José Serrano

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with joy and pride that I rise to pay tribute to Jonas Bronck Apartments for Senior Citizens, which will celebrate its 25th Anniversary of services to seniors and the Bronx community on Wednesday, June 15, 1999. Mr. Speaker, the history of Jonas Bronck Apartments begins with the merger of one nearly-defunct Lutheran congregation and one small but vibrant Lutheran congregation in the Tremont section of the Bronx 32 years ago. In June of 1967, Pr. Albert O. Wollert, the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church on East 178th Street, was called to serve concurrently as pastor of St. Thomas English Lutheran Church on Topping Avenue. St. Thomas English Lutheran Church had had a short but fruitful life of 59 years, but due to radical demographic changes in the neighborhood after the Second World War it has dwindled to a remnant of old members. The young and visionary Pr. Wollert, then 39, saw an opportunity to bring life and service out of the death of a church. Within months Pr. Wollert managed to convince the ``old St. Thomas'' members to formally join with Trinity. He also managed to convince the members of Trinity to receive the small remnant of ``old Saint Thomas'' members into Trinity Church, and to name the merged congregation ``Saint Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Bronx.'' The entire operation was finalized on December 12, 1967, and on Christmas Eve the two congregations worshiped together for the first time. From this time forward the church on East 178th Street, the current location, would be known simply as ``St. Thomas Lutheran Church.'' On June 3, 1968, the ``old Saint Thomas'' building, which is still standing at its original location, was sold to Bethany Church and Missionary Alliance. For over a year, the St. Thomas Congregation considered investing the proceeds in different types of projects. After many adjustments and readjustments, and some help from then- Governor Nelson Rockefeller, the plans for a building to be called Jonas Bronck Apartments for Senior Citizens were approved, and a combination of state and federal funding was secured. Final approval was received on April 24, 1970, from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Mr. Speaker, on May 5, 1974, Jonas Bronck Apartments for Senior Citizens was formally dedicated and opened its doors to the senior citizens of our Bronx community and the larger New York metropolitan area. Though Jonas Bronck Apartments was the brainchild of a former pastor and the parishioners of St. Thomas Lutheran Church of The Bronx, the 216 unit, 16 story facility for seniors is a success story of cooperation between the private and governmental sectors. I applaud the commitment and the efforts of everyone involved with Jonas Bronck Apartments for Senior Citizens, its board, staff, and supporters for the assistance they provide to the elderly. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jonas Bronck Apartments for Senior Citizens and the individuals who have made 25 years of service possible.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ernesto Munoz, an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to public service and education. His memory was honored on June 11 during the dedication of the Ernesto Munoz Auditorium at PS 48. Born on November 25, 1943, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to Rosario Munoz and Susana Garcia, Ernesto was one of five girls and two boys. He moved to the Bronx in 1953. Ernesto attended New York City Public Schools, graduating from P.S. 123 as Valedictorian and Samuel Gompers High School for Technical Studies as a member of the National Honor Society. He received a scholarship to Baruch College of the City University of New York. He is also a graduate of Bronx Community College. Ernesto was a Licensed Real Estate broker and Vice President for Milchman Enterprises Company, Inc. in the Bronx. Mr. Speaker, Ernesto was very active in the Hunts Point community in my congressional district. From 1980 to the time of his passing, he was President of the Spofford Avenue Housing Development Fund Corporation and Chairman of the Board of Lapeninsula Community Organization, Inc. He was also a member of the Hunts Point Task Force from 1990 to 1992 and the Bronx Borough President's Citizen Advisory Committee on Resource Recovery from 1990 to 1991. In addition, he was a very active member of Community School Board DIstrict 8. He was a Board Member from 1989 until 1996; during this time, he served as President (1991-92), Vice President (1992-93) and Treasurer (1989-91). Ernesto married Ramona Santiago on June 6, 1964 at St. John's Church in the Bronx and made their home in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. They had four children, Eric, Rebecca, Beatriz and Wedalis, and six grandchildren, Michael, Cynthia, Marissa, Carlos, Jr., Christian and David, Jr. Ernesto inspired me and many other young people from the Bronx. He had a remarkable passion for life, tenacity to accomplish what he set out to do, great courage and sensitivity. He passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 1998. His untimely passing has left a void not only in his family and community, but by all those whose lives he has touched. Mr. Speaker, on June 11, PS 48 honored his memory during the dedication of the Ernesto Munoz auditorium. What a fitting tribute. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ernesto Munoz and in wishing PS 48 continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. SERRANO. Those purchases are made now, and they will be made here later.

Mr. SERRANO. Well, rice comes from Asia.

