Robert Menendez

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chair, I thank my friend and colleague from Arizona for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. I rise today because while House Republicans vilify families that are coming to the United States for refuge, House Democrats and the Biden administration are working to address immigration challenges with real solutions. As many cities are welcoming asylum seekers and migrant families, House Democrats are fighting to provide resources to local governments that are processing migrant arrivals. House Democrats are fighting to relieve the immigration court backlog and provide stability for those stuck in the system. House Democrats are fighting to allow people to work and support their families. House Democrats are fighting to improve processing at the border. To be clear, this bill does not provide any solutions for our communities. This bill does not address the core issues driving migration. It does not provide resources to local governments that are handling migrant arrivals. It does nothing. In fact, it does the exact opposite of being productive by limiting available facilities to house migrants while they go through a process to which they are legally entitled. This bill has no purpose other than to score cheap political points for House Republicans. When House Republicans are ready to discuss real solutions, we will be ready to work with them. Right now, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 5283.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chair, I rise today to advocate for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program, often referred to as CFATS, and in support of my amendment included in the en bloc to improve training for the facility inspectors who advance this critical work. Since 2007, CFATS has helped thousands of sensitive chemical facilities strengthen their security posture and reduce onsite risks. I am particularly invested in the CFATS program because there are four facilities covered by the program in New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District, which is also home to what homeland security experts call the 2 most dangerous miles in America. For my constituents, it is vitally important to ensure that these facilities, their workers, and surrounding communities are adequately protected. Two months ago, this Chamber passed a reauthorization of the CFATS program to prevent its lapse at the end of July. Unfortunately, our colleagues in the Senate have not advanced this critical national security priority, and the CFATS program has lapsed. We are no longer able to inspect the more than 3,000 high-risk chemical facilities covered by this program, enforce security measures at those facilities, or vet individuals who are seeking to access dangerous chemicals. It is also critical that the CFATS program is fully funded. My amendment supports robust CFATS funding, particularly for improved and regular training of facility inspectors. This amendment builds on my earlier work on the Committee on Homeland Security to update the CFATS program and improve training for facility inspectors. Our facility inspectors deserve our full support so that they can do their best work to keep us safe. I will continue to fight for this funding as we move forward in the appropriations process. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible public servant, community leader, philanthropist, and cherished Hudson County legend, former Congressman Frank Guarini, who celebrated his 99th birthday last month. Congressman Guarini served in the House for 14 years on behalf of many of the cities and towns that I today have the privilege to serve. He started his career in public service when he joined the Navy, protecting our country and the Pacific theater during World War II aboard the USS Mount McKinley. He was later elected to the New Jersey State Senate, where he was known as a relentless advocate for the residents of Hudson County, helping to pave the way for the development of our waterfront communities. After he was elected to Congress in 1978, he worked to support our communities and future generations of Americans, spearheading the Educational Assistance Act, which created tax incentives for those seeking a college education. Congressman Guarini also quickly became known as an expert on international affairs, serving as a delegate to NATO, promoting trade with Caribbean and Latin American countries, and supporting diplomacy through economic development. After retiring from Congress in 1993, he continued his service to our country as a United States representative to the General Assembly of the United Nations. As a private citizen, Congressman Guarini found success as an attorney and real estate developer, success that he has shared many times over as a philanthropist. Today, the Congressman Frank J. Guarini Library at New Jersey City University stands to recognize his service and selfless generosity. His name also stands on the Frank J. Guarini Post Office Building, Jersey City's main United States Postal Service facility, as well as the Frank J. Guarini School of Business at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. I am honored to congratulate him on his 99th birthday in the place where he so strongly advocated for our communities time and time again. On behalf of our many residents whose lives were touched by his work, I wish a happy 99th birthday to Congressman Guarini.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Larsen and Chairman Graves for their leadership on this bill. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to discuss the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act and the positive impact it will have on air transportation for both consumers and workers in the aviation industry. Over the past few months, I have worked alongside my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to develop a strong, bipartisan bill that delivers for all Americans. That is exactly what this legislation does. Under this bill, airlines will be required to develop policies to reimburse consumers for hotel and meal costs when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed. Passengers living with disabilities will be treated with the dignity they deserve, thanks to the Department of Transportation's creation of a roadmap to better accommodate wheelchairs onboard planes and to reduce damage to mobility aids. Future airline pilots, technical workers, and airline manufacturing workers will come from communities that have been historically underrepresented in the aviation industry, with $9 million in funding for recruitment and retainment efforts for these good-paying, highly skilled jobs. Families will have an easier flying experience with airlines being required to allow parents to sit next to their young children. I am also pleased that important provisions of my bill, the Airline Employee Assault Prevention Act, were included in this FAA reauthorization, ensuring a continued focus on protecting airline workers from assault and harassment. This legislation reflects the voices of our residents who have long been burdened with flight delays, with unjust treatment of passengers with disabilities, and with conditions that have made flying more challenging for families. Mr. Chair, I proudly support this bill, I look forward to voting for it on the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in doing so.