Peter Deutsch

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. I just want to quickly mention, because I think what the gentleman said is really important, sort of almost as a public service announcement for whoever is watching us this evening, that there are benefits in Medicare that unfortunately not enough people take advantage of. We have put into Medicare some preventive coverage. Mammogram screening. Right now less than 50 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible for it take advantage of it. It is free, with no copayment, no deductible. We really need to push that, because that also has its positive humanitarian, human side, preventing one but also the monetary side as well.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman would yield, it really is a philosophical chasm between us and them in a sense, or at least part of them and most of us, that we really believe that Government can be a useful vehicle to help solve problems, to change the world; and I think, philosophically, probably maybe a majority of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle believe that Government would mess up a two-car funeral and Government should not be involved. We can create a voucher system where effectively Government is not involved in this process even though Government is paying the money. But it is a totally different concept of the role of Government. I think none of us believe that Government can solve every problem. But I think what we do believe is that Government can be a force to literally make people's lives better. I think part of this history discussion, for people who are watching us this evening, and if they do not know it themselves, talk to their parents or their grandparents and ask them about the time, it is only 30 years ago or a little bit over 30 years ago when Medicare did not exist in America. I tell my colleagues, there is an analogy of it as well if we go back of when Social Security did not exist in America. I mean, it is not an accident that Social Security was created under a Democratic administration of Franklin Roosevelt. I mean, do any of my colleagues really believe that, philosophically, that would have occurred in a Republican administration? And there is a real parallel I think in terms of that. And it is not ancient history before Social Security existed in America.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to be here this evening and really focus in on Medicare and what it faces in the future and, in a sense, what it has done in its past. Medicare's creation is not ancient history. We are talking about a program in effect for less than 30 years at this point in time. And the bad old days, which many people still remember, not in terms of reading about but hearing about, it almost seems like ancient history to us, of America prior to Medicare; of seniors literally across the country not having health care coverage, period. In a sense, effectively dying by not having health care coverage. That does not happen today. In fact, Medicare, as a government program, is really government at its best; government coming in and dealing with incredibly serious problems on a societal level, on a community level in the United States of America and changing the world. That in fact is what Medicare as a program has done. Over 30 million people are presently on Medicare. It is the largest health care system in the world, and it has changed the world. One of the things I think is interesting to reflect on, just as we are talking about this issue, is does anyone seriously believe that Medicare would have been created if my Republican colleagues were in the majority of the United States Congress? I do not think that is a serious question because I think we know the answer to it. And, in fact, the reality of what is occurring, and we have talked about some of the battles that we have shared in fighting to save Medicare over the last several years, is that Medicare really has been and continues to be attacked. In fact, literally there is an attempt to destroy it on a continual basis. That is what this whole voucher concept is about. And hopefully we will have a chance to really discuss it at some length this evening, but the voucher concept is an attempt to destroy Medicare. It would destroy the Medicare system because it would fundamentally alter the Medicare system. That is the intention of the proponents of the voucher system. They are not going to come flat out and say we are proposing vouchers to destroy Medicare, but the reality of what their proposal will do is, in fact, destroy the Medicare system. Again, I think we really need to talk about it in a detailed way so people understand what really the Republicans, in general, are talking about as their solution to destroying Medicare. Medicare is presently a defined benefit plan. The statute specifically delineates what benefits a beneficiary, those 30 million people, get under Medicare. They get 80 percent of reasonable cost. Under Part B they get hospitalization coverage with a deductible; under Part A they get certain home health care benefits, nursing home benefits, specific benefits that are delineated under the Medicare statute. And, in fact, we have added, occasionally. Just in the last Congress we have added some preventive coverage, and we have pushed and we have pushed. And, in fact, if anything, what we ought to be talking about is adding additional benefits. One of the issues that this Congress should address is the issue of prescription drug medication being covered under Medicare. That is a critical issue for us to pass in this Congress. It is a gap in the Medicare system that we do not provide coverage. In fact, I think we can make a very strong case that providing coverage will have a positive cost effect in terms of the Medicare Trust Fund. But that is the present Medicare system. In fact, the way it is set up, regardless of how much hospitalization costs, that is the coverage that a Medicare beneficiary gets. Obviously, people also have the option, in most