[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21048]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ

  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I also want to say a couple words about our 
colleague Mel Martinez from Florida who will be leaving the Senate on 
this coming Thursday. He has been an admirable public servant, both in 
this body and as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. To each 
position he brought his considerable talent and devoted himself to 
solving problems in a practical, thoughtful, and bipartisan way.
  Senator Martinez never sought the limelight; he simply wanted to make 
a difference. He was disappointed, I know, that he was unable to move 
immigration reform forward. But we will try to apply what he has taught 
us about that issue. His positive influence here in Washington will be 
greatly missed.
  A farewell to Senator Martinez would not be complete without a note 
about his compelling life story and about his wife Kitty. As a Cuban 
emigre who came to America with few ties, Senator Martinez represents 
one of the most inspiring aspects of American life: that talent and 
hard work unlock the door to great success. He has not forgotten those 
who helped him, just as all of us will not forget him. His wife Kitty 
has, likewise, made many friends in Washington and will also be missed.
  Although I know he will not need it, I wish him all the best in his 
future endeavors, and I know he will remain an important voice in our 
party and on issues important to all Americans.

                          ____________________