course of her distinguished career, Mrs. Maldonado has won many awards. She has been honored by the Hispanic Association of Saint Patrick's and has received the Elizabeth Port Pride Day Good Neighbor Award. Mrs. Maldonado's committment to the people of Elizabeth exemplifies the true meaning of compassion, dedication, and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Carmen Maldonado, an outstanding individual.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127, H.R. 1965, the Coastal Zone Prevention Act, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall 128, H.R. 2160, the Cooperative Fisheries Management Act, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall vote 129, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' And on rollcall vote 130, H.R. 2715, the Paperwork Elimination Act of 1995, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edward ``Roy'' Huelbig, an exceptional individual, who had distinguished himself through tireless dedication to the veterans, firefighters, and police officers of his community in Hoboken and throughout the State of New Jersey. Mr. Huelbig will be honored for his numerous years of service by United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County at a ceremony at the F.A. Mckenzie American Legion Post 165 in Bayonne, NJ on April 27. Mr. Huelbig's record of service to helping others began in Hoboken, where he was born and raised. He attended Our Lady of Grace Grammar School and St. Michael's High School in my hometown of Union City. When the Nation called, Mr. Huelbig answered by entering the U.S. Army in 1943, where he served in the European theather of operations during World War II. For his steadfast bravery in combat, Mr. Huelbig was awarded four battle stars and a Purple Heart. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Huelbig was appointed to the Hoboken Fire Department in 1948, which benefited from his valuable contributions as a firefighter for over 25 years. After retiring from a position with the A-P-A Trucking Co. in 1986, Mr. Huelbig devoted his time to a number of charitable organizations. Mr. Huelbig's expertise in community involvement has been an invaluable resource for a number of groups throughout the State. While Mr. Huelbig serves as secretary of the Retired Police and Fireman's Association, it is the veterans of New Jersey who owe Mr. Huelbig the greatest debt of gratitude. He is chairman of the Hoboken Elks Lodge 74 Veterans' Committee which ``adopts'' five individuals at the Veterans Home of Paramus by celebrating birthdays and Christmas with them, in addition to organizing field trips to sporting events. A past commander, Mr. Huelbig now serves as legislative chairman of the Disabled American Veterans Hoboken Chapter 8, which helps raise funds for the five veterans hospitals in New Jersey. Even though Mr. Huelbig has exhibited a tremendous commitment to community organizations, the main focus of his life has been his family. He was married to the former Ellen Lynsky who passed away in November 1985. Mr. Huelbig is the father of three children: a daughter, Kerryann Ganter, and two sons, Kevin and Roy Huelbig. He is also the proud grandfather of five. It is an honor to have such an outstanding and dedicated individual as Edward ``Roy'' Huelbig residing in my district. His efforts are testimony to the fact that one person can make a difference in the lives of others. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of this true American hero.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hometown Trees Program for its dedicated service toward improving and preserving hometown landscapes. The program which began 4 years ago will plant its 4 millionth tree on Earth Day, April 22, 1996. I would also like to take this opportunity to honor Kristin Hyman, the 9-year-old grand- prize winner in a nationwide contest on the importance of trees. The Hometown Trees Program has prospered since its inception 4 years ago. Every spring, the program teams up with thousands of local volunteers who plant trees in their communities to ensure that future generations will enjoy their natural beauty. To date, through the Hometown Trees Program, more than 3 million trees have been rooted in over 1,500 cities in 43 States. The program's pledge to enhance, protect and generate awareness about the environment is of great importance. The planting of one tree today will serve the community for hundreds of years to come. This program also develops amongst our children an appreciation for nature that will serve our Nation for generations that follow. In February, a nationwide essay contest was held to increase children's environmental awareness and appreciation. I am pleased to announce to my colleagues that the winner of the nationwide event was 9-year-old Kristin Hyman of Bayonne, NJ. Her poem, ``Tree Reasons,'' was selected from the hundreds of entries received in her age group for its creativity and uniqueness. I am proud to say that she will be honored in a special ceremony in her hometown on Earth Day. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the achievements of the Home Trees Program and its continuing commitment to the environment. I would also like to pay tribute to Kristin Hyman, a special young lady who has demonstrated to her community that no one is ever too young to care for and appreciate the environment. I am proud to have such a talented young woman living within my district.