communities in the country, most urban centers in the country, of choosing Medicare HMOs, if those are available to them. But what is the voucher system? The voucher system is a totally different concept. It says we believe that each person should get X dollars, whatever that X dollars is, for their health care coverage under Medicare. Theoretically, someone can then take that voucher and go shopping in the private sector for health care coverage. The theory of our colleagues is that the private sector is going to do better than this present system and they are going to provide individuals with more coverage. Do not be fooled. Because the whole concept of the voucher system, the way it has been proposed continuously, is a set amount of dollars. Now, from a strict budgeting point of view, if our only concern was outlays of dollars, then we could see supporting the voucher system. But if our concern is really impact on people's lives, we just cannot be. But once that voucher system is set up and we pick that dollar amount, and today it might be a good dollar amount, and we can really debate that dollar amount, but what about tomorrow, and what about the next day, and what about the day after that? And the reality is that no matter what the dollar amount in the voucher is, there will be a health care provider who will bid for that service. So the voucher today is $4,000. Next year it might be $3,500, or even next year it might be $4,000. It will be below the average cost of Medicare beneficiaries today. And there will always be a private-for- profit provider of care who will bid for that. But what we are saying, effectively, is that we are creating a two-tier health care system, because the wealthiest of the wealthy in America will not have to opt into that type of process. What will happen is the voucher system, inevitably, from a policy perspective, will force the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries into substandard HMOs. That is the result of the voucher system that is proposed. And that is not Medicare. That is minimalist health care. That is a tragedy of monumental proportions for this country. I know the four of my colleagues here, and really almost everyone on our side of the aisle, will fight with our last ounce of strength, and I know the President is committed, to prevent that from happening. And I look forward to really entering into a dialogue with those of us who are here this evening and really defining this a little bit more. I yield back to my colleague from Ohio.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, last month the Nation lost a true American hero. I am deeply saddened that Joe DiMaggio, ``the Yankee Clipper,'' passed away at the age of 84 in his hometown of Hollywood, Florida, on March 8, 1999. We mourn the loss of a man whose legacy will be remembered for years to come. Indeed, Joe DiMaggio has a long and storied list of athletic accomplishments, but he is also remembered for his service to the South Florida community and the Nation. Joe DiMaggio is a man who achieved greatness, and it was also the way in which he carried himself that was truly great. Voted the ``Greatest Living All-Time Baseball Player'' by the Baseball Writers Association in 1969, Joe DiMaggio's impact was felt in the Major Leagues soon after his rookie season in 1936. After winning only one World Series in the seven years prior to his joining the team, the New York Yankees won four straight world championships. By the time he retired in 1951, Joltin' Joe DiMaggio's role in the dominance of the New York Yankees was undeniable: his leadership brought a total of ten pennants and nine world series to New York in the span of 13 major league seasons. Over his career, Joe DiMaggio would win three MVP awards, become the only major league player in major league history who has more than 300 home runs and fewer than 400 strikeouts, and be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. Career statistics aside, Joe DiMaggio had perhaps one of the most remarkable years ever when he won the Most Valuable Player award in 1941. That year, like Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire did during the summer of 1998, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams captivated the entire Nation with two spectacular individual performances. While Ted Williams would hit .406, DiMaggio would take center stage while hitting safely in 56 straight games--an amazing record which stands today. Though one could talk about Joe DiMaggio's greatness based on baseball statistics alone, we must not forget the service that Joe DiMaggio performed for our nation during times of war. In 1943, Joltin' Joe swapped his Yankee paycheck for a $50-a-month private's salary as he left baseball to serve as physical trainer for Army Air Force cadets. Finishing his term of service three years later, Joe DiMaggio had risen to the rank of sergeant and, in 1974, he was awarded the Silver Helmet award from AMVETS (American Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam). Only three years after receiving this award, he would be further honored in a way that few are: he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Carter. Mr. Speaker, Joe DiMaggio lived much of his life in private. Though he also performed much philanthropy work in private, he was very public about his affiliation with the Memorial Hospital which lies within my Congressional District in Hollywood, Florida. In 1992, the new children's wing of Memorial Hospital was christened the ``Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, at Memorial Regional Hospital'' in recognition of his extensive support. Since 1992, DiMaggio helped raise more than $4 million for the care of sick children there. For his charitable work, we all own the late Joe DiMaggio a debt of gratitude. I assure you that Hollywood and the surrounding areas will miss him greatly. In summary, there was something special about Joe DiMaggio. He was unpretentious and proud, a man who carried himself with the utmost class and dignity. Joltin' Joe DiMaggio was truly a hero in an era when America was coming out of the Great Depression, and era when America needed someone to turn to for inspiration. It is with great sorrow that I praise him today, and hope that in some small way this statement can thank him for all his greatness, for his accomplishments both on the baseball field and off it as well.