[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 133 (Monday, September 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my colleague, 
Senator Mel Martinez, who recently resigned his Senate seat. Senator 
Martinez has represented the State of Florida in the Senate since his 
election in 2004.
  Mel Martinez's inspiring personal story is an example of how the 
American dream can be attained through hard work and determination. 
Born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba, Mel fled to the United States when he 
was 15 years old after the Castro government came to power in his 
homeland. Arriving in Florida with one suitcase and limited English 
language skills, Mel spent the next few years in youth facilities and 
with foster families until he was later reunited with his parents in 
Orlando.
  He went on to earn a law degree from Florida State University, and he 
practiced law in Orlando for over two decades. In 1998, Senator 
Martinez was elected chairman of Orange County. He went on to serve as 
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George 
W. Bush. Since 2004, Mel Martinez served the people of Florida in the 
U.S. Senate.
  Reforming our immigration system was an issue close to Senator 
Martinez's heart. Mel worked vigorously with colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle to try to advance a solution to one of the most difficult 
problems confronting our Nation. As the only immigrant in the Senate, 
Senator Martinez brought a unique perspective to the immigration 
debate. By striving for comprehensive immigration reform, he hoped to 
share the American dream.
  Senator Martinez was deeply concerned about advancing the cause of 
freedom in the most oppressive corners of the world. Mel experienced 
the loss of liberty that resulted from Castro's rise, and he often 
spoke out for those who lost their voices--not only for those in Cuba, 
but for those who suffered anywhere from tyranny and despotism.
  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and drought in the Midwest, 
Senator Martinez and I worked together in an attempt to bring relief to 
America's farm and ranch families. Even though agricultural production 
in North Dakota and Florida is far from similar, we were able to unite 
to support legislation that would have provided much-needed disaster 
assistance to affected farmers and ranchers throughout the country.
  I thank Senator Martinez for his public service and wish him and his 
family the best in the future.

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