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 125. We are voting to repeal a ban on assault weapons and large capacity ammunition clips that is supported overwhelmingly by police who put their lives on the line for us. They call the weapons banned by the 1994 law cop killer guns. In a recent study by Handgun Control, assault weapons accounted for 17.4 percent of fatal police shootings. In another study, 18.5 percent of the shootings, where the gun was identified, involved a gun with a large-capacity magazine of more than 10 rounds. This ban has widespread support from the people who care for gunshot victims--doctors, nurses and medical personnel; religious leaders who are trying to end the violence in our communities; the teachers and administrators who are concerned about guns in our schools; responsible gunowners who want to end gun violence; and the children whose very future is put at risk. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms data revealed that although semiautomatic assault weapons comprise less than one percent of the privately owned guns in America, they account for 8.4 percent of all firearms traced to crime from 1988 to 1991. During 1986-1991, 20,526 assault weapons were traced to crime, and of those, 1,349 were specifically traced to murders in the United States and 4,031 were linked to drug traffickers. The congressional assault weapons ban did not take guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens who legally owned their weapons before the enactment of the assault weapons ban in 1994. The Members who vote for the repeal of the assault weapons ban are voting for a bill that will resume manufacturing and importation of killing machines. After President Bush banned the importation of assault weapons in 1989, the number of imported assault weapons traced to crime dropped 45 percent the next year. If we vote against repealing the ban, we will be giving the assault weapons ban the time it deserves to reduce gun violence and save more lives. I ask that my colleagues vote against this bill. We can save more lives by keeping assault weapons off our streets.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Lidia Gil-Ramos, an outstanding individual who has distinguished herself by her selfless commitment to the senior citizens of Hudson County. Ms. Ramos will be honored at the 22d anniversary dinner of Tertulias de Antano, a senior citizen recreational program she founded. Ms. Ramos emigrated from Cuba and arrived in Union City, NJ in 1965. She is a woman who seems to have been born for social work and community service. In Cuba, she taught primary school during the day and volunteered her nights teaching elderly farm workers who never had the opportunity to attend school. Upon receiving her master's degree from the University of Havana, she became director of a large nursing home in San Miguel de los Banos, Matanzas in central Cuba. Once in the United States, she found employment as an income maintenance specialist for the Food Stamp Program in Jersey City and undertook further training in working with elderly citizens. Her service to seniors began in the Cuban refugee program of Union City. During her service, she witnessed the dejection and solitude that many Cuban seniors experienced in their new surroundings. Determined to address and to improve the social environment of the Cuban senior community, she founded the Tertulias de Antano recreational program on October 13, 1974. Ms. Ramos devotes much of her time to coordinating the details of the program, which provides seniors with information on health care issues, English-language programs, and social events within the community. Today, not only do seniors in the Cuban-American community praise the program, but so do seniors from other Latin American countries now living in Hudson County. All this is due to the vision and enduring commitment of one woman dedicated to the overall happiness of the senior community. Ms. Ramos' commitment to the senior citizens of Hudson County exemplifies the true meaning of compassion and community service. For her outstanding work and leadership, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this wonderful individual. I am proud to have such a remarkable woman living and working within my district.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Continental newspaper on its 13th anniversary of dedicated service and commitment to the U.S. Hispanic community. Under the direct influence of its main advisors, Mario Ciria Jr. and Ofelia Dones, the paper has emerged as one of the Nation's leading information sources for the Hispanic community. Ms. Dones is the only female publisher of a weekly Hispanic newspaper in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Together, Mario, Ofelia, and their gifted staff have worked to produce a highly enlightening and entertaining source of information for members of the Hispanic community on a weekly basis. Continental has established a strong and diverse base of support, and it serves a vast area that covers New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Continental's reporting efforts center around its main office in Union City, NJ. However, the paper is widely read in New York City and the paper's roots are a product of the city's interest. Continental prides itself on its fair and accurate coverage of events and issues of interest to its readers. The newspaper's editorial section has frequently taken a bold stand against the brutal dictatorship now enslaving the island of Cuba. Many of its journalists have uncovered horrifying stories of human rights violations by the Castro tyranny and thus have incorporated a strong stand against the Castro regime. Moreover, Continental has long been dedicated in its effort to convey essential information to members of the Hispanic community. It is because of this dedication and public service that I am proud to honor this very deserving news source.