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, South Florida lost a true ``citizen'' recently, someone who totally immersed herself in our community. Reva Dauer passed away on March 27, 1999, and she will be greatly missed. A resident of Bal Harbour, Florida, Reva was active in many philanthropic organizations. Her most impressive achievement was the hospital that she and her husband, Maxwell, developed more than 25 years ago. Reva was involved in many aspects of the birth of the Florida Medical Center; she was even involved in the process of selecting the 47-acre site of the Center, which originally opened in 1973 as Lauderdale Lakes General Hospital. Throughout her life, Reva participated in various administrative and day-to-day functions of the hospital. A former owner of the hospital, she was also instrumental in the opening of Lauderdale Lakes General Hospital's open-heart surgery unit, where the first open-heart surgery in Broward County was performed in 1974. Reva Dauer will also be remembered as someone who worked very hard on behalf of many charitable and civic organizations. She and her family were well known contributors to the University of Miami's Schools of Medicine, Music, and the Ryder Center for Athletics. Exemplary of her extraordinary commitment to the school, in 1993 she gave the University of Miami $1.5 million for a library addition to be named the Maxwell and Reva Dauer Clock Tower. However, the University of Miami was not the only organization which was the beneficiary of Reva Dauer's generosity. In 1995, Reva and her family were instrumental in constructing the University School of Nova Southeastern University Middle School in Coral Springs. Reva also donated much of her time to the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in Aventura, as well as Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach. Life is very rarely complete without the benefit of having family. Reva Dauer was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. Mr. Speaker, I cannot imagine anything more important than that. Reva's family will undoubtedly miss her, and the entire South Florida community will miss her kindness and generosity as well. She was an extraordinary human being, but we are lucky to have so many wonderful memories of her life and work.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greece, a trusted ally and partner of the United States, on the occasion of Greek Independence Day, which will be celebrated on March 25th. It is especially fitting that we in the House of Representatives, the very embodiment of representative democracy, pay tribute to the accomplishments of a nation which gave us the gift of democracy and developed the concept of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Beginning with ancient Greece, the cradle of democracy, and extending all the way into modern times, the people of Greece have continued to give gifts of political philosophy, culture, and friendship to the world. The special relationship between the United States and Greece has been reinforced throughout our country's short history, from the emulation of ancient Greek democracy by our founding fathers to our steadfast alliance during every major international conflict in the 20th century and our partnership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In tribute to Greece--our partner in times of war and peace, our reliable friend, and a nation which has, over the millennia, contributed key political and social principles to world society--I rise on the occasion of the 178th anniversary of the revolution which led to Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. For the United States, this revolution was particularly auspicious, as it led to the creation of one of our most faithful allies.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary A. Poliakoff, soon to be awarded the Learned Hand Human Relations award by the American Jewish Committee. This prestigious award is given annually to members of the legal profession, and there could be no better candidate that embodies the spirit of the award than Gary Poliakoff. Gary's work on co-ownership housing personifies the thoughtful and humane spirit of Judge Hand, one of the most distinguished scholars in American jurisprudence. Recognized internationally as an expert in co-ownership housing, Gary's contributions to this important legal field epitomize the ideals on which this award is based. After receiving his law degree from the University of Miami in 1969, Gary established his strong roots in the South Florida community as founding principal of Becker and Poliakoff, P.A. Serving as President of the firm since its inception, Gary has dedicated much time and effort to become an authority on co-ownership housing. He has provided his expertise to State legislatures, Senate Committees, and the White House, helping to draft legislation and addressing concerns regarding the sale, development, and operation of condominiums. Additionally, he has lectured internationally, addressing the Parliament of the Czech Republic on issues relating to the conversion of State housing to private ownership, as well as the Russian Academy of Jurisprudence in Moscow on co-ownership issues. Serving on the Board of Governors of the Shepard Broad Law Center of Nova Southeastern University, Gary shares his wealth of knowledge on co-ownership housing through his course on Condominium Law and Practice. He has served as chairman of the State Advisory Council on Condominiums and as a board member of the Board of Governors of the College of Community Association of Lawyers. Finally, Gary is an accomplished author, creating a national treatise, The Law of Condominium