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, let me just first say that I have the highest respect for the gentleman from Florida. He knows that. I also have quite a bit of respect for the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt) and a lot of respect for his amendment and even more growing every day for both the gentleman and all of his other policies. I think the gentleman from Florida makes an interesting point, that we should not at times do anything to help enemies we have in foreign governments. But on the other hand, I do not think we should hurt people that live in the countries where we may have enemies in the government. And so I think that this issue, as the gentleman from Washington has said, is one that we have to deal with. That is why I really think he has been so courageous on this issue. We may run away from this issue but we cannot hide from it. Eventually we are going to be called to answer questions as the greatest Nation on earth, as the Nation that produces the most food in the world: Why during the period of great prosperity for us we use food and medicine as a weapon to bring people around to our political will? This issue is not about whether we agree with a government or not. The issue is simply and it has to be repeated over and over again, whether we should deprive people in those countries whose government we disagree with the ability to have food and medicine, something that is so available to us in this country. And yes, at the same time we cannot deny that the way the gentleman from Washington and I and other people have presented this issue, it is also a good investment for this country, not only because we come off as being what we truly are, a good country that does not do this to other people but also because American farmers can sell food and medicine. I will give my colleagues an example. The gentleman from Florida did bring up the issue of Cuba. I have a bill to do just that, to sell food and medicine to Cuba. In the area of food alone, if my colleagues can get past, for a second, the issue of whether we should even give this food away or not and the issue of food alone, the Cuban Government has made it clear that they would purchase up to $850 million in rice from this country, that they would purchase $700 million in corn, that they would purchase over $500 million in chicken. Now, every time I mention one of these products, I know that a certain State delegation or a different State delegation gets excited. What a wonderful opportunity to do that which is humanely right and that which is good for our farmers. I must tell my colleagues when I first got elected 9 years ago, coming from a district in the Bronx, I never thought that I would have American farmers supporting a piece of legislation I presented, and they do, and they do because they support the fact that it is a good thing to do and a good thing to establish, Mr. Chairman. Now, the President, as we know, very recently said that we should do this with all other countries, but he could not do it for Cuba because of the fact that this is handled by legislation, that we cannot sell food and medicine to Cuba, and so I think that while this issue obviously will not be dealt with today, while this issue obviously will not become law anytime soon, while this issue obviously is still at the center of a political debate in this House which is not one that seems for our side to be winning, our side being those of us who agree that we should do this, the fact is that the time is coming for this. We cannot continue to have food and medicine business, if my colleagues will, with China, with Iraq, were Iran, with Sudan and other countries in the world and continue to argue that one place 90 miles from Miami should not be allowed the same sale. So I would hope that we do pay attention to this issue, and I would hope that in the near future the sponsorship of our bill will continue to grow. As it is, it is over 150 sponsors at the moment, and the minute we get to 218, we will talk to our colleagues about bringing it to the House. So I would hope, Mr. Chairman, with all due respect that all Members would see this for what it is. It is something that is right, it is something that is fair, and it is something that is long overdue.

Mr. SERRANO. Yes, those purchases made everywhere but from American farmers.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, the debate goes on in this country as we try earnestly to find solutions for the problem of violence in our schools and throughout our society. At the same time the 6 o'clock news reports school violence, it reports the violence of war. So I wonder and I ask out loud, is it possible that our children are imitating the actions of our government, that every time we have a difference with another country, we use violence to solve that difference? Secondly, this week on the agriculture appropriation bill we will say ``no'' once again to selling food and medicine to Cuba. Food and medicine. Economic violence. Is it possible that our children are simply imitating the violence they see coming from our adult behavior?