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the substitute which gives us an opportunity to pass a reform we know will be signed by the President. In the last Congress we saw the demise of comprehensive health care reform, and those who objected to that initiative said that it was too much. We ended up with nothing. Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans and millions of Americans continued to languish in the insecurity of no health care coverage. Today we can address one major concern of millions of working Americans, the fear of moving from job to job because of the possible loss of comprehensive health insurance. We can eliminate the condition referred to as job lock and free up opportunities for working men and women to seek new employment. We also have an opportunity to provide necessary protection for those Americans with preexisting illnesses who are trapped in a job solely because of their inability to become insured if they leave their position. We have the opportunity to eliminate the discriminatory practice of denying continued health care to people with diabetes and other illnesses for which insurance coverage has been nearly impossible to obtain. But the committee's bill contains provisions which are unacceptable to the President, the Senate and which, if included, may end any hope of enacting even modest health care reform, and I hope this is not the cynical reason behind the bill. Twenty-five percent of my constituents have no health care insurance whatsoever. If we have to enact health care reform one step at a time, so be it. But let us take the first step today by insuring more people, liberating them in their choices through the adoption of the Democratic substitute.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very distinguished and outstanding individual from my district. Blanca Sandoval has been a devoted mother and someone who has inspired many of her fellow community members. In recognition of her gracious work and outstanding accomplishments, Mrs. Sandoval will have her 90th birthday celebration at Las Palmas Restaurant in west New York. Mrs. Sandoval was born on March 20, 1906, in Trinidad, Cuba. She grew up in the province of Las Villas and was living in Havana before arriving in this country. She married a decorated naval lieutenant, Laudelino Gronnig, and had three children. Asnaldo, Miriana, and Blancy were raised during a difficult period in Cuban history. The family constantly dealt with the harassment and intimidation of a brutal dictatorship. In search of liberty and freedom, Mrs. Sandoval and her husband sought to emigrate from the island of Cuba so they could be reunited with their children. Unfortunately, Mr. Gronnig never got to see his children in the United States because he was repeatedly denied departure. He died in Cuba before he could be reunited. Miriana and Blancy arrived in the United States in 1971, and their brother subsequently joined them. It was 11 years later that Mrs. Sandoval was reunited with her family. She quickly learned to love her adopted homeland and is now looking forward to becoming a citizen. She is well respected by her friends and neighbors and is known to them as Mima. Blanca Sandoval is adored by her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. I am proud to have such a loving and caring individual residing in my district.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Greek- American community and the people of Greece who are celebrating Greek Independence Day. The Hudson Chapter #108 of the Order of A.H.E.P.A.-- American Hellenic Education Progressive Association--and the Hudson County Department of Cultural and Heritage Affairs have the distinct honor of hosting a celebration commemorating Greek Independence Day on March 21 at the William Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City. Greece's rich history can be traced back well over 2,500 years to the thriving city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Thebes. When the Western world looks to the birth of democracy, the first thing that comes to mind is Pericles and the Great Democracy at Athens. In more recent times, Greece was under Turkish rule for nearly 400 years, until the 1820's, when a war of independence began. This struggle, which commenced under the leadership of Alexander Ypsilanti grew out of Greece's yearning for independence and freedom. Even though Greece's Independence Day is marked on March 25, 1821, Turkey did not officially recognize the independence of Greece until 1829, when