Peter Deutsch

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the memory of State Representative Edward Healey, who passed away on March 15, 2000, at the age of 75. It is with a tremendous feeling of sadness that I speak in his honor: Florida has lost an outstanding leader who may never be replaced. While Edward was born in Elmhurst, New York, he began his long-term affiliation with the State of Florida after moving to the area in 1957. Though he was not a lifelong resident, few have done more to serve the citizens of Palm Beach County: Edward was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974 where he served until 1980. He also served in the House from 1982 to 1984, and was elected again in 1986. Since that time, he has subsequently been re-elected to serve the Palm Springs area in each election. In addition to his extraordinary work in the state legislature, Representative Healey made numerous contributions to the Palm Beach County community throughout his years in Florida. Edward was active in local government through his participation in the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, the Palm Beach County Health Care Taxing District Board, and the Palm Beach County Bar Association, where he was a member of the Legislative and Local Government Liaison Committee. Though Edward Healey's commitments were numerous, he will always be remembered as someone who completely dedicated himself to the community through his work with local and national civic groups. He was involved with a myriad of organizations throughout his life: these organizations included the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Health Care Task Force, the National Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Urban League, and Common Cause. While this list is far from complete, I am positive that every organization that Representative Healey worked with will miss his leadership and dedication in the coming years. Mr. Speaker, while Edward Healey's passing is a tremendous loss for the Palm Beach County community, I can say without hesitation that his memory will live on through the work of the many organizations to which he dedicated his life. Though we will all miss his presence, I would like to thank and praise Edward for his hard work and leadership in improving the world at large.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today during rollcall vote No. 46 on H.R. 3699 and rollcall vote No. 47 on H.R. 3701. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of international satellite reform, S. 376, the Open-Market Reorganization for the Betterment of International Telecommunications Act (ORBIT). I commend Chairman Bliley and Congressmen Markey, Dingell, Oxley, and Tauzin for their hard work in reaching a balanced compromise with Senate conferees. This bill has bipartisan support in the Congress and support from the United States commercial international satellite industry, as well as the largest U.S. users of international satellite services. S. 376 will lead to more competition and eliminate the unfair market advantages long-held by intergovernmental treaty organizations. These entities have been dominant since the United States established an industry model in 1962 that relied on intergovernmental entities to provide commercial satellite services. Our 1962 Communications Satellite Act has been overtaken by amazing technological changes, which have created a vibrant private international satellite industry. We must assure that Intelsat and Inmarsat privatize in a manner that will put all industry players on an equal footing and not permit their intergovernmental legacy to distort competition. Accordingly, ORBIT establishes explicit criteria for the privatization of Intelsat and Inmarsat. The FCC is directed to use these criteria in determining whether or not to allow the private successors and affiliates of Intelsat and Inmarsat access to the United States market. These criteria for judging and privatization, coupled with the market access restrictions if the criteria are not met, are very important to provide clear incentives to Intelsat, Inmarsat, and their spin-offs. Intelsat, with its 143 member nations, is comprised largely of state telephone companies that control access to their national markets. They have a history of denying market access to U.S. companies that seek to compete with Intelsat. This bill will help open those markets. One of the provisions in S. 376 that is essential to this market-opening goal prohibits exclusive arrangements with foreign countries. It even- handedly prohibits any satellite operator serving the United States from enjoying the exclusive right to handle telecommunications traffic to or from the U.S. and any other country. The intent is to prevent a satellite operator from benefitting from exclusivity in any foreign market, no matter how it derives its exclusivity. Thus, all satellite operators will have a fair opportunity to provide global service. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this overdue reform of international satellite policy. This legislation will bring the full benefits of competition to consumers and it will begin to open access to foreign markets for United States companies.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber today during rollcall vote No. 26 on S. 613. