Robert Menendez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions of my dear friend, Anthony L. Romano.

Commissioner Romano has dedicated his life to public service, law enforcement, education, and the communities of Hudson County and especially his hometown of Hoboken. His longstanding commitment to serving others has made a lasting impact of Hudson County and the residents he proudly represents.

Commissioner Romano served the City of Hoboken for 32 years as a member of the Police Department, rising to the rank of Captain. Since his election to the Hudson County Board of Commissioners in 2009, he has continued his commitment to public service by championing investments in local infrastructure, public spaces, and community resources. His efforts have helped improve county roads and parks and secure funding for the Hoboken Historical Museum, Hoboken Public Library, and Hoboken Cove Walkway.

Commissioner Romano has also worked to strengthen county government and expand opportunities for Hudson County residents. He sponsored an ethics reform package requiring annual ethics training for county employees, supported the creation of the County's minority and women enterprise office, and helped advance rehabilitation and reentry initiatives. Beyond his official duties, his long-standing involvement with civic and community organizations reflects his deep commitment to the people he represents.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Romano for his exemplary public service and his unwavering dedication to Hudson County. His contributions have left and indelible mark on Hoboken, Jersey City, and the residents he proudly serves.

Mr. Speaker, last year, I stood outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, and made the dire observation that no one is safe in Trump's America. Since then, three people that we know of have died after medical emergencies at Delaney Hall, including Edwin Lopez- Cornejo, who leaves behind his 12-year-old U.S. citizen daughter.

In private detention centers across the country, ICE and their private partners, like The GEO Group, are continuing down this dangerous path without any regard to the human cost of their actions.

In my over 20 visits to Delaney Hall, I have seen a man with a debilitating condition refused a wheelchair for

weeks, and when finally given one, was forced to stay in medical isolation for months; a woman who suffered a miscarriage and was told she had a psychological pregnancy; requests for medication and post-op care that go unanswered. These are not mistakes or oversights. This is a deliberate choice by this administration to inflict pain and suffering because their cruelty knows no bounds.

This is happening across the country. Thirty-one people died in ICE detention last year, the most in more than 20 years. This year, 24 more people have lost their lives.

However, ICE isn't just killing people in detention. They are shooting American citizens like Renee Good and Alex Pretti in broad daylight. This should outrage every American.

Yet here, in this Chamber, what has been the response of our Republican colleagues? It has been silence.

While they carry their Bibles to church on Sunday, they carry the word of Donald Trump and Stephen Miller every other day of the week, and they are responsible for what is happening across our country.

Instead of finding their voice to speak out against this administration, they are trying to suppress and silence the voices of Americans, whether by limiting their ability to vote by mail or limiting the number of polling locations in Texas, because Republicans know they have failed. They have failed their constituents. They have failed their country, and they know Americans are angry, as I am angry.

We will end this national nightmare with or without them. We will protect our communities. We will hold accountable everyone who is responsible for the lawlessness, pain, and terror that this administration has inflicted on all of our communities, and we will remember everyone here who stayed silent in this moment.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to honor Congressman Frank J. Guarini, who passed away on Saturday, June 20, at the age of 101.

As a distinguished World War II veteran, Congressman Guarini's service to our country began at a young age.

He continued that service in the New Jersey State Senate, passing groundbreaking environmental protection laws and bringing the Giants to New Jersey.

In Congress, he represented his beloved Jersey City where he was born and raised. In over 14 years in the House, he set a standard that we all aspire to today.

Congressman Guarini built a remarkable record on trade, international affairs, education, housing, and environmental protection, all while never losing sight of his community and the people he fought for every day of his distinguished career.

After retiring from the House and serving as U.S. Representative to the General Assembly of the United Nations, Congressman Guarini dedicated himself to the revitalization of Jersey City and philanthropy, both missions in which he achieved great success and left a lasting impact.

He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten by the countless people whose lives he touched in his eight decades of service.

Mr. Speaker, now it is my honor to invite the House for a moment of silence for our colleague and friend Congressman Frank Guarini.