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two Newark firefighters who last week made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Firefighters Augusto ``Augie'' Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., were some of the first responders to an incredibly devastating fire at the Port of Newark in New Jersey. With the instinct that only the men and women who proudly serve in fire departments across the country have, they went straight to the heart of the battle encountering a scene unlike any they have ever experienced in their careers, but they never hesitated. They put it all on the line, and they made the ultimate sacrifice. They leave behind their families. They leave behind their friends. They leave behind their brothers and sisters in the Newark Fire Department. We must carry Augie and Wayne with us, carry on their legacies, carry on their memories, and that is what we will do. On behalf of every resident made safer by people like Augie and Wayne, we extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We commit ourselves to protecting our firefighters and ensuring they have everything they need to safely return home to their families. Today, we mourn the loss of these two incredible individuals.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the men and women in law enforcement who protect our communities in New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District and across the United States. As a Member of Congress, as a community member, and as a friend to our police officers, I recognize and appreciate their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our families safe. I strongly believe that their bravery and selflessness deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. This Congress, I cosponsored the Invest to Protect Act, which would provide funding for recruitment, retention, support, and training for small and mid-sized police departments. And I will continue to support legislation that equips law enforcement professionals with the tools they need to safely fulfill their responsibilities. I stand firmly in support of our law enforcement professionals and express my gratitude for their invaluable service to our communities. Their dedication, courage, and professionalism are the bedrock of a safe and secure society. We must work together to foster an environment that upholds the rule of law, encourages constructive dialogue, and strengthens the partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District to highlight how the House GOP's debt limit demands will hurt our families. If the Republicans' bill is adopted into law, then over 20,000 families in our district will be affected by cuts to lifelines like SNAP. While the House Republicans leave town for Memorial Day, they are at the same time targeting 9,000 veterans in our district whose VA health resources will be cut, making it more difficult for them to access the care that they deserve. The Republicans' legislation would also devastate our public schools, cutting Federal funds that help support the education of over 100,000 students in our district. Meanwhile, the 98,000 households in New Jersey that spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent--working families--would face severe cuts to the Federal housing assistance programs that enabled them to stay in their homes. While House Democrats support investing in our communities, the House Republicans are looking to burn them with deep cuts to these essential programs. I stand with House Democrats in opposing the House GOP's reckless and cruel cuts, and I urge Speaker McCarthy to bring his Members back to have a vote on this important deal.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great public servant, a law enforcement professional, a veteran of the United States Navy, and a dear friend, Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari. Sheriff Schillari will be honored tomorrow in New Jersey for his over 25 years of service, 13 of which he has served as our county's highest ranking law enforcement professional. Throughout that time, Sheriff Schillari has garnered respect from all corners for his devotion to protecting the residents of Hudson County and for ensuring our county roads, parks, and government facilities are safe for all to use. His accomplishments have included improved community policing, the modernization of the sheriff's office, increased patrols of our county parks and roads, and building up the county's crash investigation unit. In the last 25 years, Sheriff Schillari has embodied the best of law enforcement: fairness, respect, and devotion to his county, State, and country. All the while, he has been a caring father to his children and a husband to his wonderful wife of 50 years, Mrs. Schillari, an incredible individual in her own right. Today, on behalf of our county, I thank him and congratulate him on being honored by those who he has so selflessly served.