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great civil rights and women's rights leader, an outstanding individual who has devoted his life to his family and to serving the community, Mr. Nat Ross. For the past 60 years, he has played a major role in virtually every significant movement for civil rights, empowerment, and social and economic justice. Mr. Ross will turn 95 on June 25. Born to immigrant parents who labored as garment workers, Nat Ross started on his path to the American Dream when he was awarded a 4-year scholarship to Columbia University. There he was deeply influenced by a faculty that included John Dewey, who would become Franklin Roosevelt's ``Brain Trust''. Nat dedicated himself to education and to two emerging social issues, civil rights and women's rights. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1927. Nat began his career as a printing salesman with Lincoln Graphic Arts, becoming an expert in direct mail marketing. In the 1930's he served in the civil rights movement, volunteering in Alabama in the midst of the infamous ``Scottsboro Boys Case''. There he would meet Johnnie West, who served as a war correspondent during World War II. They were married for 55 years until her passing. Mr. Speaker, Nat's second career started in 1967 when he started teaching Direct Marketing at New York University. Under his leadership, the New York University Center for Direct Marketing was born and is now considered the prominent program in this field. Nat also founded the Direct Marketing Idea Exchange, a discussion club including the most prestigious talents in the business. In 1984 he was named to the Direct Marketing Association's Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a happy 95th birthday to Nat Ross.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Walden Robert Cassotto for all the joy that he gave to the world through his talent, music, and generosity. He will be honored on his birthday, May 14. Known as Bobby Darin, Walden Robert Cassotto was born in Harlem on May 14, 1936. For most of his young life he lived at 629 East 135th Street in the Bronx. He attended PS 43 and Elijah D. Clark Junior and graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in January 1953, at the tender age of 16. Darin's first paying musical job was at a school dance at Bronx Science. For their performance, Bob and his band mates were reportedly paid ``twenty cents and a stick of gum each,'' a rather inauspicious start to what would turn out to be a brilliant career. Just a few years out of high school, Bobby Darin would find fame and fortune. Mr. Speaker, between the ages of 8 and 12, Bobby suffered of rheumatic fever four times. In those days, there was no effective treatment for the disease. During one of his bouts with the illness, Bobby overheard the doctor tell his mother that he wouldn't live to see his 16th birthday. From then on, the young man became driven to succeed. He wanted desperately to leave his mark on the world. Blessed with talent and determination, Bobby Darin would see his dream come to fruition. With his musical gifts, and his intuitive acting ability, and by the sheer force of his personality, Bobby Darin did indeed become a legend in his own time. On December 2, 1959, Darin was the subject of Ralph Edwards' ``This is Your Life.'' One of the gifts bestowed upon Bobby that night was the establishment of The Bobby Darin Award at Bronx Science--a medal presented to outstanding music students at Bobby's old high school until it lapsed in 1965. Sadly, on December 20, 1973, at the age of 37, Bobby Darin passed away following heart surgery. He left a son, Dodd. Mr. Speaker, for me, Bobby Darin was more than a great singer. He added great musical joy to my world with his style and grace, the lyrics of his songs, and his music. His first major hit came in 1958 with ``Splish Splash'' and ``Mack the Knife'' which exploded onto the charts, rocketing to number 1, and stayed there for months. Bobby inspired me and so many other young people from the Bronx. He had a remarkable passion for life, tenacity to accomplish what he was set to do, great courage and sensitivity. I can remember how proud we were in the Bronx to know that he came from our own Borough. Mr. Speaker, May 14, 1999 has been proclaimed ``Bobby Darin Day'' in the Bronx by Bronx Borough President, Fernando Ferrer and, at the Bronx Science Spring Concert, the school's alumni association will revive the Bobby Darin award as a scholarship for talented music students. What a fitting tribute. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a great American artist and in wishing the Bobby Darin Award Committee continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to serving others, Rev. Roberto O. Gonzalez, O.F.M., who was recently appointed by his Holiness Pope John Paul II to be the Archbishop of San Juan, PR. Reverend Gonzalez was born on June 2, 1950 in Elizabeth, NJ. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Siena College, Loudonville, NY, in 1972, a Master of Arts in Theology from Washington Theological Coalition, Silver Spring, MD, in 1977, and Masters and Doctoral degrees in Sociology from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, in 1980 and 1984, respectively. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Gonzalez was received into Franciscan Order in 1972, ordained to the Priesthood on May 8, 1977, appointed to the Episcopacy by Pope John Paul II on July 19, 1988, ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Boston on October 3, 1988, appointed coadjutor Bishop of Corpus Christi on May 16, 1995, and succeeded to the See of Corpus Christi on April 1, 1997. Reverend Gonzalez has been an outstanding leader and a great role model, not only to the religious organizations he served so well but also to the Hispanic community. Mr. Speaker, I have known Reverend Gonzalez personally for many years, and I am very familiar with his experience, character, and personality. In short, Reverend Gonzalez lives to help other people. He has been diligent in providing spiritual guidance and support to the members of our community. The many religious organizations to which he belonged, like the books and articles he has written speak volumes about him. As it is written in Hebrews 6:10, ``for God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them,'' the community recognizes him, Pope John Paul II, too, recognizes him and honors him with this appointment. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to and in congratulating Rev. Roberto O. Gonzalez, O.F.M. for his new appointment to be the Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute to a great organization, the ``Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc.'' which celebrates its tenth anniversary of celebrating Dominican culture in my South Bronx Congressional District today, Monday, May 3rd, 1999. The Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc. was created on May 3, 1990. Each year thousands of members and friends of the Dominican community march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to East 161st Street and the Grand Concourse during the annual Great Dominican Parade and Carnival of the Bronx. Under its Founder and President, Felipe Febles, the parade has grown in size and splendor. It now brings together an increasing number of participants from all five New York City boroughs and beyond. Mr. Speaker, as one who has participated in the parade in the past, I can attest that the excitement it generates brings the entire City together. It is a celebration and an affirmation of life. It feels wonderful to enable so many people to have this experience--one that will change the lives of many of them. It is always an honor for me to join the hundreds of joyful people who march each year and to savor the variety of their celebrations. There's no better way to see our Bronx community. The event usually features a wide variety of entertainment for all age groups. Past years' festivals included the performance of Merengue and Salsa bands, crafts exhibitions, and food typical of the Dominican Republic. In addition to the parade, President Febles and many organizers each year provide the community with nearly two weeks of activities to commemorate the contributions of the Dominican community, its culture and history. Mr. Speaker, it is with enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc. and in wishing the Committee continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with joy that I rise today to once again pay tribute to Bronx Community College, which will hold its 21st Anniversary Hall of Fame 10K Run on Saturday, May 1, 1999. The Hall of Fame 10K Run was founded in 1978 by Bronx Community College's third President, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown. Its mission is to highlight the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, a national institution dedicated to those who have helped make America great. The tradition continues, first under the leadership of Acting President, Dr. Leo A. Corbie and now under Dr. Carolyn G. Williams, the first woman President of Bronx Community College. Both Dr. Corbie and Dr. Williams have endorsed and follow the commitment made by Dr. Brown to promote physical well-being as well as higher education. As one who has run the Hall of Fame 10K Run, I can attest that the excitement it generates brings the entire City together. It is a celebration and an affirmation of life. It feels wonderful to enable more than 400 people to have this experience--one that will change the lives of many of them. It is an honor for me to join once again the hundreds of joyful people who will run along the Grand Concourse, University Avenue and West 181 Street and to savor the variety of their celebrations. There's no better way to see our Bronx community. For its first 20 years, Professor Henry A. Skinner has coordinated the Bronx Community College Hall of Fame 10K race, a healthy competition which brings together runners of all ages from the five boroughs of New York City. He is also the President of Unity and Strength, the organization of minority faculty, staff and administrators of Bronx Community College. Dr. Atlaw Belilgne of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, as the 1999 Director of the race, continues this rich Bronx tradition. He is also Director of Self Help and Resource Exchange (S.H.A.R.E.). Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the individuals and participants who are making the Bronx Community College's 21st annual Hall of Fame 10K Run possible.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Betty Adelstein, an outstanding individual who has devoted her life to her family and to serving the community. Mrs. Adelstein will turn 90 on Wednesday and celebrated May 2, 1999 at a party given her family and friends. She is a vibrant, dynamic, caring woman who drives to St. Vincent Hospital three days a week to volunteer in the office of the Director of Pediatrics. She has accumulated over 10,000 hours of volunteer service at the hospital and, during the past twenty years, she has given of herself and her time to various Staten Island organizations. Before moving to Staten Island, she spent nearly fifty years as a resident of the Bronx. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Adelstein was born in New Britain, Connecticut on May 5, 1909, a first generation American. From the age of five, she helped sell newspapers in her father's candy store. At fourteen years of age, after the shop was closed, she was taken out of school and brought to New York to help in the vegetable store her father opened there, leaving her mother, 4 brothers and a sister behind. When she was sixteen, the family moved to the Bronx from New Britain. Mrs. Adelstein finished high school at night. Several years later, she meet her husband, David, an electrical engineer. They were married in 1932 and remained in the Bronx for forty-one years until his death in 1973. In 1975, she moved to Staten Island to be near her daughter, son-in-law and grandson. It was then last that she began her long career as a volunteer, which continues to this day. She is truly a source of inspiration to all who know her. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a happy 90th birthday to Betty Adelstein.