Bob Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker I rise today to recognize the work of some very special volunteers. I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to those families who have opened their hearts and homes to some very special kids from Northern Ireland as part of Project Children. These children come from a land that for too long has been steeped in violence. Everyday of their young lives these children have lived with the threat of violence and terror. This year they received some news of hope. The hope came in the form of a peace agreement that was signed several months ago. This year 26 families from my home State of New Jersey are sharing their homes with 30 Irish children. As part of the program, these children are given the opportunity to come to the United States to enjoy a carefree, fun-filled summer. It gives them an opportunity to get away from the violence. These 30 children will enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood thanks to the generosity of caring American volunteers. This year, we welcome Gemma Walker, Paul Kerr, Joanne Brady, Daniel Fearon, Claire McKinley, Lorraine Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Kenny, Alice Crilly, Danielle McLonglin, David Tierney, Colum Haddock, Seadhna Billings, Seainin Keenan, Denise Burt, Terence Austin, Barye Dobbin, Matthew Anderson, Margaret McKee, Michelle Johnston, Christopher Melrose, Kenneth Murphy, Leeanne Doyle, Martina O'Hare, Darren Diamond, Marc Hegney, Elaine Murray, Margaret White, Sonia O'Neill, Darren Coghlan, and Padraig O'Hara. The people that are gracious enough to open their hearts and their homes to these children are Cheryl Stone, Brian and Patricia Carmen, Dennis and Mary Crowley, Anthony and Marge DeSando, Al and Ellen Dorso, John and Mary Garcia, Brian and Lorri McGorty, Robert and Dyan Moore, Gary and Tina Shannon, Douglas and Susanna Stroud, Joseph and Barbara Wells, Steven and Aileen Williamson, James and Beverly Aibel, Dominick and Carolyn Daniele, Arnold and Madeline Fatteross, Rick and Arlene Faustini, Kenneth and Arleen Ferguson, Al and Bernie Gillio, John and Anne Neebling, Stephen and Jean Revis, John and Lori Rose, Micheal and Diane Scheller, Gary and Kathryn Seaman, James and Louise Sweeney, Micheal and Anne Tizio, John and Barbara White, and John and Christine Woods. I know that my colleagues will join me in extending our best wishes to our young visitors, and in commending the generosity and warmth displayed by their American hosts. Furthermore, we pray that the ceasefire-agreement is the beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland. Perhaps, in the future these children will be enjoying fresh summer breezes in their beloved Emerald Isle.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Union City for its participation in National Night Out, 1995. On August 1, residents in this municipality of the 13th District will join fellow Americans across the country to create a night of celebration free from the fear of crime and drugs. I wish also to pay tribute to the National Association of Town Watch in New Jersey for sponsoring the event. They have succeeded in developing community awareness within many American cities and towns by bringing concerned citizens to the forefront. Community leaders and law enforcement officers are joining them to send the message that crime will not be permitted to threaten our communities and dictate our lives. I am proud to say I have dedicated citizens in my district creating safe neighborhoods through education and action. On this night Union City residents and law enforcement officers in participating cities will celebrate with a town-wide block party, contests, dances for community youth, concerts at various senior centers, safety demonstrations, and educational forums. These events are a continuation of past efforts whose full benefits will be felt for years to come in my district. This admirable project is a nation-wide endeavor supported by over 8,000 communities throughout our 50 States. Their continuing aim is to focus America's attention on the alarming crime rates and the unacceptable level of drug abuse which has affected every community in our Nation. Police-citizen partnerships created by the efforts of these organizations have promoted cooperative crime prevention programs allowing Americans to come from behind their locked doors and join their neighbors in the fight for our Nation's safety. The ``12th Annual National Night Out'' comes at a time when the leaders of our Nation are debating the appropriate methods of crime prevention here, in the Nation's Capital. But in Union City and in other communities around our great Nation, the people are taking a stand, defending their streets, their homes, and their families. Union City officials are to be commended not only for their participation in National Night Out 1995 but also for their concern and their efforts. Their fight for safer communities gives me hope that America can build a crime and drug-free Nation for our children. I salute them today, thank them for their past efforts, and wish them luck in their future crime-fighting endeavors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Larry Eccleston, an outstanding individual who has given generously of his time and effort to the senior citizens of Jersey City and the Nation. He has been active in the community all his life and has championed many worthwhile causes. Larry grew up in Jersey City, attending St. Aeden's Grammar School and Lincoln High School. He graduated cum laude from St. Peter's College with a bachelor of science degree in urban studies. He then went on to earn a master of science degree in urban affairs at Hunter College in New York City. Larry serves as an ordained elder in the Old Bergen Reform Church, and as a result of this involvement, he became deeply involved in the issue of homelessness and hunger. He was president of the Association of Shared Ministries, an organization of