Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, due to an error by the House Tally Clerk, I was incorrectly shown as voting ``no'' on Rollcall No. 103, and ``not voting'' on Rollcall No. 104. I was present during both Rollcall votes and during voting for Rollcall No. 103, I voted ``yes'', and during Rollcall No. 104, I voted ``no''. I ask that this statement be entered into the Record.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 50th anniversary of the day President Harry S Truman ordered military intervention in Korea, I honor the combat veterans of that war. I would specifically like to recognize the efforts of one of my constituents, Staff Sergeant Miguel Bach, a highly decorated veteran. Visitors to our Nation's Korean War Memorial, here in Washington DC will read a simple, yet true phrase inscribed on the wall: ``Freedom is not free.'' Few know the complete truth of this quote so well as our veterans of the Korean war. We owe them a debt of gratitude which we can never repay. For these are the men and women who risked their lives to defend the freedom of another country, and in doing so defended our own freedom. I am very proud to represent the many veterans who reside in New York's 12th District. Today, however, I would like to take a moment to commemorate the valor of one of those veterans. Mr. Miguel Bach, who is one of my constituents, is highly decorated veteran of the Korean war. He served in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division and the 45th Infantry Division. While on active duty in Korea in December of 1952, then Private First Class Bach was wounded during a battle in North Korea. For this he was awarded the Purple Heart. He later attained the rank of staff sergeant. In addition to the Purple Heart, Staff Sgt. Bach has been awarded with the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star for his service to the nation. This nation owes its many freedoms to the thousands of men and women who have shown courage, such as that displayed by Staff Sgt. Bach. I wish to personally thank each and every one of our combat veterans. On this day I specifically wish to extend my warmest thanks to our veterans of the Korean war and say how proud I am to represent Staff Sergeant Bach and his many fellow Korean war veterans in New York's 12th District. Our nation is forever in their debt.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a strong supporter of SBA 504 loan programs, I rise in support of House Resolution 533. The 504 program is one of the most important small business loan programs administered by the Small Business Administration. It represents access to capital for countless entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have a chance to turn their dreams into reality. Since 1980, over 25,000 businesses have received more than $20 billion in fixed- asset financing through the 504 program. Mr. Speaker, in August of last year, the House passed a clean bipartisan bill to reauthorize the 504 loan program. That original House bill, which passed under suspension of the rules, was supported by the administration as well as by small businesses and the participating lenders. The changes made to the legislation streamlined the program, and they also recognized the role that women-owned businesses play in the economy by making lending to women owners a public policy priority. In addition, the bill increased the loan sizes from $750,000 to $1 million to keep the pace with inflation and allow more businesses the access to the critical capital they need to expand their business. These changes in the program represent reasonable improvements to update the program, making it more responsive to the needs of lenders and small businesses alike. Ten months later, we have received a bill from the other body that includes several nonrelated provisions, some that could potentially be harmful. These changes include reallocating funding to help the 7(a) program. While this is a critical need, the language will constitute appropriating on an authorizing bill. The legislation would also expand the HUBZone program to allow those businesses that no longer reside in low-income areas to continue in the program. This change is contrary to the intention of the HUBZone program and further dilutes its mission. Finally, the legislation will remove decision-making power regarding certain program licenses from the regulators at SBA. This represents micromanaging at its worst. Moreover, these changes divert us from the original purpose of the 504 program which must be reauthorized quickly to ensure that it continues to provide access to critical capital for our Nation's small businesses. Mr. Speaker, the 504 program serves as an engine of our economic development. I have seen its effect on a community. In my district, Les Fres Ford, a car dealership, is using a 504 loan to better serve its customers and to expand its business. It will also bring up to 50 new jobs to the community. These are good-paying jobs that will help families in the community I represent. This is just one example of the success that is taking place across this country, making the 504 program one of the SBA's bedrock programs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Oftentimes in a debate the question is asked, are we giving taxpayers good value for their dollars. I would say to my colleagues that the 504 program, which is totally run on fees, with no cost to the taxpayers, is a perfect example of where the taxpayer clearly gets his money's worth. It is also a good example of how best to spur entrepreneurship, because we know that access to capital is access to opportunity. With today's reauthorization we are ensuring that the 504 program will continue to be available to provide loans to the small businesses that are the driving force behind America's unprecedented economic growth. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for their hard work on this bill. I would also like to thank the staff, Charles Roe and Harry Katrice of the majority, and Michael Day and Eric Edwards of my staff, as well as all the members of the Committee on Small Business for their bipartisan efforts to reauthorize this loan program. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great honor to recognize the achievements of an outstanding organization that provides excellent services in New York's 12th Congressional District. The Chinatown Health Clinic (CHC), located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, was selected as one of the winners of this year's ``Models That Work'' competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for their Primary Care Mental Health Bridge Program (PCMH). The Chinatown Health Clinic is a non-profit, community based health care facility established in 1971 to provide health care services to the New York City Asian community. CHC provide access to quality and culturally sensitive health care and health education services. It advocates on behalf of the Asian community who, due to cultural, language, education or financial barriers, may not have access to basic health care services or health education activities. The Bridge Program was created by the Chinatown Health Clinic in response to the significant barriers to delivering mental health to the Asian American community. CHC has a 27 year history of providing bilingual and bicultural outpatient primary cares services and it contributes to the Bridge Program by conducting educational outreach activities in the community about mental health, substance abuse, and providing concrete services to patients who may need financial assistance or social services. As you can see, the recognition made to the Bridge Program by the Department of Health and Human Services is indeed well deserved. I commend the Chinatown Health Clinic for its hard work and continuous commitment with the Asian community and would like to personally congratulate them on this significant achievement.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment introduced by my dear colleagues Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Brown and Mr. Waxman. This amendment would ensure that this Body does not impose limits on the use of EPA funds for dredging or other remediation technologies to clean up contaminated sediments in lakes and rivers. The Gowanus Canal, located in Brooklyn, New York, is in great need of being dredged. Historic industrial uses in and around the canal have caused significant amounts of hazardous materials to accumulate at the bottom. The shallow depth restricts the use of the canal for navigation and commercial purposes. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, the contaminated sediments represent a continued health threat for the natural resources of the area. This amendment is about many lakes and rivers around the country and their surrounding communities. It is about the economic development and prosperity opportunities that can not properly take place in contaminated areas. It is about not limiting resources to enforce drinking water standards. Mr. Chairman, let us not limit the great economic and community development possibilities and the restoration of the environment for my constituents and for people and communities around the country. Limiting those opportunities by limiting resources would be a disservice to the people we represent. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and ensure that the people we represent have no limits imposed upon their health, and the restoration of their lakes and rivers.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Nadler/DeGette Amendment to increase funding for new Section 8 housing vouchers. HUD estimates that over 5.4 million low-income renter families spend more than half of their incomes on housing or live in severely substandard housing. This bill would contribute to the growing backlog of families who can't afford decent, safe and sanitary housing. In New York City we are experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing. The need for the Section 8 vouchers is so overwhelming that the New York City Housing Authority closed the waiting list for this program in December of 1994. No other applications have been accepted for 66 months. Yet despite this drastic measure, as of January 1st of this year, there were still 215,385 families on the Section 8 waiting list in New York City. We are experiencing a housing crisis in our nation's urban communities. Section 8 vouchers serve as a safety net for thousands of working families. The Nadler/DeGette Amendment ensures that this safety net continues to be available. In a time of unprecedented economic prosperity, it is shameful to continue to ignore the basic needs of our poorest citizens. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of the Nadler/ DeGette Amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes numbered 282-291, I was unavoidably detained. If I had been present during Roll Call #282, I would have voted ``NO''. If I had been present during Roll Call #283, I would have voted ``YES''. If I had been present during Roll Call #284, I would have voted ``YES''. If I had been present during Roll Call #285, I would have voted ``PRESENT''. If I had been present during Roll Call #286, I would have voted ``YES''. If I had been present during Roll Call #287, I would have voted ``YES''. If I had been present during Roll Call #288, I would have voted ``NO''. If I had been present during Roll Call #289, I would have voted ``NO''. If I had been present during Roll Call #290, I would have voted ``YES''. If I had been present during Roll Call #291, I would have voted ``NO''.