Operations, West Group 1998, and co-authoring Florida Condominium Law and Practice for the Florida Bar Association. Aside from his wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal profession, Mr. Poliakoff is a known leader in philanthropic and community causes in South Florida. Serving as Chairman of the Southeast Region of the American Jewish Committee for the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and as a pro bono counsel to the Miami Youth Museum, Gary recognizes the importance of community spirit and dedicates a good part of his time to the betterment of society. Mr. Speaker, Gary Poliakoff has shown a tireless devotion to both his profession and his community. I could not think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious award. I wish to convey a heartfelt congratulations to Gary, his wife, and his children on this special day, as well as many thanks to him for his work on behalf of the entire South Florida Community.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was very disturbed to read on the front page of The Washington Post on February 11, 1999 the headline ``Chinese Missiles Menace Taiwan.'' Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have fought hard to ensure the safety of Taiwan, and this report and others are evidence that Congress must be vigilant in reinforcing its commitment to this tiny island state. According to a Pentagon report, Beijing now has 150-200 ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan and has plans to increase that number to 650. It is clear that this threat is a challenge to Taiwan's increased democracy and independence--as evidenced most recently by its successful elections. We all remember the last time this happened. In March, 1996, China reacted to Taiwan's imminent first democratic presidential elections by testing missiles in the waters just miles off the coast of Taiwan's largest harbor, Kaohsiung. The United States responded swiftly and effectively, by dispatching aircraft carriers to the Taiwan Straits to show the Chinese government our strong opposition to its actions. Our response in 1996 was based on the provisions of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which stipulated that the United States consider ``any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means . . . of grave concern to the United States.'' Our response now should be based on this same principle. 1999 marks the 20th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act--the cornerstone of U.S. commitment to Taiwan's safety and security. We must commemorate this anniversary by sending a clear message to Beijing that their acts of aggression and intimidation against Taiwan need to cease. Beijing must understand that, as we have in the past, we will come to the aid of Taiwan in case of a Chinese threat. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of H. Con. Res. 22 which concludes that ``the United States should help Taiwan defend itself in case of threats or a military attack by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan.'' This resolution repeats the provisions of one I introduced in 1997, which was passed by the House of Representatives later that year. Mr. Speaker, let us pass H. Con. Res. 22 now, and let us send a strong message to Beijing that we will not stand idly by while our friends on Taiwan are bullied into submission by Chinese military might.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rowland Schaefer, this year's recipient of the prestigious National Community Service Award given annually by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this great honor given Rowland's extensive record of community activism. Rowland's unwavering commitment to his community is reflected in the multitude of community organizations that he is actively involved with. Rowland is a member of the Board of Governors and Chairman of the South Florida Chapter for the Weizmann Institute of Science. Through his involvement with the institute, Rowland has worked to advance the benefits of solar energy. His efforts were recently recognized by the Weizmann Institute when they named their solar research complex in his honor. In addition to his work with the Institute, Rowland is also actively involved with diabetes research. He is a long standing member of the Board of Governors of the Diabetes Research Institute. Locally, Rowland is an extremely active member within the Jewish community. As a Board member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Rowland has worked tirelessly to ensure that the heritage of the Jewish people is preserved for generations to come. He was awarded the special distinction of Honorary Vice-President and Humanitarian Founder of the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged for all of his efforts in support of the hospital. Additionally, Rowland is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, one of the world's foremost Jewish human rights organizations. Rowland Schaefer's tireless devotion to his community and to the preservation of his Jewish heritage make him uniquely deserving of this award. All who know him or know of him will surely agree that Rowland Schaefer is an extraordinary figure who exhibits an intense desire to help his fellow man and contribute to the betterment of society. I wish heartfelt congratulations to Rowland, his wife, and their five children for this great honor.