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert M. McLaughlin, an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to education. He will be celebrating his retirement from Saint David's School, where he has taught English and Latin, as well as 4th and 8th grade, since 1963. He will be honored on May 5 by parents, family, friends, and professionals for his outstanding contributions to the community. Born in the Bronx in 1936, Mr. McLaughlin, known as Bob to his friends, attended Cardinal Hayes High School and Fordham University where he earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Latin and Roman History. As Rose Marie Gionta Alfieri eloquently reported in Saint David's Magazine: ``A bibliophile is one of the terms most often used by McLaughlin's colleagues and friends at Saint David's to describe him. Others include `loyal,' `funny,' `supportive,' `argumentative,' and `good sport.' But perhaps the most on-the-nose quality that captures the essence of this master teacher can be summed up in one word: passion.'' Mr. Speaker, I think that quote speaks volumes about Mr. McLaughlin's character. Mr. McLaughlin will retire in May of this year after a fruitful career in public service. He will leave us with many lessons learned about leadership in education and about wisdom. A talented leader and educator, Mr. McLaughlin will continue sharing his knowledge and views with his family and friends. Mr. McLaughlin is married to Mary McAndrews and they are the proud parents of five children, Robert, Matthew, Andrew--all three attended Saint David's School--Mary Joyce, and Kristin. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert M. ``Bob'' McLaughlin for his outstanding achievements in education and his enduring commitment to the community

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Nellie Mackay, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her life to public service. She will be honored this Saturday, March 27, by parents, family, friends, and professionals for her outstanding contributions to the community at the Sixth Annual Senior Citizen Luncheon hosted by the Patterson Volunteer Committee, Inc. at the Mott Haven Community Center. Born in Elkton, Tennessee, Ms. Mackay moved to New York and has been a resident of Patterson Houses for 32 years. A 1986 graduate from Vermont College and graduate of Medical Aide Training School in 1997, she has certainly shown the importance of life long learning. She is a Bronx State Committee member and a member of Community Planning board #1. Through her years of service, she has served on the National Advisory Council of Save a Marriage, the City of New York Child Abuse and Maltreatment committee, and New York University Food Service and Management program among many others. Mr. Speaker, Nellie also visits Middletown New York Prison once a year to do a Black History workshop with inmates. She was the representative for Senior Citizens for Social Security from 1973 until 1975 and in 1979 she ran a workshop for children from the Mott Haven Day Care Center about their heritage, which appeared in Big Red newspaper. She has been involved in a wide variety of community activities, including volunteer work with the elderly and marriage counseling. The business, professional, and civic organizations to which she belonged, like the honors and awards she was given are almost beyond counting. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Nellie Mackay for her outstanding achievements and her enduring commitment to the community.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to pay tribute to Assemblywoman Carmen E. Arroyo, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her life to public service. Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Carmen moved to New York City in 1964 after graduating from Corozal High School and Sixto Febus Business School, where she received her Secretarial-Bookkeeper degree. She has shown the importance of life-long learning as she has continued to take post-graduate courses. In 1978 she received her Associate of Arts Degree from Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College and in 1980, at the age of 44, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of New Rochelle. I have known her personally for many years, and I am very familiar with her background, experience, character, and personality. She is a person of the highest personal and professional integrity. Mr. Speaker, when Carmen moved to New York, she worked long hours in a factory in order to bring her seven children from Puerto Rico. In 1965, they joined her in New York, but, unable to find day care services, she was forced to receive public assistance for nine months, during which time she organized the welfare mothers of her community and founded the South Bronx Action Group (SBAG) in 1966. The South Bronx Action Group received funding and Carmen served as the Executive Director. She expanded the notion of tenant advocacy to include interrelated employment, health, adult education, and welfare services. Today, the SBAG is still operating. In 1978, Carmen became Executive Director of the South Bronx Community Corporation, where she was responsible for implementation of policy and overall supervision of program budgeting. As Executive Director, she implemented a successful feeding program where over 400 senior citizens and drug addicts were served hot meals on a daily basis. Under her leadership, the SBCC had the largest Summer Youth Employment Program in New York City, employing over 5,000 each year. Carmen was also instrumental in raising funds from public resources and private foundations. She initiated a grant for funds under Section 202 of the Federal Housing Act and received two grants totaling over 8.4 million dollars to construct 194 housing units for senior citizens. Carmen was also instrumental in the development of private housing for working class families in the South Bronx. As a result of that, she became the first Puerto Rican woman housing developer in New York State. In 1978, Carmen was elected Female District Leader of what today is the 74th Assembly District, which she served until 1993. She served as Member and President of Community School Board 7 from 1973 to 1993. She served as member of the Lincoln Hospital Advisory Board for 17 years and in 1973 was appointed by former Governor Nelson Rockefeller to the NYS Medicaid Council, on which she served a 4-year term. She was also Member and Chairperson of Planning Board One for 20 years. Mr. Speaker, in February 1994, Carmen won a special election and became the first Puerto Rican Woman elected to the New York State Assembly. This is the kind of issue that should be discussed in the classrooms. Assemblywoman Arroyo is a role model for all Hispanics. She has set an example of how success is available for all of those who persevere to achieve their goals. She is an inspiration for many Puerto Ricans and for the people in the Bronx who are trying to break the cycle of poverty. Carmen is the mother of seven and the grandmother of fourteen. She continues to reside in the South Bronx with her husband Hector Ramirez. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Assemblywoman Carmen E. Arroyo for her outstanding achievements and in wishing her continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Evelyn Watson, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her life to public service and education. She was honored by parents, family, friends, and professionals for her outstanding contributions to the community at a January 29 dinner marking her retirement as Executive Director of East Tremont Head Start. Mrs. Watson was born on September 10, 1925 in Beckley, West Virginia. She received her certificate in Community Organization in 1972, her AAS from New York University in 1974 and her BSW from the same university in 1975. She started her career as a Units Clerk at the New York State Employment from 1955-1962. From 1967 to 1969 she worked as a Family Assistant with Head Start. From 1969 to 1974 she was a Lay Associate LCA at Messiah Lutheran Church. In 1976 she joined East Tremont Head Start. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Watson has been a pillar of our Bronx Community for more than thirty years. She dedicated almost twenty five years of her life to the Head Start community, working at East Tremont Head Start. Her first position was Family Assistant. She served as Acting Director before ascending to Executive Director. Presently, East Tremont Head Start is comprised of six sites, all operating under Mrs. Watson's diligent and dedicated leadership. It is a privilege for me to represent the 16th congressional district of New York, where East Tremont Head Start is located. I have witnessed first-hand the exemplary work they are doing for our community, and I am deeply impressed. I am very proud of their accomplishments. Evelyn Watson retired on January 29 after a fruitful career in public service. Mrs. Watson left us with many lessons learned in community service, leadership in education, and wisdom. A talented leader and educator, Mrs. Watson will continue sharing her knowledge and views with her family, including three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, and her friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Evelyn Watson for her outstanding achievements in education and her enduring commitment to the community.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again pay tribute to the South Bronx Mental Health Council, Inc., which will celebrate its eight annual ``patient Recognition and empowerment Day.'' Created in 1968 as Lincoln Community Mental Health Center, the South Bronx Mental Health Council, Inc. is a community-based organization which provides treatment and mental health services to the local population and to area schools and senior centers. It is committed to helping empower its patients and their families through the rehabilitation of patients and their reintegration in their communities. All of us, I am sure, have known someone who, whether we were aware of it or not, struggled with some form of mental illness. Tragically, a suicide or other crisis is too often our first--and only--indication of the individual's suffering. While it is important, and appropriate, to recognize the care givers who provide these services, it is even more important that those individuals who have made special efforts to overcome their challenges also receive our attention and support. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting our friends at the South Bronx Mental Health Council, who on Friday, January 29, will celebrate the eighth annual Patient Recognition and Empowerment Day.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the First Couple of Boys Brotherhood Republic, Ralph and Rose Hittman, two outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service. They will be honored on January 9 by parents, family, friends, and professionals for their outstanding contributions to the community. I have known them personally for many years, and I am very familiar with their background, experience, character, and personality. They are two people of enormous commitment. An active citizen and police captain at the Boys Brotherhood Republic (BBR) in the 1930s, Ralph Hittman grew up on East Sixth Street just west of the present-day BBR ``City Hall'' at Avenue D. While a BBR citizen, Ralph was introduced to Rose Bader, whose parents owned a candy store just a block away, at a Dance at the Christodora's House by Rose's cousin, who was also a BBR boy. They married in December 1939. Mr. Speaker, during World War II, Mr. Hittman served as a noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps, and both before and after the war he was associated with a West Seventeenth Street paper company, initially as sales manager then general manager. Between 1954 and 1955 when the self-governing nature of the BBR had been all but lost and less than a hundred citizens frequented the ``City Hall'' building, then at 290 East Third Street, Ralph took on the responsibility of unpaid supervisor, working late afternoons and nights while still at the paper company. With the help and support of Rose (who took on administrative and bookkeeping duties during the daytime), the couple paid off some long overdue vendor bills, and began the task of steering the organization out of debt. Rose was born on the Lower East Side, and she attended public School 131, Junior High School 188 and graduated from Washington Irving High School at age 15. She received many honors while in school and the one she is most proud of is the citywide arithmetic medal which she won at J.H.S. 188. However, for financial reasons, it was impossible for her to attend college. She went to work as a switchboard operator and bookkeeper to help support her family. Ralph Hittman has had a lifelong affiliation with Boys Brotherhood Republic of New York, having participated in its programs as a boy. During his forty-three years as executive director, Mr. Hittman oversaw the relocation and reorganization of Camp Wabenaki, the planning and construction of a new BBR City Hall at 888 East Sixth Street, and the expansion of program services. Rose Hittman had a critical role in each of these accomplishments. Since 1956, the Hittmans have lived on-site with the children at Camp Wabenaki during the summer months. Over the years, Ralph and Rose Hittman have guided and nurtured tens of thousands of youngsters on the Lower East Side. This is ultimately the highest testament to their unsurpassed efforts. Ralph and Rose Hittman are the proud parents of three sons, Michael, Jeffrey, and Stephen. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and congratulating Ralph and Rose Hittman for their outstanding contributions to the community and in wishing them continued success.