the Treaty of Andreanople was signed. The Independence Day festivities celebrate Greece's enormous contributions to the arts, literature, and legal institutions of the Western World. For Greek-Americans, it is a celebration of their commitment to hard work and their success and recognition within this country. The achievements of Greek-Americans exemplify the greatness of our Nation's immigrant heritage. Their diligence and commitment has fostered their success in a wide variety of businesses, which have contributed to our Nation's prosperity. The Hudson Chapter #108 of the Order of A.H.E.P.A. has helped unite the Greek-American community throughout Hudson County and the State of New Jersey. Since its inception, A.H.E.P.A. has actively combated discrimination and championed the cause of human rights, speaking out against human rights violations by any nation or group. They have fought for the rights of the Greek Orthodox Church whenever Turkey has challenged the Patriarchate, and they continue their endless fight for the freedom of Cyprus following the Turkish invasion and occupation. Please join me in honoring the Greek-American community and the people of Greece on this joyous occasion. It is my pleasure to salute Greece and all Greek-Americans on this day.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, the regular order of the House should be to uphold the assault weapons ban.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, the guiding principle in our Nation's immigration policy should be to reward controlled legal immigration and dissuade illegal immigration. As an American-born son of legal immigrants, I can tell you this bill sends the wrong message. Instead of saying to potential immigrants that if you play by the rules, wait your turn, and follow the law, you will benefit by becoming a permanent resident, we say, we're going to treat you just about the same as an illegal immigrant. The cuts in legal immigration hurt family reunification efforts and show the hypocrisy of a Congress that promotes family values. Why does this ``family friendly'' Congress want to prohibit the adult sons, daughters, brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens from entering the country? Legal immigration reinforces family structure, upholds family values, and benefits the Nation. Creating a hardship for U.S. citizens by permanently separating them from their close family members does not promote family values. It disintegrates the fabric of American values and jeopardizes the Nation's future. We can fight illegal immigration and preserve family- centered legal immigration by supporting this amendment.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to the war that has been declared on education funding at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels by the Republican majority. If the Republican majority's continuing resolution is extended at its current level, it would mean a $3.3 billion cut in education programs from the fiscal year 1995 level, and this would be a devastating blow to many of the educational services our children depend on. For my State of New Jersey, this would mean a cut of $23.5 million to title I, $2.6 million to Safe and Drug-Free Schools, $2.2 million to goals 2000, $3.7 million to vocational education, $3.7 million to the professional development grant programs, $36 million in New Jersey alone cut in our children's educational future. The majority's war on education is coming at a time when New Jersey's unemployment rate is above the national average of 7.3 percent. It comes at a time when we ought to be preparing our children for a more globally integrated, more technologically advanced and more competitive workplace. Shortchanging our students today means shortchanging the National tomorrow. We should not be shutting down the Government, and we should not be shutting down our children's educational future.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, in the din of the battle over balancing the budget, reality can be lost in the shouting. If one accepts as an article of faith that it is of utmost importance that the Federal budget must be balanced, then it must follow that the monumental trade deficits must per force of the exact same logic have the same priority. Upholding the standard of free markets and free trade is not license to do nothing. The price of freedom is not without cost for either personal liberties or economic freedom. It is a constitutional right under the first amendment that our citizens may petition the Government for redress of grievances. It is also a constitutional prerogative under article 1, section 8, clause 8 ``To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors, the exclusive right of their respective writings and discoveries.'' With this as a backdrop, I would like to explore a problem that a constituent of mine, Salvatore Monte has raised. Mr. Monte's problems involve fundamental questions about the role of our Federal Government in protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens in the context of international trade. Sal Monte is the president of Kenrich Petrochemical Inc., a family owned business founded after World War II and operating in Bayonne, NJ, since 1961. Sal Monte is an inventor in the proud New Jersey tradition of Thomas