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, a complaint was filed with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) because of discriminatory practices against limited English speaking persons as well as hearing impaired clients who applied for TANF and Medicaid benefits. In October 1999, the Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) found the New York City Human Resources Administration, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties guilty of discriminatory practices against limited English speaking and hearing- impaired persons. These local, county, and state entities were found in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as well as the Americans With Disabilities Act. Those who already are challenged with navigating a massive bureaucracy should not have to be penalized further because they do not speak the language and dared to ask for help. This is appalling. The Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Health and Human Services came to some very troubling revelations. Limited English- speaking clients were asked to bring their own language interpreters. This pattern of misconduct was so prevalent and well known to the community that clients seeking assistance made arrangements to bring their own interpreters before going to a public assistance office. Bilingual staff people were limited or non-existent, and staff were often not aware they were required to provide such assistance. This is unacceptable. Investigators from HHS found that public assistance offices failed to provide necessary assistance and services to hearing-impaired clients and staff members lacked the ability to ensure effective communication with hearing-impaired clients. The basic conclusion of the Office of Civil Rights was that clients were denied access to federal funds. Specifically, they were denied access to Medicaid and TANF funds. The Office of Civil Rights required the Human Resources Administration to submit a corrective plan of action. To add insult to injury, the plan submitted by the agency was totally devoid of any serious intent to correct its conduct. The plan submitted was so inadequate, that the Office of Civil Rights rejected it. The Office of Civil Rights then drafted a plan for the agency which the agency has yet to agree to. As the Representative of one of the largest Hispanic constituencies in New York City, one of the largest Asian populations nationally, and the largest number of Eastern European immigrants in Brooklyn, I am very concerned that my constituents are being denied their rights. New York City is not an island unto itself. I dare to think, how prevalent such behavior may be on a national level. We have a responsibility to ensure that funds which we deem as necessary for the well-being of our constituents reaches them. In a nation that is founded upon the diversity of its people, this conduct cannot be tolerated. Because of this, our capacity for tolerance and understanding of all people should be a foregone conclusion. Mr. Chairman, it is for this reason that I ask that you consider the inclusion of language in the Committee Report to urge the Department of Health and Human Services to examine this matter on a national level.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, George Bernard Shaw once said, ``Some people look at the world and say, `Why?'. Others look at the world and say, `Why not?' ''. To me, this one statement captures the essence of what it means to be a business owner and entrepreneurs of America. I rise today in celebration of Small Business Week and acknowledge our Nation's most enduring image and its greatest legacy, our small businesses. Small businesses account for 99.7 percent of America's employers. They employ 52 percent of the private sector workforce. And they are responsible for 47 percent of all sales of goods and services throughout this country. But small business is not just about these numbers. These companies represent the investors, entrepreneurs, technical wizards, and dreamers of our business community. And as we commemorate Small Business Week and the entrepreneurs, we are celebrating these individuals and we honor those who always say ``why not?''.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my outrage at the arrogance displayed by the language in this bill that deals with the island of Vieques. Let me paint a picture of what it is like to live on the island of Vieques. They are sandwiched in a small area in the middle of the island. Ammunition is stored on the western portion of the island. Live ammunition fire takes place on the eastern part. The cancer rate on Vieques is 26 percent above the rate for the rest of the people of Puerto Rico. The people on Vieques live in horror. They never know when a pilot may miss his target and kill another citizen. It seems that the lives of the people of the island of Vieques are dispensable. It is ironic that in 1990, when an uninhabited island in the Pacific was being used for military maneuvers, it was deemed unacceptable because it was close in proximity to Hawaii. It is interesting to note that the patriotism of those opposed to the bombing was never questioned. Let me remind Members that more people from Puerto Rico died in the Korean and Vietnam War than most of the 50 States. If this were to take place anywhere else in this Nation, do Members think people would not protest? The voices of the people of Vieques deserve to be heard just as loudly as those of every American. The language contained in this bill is shameful, mean-spirited. It is a slap in the face of our own people.