five urban churches dedicated to community service and social outreach. He helped establish ``Let's Celebrate,'' a cooperative effort of 23 Jersey City churches to fight hunger, which now runs 13 food pantries and a soup kitchen. Because of his distinguished service to the homeless, Larry was appointed to form and chair the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness. For the past 10 years, he has worked for the Department of Health and Human Services of Jersey City as the supervisor of senior citizen outreach and referral programs. His innovative programs for seniors as well as his efforts in the field of aging earned him an appointment to the New Jersey State Commission on Aging in 1992 by Governor Jim Florio of New Jersey. He was again nominated for reappointment by Governor Whitman, and was elected by the commission in August of 1994 to serve as chairman. In November of 1994, I was honored to nominate Larry as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, which was established by President Clinton to develop policies for older Americans for the 21st century. Larry continues to work hard in the field of aging and now serves as the president of the board of directors for Senior Support Services Inc., an organization which runs the senior nutrition sites and two local senior centers. He is currently on the advisory board of Foster Grandparents of Hudson County, and is their fund raising chairman. At the State level, Larry now serves on the board of directors of the New Jersey Society on Aging, and the United Senior Alliance. When senior citizens need help, they know they can count on Larry Eccleston. I am proud to recognize Larry's accomplishments, and I asked my colleagues to join me in saluting this great American.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the cities in the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey for their participation in National Night Out, 1995. On August 1, residents in my district will join fellow Americans across the country to create a night of celebration free from the fear of crime and drugs. I wish also to pay tribute to the National Association of Town Watch in New Jersey for sponsoring the event. They have succeeded in developing community awareness within many American cities and towns by bringing concerned citizens to the forefront. Community leaders and law enforcement officers are joining them to send the message that crime will not be permitted to threaten our communities and dictate our lives. Among the participating cities are Bayonne, East Newark, Elizabeth, Guttenberg, Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kearny, Newark, North Bergen, Perth Amboy, Union City, Weehawken, West New York, and Woodbridge. I am proud to say I have dedicated citizens in my district creating safe neighborhoods through education and action. On this night residents and law enforcement officers in participating cities will celebrate with town-wide block parties, contests, dances for community [[Page E 1400]] youth, safety demonstrations, and educational forums. These events are a continuation of past efforts whose full benefits will be felt for years to come in my district. This admirable project is a nationwide endeavor supported by over 8,000 communities throughout our 50 States. Their continuing aim is to focus America's attention on the alarming crime rates and the unacceptable level of drug abuse which has affected every community in our Nation. Police-citizen partnerships created by the efforts of these organizations have promoted cooperative crime prevention programs allowing Americans to come from behind their locked doors and join their neighbors in the fight for our Nation's safety. The 12th Annual National Night Out comes at a time when the leaders of our Nation are debating the appropriate methods of crime prevention here, in the Nation's Capitol. But in our Nation's communities the people are taking a stand, defending their streets, their homes, and their families. Each city participating in the 1995 National Night Out is to be commended for their concern and their efforts. Their fight for safer communities gives me hope that America can build a crime and drug-free Nation for our children. I salute them today, thank them for their past efforts, and wish them luck in their future crime-fighting endeavors.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's predicament. However, this is an issue that I and others have been working on for 2\1/2\ years. To be very honest with you, I do not want to curtail anybody's ability to speak. I cannot gauge that. I do not anticipate that it will be as long as some of the other debates that we have had, but I do believe that it will take a decent hour or so. But I do not want to limit it to that. (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, there is a certain urgency to this amendment. Russia and Cuba have announced a joint stock company to finish construction of a dangerous nuclear plant located in the southern coast of Cuba. I am offering this amendment with several of my colleagues, the gentlewoman from Florida [Mr. Ros-Lehtinen], the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Diaz-Balart], the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Deutsch], and others, to reduce dollar for dollar U.S. aid to any country which financially helps the Castro dictatorship prospectively build a nuclear plant. The Castro dictatorship has decided that a dangerous and mothballed Soviet-era nuclear plant in Juragua near Cienfuegos, Cuba should be completed and operated. We believe that it should not. Let me explain why not in some detail. In a letter to me, dated April 12, 1993, President Clinton stated: The United States opposes the construction of the Juragua nuclear power plant because of our concerns about Cuba's ability to ensure the safe operation of the facility and because of Cuba's refusal to sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty or ratify the treaty of