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of some distinguished South Florida students: Abhishek Gupta, Adam & Diana Deitsch, Connie & Hakeem Campbell, Shaun Krueger, Edward & Monique McDuffie, Laurel Stephenson, and Samantha Voehringer. Every one of these students in between the ages of 7-17 years old, and their outstanding community service has truly benefited both the South Florida community as well as the world at large. During this past Thanksgiving break, my constituent, Abhishek Gupta, read several articles in local newspapers describing the unfortunate situation of many poor and needy families in his local community and around the world. The eleventh grade student set himself the lofty goal of raising $50,000 in order to promote and combat this cause. With encouragement from his parents and help from several local students, Abhishek created a non-profit organization called ``Clothes, Food & Education for the Poor & Needy'' to help less fortunate families. Finding corporate sponsors to pay for operational expenses, Abhishek appealed to an received contributions from the local community members who responded with both enthusiasm and compassion. In the end, their goal was exceeded by raising $60,000 in just a few weeks. The money was donated to the Sun-Sentinel Children's Fund, the Miami Herald Wishbook in Southeast Florida, and to victims in Central America affected by Hurricane Mitch. In a very short time, the once bold idea developed not only a reality, but into an overwhelming success. In December 1998, Lynn Stephenson, R.N., and Abhishek Gupta were invited to accompany a medical team on a mission of mercy to Honduras and Nicaragua from 12/26/98 through 12/31/98. In their possession were 120 boxes of food, clothing and medical supplies for distribution. In the three days the team of doctors was in Central America, they were met by an overwhelming number of patients to whom they provided badly needed medical treatment. By the end of the three days, they had seen a total of 594 patients. Mr. Speaker, ``Clothes, Food and Education for the Poor and Needy'' is committed to supporting needy families and education in South Florida and around the world. The organization will continue to seek contributions for this worthy cause. Their vision is to make this an effort that continues throughout the year, thus creating the possibility of having a positive effect on the lives of people who are less fortunate.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Jerry Feldman, a generous and ground-breaking community leader who will be greatly missed in South Florida. After spending a large portion of his life in New York as a highly successful corporate executive and private business owner, Jerry and his wife Jacqueline retired to Century Village in South Florida. Adding to his already extraordinary list of accomplishments, Jerry Feldman plunged himself into community service in the hopes of improving the lives of his new neighbors and friends. As his wife so eloquently expressed, ``He felt that God put him on this earth to make things better for people, and his reward would be a better life,'' she said. ``If you cast your bread on the water, he felt, it would come back twofold.'' Jerry Feldman became involved in many community organizations in his attempts to galvanize the community and create an open dialogue between South Florida's citizens. Besides being the President of the Condominium Owners of the Pembroke Pines Association, Mr. Feldman also served as Chairman of the Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment, President of the Pembroke Pines Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together (SALT) Council, and President of the Cambridge 4 Condominium Association in Century Village. As the Mayor of Pembroke Pines, Alex Fekete, noted, ``he was a great community leader * * * he helped to resolve issues * * * there is a more harmonious relationship in Century Village now because of it.'' In summary, Jerry's genuine leadership is rare in this age and he will be surely missed by the Century Village Community, as well as by the Pembroke Pines community at large. Jerry was an extraordinary human being who went above and beyond what he needed to be, because of his sincere desire to help his fellow man. We will all miss Jerry, but we are lucky to have so many wonderful memories of his life and work.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker. I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber on February 3, 1999, during rollcall vote Nos. 9, 10, and 11. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 9, ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 10, and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 11.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H.R. 432--a bill to designate the North-South Center as the Dante B. Fascell North- South Center. This legislation is a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life toward promoting cultural understanding throughout the world. South Florida was deeply saddened to learn of Dante's passing on November 28, 1998. Dante, the son of Italian immigrants and a World War II veteran, became a legend in South Florida during his 38-year career in Congress. He is remembered as a powerful, yet kind political figure who left an enduring mark on the Everglades, the Florida Keys, and world affairs. An advisor to eight Presidents, Dante remained a humble man who demonstrated the greatest qualities of any public servant. Reflecting on his service upon his retirement from Congress, Dante said, ``We all should be proud of whatever part we have done to promote the American dream.'' Dante held a strong belief in American democracy saying, ``For all its faults, our method of self-government allows for more tolerance of other people and their views, more compromise when our opinions differ and more willingness to listen to other people's problems than any government I have dealt with during my long association with other nations.'' Last October, President Clinton presented Dante with the Presidential Medal of Freedom--our nation's highest civilian honor-- calling him a ``man of reason and conscience'' who was ``courageous in war and public service.'' Mr. Speaker, it is entirely appropriate that Congress dedicate Miami's North-South Center to Dante Fascell. This designation reflects Dante's impact on the Caribbean and Central America, both of which he felt were direct extensions of South Florida. Among his most famous statements, Dante often said, ``When Central America sneezes, Miami catches cold.'' The North-South Center is a living extension of Dante's long-held belief that cultural and economic understanding between the Americas is essential to our mutual prosperity. I rise in full support of H.R. 432 and urge my colleagues' unanimous support.