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment in cooperation with the gentleman from Missouri (Chairman Talent) to protect and support our Nation's small businesses. Mr. Chairman, we all talk about what a strong economy we have; and no one disputes the fact that small businesses are, in large part, responsible for this. It is almost cliche to say that small businesses are the backbone not just of our economy, but they also help to form the foundation of the cities and towns we call home. America looks to small businesses to be the innovators and problem solvers everywhere, everywhere except in the case of the Federal Government. We are currently seeing a disturbing downward trend in the number of Federal prime contracts awarded to small businesses. As an example, from fiscal year 1997 through fiscal year 1999 the number of prime contracts awarded to small businesses by the Department of Defense has decreased by over 34 percent; the number of contracts awarded to minority-owned firms has decreased by over 25 percent; and most dramatically, the number of contracts awarded to woman-owned businesses have decreased by over 38 percent. These trends have been so alarming that the gentleman from Missouri (Chairman Talent) and I have held two hearings on this issue in the first half of this Congress alone. During these hearings, we have found that the move by the Federal Government to streamline and reduce costs has resulted not in saving money, but in the unintended consequence of harming small businesses. There is no truth, as far as businesses are concerned, that bigger is necessarily better. The Department of Defense, the largest purchaser of goods and services in the entire U.S. Government, has increasingly relied on the practice of contract bundling to the exclusion of small businesses. It has struggled with the dual roles of supporting the war fighter and awarding prime contracts to small businesses. To solve this problem, the Velazquez-Talent amendment will direct the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study of contract bundling and its effect on small businesses. To assist in this study, the Secretary, working with the General Accounting Office, is to develop a database containing information on all bundled contracts. In a hearing before the Committee on Small Business in November of last year, the Department agreed to commission a study of contract bundling. Within 2 months it became evident that the Department has no data to conduct an accurate and comprehensive bundling study. This amendment helps the Department keep its promise. Mr. Chairman, we are all aware that Federal agencies are operating in a do-more-with-less environment. We must ensure that the Federal marketplace is efficient. However, we must also provide for a Federal marketplace that includes the small business community. This amendment will go a long way to begin to level the playing field for small businesses. I would like to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman Spence) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the ranking Democratic member, for their support of this amendment and our Nation's small businesses.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chet Sadowski for his appointment as the Small Business Administration's 2000 Financial Advocate. President John F. Kennedy once said ``Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.'' Mr. Sadowski has exemplified great leadership and has had a life-long career assisting the small business community and aiding in its growth of 7A and 504 loans. Mr. Sadowski's distinguished career began in 1972 as an SBA Loan Officer. By the time he left in early 1980, he held the position of Chief of Finance and was responsible for the overall processing and approval of all SBA lending for the New York District Office. In March of 1980, Mr. Sadowski joined Citibank, NA as Manager where he developed an SBA lending program based in Queens County. Within several years, he became Vice President and Team Leader. In 1987, Mr. Sadowski joined the New York Business Development Corporation to establish and manage a New York City regional office. This office was part of NYBDC's program to increase lending activity throughout the State of New York. Within a few years, the New York regional office and the company grew dramatically. This past fiscal year, the New York office was ranked high among lenders in both the 7A and 504 SBA lending programs. Mr. Sadowski and I worked together traveling throughout the 12th Congressional District discussing economic development. His commitment to small businesses has provided financing for hundreds of jobs in our community. I would like to honor Chet Sadowski today, congratulate him on his appointment as SBA's Financial Advocate and personally thank him for his hard work and dedication to the small business community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Ms. Julie Dent and honor her for her commitment and service to the children and families of the Audrey Johnson Day Care Center in Bushwick, New York. President John F. Kennedy once said ``Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.'' Ms. Dent, who was recently honored by the Friends of Edward Norman with a Community Service award, has always worked to address the cognitive, social, physical and emotional needs of children. Before becoming Educational Director at Audrey Johnson Day Care Center, Ms. Dent served as an Administrative Director and teacher at the Horace E. Green Day Care Center for a number of years. Her community involvement includes serving as Second Vice Chair for Community Board #4, Chair of the Youth and Education Committee for the Board, is an active member of the Woodhull Hospital Comm. Advisory Board and Second Vice Chair of the Bushwick Geographic Targeting Task Force. Ms. Dent's additional honors include, The Professional Association of Day Care Directors Inc., Service awards from Mayor Giuliani, Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden, City Council, Honorable Victor Robles and Honorable Martin Dillan, State Legislature Honorable Vito Lopez, Honorable Darryl Towns and Honorable Ada Smith. I honor Julie Dent today for her continued commitment to education and for her ongoing service to the families and children of our community.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today, May 4, 2000. If I had been present for rollcall No. 142, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 143, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 144, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 145, I would have voted ``no.'' I ask that this statement be entered into the Record.