Guadalupe. In fact, Cuba has yet to ratify either treaty, the letter of which establishes Latin America and the Caribbean as a nuclear weapons free zone. The State Department, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy have also expressed concerns about the construction and operation of Cuba's proposed nuclear reactors. Recently, Dr. Edward Purvis, who headed the Department of Energy's investigation about Cuba's reactor stated, ``an accident in this reactor is probable. It is just a question of when. I do not know if they are the most dangerous reactors in the world, but they are the most dangerous reactors anywhere close to the United States.'' In a September 1992 report to Congress, the General Accounting Office outlined concerns among nuclear energy experts about deficiencies in the Cienfuegos nuclear plant. They included lack in Cuba both of a nuclear regulatory scheme and inadequate infrastructure to ensure the plant's safe operation and maintenance. Reports by a former technician from Cuba, who by examining with X- rays weld sites believed to be part of the auxiliary plumbing system for the plant, which is what would have operated to stop Chernobyl from where it was going, found that 10 to 15 percent of those were defective, and this technician was quoted as saying ``The operation of this reactor will be criminal.'' The construction was being performed in a completely negligent manner. Since September 5 of 1992 the construction was halted. There has been prolonged exposure to the elements of the primary reactor components, including corrosive salt water vapor. The possible inadequacy of the upper portion of the reactor's dome retention capability, the one that is supposed to withstand, in case of a nuclear accident, to withstand only 7 pounds of pressure per square inch, given that normal atmospheric pressure is 32 pounds per square inch, and that the United States reactors that we are designing accommodate 50 pounds per square inch, 50 pounds versus 7 pounds per square inch, and according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Caribbean plate, a geological formation near the south coast of Cuba, poses seismic risks to Cuba and the reactor site, and may produce large to moderate earthquakes. In fact, on May 25 of 1992 the Caribbean plate produced an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale. Mr. Chairman, I want Members who may be listening in their offices to listen carefully. It is a result of this map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and if Members are from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and the Nation's capital, please be warned, we are talking about 80 million Americans here, Mr. Chairman, almost 1 in 3 Americans who, according to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said that summer winds could carry radioactive pollutants from a nuclear accident at the power plant throughout all of Florida and parts of the States on the gulf coast as far as Texas, and northern winds could carry the pollutants as far northeast as Virginia and Washington, DC, and more States would be affected in time. Mr. Chairman, finally, Fidel Castro has over the years issued threats against the United States government. In 1962 he advocated the Soviets' launching of nuclear missiles to the United States, and brought the world to the brink of a nuclear conflict. We are talking about perhaps the most anti-American dictator in the world. Can we trust him with nuclear power? Can we trust him with an unsafe nuclear plant? Do we need another Chernobyl type incident 90 miles away from the United States? I strongly suggest that we do not, as do 130 of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, who signed the letter to the President saying ``Do everything possible to stop the nuclear plant that is being proposed in Cuba.'' We should not permit any dollars to be used directly or indirectly to help those who would put our country at risk and our fellow citizens at risk at the same time. Mr. Chairman, I urge the Members, in the interests of the national security of the United States, and on behalf of those 80 million people in those States that I have suggested, that this amendment needs to be passed and it needs to be passed now.

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

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, reserving the right of a point of order, I would ask the parliamentarian if the substitute as proposed is within the purview permissible to be applied within the purview of the rules by the Committee on Rules.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MENENDEZ. I reserve the right of a point of order, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. In anticipation of this, having heard these objections made during the rules debate, I asked the IRS to look at the whole question of what the gentleman suggests is happening in this bill. In fact, they have shown me that for over a long period of time, and I have a whole host of citations, including changes in the application of existing law in this bill that we are considering right now, where there are approximately between 30 and 70 different changes in existing law that would be considered the same exact effect as what I am proposing. Therefore, that is why I think the Committee on Rules, seeing that in fact there are so many changes in the application of existing law that would be considered legislating in an appropriation bill instead of in an authorizing bill, that in fact they saw it in their wisdom to permit the amendment to go forth, to make it in order, to waive points of order against it, as well as understanding the urgency of the timing. Mr. Chairman, I think that when we see so many other things being considered in the bill, and the other amendments for which we just voted on that equally have the same impact, I would hope that the application would be made across the board. I do not believe necessarily that it is being made across the board.