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Rafael Alberto Wagner, an outstanding individual who has devoted his life to his family and to serving the community. Mr. Wagner will be celebrating his retirement from Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in the company of his family and friends today, Friday, December 18, 1998. He worked for Columbia University for 29 years. Mr. Wagner was born in the Dominican Republic on June 27, 1935. He came to the United States in 1964 and became a U.S. citizen in 1985. He worked as a shoemaker until 1969 when he joined the Facility Services Department at Columbia University. Mr. Wagner is married to Carmen Maria Wagner and they have three children, Clara, Wagner-Anderson, David Wagner and Cindy Altagracia Wagner. They have four grandchildren, Jazmin Janay Wagner, David Wagner, Jr., Derek Wagner and Abdiel Rolando Anderson II, and look forward to greeting a fifth in March. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a happy retirement to Mr. Rafael Alberto Wagner.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is a tough time to follow, but I must stay the course and be true to myself. The Republican right wing in this country does not like it when we say coup d'etat, so I will make it easier for them, golpe de estado. That is Spanish for overthrowing the government. From day one they wanted to get rid of Bill Clinton. From day one they stood on him and tried to make him out to be the number one villain in this country. They have been blinded by hate then and they are blinded by hate today. This place is full of hate because of what they tried to do to our president. My constituents do not hate Bill Clinton, they love him, and they are praying for him right at this very moment. That side may have the votes today to impeach them, but they do not have the American people. Let me tell the Members something, I grew up in the public housing projects of the South Bronx. I can tell a bunch of bullies when I see them. The bullies get theirs, and these Members are getting get theirs, too. The people are going to rise up from California to New York. They are going to rise up from Texas to Florida, everywhere in this country, and they are going to tell us, do not do this to him. By the way, do not ask him to quit. He will never quit. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise to commemorate Isabel Hernandez Callazo, a legendary Puerto Rican designer and manager in the garment industry who died at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, New York on Wednesday, December 16. As most members of this body know, I am a native of Puerto Rico who is extremely proud of his origins. Puerto Rico's history and its dynamic, multifaceted cultures are a genuine source of joy to all of her daughters and sons. Isabel Hernandez Callazo was born in Coamo, Puerto Rico and migrated to New York in 1927. She was a hardworking woman and we are all proud of contribution to our society and community. Mr. Speaker, Isabel Hernandez Collazo is the mother of film/ television producer and actress, Carla Pinza. To my dear friend Carla, I know how difficult it can be when we no longer have with us the people we love the most. Your mother may not be with you physically, but she remains with you through the love she shared with you throughout the years. Hernandez Collazo was the widow of Ramon Rodriguez of Manati, Puerto Rico. She will be laid to rest in Saint Raymond's Cemetery, besides her husband's rest. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the American experience is an intermingling of people from different lands, with differing languages and customs. American society has been called ``a gorgeous mosaic.'' Isabel Hernandez Collazo's great contribution was to help polish the majestic Puerto Rican tile of that mosaic. And for that, we all should remember and thank her.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to pay tribute to Judge Luis Gonzalez, an outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to public service. He was appointed this month Administrative Judge of Bronx Supreme Court and tomorrow, Saturday, December 19, he will be celebrating his appointment in the company of his family and friends. Judge Gonzalez was born in Manati, Puerto Rico in 1945. His parents migrated to New York City in the 1950's. After graduating from Eastern Mennonite College in History and Social Sciences, he earned his Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law in 1975. I have known him personally for more than 25 years, and I am very familiar with his background, experience, character, and personality. He is a person of the highest personal and professional integrity. Mr. Speaker, in 1985, Judge Gonzalez was appointed Housing Court Judge in New York City Civil Court. Two years later, he was elected Judge of the Civil Court in Bronx County where he served with distinction until 1992 when he was elected Justice of the Supreme Court in Bronx County. He presided over an Individual Assignment Part (IAS). This month Judge Gonzalez was appointed Administrative Judge of Bronx Supreme Court. Being the first Latino Administrative Judge in New York State history, Judge Gonzalez is well known and highly respected by his peers and the different communities for this sensitivity, professionalism, integrity and sound judgement. On the other hand, his toughness, stubbornness when he feels that the law is being broken is also well known. ``An iron hand in a velvet glove'' as some would say. His confirmation brings to the Court an outstanding judge at the same time that it expands its ethnic composition. This is the kind of issue that should be discussed in the classrooms. He is a role model for all Hispanics. Judge Gonzalez has set an example of how success is available for all of those who persevere to achieve their goals. He is an inspiration for many Puerto Ricans and for the people in the Bronx who are trying to break the cycle of poverty. Mr. Speaker, in my 25 years of public service, 16 in the New York State Assembly and 9 in the U.S. House of Representatives, this occasion is one of my proudest moments. I am very proud of Judge Gonzalez' accomplishment. Judge Gonzalez is the proud father of two daughters, Aida and Nydia. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Judge Luis Gonzalez for his outstanding achievements and in wishing him continued success as Administrative Judge of Bronx Supreme Court.

