[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize Maggie Rodriguez, who recently accepted the 
lead anchor role on the nationally televised CBS ``Saturday Early 
Show.'' Maggie has been covering south Florida with CBS's local 
affiliate, CBS 4, for 7 years. As a news anchor on the 5 p.m. and 11 
p.m. newscasts, Maggie has delivered news to millions of people in my 
community on a regular basis since the year 2000.
  Maggie is a product of south Florida who has distinguished herself in 
her chosen field of journalism. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes 
Academy, located in the heart of my congressional district. In 1991, 
she graduated from the University of Miami, my alma mater. As a fellow 
south Floridian, I am very proud to honor Maggie on her many 
achievements. She is moving to New York, but she will always be 
welcomed in her hometown.
  Her husband, Michael, is the general manager of Telemundo's local 
affiliate in Miami. I am sure that Maggie will continue to spend 
significant time down home in south Florida.
  Since beginning her career with Univision in 1991, Maggie's warm 
personality, coupled with her strong work ethic, has made her very 
successful. She has delivered breaking news on a number of notable 
stories throughout the years. She has extensive experience covering 
natural disasters. Before taking over as news anchor on CBS 4, Maggie 
reported on earthquakes and mudslides with KABC in Los Angeles. With 
CBS 4, she has, unfortunately, covered numerous hurricanes. Like any 
newscaster in south Florida, the long hurricane season every year has 
kept Maggie busy.
  When hurricanes hit our region, local newscasters play a pivotal role 
in helping residents prepare and recover from hurricane damage. 
Oftentimes, they provide around-the-clock coverage. Most recently, 
Maggie did outstanding work reporting on Hurricane Wilma which severely 
impacted our region in the year 2005.
  Maggie will be moving to New York where she spent significant time 
reporting for CBS 4 in the aftermath of 9/11. Maggie was noticed by CBS 
executives for her coverage of this year's Super Bowl in Miami. This 
led to guest appearances on the ``Saturday Early Show'' and eventually 
to a full-time position on this program.
  Maggie is a great role model also for Hispanic girls in our 
community. She received the Young Hispanic Leadership Award from the 
Hispanic Heritage Council for both her professional accomplishments as 
well as her efforts in strong community service.
  As a local news anchor, she has become an active member of our 
community, lending a helping hand to those in need. Her professional 
portfolio has garnered several awards, including six Emmys, along with 
two Edward R. Murrow awards.
  She will be missed by so many people who tune in every afternoon and 
evening to watch her on CBS 4. However, we look forward to watching her 
on Saturday mornings nationwide. Her pleasant personality makes her 
ideal for this new role.
  Once again, I congratulate Maggie Rodriguez as she begins this new 
chapter in her life. She truly deserves the recognition she has 
received, and now millions of Americans across the country will have 
the opportunity to watch her on Saturday morning.
  Godspeed, Maggie.

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