Mr. MENENDEZ. Continuing on my point of order, Mr. Chairman, my point of order to the parliamentarian is that the amendment as is proposed and promulgated by the Committee on Rules, Mr. Chairman, is to say that any monies used by a country in investing in the nuclear power plan in Cuba would trigger a reaction of a reduction dollar for dollar of U.S. funds to that country. My point of order is, is this within the ambit of the rule. Is it permissible under the rule?

Mr. MENENDEZ. That is the point of order that I am making, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the proposed constitutional amendment banning the desecration of the flag. The flag of the United States is unique among all the symbols of the unity and freedom of our country, and it is for that reason that I so strongly support its protection. No other symbol of our Nation is so universally recognized. No other symbol of our Nation is so beloved by its people. No other symbol of our Nation could so thoroughly unite the world's most diverse population. Our flag's unique status as a symbol of our Nation has long been recognized by the American people, and by this Congress. Many of us have voted in the past to single our flag out for protection because of this uniqueness. I strongly supported previous efforts to afford such protection by statute precisely because I believed in the flag's uniqueness. The Supreme Court, however, has made it clear that a constitutional amendment, and only a constitutional amendment, can give the flag protection by law. If a constitutional amendment is what it takes, then so be it. My parents came to this country from Cuba to secure a future of freedom for themselves and for their children. To them, and to me, the flag serves as a tangible reminder of the freedom they lost in their homeland and found in America. The symbolism goes beyond patriotism--it is a physical symbolism. The American flag, like the country itself, is composed of different colors and material, coming together to make a whole. The colors clash, but are firmly held together. They are held together for a higher purpose. To tear them apart is to reject the sacrifices of millions of Americans who gave their lives to keep the colors together as one. My commitment to our flag is a reflection of my country's commitment to its people. Those who stand in support of the protection of our flag must stand for the freedom and equality of all, just as surely as our flag stands as a beacon to which all freedom-loving people of the world are drawn. I urge you to join us.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chairman, in my absence a lot has been said about the amendment that I have offered and which the Committee on Rules made in order, which I want to publicly thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. Solomon] who, in his wisdom, along with the members of the Committee on Rules, agreed to have this amendment made in order, particularly in view of the serious nature and the timing of what is involved. For someone to say that it is a rather narrow focus about the issue of the nuclear power plant in Cuba, they should have seen the 60 Minutes program 2 weeks ago. It is not a narrow focus. If we look at the September 1992, GAO report, for those of us who have been following this for quite some time, we know this is a very serious issue, and not just to those who follow Cuba policy vis-a-vis the United States and Cuba. This is what this report said about the nuclear power plant. It said that reports by a former technician from Cuba examining with x rays weld sites believed to be part of the auxiliary plumbing system found 10 to 15 percent of those were defective; that the operation of this reactor would be criminal. In fact, it says, for those of you who are Members from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC, according to a study by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, that summer winds could carry radioactive pollutants from a nuclear accident at that powerplant throughout all of Florida and parts of the States on the gulf coast as far as Texas, and northern winds could carry it as far northeast as Virginia and Washington, DC. That affects the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans and in fact it makes it so imperative that we consider this amendment and move forward on it. We do not need to be supplying money to countries who want to permit another Chernobyl-like accident 90 miles away from the United States. That is why I appreciate the amendment being considered.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brilliant educator, a dedicated scholar, a religious leader, and the Degnan, S.J. has served the college with distinction for the last 5 years. His achievements will be recognized at a special ceremony on Monday, June 19. The presidency of St. Peter's College marks the culmination of a 26- year career in education, dating back to a teaching fellowship at Harvard Law School during the 1969-70 academic year. Father Degnan taught 5 years at the college of law at Syracuse University and from there spent 2 years at Georgetown University Law Center. He served as an administrator at Loyola College of Maryland and spent 12 years in New Jersey as an administrator and teacher at the Seton Hall University School of Law, 1978-90. In 1990, he assumed the presidency of St. Peter's College where he undertook a major building program. During his tenure, the college has undergone major renovations, including the addition of two new residence halls. In addition, a new quadrangle and refurbished McIntyre Lounge, Hudson Room, and college store were completed. Under his leadership, the dream of an east campus has come to reality with