Mr. SERRANO

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the resolution providing for the impeachment of the President of the United States and to protest this very unfair and partisan process. The Republican majority in this House is railroading President Clinton, thwarting the will of the American people, and setting dangerous precedents for the use of impeachment against future Presidents. It is particularly outrageous that you Republicans insist on moving forward with this proceeding at the very time the United States is leading military strikes against Iraq and U.S. military personnel are in harm's way. It cannot help our service members' morale nor bolster our authority in the world that the Commander-in-Chief is under attack by rabid partisans who don't seem to care what other harm they cause if they can drag this President down. I was one of five Members who voted against any investigation of the President and I will not vote to impeach him. I honestly believe that what President Clinton is accused of doing does not reach the threshold the Framers established for impeachment. The President by his actions has not threatened the nation's stability or brought an attack on the Constitution or presented problems for our Constitutional process. Short of declaring war, a vote on Presidential impeachment is the most serious vote a Member of this House can cast. But not all Members are taking this historic duty seriously. Many on your side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, seem to forget that the Starr referral tells only one side of the story. It appears many have refused to seriously consider the presentations of the President's lawyers or any other information that might support the President's case against impeachment. In fact, much of what we see today is the result of the desire of a group of people, including many House Republicans, to destroy this President. Within weeks of his election, I was seeing ``Impeach Clinton'' bumper stickers. And now, as columnist Richard Cohen put it in a Washington Post op-ed on Tuesday, Republicans have made impeaching President Clinton ``a matter of party discipline, not of conscience, nor, for that matter, of logic.'' How else to explain how an investigation that began with Whitewater became an impeachment process based on a private consensual affair? Or why the Judiciary Committee failed to set a standard for impeachment or to investigate the charges by calling witnesses with knowledge of the facts, but instead just swallowed the Starr report whole? Or why the Republican leadership will not let the House vote on censure? Of the articles of impeachment, the two alleging perjury are considered the more plausible--most experts believe the evidence does not support allegations of obstruction of justice or abuse of power-- but I am very concerned about how loosely the term ``perjury'' is being used in this process. I am old enough to remember when offenses like loitering or vagrancy were used to harass poor people, minorities, antiwar activists, and other undesirables, until the courts threw them out as too broad and arbitrary. Now, ``perjury'' is being used broadly to refer to incomplete, misleading, even false statements, but ``perjury'' has a much more specific legal meaning, and I don't think the Republicans have proven that it occurred in this case. But rather than criticize the President's team for ``legalisms'', we should remember that the precise language of the law is a protection of our liberties. The Founders did not provide for impeachment to punish a President for behavior Congress doesn't like, for refusing to confess in public to an offense he doesn't believe he committed, or for not being contrite enough. Mr. Speaker, any offenses the President may have committed were not against our Constitution or our republic. Nothing he is accused of amounts to bribery, treason, high crimes or high misdemeanors. A private consensual relationship is not an impeachable offense. Nor does any element of this sorry situation justify overturning a national election and disenfranchising millions of Americans. The American people are smart enough to understand what is going on, and they say ``Stop!'' They continue to support the President, and that is what we should do. I will continue to support President Clinton and his efforts to make life better for all Americans. There is still a lot of work to do, and Bill Clinton has the ability, intelligence, and understanding to handle crucial issues before us. That is what is important and this is what the American people want. Mr. Speaker, the nation has had enough. Impeachment is overkill in this case. We don't need the spectacle of a Senate trial to divert attention from the nation's business for second year, or even part of a year. We don't need the long-term political warfare a near party-line vote will surely generate. For all these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote against impeaching President Clinton. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues have spoke today about the legal aspects of the impeachment procedure and I want to speak on this matter in terms that the people of this great nation understand. I will speak about the real reasons why the Republicans want to impeach President Clinton. Mr. Speaker, a short time after Bill Clinton was elected, I began to see ``Impeach Clinton'' bumper stickers along certain parts of I-95. It dawned on me than that his Presidency was one that was going to come under attack regardless of whether or not it turned out to be a good one. Since that time the right wing has not given up on its desire to destroy his Presidency. Talk shows hosts quickly began to insult him and show a lack of respect for him and his office. It should be clear to anyone who has paid attention that the right wing has not gotten over the fact that the President has been elected and re-elected. And so here we are today in the middle of a right wing coup. It does not matter what they tell you here this weekend, the fact is that the majority party is trying to undo the last two elections. The Republican right-wing has not gotten over Bill Clinton's success as President. And so what we are seeing here today is an attempt to use the Constitution as a bully's weapon. You Republicans may have the votes to overthrow this President but you do have the support of the same American people who you always hold up as the people we, in the Congress, should listen to. You may have the votes but the American people will not let you get away with it. An investigation about a land deal called Whitewater came back to us as an impeachment having to do with the private life of the President. This investigation consisted of illegal tape recordings, one-sided testimony, and no provisions for the President to mount a proper defense. You knew that, but you still decided to release all of this information in order to build opinion against the President and set out to finally get him. But it backfired. The American people have not bought your bullying tactics. They have told you over and over again to leave this alone. Just because you have the majority of the votes you don't have the right to overthrow this President and abuse the powers you get from the Constitution. You think you are going to get away with this but it won't work. You are going to hear from the people in a way like never before. This is a mean, unfair thing you are doing and it will come back to haunt. In the meantime we will all have to try to undo the damage you have done to this nation in this Chamber here tonight.