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber on February 2, 1999, during rollcall vote Nos. 7 and 8. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 7, and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 8.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the many contributions Hal Walsh made to the Key West community. Hal was the executive director of Truman's Little White House Museum and a columnist for the Key West Citizen newspaper. Hal came to Key West from New York City in 1993 after a career as a stock broker. His lifelong interest in American history drew him to the Truman Little White House Museum. In addition to his dedicated service as museum director, Hal was also an active member of the Lambda Democrats and was a founder of the Key West Gay and Lesbian Center. He never hesitated to keep me apprised of how politicians on every level of government were doing--right or wrong--regarding issues of concern to the gay community. He was an articulate and passionate advocate who was never afraid to speak his mind. Hal's other affiliations include being first vice president of Old Island Restoration Foundation and a member of the Lower Keys Friends of Animals. His devotion to his cocker spaniels, Savannah and Sachem, rang clear in his weekly newspaper column which often included their antics. A Key West Citizen editor Bernie Hun wrote, ``Hal Walsh was a big man in every sense . . . in generosity and spirit.'' He will be truly missed by those whose lives he touched.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, as we consider the gravity of the constitutional matters before the nation today, I commend my colleague's attention to an important column by Anthony Lewis which appeared in the Washington Post on December 1, 1998. I insert the full text of that column in the Record. The Starr Trap (By Anthony Lewis) Boston--At 1 P.M. on Friday, Jan. 16, Monica Lewinsky arrived at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City to meet Linda Tripp. What happened then is well known. But its significance--its crucial significance--is not generally understood. Ms. Lewinsky was confronted by F.B.I. agents and Kenneth Starr's assistant prosecutors. She immediately told them, as she testified later, that ``I wasn't speaking to them without my attorney.'' Her attorney was Francis D. Carter. When she was subpoenaed by Paula Jones's lawyers, she told him that she had not had ``sexual relations'' with President Clinton; Mr. Carter prepared, and she signed, an affidavit to that effect. Mr. Starr's agents did everything they could, short of physical force, to keep Ms. Lewinsky from calling Frank Carter. They told her that he was a civil rather than a criminal lawyer ``so he really couldn't help me.'' (That was a lie; Mr. Carter is a highly regarded criminal lawyer who for six years headed Washington's public defender service.) They gave her the number of another lawyer and suggested she call him. They told her she had signed a false affidavit and could go to prison for 27 years. They offered to give her immunity if she would ``cooperate'' but said there would be no deal if Mr. Carter were called in. (A Federal regulation forbids immunity negotiations in the absence of a suspect's lawyer.) Why were Mr. Starr's deputies so anxious that Ms. Lewinsky not telephone Mr. Carter? On that Friday afternoon Mr. Carter had not yet filed Ms. Lewinsky's affidavit. Until it was filed, it could be changed--without legal consequences. Federal law makes it a crime only to file a false affidavit in a civil case. You can swear one, keep it, then change it or tear it up without violating the law. Mr. Starr knew about the affidavit from Linda Tripp's last taped conversation with Ms. Lewinsky, and knew from Paula Jones's lawyers that it might not yet have been filed. That is why his deputies worked so hard to keep Ms. Lewinsky from calling Frank Carter. If he knew what was happening, they realized, he would not file it. And they wanted a crime. They wanted perjury to be committed: by Ms. Lewinsky so they would have leverage over her, and by the President when he was deposed in the Jones case the next day. If Ms. Lewinsky had called that afternoon, Mr. Carter told me the affidavit ``would not have been sent.'' But there was no call. At the end of the business day it was sent to the court in Little Rock by Federal Express. Under the rules, that was a filing. Mr. Carter had shown the affidavit to the Jones lawyers and to Robert Bennett, President Clinton's lawyer. If he had not filed it, he said, ``I would have told them.'' So Mr. Bennett would have known of Mr. Starr's interest in Monica Lewinsky. The President's deposition on Saturday would have taken another course or been canceled. And the history of the last 10 months would have been very different. (Did the President or Ms. Lewinsky in fact commit perjury when they swore they had not had ``sexual relations''? Perjury, a complicated legal concept, requires among other things proof of deliberate falsehood. In a conversation with Linda Tripp unrelated to any threat of prosecution, Ms. Lewinsky had said emphatically that ``having sex'' meant ``having intercourse''--not oral sex.) The right to a lawyer is fundamental in our constitutional system. A person accused of crime, the Supreme Court said in the Scottsboro Case in 1932, ``requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step.'' Without it, the innocent person may be overborne by what she does not understand. Police officers occasionally break the rules. It is another matter when prosecutors, who are officers of the court, overbear a young woman to keep her from calling her lawyer. The Starr deputies who were there on Jan. 16--Michael Emmick, Jackie Bennett Jr. and Bruce Udolf--should surely face questions by the appropriate legal authorities on their fitness to practice law. And Mr. Starr condoned what they did. None of this excuses President Clinton's moral folly. But it makes powerfully clear that Kenneth Starr is a far more serious menace to our constitutional order than Bill Clinton is.