Edison and holds numerous patents. Mr. Monte's firm makes organo-metallic compounds. Organo-metallic compounds act as the molecular glue between organic and inorganic materials in the fabrication of complex substances. These chemical compounds are used in everything from rocket fuels, to ammunition, to tires, to cars, to multilayered printed circuit boards, to photocopiers. Mr. Monte's invention is responsible for the durability of videotape and audio tape used in our homes. Some of these chemicals make products biodegradable, others increase electrical conductivity, still others make steel more anticorrosive, plastics stronger, and tires safer. Toy manufacturers use them because they make thermoplastic processing significantly more energy efficient. There is even a national security concern, since Mr. Monte's chemicals are used to increase the effectiveness and safe handling by our Armed Forces personnel of new generation insensitive ammunition designed to prevent unplanned detonation in Army tanks and aboard Navy ships. Shortly after his products were introduced in the United States market in 1974, Mr. Monte was approached by officials of Ajinomoto Co. [Ajico] through a trading company named Nitto Shoji, LTD., about licensing his products in Japan. They signed a distributorship agreement on July 30, 1976 to import 46 different patented organometallics manufactured by Kenrich in the United States of America. Nitto Shoji claimed that it was imperative that the products be approved as environmentally safe, and had started the process for the environmental approval of the first Kenrich product to be sold in Japan, Ken-React KR TTS, on July 1, 1976. The KR TTS approval cost Kenrich $125,000. In accordance with the usual Japanese trade position, Ajinomoto officials impressed upon Mr. Monte the need to have a Japanese manufacturing partner to facilitate the environmental approvals, comply with extraordinarily difficult Japanese quality standards, and gain acceptance by Japanese keiretsu, industrial consumers of the product. Ajinomoto is a $20 plus billion food processing and fine chemical firm most noted in southeast Asia as the No. 1 producer of MSG--monosodium glutamate. As a result, on January 28, 1980, 15 Kenrich chemicals were licensed for manufacture by the Ajinomoto Co. for exclusive sale in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. For the next 8 years, the Montes were given polite and respectful treatment. By 1984, they had transferred all of Kenrich's technology to Japanese licensing interests. Mr. Monte began to suspect that Ajinomoto was selling vast quantities of the Kenrich licensed product and underreporting sales to avoid paying royalties. Mr. Monte repeatedly requested sales reports, but only received a carefully contrived semiannual report which diminished in detail with each passing year. There are now over 900 patent applications issued to Japanese companies using the Kenrich products--almost 40 to Canon alone for copier toner, yet the sales are supposedly still under $1,000,000--even though the yen has doubled in value against the dollar during the contract period. After two decades of doing business in Japan, Kenrich is still receiving only a contract minimum of $50,000 a year in royalties. The coordinated assault on Kenrich would sound like paranoid Japan bashing were there not for the painstaking documentation filling dozens of file boxes, indicating the systematic, elaborate, and devious methods employed to deprive Mr. Monte of his intellectual property rights. Among the many efforts against Kenrich include: The development of knock-off titanate technology based on Kenrich technology by Ajinomoto, Nippon Soda Inc., Tokuyama Soda Ltd., Mitsui Mining and Smelting Ltd., and Kawaken Fine Chemcial Co., Ltd. The Japanese have used patent flooding as a technique to obfuscate original patented technology, thus making it difficult for the non-Japanese investor to defend his/her patent rights. Nippon Soda even copied Kenrich's detailed technical literature to explain their Titecoat knock-off product. An elaborate international exchange of bank securities resulted in the commercial paper of Kenrich being held by Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank [DKB]. The DKB through CIT, promptly called in Kenrich's loans to precipitate a bankruptcy and gain control of Kenrich's patents used as collateral against the loan. Extraordinary measures have been taken by Ajinomoto to stack an arbitration panel as required under the 1952 United States-Japanese Arbitration. Moreover, it will require the case to be argued in Japan where patent laws are highly favorable to knock-off products. Improper recordkeeping and unauthorized sub-licensing by Ajinomoto for the manufacture of the chemicals to companies, such as Junsei Chemical Co., Ltd., and Kawaken Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd., made it impossible for Arthur Andersen Co. to conduct a proper audit under license agreement to determine royalties due Kenrich. The Andersen audit, initiated in October 1992, took 2 years and cost Kenrich $63,252. Andersen was stonewalled by Anjinomoto and hence, the audit was unusable. Ajinomoto withheld knowledge of patents filed by Japanese companies such as Sony Corp., on such products as videotape, prior to the 1980 license