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am paying tribute today to Reverend Anthony Azzarto, S.J., from Jersey City, New Jersey, and extending my condolences to his family. Rev. Azzarto's passing has profoundly impacted the Saint Peter's Preparatory School and the Jersey City community. He was associated with the school for more than six decades, leaving a lasting mark on generations of graduates, their families, and his colleagues. He taught the value of community and recognized the good in others. He genuinely cared for every school community member; we will never forget his legacy. I am including in the Record Rev. Anthony Azzarto's obituary. Rev. Anthony Azzarto, S.J., an iconic Jesuit priest who had an extraordinarily impactful six-decade association with Saint Peter's Preparatory, died on April 15, 2023, in the Jesuit infirmary at Murray-Weigel Hall on the campus of Fordham University. He was 84. Michael Gomez, Ed.D., Preparatory's president, said, ``Whether he was preaching to 950 students, celebrating Mass in your backyard with family and friends, or leading a faculty and staff retreat, Fr. Azzarto always taught us the importance of human interactions--and seeing the good, seeing God in each one. He always reminded us to walk the road together, and he has walked with thousands and thousands of folks--on our dark and lonely roads and on the roads to our greatest heights. Those lessons live on in the fabric of Saint Peter's Prep.'' James Horan, Preparatory's vice president, who has known Fr. Azzarto as a friend and colleague for 49 years, referred to him as ``a towering Jesuit,'' adding, ``He was the absolute embodiment of Prep's core identity as a Jesuit institution. His impact on this school has been nothing short of profound and transformational--in the truest sense of those often overused adjectives--affecting generations of graduates, their families, and his professional colleagues. His passing leaves an almost unthinkable void, but his legacy will remain an indelible part of this campus for future generations. He will be the ultimate touchstone whenever someone references the Jesuit ideal of being a `man for others.' '' In 1963, seven years after entering the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) at Bellarmine College (Plattsburgh, NY), Fr. Azzarto arrived at Preparatory's downtown Jersey City campus and quickly distinguished himself as a faculty member who was highly relatable to his teenage students, and whose daily activities were defined by a genuine care for each member of the school community. This included creating and moderating cocurricular activities that provided new opportunities for all students to become involved in school life. He left Prep in 1966 to continue his religious studies and was ordained a priest on June 12, 1969. He had earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Loyola Seminary (Fordham University), and he went on to earn his M.Div. degree from Woodstock College, MD. He returned to campus in 1972, and over the next five decades he served as counselor, chaplain, alumni chaplain and teacher, including classes as varied as British literature, prayer and the saints. Also, in his role as chaplain he led the Emmaus retreat program for nearly 20 years. From 1980 to 1985, Fr. Azzarto was assigned to Saint Joseph's Church in Benin City, Nigeria, where he served as pastor. In addition to his parish duties, he ministered at the local leper hospital and prison, and he was part of a team of New York Jesuits instrumental in building the Society of Jesus in Africa. He was a tireless promoter of Jesuit vocations in Nigeria and remained very proud of the wonderful Jesuits serving the church in Nigeria and throughout Africa. In addition to serving several summers in Nigeria when he was teaching at Saint Peter's, he returned to Africa from 2005 to 2006, serving in Lagos, and then he returned to Prep. In 2018, he was assigned to the Jesuit community at Murray- Weigel Hall in the Bronx, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus and continuing his ministry at Prep, especially in conjunction with the school's Alumni Spirituality Committee. Over his career at Saint Peter's, Fr. Azzarto 's impact began in the classroom and stayed with the graduates as they proceeded into adulthood. He officiated at countless weddings, baptisms and funerals of Prep alumni and their families. Somehow he was virtually always available, and he served in that capacity while also finding time to attend many of Prep's athletic events, especially contests at the freshman and JV levels. A proud Brooklyn native, a 1956 graduate of that borough's Jesuit high school, Brooklyn Prep, and an avid sports fan, Fr. Azzarto was known for his ongoing loyalty to the Dodgers, and he knew his support of Prep's underclassmen would be most impactful to the young athletes. His presence also extended off campus, including organizing and officiating at liturgies, called ``Prep on the Road,'' held at the homes of Prep families in various geographic areas.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Mississippi for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 2, the House Republicans' border bill that fails to fix our broken immigration system. I have been to our southern border twice since January because I do believe it is important that we experience those challenges firsthand. Despite there being an immense amount of work to do at our border, this legislation fails to meet the moment. Instead of solutions, Republicans want a wall; a wall that would immediately be obsolete upon completion and would only serve as a painful reminder of the Republicans' failed border policies; a wall that would cost almost $25 million per mile to complete, resulting in a total bill to the American taxpayers of over $11 billion. For a party that talks about wasteful government spending, how can this possibly be the best use of our taxpayer dollars? Mr. Speaker, I and my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee offered numerous amendments to this bill to address some of its core deficiencies. When I offered an amendment to strike this wasteful spending on an inefficient wall, it was rejected by every single Republican. Operation Blue Lotus, a Biden administration program, has stopped over 4,000 pounds of fentanyl from being brought into the U.S. and has led to dozens of arrests and the seizure of thousands of pounds of illicit drugs. Yet, when I offered an amendment to provide congressional authorization for this successful program, it was rejected, again, by every single Republican. Even on the issues that Republicans talk most about, like fentanyl, this bill fails to address those challenges. Even worse, this bill treats migrants as our enemies instead of our neighbors who are simply looking to give their families the opportunities to be hopeful about their tomorrows, to give them their fair shot at their American Dream, the fair shot that all of our families were given by this country. This bill also seeks to punish nonprofits and NGOs that, by caring for our most vulnerable neighbors, reflect the best of who we are as a country. Organizations like Catholic Charities that feed, house, and take care of migrants could lose Federal funding by simply fulfilling their spiritual mission of supporting those most in need. Democrats offered amendments to ensure that NGOs