the new Whelan Hall, renovations to Saint Peter Hall, and several other additions that have expanded the college east of Kennedy Boulevard. As president of St. Peter's College, Father Degnan has distinguished himself, but that is nothing new for him. He has been recognized on numerous occasions for his contributions and is the recipient of the Papal Benemerenti Medal, 1992; the Thomas More Medal, 1992; the New York University Presidential Medal, 1994; the Hudson Catholic High School Signum Fidei Award, 1994; and he was named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, 1992; and a Seton Hall Law School Distinguished Alumnus, 1983. Father Degnan's term at St. Peter's ends on June 30 and he will be greatly missed by everyone associated with the college. However, I am pleased to report that he will remain active writing about the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. Please join me in honoring a very special man.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group of New Jersey students for their participation in the 46th International Science and Engineering Fair [ISEF] which was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from May 7-13, 1995. Among the award winners were two young women from Jersey City public schools: Academic High School sophomore Rituparna Das, and Dickinson High School senior Shital Shah. Rituparna won the Second Place Grand Award and the First Place Award of the American Ground Water Society for her project on the removal of heavy metals by absorptive filtration. Shital won the Third Place Grand Award for her environmental project dealing with the biodegradation of trinitroglycerin. She previously won first prize in a competition sponsored by the New Jersey Academy of Science for the same award. I am proud to have such high achieving students in Hudson County. Their work is exemplary and deserves to be recognized. Their achievements are particularly important because we as a Nation must be ready to compete scientifically in the 21st century. Rituparna and Shital have demonstrated their commitment to future scientific excellence by participating in the fair. Their accomplishments make me feel confident that we as a Nation will be scientifically competitive for years to come. These New Jersey students were part of an international competition that included students from throughout the United States and its territories as well as 30 other countries. The 1,500-plus fair participants exhibited a total of 1,019 projects. The fair represents the culmination of a yearlong process involving more than 1 million students participating at various local, regional, State, and national science fairs. Since each fair can send only two delegates, Rituparna and Shital represent the best of the best of young scientists in Hudson County. I would also like to thank the Jersey Journal for enthusiastically sponsoring the Hudson County Science Fair [HCSF]. The fair is an important showcase for the area's young scientists and the Journal's commitment to it demonstrates their ties to the community.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister M. Helen Rita, S.S.J., for her 65 years of dedication to God and the community. A 12 noon mass will be held in her honor at St. Andrew's Church on June 4, 1995 with a reception to follow afterward. Sister M. Helen Rita, a native of Pennsylvania, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph at Chestnut Hill on Sept. 10, 1930. She has been a teacher at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA and Newark. She was also a teacher at the Diocese of Charlotte in North Carolina. Sister Rita has been a teacher at the St. Andrew School for 29 years. She is a wonderful person who has shared her knowledge and love with those around her. Her dedication to the children is second to none. She has shown the children love, compassion, and understanding. Sister Rita is a loving and caring person and I am proud to have her as one of my constituents. She has worked hard to mold and shape the young minds of our children. Her tireless efforts and support is very much appreciated. Please join me in honoring such a great person. Sister M. Helen Rita has been an inspiration to us all. Her dedication and love will never be forgotten. May God bless her and may her wisdom and love be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, on April 2, 1995, the Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, Department of New Jersey, held its Eighth Annual Legislative Breakfast. Ms. Linda Trulio, 2d junior vice president of the auxiliary, wrote the following poem in honor of all disabled veterans and the mission of the DAV toward our fallen veterans. I believe that her words are worthy of my colleagues consideration and commend them to you herewith. Serving Those Who Served By: Linda A. Trulio Dedicated to the motto of the disabled American Veteran, Presented at the New Jersey Legislative Breakfast April 2, 1995. We rode the waves together, and sailed the stormy seas. We braved the intense jungles and hid among the trees. I pulled you from the waters deep and muddy sinking sands. I gave you my last cigarette, without question or demand. When flying high through stormy clouds and dodging rockets flares, I looked behind our aircraft and saw you praying there. We shared our jokes and memories, and thought so much of home We knew that with a buddies arm, we never were alone. And when the snipers' bullets found my leg and shoulder torn, I looked to you now for some help, my life now surely gone. I made it home alas, all tattered and all torn, And wondered what my future held, not much just pain and scorn. I felt so useless, just what would I do? Will they still love me when they see I have one shoe? How will I eat; how will I write? Will I still work with partial sight? And then I looked up from my bed, and saw you standing there. My friend, my pal, your hand on my head, Your eyes they held a tear. I'm here my friend; I'm here to help and never will I stray. We'll fight together, I'11 lead you on and still take time to pray. I'll visit you and give you strength in hospitals far and near. I'll look in on your family and those you hold most dear. And when your rights and benefits are under threat or endangered, I'll fight the fight for you my friend. You'll keep what was created. I'll be your eyes and write the words. I'll lead you step by step. I'm here to serve, the one who served, the one I'll not forget.