agreement with Kenrich. This concealed the extensive value of Kenrich's technology to Japan's high technology industries. Patents were filed in 1995 by Mitsubishi Rayon for high performance carbon fiber advanced composites used in aerospace that contained one of Kenrich's chemicals not licensed to Ajinomoto. Kenrich had discontinued manufacturing this product 15 years ago. Who supplied the pirated chemical? It wasn't Kenrich. I do not believe that Mr. Monte's case is unusual. It shows how defenseless American small business is in international trade and how little the Federal Government does to protect fair trade. We should not resent the coordinated actions of the Japanese Government, banks, and industry, but we should learn from them. Predatory practices are actionable under American law and we must require that the rights of American citizens are freely and fairly insured in the arena of international trade. I intend to ask the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. International Trade Commission to launch an official investigation of this matter.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very distinguished and outstanding citizen from my district. Dennis P. Collins, former mayor of Bayonne, has long understood the importance of community development and service. In recognition of his altruistic efforts, Mayor Collins will be honored by the Bayonne Family YMCA on March 10, 1996, at the 4th Annual Distinguished Service Award Brunch at the Hi- Hat Restaurant in Bayonne. Tradition and experience are key words when speaking of this truly dedicated citizen. Mayor Collins has been a life-long resident of the city of Bayonne. After proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, he returned to complete his post-secondary education at St. Peter's College and the State University of New Jersey. His educational accomplishments allowed him to further develop his career in various arenas. Mayor Collins' successful political career began in 1962 when he was elected the first ward councilman. Four years later, he was elected councilman at large. His leadership, influence, and commitment to the community led the residents of Bayonne to elect him mayor in 1974. As a result of his work and dedication, Mayor Collins was reelected to three terms. Bayonne and its citizens benefited from the hard work and dedication of Mayor Collins. As mayor, he developed a strong economic policy at a time when the country and State were in recession. He dramatically improved public services and was directly involved in the process of refurbishing many of the city's public parks and facilities. In his community, Mayor Collins has also played an active role and dedicated many hours of service to various institutions. He has taken part in veterans group activities and is a faithful parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. He has had the pleasure of working with the Knights of Columbus and was a standard bearer of the New Frontier Democrats. Mayor Collins has worked endlessly to promote a sense of community in Bayonne, and he serves as a role model for our public officials. I am proud to have him as a congressional staff member, and it is with great pleasure that I honor such a special constituent and leader.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, and congratulate him on his bill, which I have helped coauthor. Mr. Speaker, let me thank my 347 fellow Members of this House, including 121 Democrats who have joined with us and the President in striking a blow for democracy and striking a blow against the Castro regime. I want to answer some of the issues. This question of extraterritoriality, under the Cuban Democracy Act everybody acknowledges that, and many people voted for it in this House who oppose this today. The fact of the matter is that under that act we heard all these issues from Canada and Mexico and everybody else, that in fact this was extraterritorial. What is the relationship today? We entered into the most significant trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and they are trading with us, and so much, I think, for the comment. This is not about trade. Someone said this is about trade. No, this is about trafficking intentionally in illegally confiscated properties of U.S. citizens and U.S. companies. Canadians are arguing for their citizens and their interests and their rights. I am coming here to argue for American citizens and American businesses and their rights. I am not going to get up here and start arguing for other countries. The fact of the matter is that if you know that that property was not legally yours, and you are willing to buy it even though you know it was stolen from somebody else, you are in receipt of stolen property. If you want to do that, fine, then take the risk. And we do this prospectively, so you know that you are going to have to continue to traffic in the property or purchase properties in the future. Title III has a suspension authority for the President of all the hobgoblins we have heard about come to reality. The President, in his letter to all of us, said, he asked the administration to work vigorously with the Congress to set aside our remaining differences and reach rapid agreement on the Libertad Act. Last week we achieved that objective. The conference report