[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           EXECUTIVE SESSION

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate resume executive session.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The Senator from Florida.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I wish to speak on the executive 
business of the Senate. I am proud today to speak on behalf of my 
brother, Ralph Martinez, who has been nominated by the President.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The minority has no time remaining.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be 
allowed 3 minutes.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, my brother, Ralph Martinez, has been 
nominated by the President to be a member of the Foreign Claims 
Settlement Commission of the United States.
  I am extremely proud of Ralph. He is someone, such as myself, who has 
adopted this country as his own and who, after the struggles of all 
immigrants, succeeded in life. He is the proud father of three 
wonderful children and has raised a wonderful family. He also has 
excelled in the practice of law in central Florida. I am delighted he 
is going to have an opportunity to serve this Nation in this very 
important capacity.
  I am also delighted to thank Leader Reid and Leader McConnell for 
expediting his confirmation, as well as Chairman Leahy and Ranking 
Member Specter for their courtesies throughout this process for Ralph 
Martinez.
  I know he will serve this Nation well. I am proud to second his 
nomination and urge the Senate to confirm him swiftly.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Will the Senator withhold?
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Yes.

                          ____________________