[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JUDGE MONICA DRINANE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I stand before you today to celebrate the Honorable Monica 
Drinane, and her many years of selfless and compassionate public 
service.
  Judge Drinane has been an exemplary contributor to the Bronx 
community, and has served as a mentor, leader to countless 
professionals, and fierce advocate for children and families across the 
New York City. Her career in legal services and community service has 
been a testament to the importance of selfless devotion.
  While Monica Drinane's accomplishments over the course of her legal 
career speak to the distinguished nature of her work, what is clearest 
about her time as a public servant is her relentless commitment to the 
people of New York.
  The Honorable Monica Drinane's last ten years working in Bronx Family 
Court, where she has been supervising judge since 2007, the six years 
she spent with the Legal Aid Society as the Attorney-In-Charge of the 
Juvenile Rights Division, and the countless other juvenile rights 
positions she has held speak to her unwavering commitment to some of 
our community's most vulnerable individuals. Monica Drinane has 
consistently distinguished herself as advocate in our community who 
speaks for those who may not always be heard, and who works to ensure 
that as a society we work to protect our youth and families.
  Today, Monica Drinane continues to serve on the board of the NYPD 
Reengineering Initiative, School to Prison Pipeline, and the Permanent 
Judicial Commission on Justice for Children. As she prepares for 
retirement, I wish to express sincere gratitude to the Honorable Monica 
Drinane for all of her work in The Bronx and throughout New York City, 
and to thank her for leaving our community a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the Honorable Monica Drinane for her 
remarkable dedication to public service and longstanding commitment to 
improving the quality of life for countless families in New York City.