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leadership's irresponsible actions today on impeachment is only met by the irresponsible behavior yesterday questioning the military action in Iraq. The President's conduct has been deplorable, indefensible, but his behavior by any objective analysis does not rise to the level of impeachment as defined by our Constitution. What did the President do? He misled, he manipulated and he lied to two specific questions under oath. The first question was whether he was ever alone with Ms. Lewinsky. The leading Supreme Court case on perjury I think really points out the fact that that issue was not perjury. As distasteful as that might be, that is the facts of the law. The leading Supreme Court case talked about someone who testified under oath that he did not have, his company did not have, a Swiss bank account. He, in fact, did, but his company did not. He was prosecuted, convicted for perjury. The Supreme Court overthrew that case because in fact that was not perjury by being deceitful, by being misleading in his answer. That is exactly what the President did. But even if it were perjury, even if it were perjury, our Constitution talks about subversion of government as issues for impeachment. Can anyone objectively say that the answers to those questions were an attempt to subvert our government? Can anyone say that objectively? Honestly? Obviously not. These misrepresentations were lies, but absolutely not a subversion of our government. Clearly this is not an impeachable offense. Clearly again the conspiracy that my Republican colleagues say occurred in terms of the actions in Iraq; the British are involved in those actions. Are they part of the conspiracy that they allege? Are the 30 countries that are part of the UNSCOM U.N. team that did the investigation in terms of chemical and biological weapons in Iraq, are they part of this conspiracy as well? Obviously not. The irresponsible actions will be checked at the ballot box and by history.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber on October 13, 1998, during roll call vote numbers 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, and 529. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call vote number 524, ``aye'' on roll call vote number 525, ``aye'' on roll call vote number 526, ``yea'' on roll call vote number 527, ``yea'' on roll call vote number 528, ``yea'' on roll call vote number 529.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber on October 12, 1998, during rollcall vote Nos. 521, 522, and 523. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 521, ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 522, and ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 523.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mort Meyers, as he will soon be receiving the Humanitarian of the Year award from the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie, Florida. Mort's record of public service on behalf of the people of South Florida is truly impressive and deserving of this formal recognition. Born in Detroit, Mort moved to Florida after his brother Dennis took up residence in Miramar. After a series of sales jobs, Mort bought a coffee shop on Hollywood's City Hall Circle, where he and his wife Ethyl spoiled their customers rotten. Even Mort's mother Gussie became involved, making her signature cakes and pastries that are now known as ``Gussie's Goodies.'' TImes change, and so did the Meyers family. Mort and his brother Dennis joined their father in a surplus electronics and hardware venture. After some rough times early on, the family ultimately achieved a great deal of success. Today, Mort is involved with the family business--Arco Distributors in Davie, Florida--selling industrial adhesives, electronic components, and point of sale equipment. However, Mort's devotion to his business is only part of his story. Over the past 29 years since Mort Meyers arrived in Florida, the community has benefited greatly due to Mort's presence. A Founding Member of the Davie Coalition of Condos and Homeowners Associations, he has served on the Davie Economic Development Council, the Davie/Cooper City Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Committee, the Davie Budget Committee, and the Davie Visions 2000 Committee. In addition, Mort was Vice President of the Davie Democratic Club and chairman of the South Broward Park District. Mort also served with distinction on the Jewish Federation of Broward County's Board of Directors. Much of Mort's time over the past 10 years has been devoted to his involvement at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center. The award that the Center is bestowing on Mort Meyers is surely a reflection of his dedication and hard work. He has been involved with the Center since the dedication of its land site--serving on committees, donating money for camps or program scholarships, maintaining the building itself, and more. Mr. Speaker, all who know him or know of him will surely agree that Mort Meyers is an extraordinary individual. With his impending acceptance of the Humanitarian of the Year award from the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, I wish to convey a heartfelt congratulations and many thanks to him for his work benefiting the entire South Florida community.