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding community, the city of Union City, NJ, and to congratulate the residents on the celebration of the city's 70th anniversary. This is a special anniversary because this year the city, which I am proud to call home, is opening a new addition to its historic city hall. Union City was originally comprised of two smaller and separate communities, named West Hoboken, incorporated in 1861, and the town of Union Hill, incorporated in 1864. In June of 1925, the two towns merged to form the dynamic, bustling place we know today as Union City. Union City typifies this Nation's proud immigrant heritage. It has always been home to immigrants seeking a better way of life. The founders of West Hoboken and Union Hill were German and Dutch immigrants who moved to the western shore of the Hudson River to escape the crowded conditions of Manhattan. In fact, many of the original municipal documents were written in German. In the 1870's, industry discovered Union City and the population began to grow. Woods and fields were transformed into homes and businesses. Streets were cut through, and sewer, water, and gas mains laid. Breweries, silk, chocolate, cigar, and pencil factories moved to the city. It became a hub of the U.S. embroidery industry. The immigrant tradition continued throughout the years, drawing Irish and Italian immigrants during the first half of the 20th century. Cubans fleeing the tyranny of a brutal dictatorship came in growing numbers during the early 1960's. They established hundreds of thriving businesses along the main commercial strip, known as Bergenline Avenue. They were followed by immigrants from throughout Latin America, who make up the largest segment of the current population. During a short walk on Bergenline one can sample the cuisine of dozens of nations. Goods and merchandise from around the world are sold on the bustling streets. The people of Union City have always been its greatest asset. Diversity in our schools and in government is viewed as a strength not an impediment. I was proud to serve the residents as their first Hispanic mayor from 1986 through 1992. Earlier, I served on the city's board of education and later as chief financial officer for the school system. Union City is in the forefront of promoting the use of computer technology in the classroom. The new city hall [[Page E1134]] addition is another example of a city that is not content to rest on past accomplishments. Its programs for the elderly and recreation programs for its youth are second to none. Union City is a city on the move, ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century. The residents are proud of where they have been and proud of where they are going. I am proud to be a resident of Union City. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring Union City, a great place to live and raise a family.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1561. I am afraid that the title of the bill should not be the American Overseas Interests Act. It should be really called the American Overseas Isolationist Act of 1995. Just yesterday the Speaker of the House said in a speech before the Council of the Americas that Republicans are not neoisolationists. He said that America must listen, learn, help, and lead. But this bill belies that statement. Were it to pass, it would demonstrate that a majority of Republicans in this House are indeed isolationists. Mr. Chairman, in this bill we are not listening, as the Speaker suggested. The other nations of the world are listening, and the message they hear is ``stay engaged.'' But that message has fallen on deaf ears to many in this Chamber. It is hard to understand my friends on the other side of the aisle. They are big promoters of international trade, but they do not want to stay engaged in a manner that provides the stability for that trade to take place. They do not want the United Nations to lead, but they do not want America to lead either. So who leads? Mr. Chairman, in this bill we are not learning either. During the post-World-War-II era, America was at her best when she did learn the lessons of war. America helped to rebuild the free world and organize the most awesome alliance for peace and freedom the world has ever known. It led that alliance to victory over communism during the cold war. But now that the cold war is over, we want to stick our heads in the sand and wish all of the world's problems away. Instead of sewing the seeds for economic prosperity, we are seeking massive cuts in programs that promote development, U.S. economic interests, and the sales of American products abroad. Take a look at the Japanese approach in their own backyard, the Asia- Pacific region. Right now the Japanese Government is busy priming the pumps of the emerging Asian developing countries with huge amounts of development assistance. They do not consider them handouts. These are investments that are going to lock in, for the