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today, May 3, 2000. If I had been present for rollcall No. 133, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 134, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 135, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 136, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 137, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 138, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 139, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 140, I would have voted ``yes.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 141, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today, May 2, 2000. If I had been present for rollcall No. 131, I would have voted ``yea.'' If I had been present for rollcall No. 132, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Brooklyn Chinese- American Association's Avenue U Senior and Community Center on its fourth anniversary. Gillian Anderson once said ``Be of service * * * there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.'' This need is met everyday for the members of the Avenue U Senior and Community Center. In just 4 years, the Center has enrolled more than 1,600 members, serving more than 150 senior members daily. It offers daily meals, social service information, referral and case management, medical and health-related workshops and screenings, monthly birthday celebrations, ESL, citizenship, music, dancing and arts and crafts classes, field trips, as well as other recreational activities. The Center additionally is involved in coordinating community events such a town hall meetings, assisting senior members with their meeting housing needs, promoting voter registration and educating the community about the importance of exercising their voting rights. President John F. Kennedy once said the definition of happiness is ``the full use of your powers along lines of excellence.'' Members of the Avenue U Senior and Community Center understand this happiness and I wish them and members of the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association continued success and best wishes this anniversary.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, due to an error by the House Tally Clerk, I was incorrectly shown as voting ``no'' on rollcall No. 103, and ``not voting'' on rollcall No. 104. I was present during both rollcall votes and during voting for rollcall No. 103, I voted ``yes'', and during rollcall No. 104, I voted ``no.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the House Republican budget and in support of the Progressive Caucus budget. Mr. Chairman, at a time when our Nation is experiencing the most unprecedented economic expansion ever, more than 35 million Americans still live below the poverty level and have yet to experience benefits of this historic boom. Never in our Nation's history have so many had so much, and still the gap widens between this country's haves and have-nots. As the greatest industrial Nation in the world, this is a travesty; and changing this should be our top priority. Instead of addressing this issue head on, the Republican budget fails to help those across ethnic communities that need the most help. It fails our seniors by providing nothing to strengthen Social Security or Medicare. It fails more than 300,000 low-income women dependent on programs like WIC and Head Start. It fails our youth by cutting student loans. And it fails our urban communities who want to help themselves by cutting funding for empowerment zones. Republicans have sacrificed this Nation's working families all to fund another reckless scheme to benefit a wealthy few. My colleagues, the American people have been clear. They want Social Security fixed, they want better schools for their children, and they want all Americans to benefit from this current economic prosperity, not just the wealthy few who the Republicans carve out a special tax break for. I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this irresponsible budget that includes a risky tax proposal which leaves working families, American families, behind.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alice Cardona on her 70th birthday and to take this opportunity to thank her for her life-long dedication and service in helping others in our community. W.A. Nance once said ``No person can be a great leader unless he takes genuine joy in the successes of those under him.'' Through her work in education advocacy and with Hispanic women, Alice's joy is evident. Born and raised in New York City, Alice has had a long and distinguished career in public service. She was former Governor Cuomo's Assistant Director of the New York State Division for Women where she represented the Division at the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Advisory Council and various conferences, conventions and public affairs events, including serving as Ombudsperson to the Department of State. There she networked and reached out to community-based organizations and State agencies and national Latino organizations. Alice had an equally long career in education advocacy where she was the ASPIRA of New York Director of the Parent Student Guidance Program and she served as a member of Commissioner Ambach's New York State Education Department, Bilingual Education Advisory Council for six years. Alice has also founded several prominent organizations for Hispanic women including the Puerto Rican/Latino Education Roundtable, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, New York City Chapter, National Latina Caucus, HACER, Inc., Hispanic Women's Center, Hispanic AIDS Forum, Women AIDS Resource Center, Queens Women's Network, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, the New York State Spanish Domestic Violence Hotline, New York Women's Foundation, Sister Fund, New York Women's Agenda, and she is presently Chair of the Board of Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs. In recognition for her community service work, Alice not surprisingly, is the recipient of numerous honors and awards. It is especially today, on her 70th birthday, that I thank Alice for all her hard work, time and energy she has spent over the years contributing to her community and wish her a very special birthday this year and in the years to come.