would not be penalized for providing services to pregnant women, children, and families. Each amendment failed because not a single Republican was willing to stand up and vote for it. This should not be who we are as a country. If this bill becomes law, it will say to the world that this is who we have become. Mr. Speaker, I am a ``no'' on H.R. 2, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 734, a bill that chooses politics over protecting our children, specifically our trans children. With all the challenges we are facing as a country, with all the challenges so many working and middle-class families are facing, it is astonishing that we are here debating legislation that seeks to target our children. I intentionally say ``our children'' because I do believe as legislators we should be concerned about every child in America, whether they live in a red or blue State, urban or rural community, and however they choose to identify. Yet, Republicans, not just in this body but in legislatures across the country, have set their mark on trans children. When we speak of trans children, by most estimates, we are talking about 300,000 people in a country of 331 million, and even fewer who participate in school sports. Just think about that. With all the power bestowed upon us, upon this august institution, Republicans are choosing to use that might to prevent trans children from participating in sports. They do so instead of working with Democrats to provide tangible solutions to the challenges that so many Americans are facing. Why are we not voting today to make permanent the expanded child tax credit, which lifted 2.9 million children out of poverty? Why are we not voting today on legislation that would make pre-K available to all families and, in doing so, alleviate one of the most significant burdens that working parents face each and every day? Why are Republicans not focusing on these issues, debating and voting on real change for the majority of American families? This week, Republicans will constantly talk about protecting our children, yet they won't work to solve the gun violence epidemic that we have in our country, an epidemic that continues to be a stain on each and every one of us. We have to acknowledge the complete absurdity that Republicans are more comfortable sending their children to school to participate in active shooter trainings than they are having their children play alongside a trans teammate. The leading cause of death of children in this country, in our country, is gun violence. Yet, Republicans are here trying to prevent trans children from participating in sports. The GOP's title of this bill is Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, but have we not asked ourselves about the children that this bill seeks to target? Who is protecting them? When will we remember that we show our true strength by concerning ourselves with the most vulnerable amongst us? We are supposed to be the ones who are guided by President Lincoln's encouragement to have faith that right makes might. Being on the side of those who others seek to marginalize is the right side of history and shows true strength. Mr. Speaker, on the topic of strength, let me be clear about one thing. Every single trans individual in this country who continues to be their true and authentic self in the face of constant bigotry and hate has more strength and courage than anyone who chooses to vote for this bill. As the Book of John reminds us: ``If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.'' As a father, I know that the single greatest gift that we can give our children is the love, support, and encouragement they need to be the truest and most authentic versions of who they are because we as adults know that this life is hard and that giving our kids that support is the least we can do. Instead of trying to make life just a little easier, especially for those individuals who have found the bravery to be open about who they are, Republicans are trying to put out their inner light by making them feel different, by ostracizing them from their peers. As I have said before and will say so long as it needs to be said, I love every single trans individual in this country because they are my brothers, my sisters, my neighbors, and my fellow Americans. This bill is wrong. Targeting the trans community is wrong, and I won't stand for it. Mr. Speaker, I am a ``no'' on H.R. 734, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's invite to attend an event related to the Hudson Tunnel Project, I was unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 95 and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 96. personal explanation

Mr. MENENDEZ

Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today because 2 months ago, Americans sent a clear message to Congress, rejecting the extremist anti-abortion, anti-reproductive health policies of the GOP. Yet, here we are today, on our first week in Congress, voting on legislation that puts women at risk by jeopardizing the ability of medical professionals to perform lifesaving care. Under the Republican agenda, women do not have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and about their own healthcare. Make no mistake, this is yet another step toward the GOP's ultimate goal of criminalizing abortion nationwide and banning contraception while doing absolutely nothing to address the real issues impacting parents, children, and families across our country. House Democrats will fight to protect abortion rights, to maintain access to contraception, and to not put the government between women and their doctors. The GOP's decades-long demonization of reproductive healthcare providers has resulted in targeted violence, as well as continual harassment of those seeking abortion care. Yet, instead of speaking out against these heinous crimes, the GOP is focusing on a resolution that picks what type of violence is unacceptable to them, when in reality violence should be condemned in all forms no matter what groups are being targeted. For this reason, I am co-sponsoring a House Resolution that condemns attacks on healthcare facilities, healthcare personnel, and patients. This Resolution condemns the hatred, violence, and harassment that abortion providers, reproductive health advocates, and other healthcare providers have faced for providing essential healthcare services to women across our country. I call upon our colleagues across the aisle to condemn violence regardless of whom it is being directed at, and I invite them to do so by adopting this language into their resolution.