Japanese, tremendous economic benefits in terms of exports of goods and services for the Japanese well into the 21st century. They gave $5 billion alone to that region, but it paid off handsomely for them. They grew their exports by 57 percent to $145 billion. We are not doing the same. We are falling behind, and I am concerned that that gap will create a tremendous problem for us in our exports, which means jobs here at home. Export growth is not a luxury we can do without. It is a requirement for the basic health of our domestic economy. It is a requirement for the basic health of our domestic economy. It is a requirement if we are to provide American workers with high-paying, high-skilled jobs. Mr. Chairman, in this bill we are not helping either. Quite the contrary, we are sending a clear message to the world and to our allies that we do not want to help and that we prefer to look inward. Finally, Mr. Chairman, in this bill we have no intention of leading. After spending trillions of dollars in conflicts throughout the world, we are about to withdraw. When has America ever been afraid to lead? America has been the greatest and is the greatest, most powerful country in the world. Not only can it lead, it must lead. My colleagues, let us really do what Speaker Gingrich suggested, listen, learn, help, and lead. Vote this bill down. I urge a ``no'' vote on the America Overseas Isolationist Act of 1995.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before the House of Representatives to take this opportunity to congratulate Midtown Community School of Bayonne, NJ. Midtown Community School was recently selected by Redbook as one of the best schools in America. Midtown Community School is an example of what is right about public school education. We are constantly bombarded in the media by horror stories about how public education is letting our children down. Nothing could be further from the truth at MCS. At MCS they take extra effort to expose the students to advanced technology. Technology is the cornerstone of the curriculum at MCS and it is incorporated into every aspect of the school day, from the science classes to the music classes. The students teachers and administrators don't just talk about the electronic super highway, they are riding it. Nearly 500 schools were nominated for the prestigious award by State and national leaders, but only 142 schools were recognized by Redbook. A panel of 10 distinguished educational experts selected the winners. It took dedication by the parents and staffs to work collectively to earn this recognition. Midtown Community School is one of the best elementary schools in the country. It is an example of what public education can accomplish and we take great pride in knowing that it is part of our community. MCS's commitment to education does not end at 3 p.m. It offers a wide range of educational programs to all segments of the community. MCS fosters lifelong learning. Schools like MCS nurture students. They create a climate in which they can excel. At the same time they insure that our country will be competitive in the next century. MCS is a national educational treasure and deserves emulation. There can be no doubt that at Midtown Community School the future is here, today. Please join me in honoring this excellent educational institution for their extraordinary accomplishment. Lets not forget that the future of our Nation depends on the students of today. I am proud to have a school in the 13th Congressional District which serves as an academic role model for the rest of the Nation. That school is the Midtown Community School of Bayonne.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, why are the Republicans proposing a cut of $282 billion to Medicare? They tell us it is to save Medicare from bankruptcy. But nobody has asked why the plan to save Medicare is in the budget. Could we not save Medicare with another bill? In fact, they tried it yesterday. Their solution was to vote on a bill that would ask the Medicare trustees to come up with a plan to save Medicare from bankruptcy. But if they are asking the trustees to come up with a plan, what is it that we are voting on today? Do they have a plan, or do they not? It turns out that one of the trustees has already given an estimate of how much spending would have to be reduced in order to save Medicare from bankruptcy. Asked during testimony before the Senate Budget Committee how much it would take to make the fund solvent by 2002, public trustee Stanford G. Ross answered that it would take about $130 billion in cuts. So again, why are the Republicans proposing a cut of $282 billion to Medicare? What are their plans for the other $150 billion? The answer is, they are giving it away through tax cuts to the wealthy. Once again, they are cutting an extra $150 billion from Medicare to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. This while some Republicans are busy telling seniors that Medicare isn't sacred, and that they should tighten their belts. [[Page H5145]] Mr. Chairman, my mother knows just what it means to have to tighten her belt. She has worked all her life, for years and years in a factory in New Jersey. Today, Medicare pays for her health care. What do such huge numbers in the Republican budget mean to her? Lower coverage, higher copayments, and higher out-of-pocket expenses overall. On average, over $1,000 a year more from her pocket. My mother is lucky. If increased health care costs make it impossible to make ends meet, she has a family she can turn to for help. But what happens to those seniors who do not? Do they just tighten their belts a little more? Who are tightening their belts with this plan, Mr. Chairman? How does a capital