is ``* * * a strong bipartisan response that tightens the economic embargo against the Cuban regime and permits us to continue to promote democratic change in Cuba.'' Last, let me just say that if Members are proud of China's record of prison camps, slave labor, dissident jailings, 20 years later after our relationships and our investments, if they are proud of the Canadian and Mexican and Spanish investments in Cuba over the last several years that have produced no democracy, that have produced greater repression, and that have kept the regime afloat, then they should vote against the bill. But if in fact what Members want to do is what I believe the overwhelming Members of this House already by the rule vote and in past votes want to do, to strike a blow for democracy and strike, in fact, a blow on behalf of the Cuban people and against the Castro regime, they will be voting with us on this bill.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Florida for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I am happy that I got some time from the Republican side, since I have been told today we cannot get any time from the Democratic side to speak in favor of the bill, despite the fact that a third of the Democratic Caucus voted for this bill last fall. Mr. Speaker, I rise not to apologize for Fidel Castro, not to coddle him, not to rationalize or justify whatever he has done. The fact of the matter is that I am really offended when I hear my colleagues refer to this issue as ``This is about voters in Florida.'' To say that is to say that seeking peace in Ireland or giving a visa to Gerry Adams is about Irish voters, or that our collective outrage against the barbaric acts that have taken place in Israel is about Jewish voters, or, for that matter, to say that our movements to end apartheid in South Africa, to bring democracy to Haiti, and our efforts to give relief in Somalia were about African-American voters. It is an insult to this community. This is about democracy. It is about promoting human rights. It is not about votes of some group in some State or States. That is why we had a strong bipartisan vote. That is why yesterday in the Senate, 74 Senators joined in favor of creating democracy in Cuba. That is why 294 Members of this House last fall voted for it, with a third of the Democratic Caucus joining an overwhelming number of the Republican Party because they understand the realities. Mr. Speaker, let me say that in fact when we hear about creating peaceful change, we are all for peaceful change. That is our goal. But what has Castro's response been to peaceful efforts within Cuba, like those of the Concilio Cubano, a group of 120 organizations who promote peaceful democratic change in Cuba? Our Members go there and visit Cuba. They have a cigar with Fidel. They enjoy some time there. And as soon as they leave, these people get arrested. What happened in the week preceding the killing of the four American citizens? What happened? These people who seek peaceful democratic change by Cubans in Cuba, not about some bygone era that people like to allude to, the response to their request which they made to the regime for a national meeting, what we enjoy here in the United States, to simply sit down and say, ``How do we move towards democratic change within Cuba,'' what was the response? One hundred of them were arrested and imprisoned. Dozens of others are under house arrest. Women were strip-searched so they would be intimidated from participating in the organization. That is the answer to peaceful democratic change in Cuba. For those who believe in some romanticism, that when the people go and say, Please, we want to move towards democracy, Fidel is going to act the right way, they have seen it. For those who keep saying that this is after the cold war, I agree, it is after the cold war, but nobody told Mr. Castro. The fact of the matter is he has shown us what he is willing to do with the third largest military in the entire Western Hemisphere. He represses his people who ask for peaceful democratic change, and we are silent for the most part. Those who say they are for democracy in Cuba, peaceful democratic change, why are they not speaking out on behalf of the Concilio Cubano? What is the response to four U.S. citizens flying in international airspace, unquestioned by our Government through all of their intelligence that they were in international airspace? This is the response, Mr. Speaker. Let me read the transcript that Madeleine Albright presented to the United Nations: ``Cuban fighters, a small white and blue Cessna that they were tracking, and their excitement was clearly palpable * * * `The target is in sight, the target is in sight,' the small aircraft, the MiG pilot radioed back to his ground controller. `It is flying at a low altitude. Give me instructions,' said the pilot. The answer was `Fire. Authorized to destroy;' '' not to warn, not to try to seek under international law to move them, but, even though they were not in Cuban airspace, no, to destroy. Thirty-three seconds later, the response from the MiG 29 pilot was ``We took out his * * *'' and I will not add the expletive. ``That one won't mess around with us anymore.'' Two and one-half minutes later another pilot sighting the second Cessna said, ``Give me the authority.'' He was responded, ``You are authorized to destroy it,'' and it was destroyed. ``Fatherland or death, the other is down also.'' These are the transcripts that our U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations presented to the world. Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is this bill is bipartisan. It has the support of the President. President Clinton sent a letter to the Speaker of this House saying that he supports the bill, and urges all Members to vote on behalf of it.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished gentleman, John Nicaretta, who was named man of the year by the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO. He was honored at a black tie dinner dance at the Richfield Regency in Verona on Saturday, March 2. Saturday's festivities celebrated the many contributions made by Mr. Nicaretta to his family, country, and community. Being 1 of 12 children, family holds a prominent place in the life of Mr. Nicaretta. While attending Bayonne Technical High School, he helped his parents by doing odd jobs before and after class. As a young adult, Mr. Nicaretta worked in the kitchen of Balbo's Riviera Restaurant which was run by his family. On November 12, 1955, our honoree married Helen Dragshchuk. The union produced two children Catherine and John. In 1970, Mr. Nicaretta established Nicaretta Construction Co. with his brother Gino. Duty to his country has played a significant role for Mr. Nicaretta. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1951 at which time he attended basic infantry training and cooking school at Fort Dix, NJ. The following January Mr. Nicaretta was sent to Korea where he was promoted to mess sergeant for the 151st Combat Engineers Headquarters Co., I Corp Division. Previous experience with his family's restaurant assisted Mr. Nicaretta in preparation of meals for 300 men per day. Community involvement has been a consistent theme in Mr. Nicaretta's life. Through the construction company, he started with his brother, Mr. Nicaretta contributed to a number of community oriented endeavors. His donation to the ``Adopt-A-School Program'' of Bayonne helped design two programs at the John Bailey School to promote reading and student recognition. Also benefiting from Mr. Nicaretta's generosity has been Boy Scout Camp Louis and the ``Cleaner and Greener Project,'' which plants trees in Hudson County Park. Among the numerous organizations to which he belongs are the Assumption Catholic War Veterans, Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy and the Bayonne Sicilian Citizens Club. Mr. Nicaretta is an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish where he volunteers his time and talents. It is an honor to have such an outstanding and caring individual residing in my district. John Nicaretta is a dedicated community leader. I am certain my colleagues will join me in recognition of this well deserved honor.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two outstanding citizens, Bill and Frances Hogan, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 1. Father John Doherty of St. Andrew's Church, Bayonne celebrated a special Mass in their honor on Saturday, March 2 at noon. Saturday's remembrance acknowledged the enormous contributions made by Bill and Frances Hogan to their family and community. March was destined to be an important month for Mr. and Mrs. Hogan; Frances was born on the 14th of the month and Bill on the 26th. On March 1, 1926, the future Mr. and Mrs. Hogan were married by Msgr. Charles Doyle in the same St. Andrew's Church where their union will be commemorated. On that happy day, the bride and groom were attended by Ed and Carrie Van Dwight as best man and maid of honor. This joyful marriage produced eight children to follow in their parents' footsteps of service to the community: Virginia, Donovan, Cecilia Van Wagner, Dolores, Matt, Bill, Jerry and Bernadette Stuponski. Mr. and Mrs. Hogan are the proud grand-parents of 28 and great grand-parents of 19 with 1 more due in May. Bill Hogan is a citizen who has distinguished himself with dedication to his community in Bayonne. Mr. Hogan was an active participant in the administration of his town's judicial system serving as chief court clerk for over 25 years. In addition to his duties as father and public official, Mr. Hogan was a founder of the Police Athletic League program in Bayonne. a sports enthusiast, Mr. Hogan also served as a coach in both the Bayonne Little League and Catholic Youth Organization programs. Frances Hogan is an individual inspired with a commitment to family and her fellow citizens. Mrs. Hogan played an integral role in the development of her children. As a full-time mother, Mrs. Hogan's guidance led to her children becoming responsible community members. After her children had grown, Mrs. Hogan went to work for the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation. A very religious woman, Mrs. Hogan also became an extremely active member of St. Andrew's parish. It is an honor to have two such exceptional individuals residing in my district. They exemplify the important relationship that exists between family and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of Bill and Frances Hogan's life-long commitment to their community and to each other.