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Frank Veltri of Plantation, FL. He is retiring after 24 years of service in this role, the culmination of a long history of public service to the community of South Florida. Frank Veltri's private sector career began in 1932 at the age of 20. He was auditor for the Dinkler Hotel System before moving onto a more daring pursuit in 1942. It was in that year that Frank became a flight instructor and flight commander for the RAF British Flight Training School Number 5 at Clewiston, FL. Frank settled into a niche following his stint as a flight instructor and became quite involved at the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Miami, Beginning work at this association in 1945, his rise in stature is quite astonishing. Starting as a teller, assistant auditor, and chief accountant at the Association in Miami, Frank ultimately rose to the positions of Comptroller, Vice President, and Executive Vice President-Treasurer of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Broward County, FL. Broward County has profited immensely from the dedication and hard work of Frank Veltri. As far back as 1953, when Frank initially joined the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, he became involved in all types of civic matters. He has been the Chief of the Plantation Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Director of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the American Red Cross. Additionally, he has been a member of the Plantation Chamber of Commerce, serving as both its Director and President. Lastly, Frank was elected to serve on the Plantation Council, a predecessor to his Mayoral election in 1975. Since 1975, he has been reelected for 5 consecutive four-year terms. This is truly a testament to the quality of his work for the people of South Florida. The list of Committees on which Frank has served is also quite extensive. He has been a Member of the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization since 1977. In the early 1980's, Frank was a member of the Plantation Health Facilities Authority and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. In addition, he has been a Board Member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Mr. Speaker, I am simply one person who has chosen to formally recognize Frank's hard work, but by no means am I the first to do so. Governor Graham appointed Frank to be a Member of the Crime 2000 Conference in 1982: this is surely an example of the high level of dedication that Mayor Veltri has shown throughout his years of public service. Though the civic arena is obviously very important to Frank Veltri, it is safe to say that Frank wears other important hats. He is also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Simply put, I can't think of anything more important than one's relationship with their family. In summary, all who know him or know of him will surely agree that Frank Veltri is an extraordinary individual. His tireless devotion to the residents of South Florida will be forever remembered. We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, this is clearly my saddest day as a Member of this body. As my colleagues know, we have heard a lot of protests so far, and the protest that there is no politics here. Well, know something? People are protesting that protest a little too much. It is not believable. The reality is that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they cannot just impeach Bill Clinton, but the truth is they can impeach a ham sandwich. That is the reality of the situation, and the American people understand it.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sylvia Kling. Sylvia passed away last Sunday and she will be greatly missed in the South Florida community. After spending a large portion of her life in her native New York, Sylvia and her husband moved to Plantation, Florida, in 1973. This is where they both began their extraordinary work improving the lives of South Floridians. For more than 15 years, Sylvia Kling volunteered at the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee's headquarters. Her devotion to the principles of the democratic process kept her very busy. Sylvia was continually active making fliers, working at phone banks, putting cards in doors, and standing at the polls with candidates of her choice. This dedication did not go unrecognized. Five years ago, she was honored by the county's Executive Committee as its volunteer of the year. In addition, Sylvia was elected as a delegate to the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Though the political arena was very important to Sylvia Kling, Sylvia's dedication to other causes was truly remarkable, as well. She worked to connect Jewish women with their roots in her association with Hadassah. Furthermore, Sylvia was interested in international matters as she was a member of both the Women's League of Israel and the Jewish War Veterans women's auxiliary. Sylvia was also a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt. Mr. Speaker, I can't think of anything more important than one's relationship with their family. It is clear to all who knew her and knew of her that Sylvia Kling was an extraordinary woman whose tireless devotion to the residents of South Florida will be forever remembered. Her family will miss her, South Florida will miss her, and I will miss her.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I wish to be heard.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules regarding the standard of what privilege is. I would agree with him completely, that is the standard of what privilege is. I would also say, though, that I believe this resolution clearly meets that standard, because what is going on right now in the Committee on the Judiciary with the selective release of information is clearly a disservice on this House, and is clearly putting this House in disrepute, which is exactly what the rules of the House in terms of our privileged resolution are set up to deal with. I would say to the gentleman and to the Speaker that this resolution is clearly exactly why we have privileged resolutions in the House. What is happening right now in terms of the procedures of the Committee on the Judiciary, in terms of what has happened with the release of information, in the partisanship that has occurred within that committee, is absolutely putting this House into the type of situation, the type of disrespect that privileged resolutions are exactly in purpose for using. I would urge the Speaker to rule this in order, and I urge its adoption.