gains tax cut tighten anyone's belt? The top 12 percent of earners in this country are going to share in over 75 percent of the benefits from that tax cut, thanks to the extra $150 billion seniors are forking over. That is what this budget is all about; seniors tightening their belts, while Wall Street wonders take their swollen checks to the bank. Mr. Chairman, let me say to my Republican colleagues, they cannot tell my mother or any other senior citizen in New Jersey or in the Nation that this is not going to cost them one single dime more from their pocket. It is going to cost them very significantly, no matter what they read. As it relates to the other thing they keep referring to, the 1993 deficit reduction vote, let me say that in my district, that meant over 50,000 families in my district got a tax cut, so they should keep reading their figures, but be honest to the seniors in this country. It is going to cost them more, and they are cutting in a manner that is disproportionate and unfair to people who have worked a lifetime. Vote against this budget.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Boehlert substitute. The proposed clean water amendments, H.R. 961, amount in my mind to nothing less than environmental sacrilege. The underlying principle behind the bill seems to be pollute now and leave a debased environment for our children. They take us back 20 years to an environmental stone age. H.R. 961 would have a severe and negative impact on New Jersey and the 13th Congressional District in particular. The EPA 1992 toxic inventory shows release of toxic material into New Jersey surface water of more than 400,000 pounds. The current law would be modified by H.R. 961 to allow for downgrading water quality standards where they result in disproportionate costs over benefits. This is unfair to the more than 90 percent of major industrial facilities and municipal facilities that are in compliance with the Clean Water Act in New Jersey. It rewards those who have resisted investing in pollution cleanup measures and punishes those who were responsible corporate citizens. The State of New Jersey has a thriving tourism industry doing over $10 billion in business annually. The State beachwater quality monitoring. Under H.R. 961, EPA is now directed to issue guidance instead of regulation with regard to fish consumption advisories and monitoring beachwater quality. Nonpoint source pollution is responsible for roughly half of the remaining pollution in the country. H.R. 961 modifies current law to clarify that voluntary or incentive-based approaches are allowable in lieu of regulatory programs. It also repeals sections of the Coastal Zone Management Act which requires coastal States to develop nonpoint source control programs. This would hit New Jersey's coastal tourism industries and port activities very hard, since they are at the receiving end of newly degraded waters. Simply put, H.R. 961 sets the clock back more than 20 years. The bill pushes back deadlines, requires waivers, creates huge new exemptions and mandates major changes in the core of the program, the water quality standards, and permit conditions. This is a piece of legislation that has been the most successful pollution cleanup program in existence. However, H.R. 961 does also the following: It waives industrial pretreatment of waste; delays dates for meeting deadlines if Federal funding falls short of the authorized levels; severely limits EPA's ability to control dangerous toxic substances; removes thousands of acres of wetlands from Federal protection, which could lead to more flooding, lower fish catches and poorer water quality. We have talked about the Coastal Zone Management Act. It also eliminates the ban on building sewage treatment plants in flood plains and wetlands and thereby encourages sewage overflow; and it puts it on a deadline for the control of agricultural runoff, to the detriment of downstream users. There are provisions in this bill that no one is quite sure what is meant. The antibacksliding provisions, which are supposed to ensure that permit changes do not result in different kinds of water pollution, are virtually, in my mind, incomprehensible. The provision for trading point source pollution credits between air and water may not be a bad idea, but it is completely unclear how it is supposed to work or how it will affect downstream users. That was before the markup. Now it is worse. There is a wholesale exemption for livestock feeder operations, no matter how large. It is a total exemption for an entire industry to dump animal waste into lagoons, retention ponds, wetlands, and other waters of the United States without a permit. This is the exact source of the deadly cryptosporidium contamination which killed so many people in Wisconsin. Current law lists 5 nonconventional pollutants for which a discharger may seek a modification of the best available standards of treatment. This bill goes from 5,000 to 70,000 different listings. There are terms which go beyond vague. Pollution credit trading, statistical compliance, and innovative technologies are frequent additions to provide flexibility which are in reality techno-babble for loopholes. This bill is a great leap backward in the control of water pollution. It is government by anecdote. If a special interest group wanted a small change in the law, it was generally granted at the expense of the environment. The result is a bill which has numerous contradictory provisions and repeals many longstanding commitments to water quality. It is not the type of legacy we want to bequeath to our children, the next generation, as we approach a new century. I urge support of the substitute and defeat of the legislation.