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Edward T. Foote II, President of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. As many of my colleagues are already aware, President Tad Foote recently announced his resignation as the fourth president of the University effective June 1, 2001. Though his impending departure is a great loss for the University and its surrounding community, I would like to congratulate Tad and thank him for twenty years of hard work and dedication to improving the University of Miami. Over the last two decades, President Foote has been instrumental in overseeing the University's rise to prominence as an elite institution of higher learning in the United States. The statistics are startling: funding for research at the University has reached a total of approximately $176 million. In addition, the University received a startling number of applications for this year's freshman class--over 13,300 applications were received for an incoming class of 1,800. Finally, the University has experienced a banner year in its fundraising efforts, collecting a total of just under $86 million. These figures, all school records, will ensure that the University is prepared to take on the challenges facing higher education in the United States as we enter the new millennium. There can be no doubt that these impressive statistics are directly related to Tad Foote's stewardship of the University of Miami throughout the past twenty years. He has truly transformed the University, instilling a sense of pride and confidence in the quality of education that the school provides. Though his term as president will expire in 2001, President Foote has agreed to remain affiliated with the University until 2003 as Chancellor, a position that allows him to assist in the transition process. This decision to further his affiliation with the University is an action that clearly demonstrates President Foote's extraordinary dedication to the students and faculty of the University of Miami. Mr. Speaker, though the South Florida community will truly miss the leadership that Tad Foote has provided as President of the University of Miami over the course of the past twenty years, I am confident that he will remain a prominent figure in the community as he begins to enter a new phase in his life. We all owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I would like to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of the entire South Florida community.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Homestead Senior High School academic team. This distinguished group of students participated in the 20th Congressional District ``We the People'' championship, held on December 9, in Miami, Florida. It is a pleasure for me to honor this team for winning this important competition. Since the program's creation in 1987, ``We the People'' has encouraged students to participate as active citizens, acknowledging the responsibility each one has in our democracy's present and future. The program's curriculum is designed to complement the classroom experience, enabling elementary and secondary students to acquire additional knowledge and understanding of the Bill of Rights. Students are then given the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the Constitution to various activities, such as critical thinking exercises, problem-solving activities, and mock congressional hearings. These hands-on activities allow the students to demonstrate their knowledge of historical and current events, defending their opinion on these issues relative to constitutional principles that they have studied. The Homestead Senior High School academic team is well known for its past successes in the ``We the People'' competition. Not to be outdone by previous groups that have participated in the event, this year's championship team includes 19 students: Humberto Abeja, Diana Amador, Bobbi Andersan, Michael Bundy, Gloria Camacho, Monique Delattorres, Jason Gracia, Brandace Hopper, Elizabeth Martinez, Brandon Mike, Carlista Peralta, Janet Prevey, Rafael Quinquilla, Henry Rogers, Rocio Sanchez, Natalie Sawyer, Willie Smith, Chevonda Walker, and Symone Williams. I would also like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Mr. David Marshall, the teacher who was instrumental in preparing these students for this prestigious competition. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Homestead Senior High School academic team for their extraordinary effort and success in winning the ``We the People'' championship. This is truly an accomplishment that Homestead Senior High School can be proud of.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act reported from the Committee on International Relations with 82 bipartisan cosponsors. The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act will advance our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act and maintain stability within the region. According to the Pentagon report submitted to Congress earlier this year, China is currently engaged in a major buildup of ballistic missiles on its coast directly across the strait from Taiwan. Beijing is simultaneously increasing pressure on the U.S. to limit or decrease our sales of defensive weaponry to Taiwan. Both of these factors represent a substantial threat to the balance of power and, therefore, the stability of the area. The United States must remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act in which the U.S. promises to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. Taiwan's defense capabilities are central to maintaining the balance of power in the region. This bill is a necessary bipartisan step towards fulfilling our promise to Taiwan. It would increase Taiwan's defense capabilities while at the same time addressing any remaining deficiencies through establishment of direct communications between our militaries. This bill would reiterate the fundamental truth of democracy, that any determination of the ultimate status of Taiwan must have the express consent of the people of Taiwan. Finally, the bill would require the President to submit an annual report to Congress on Taiwan's defense needs. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I would finally, just in closing, talk to my colleagues about the original purpose of the Taiwan Relations Act and really to have an overall view of the region, because this bill is really tied into that perception of what is going on. I think all of us are unanimous, both supporters and opponents of this legislation, that the ultimate status really is self-determination of the people in the various locales in that region, on the island of Taiwan itself and in fact ultimately in China itself as well. How can we expect that to occur if we do not provide defensive means, especially with the intentions that are there? We are not committing American troops by any stretch of the imagination, but we are hopefully giving the Taiwanese the tools to determine their own self- determination, which is a commitment that we have made and a commitment that they deserve in terms of their own future and their own system of government as well.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Bob Gross, who passed away early last December at the age of 41. I am one of many who are saddened by this tremendous loss: South Florida has lost an outstanding community leader and activist. Bob Gross is well known in Broward county as an energetic leader who was a strong presence at political club events and civic activities throughout South Florida. Demonstrating his large influence on politics in the State of Florida, Bob was president of the Young Democrats of Broward County. As President of the Broward Young Democrats (BYD), Bob's main responsibilities were membership recruitment, campaign training, candidate development, and event planning. In this vital position, he worked tirelessly to motivate the county party to become involved in many aspects of local, state, and national politics. Bob was somewhat unique in the sense that he fully realized the importance of activism in society at large. Through his involvement in the BYD, he successfully promoted service to other young people. Because of Bob's hard work and dedication, the BYDs have formed an exemplary organization that fosters volunteerism and activities such as serving on local community boards, registering voters, and hosting social outreach events. It is important to note that Bob Gross did not simply focus all of his attention on political matters. A resident of Hollywood, Florida, who attended Pinecrest High School, Bob worked as Program Planner for the Broward Employment and Training Administration (BETA). Indeed, his tremendous leadership undoubtedly benefitted BETA, as Bob held numerous important posts in the organization through the years such as Executive Vice President, Vice President for Political Affairs, and Treasurer. Most importantly, however, Bob Gross was a devoted husband to his wife, Cindy Sherr. An attorney and the statewide president of the Young Democrats, I am confident that Cindy will carry on Bob's ongoing work in promoting service and activism within the South Florida community. Mr. Speaker, while Bob Gross' passing is a tremendous loss for Broward County, I can say without hesitation that his memory will live on through the work of the many organizations to which he dedicated his life. There can be no doubt that we will all dearly miss Bob, but I would like to thank and praise him for his hard work and leadership in improving the community around him.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of William ``Bill'' Horvitz, who passed away early last December at the age of 73. It is with a tremendous feeling of sadness that I speak in his honor: the South Florida community has lost an outstanding philanthropist who may never be replaced. There can be no doubt that Bill's personal history is an extraordinary one. One of three sons of Cleveland real estate businessman Samuel A. Horvitz, Bill Horvitz and his brothers continued his father's real estate ventures after his passing. Moving to the Fort Lauderdale area in 1953 to take over his father's real estate interests in the Hollywood, Florida, he became the proprietor of countless acres within Broward County. Indeed, Bill's stewardship of this property was instrumental in Broward's transition from a quaint bedroom community to a bustling economic powerhouse. Developing much of his Broward County real estate, Bill established such properties as Hollywood Hills, Emerald Hills, Hollywood Mall, the Venture Corporate Center, South Florida Industrial Park, and various other communities, both residential and commercial. In 1985, Bill also sold more than 1,200 acres of land to the state and county--this valuable tract of land later became West Lake Park and North Beach Park. Bill is perhaps best known for his commitment to the South Florida community. Throughout his lifetime, Bill was a tremendous supporter of charitable causes. He was involved with a myriad of organizations throughout his life in South Florida: these organizations included the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the East Seals Society, the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, the Boys and Girls Club of Broward, the Salvation Army, and the Jewish Federation of Broward County. It is well documented that he contributed regularly to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated from the Wharton School in 1947. Additionally, he made an effort to lend his financial support to various organizations struggling to survive economically. For example, in 1992, Bill was instrumental in helping the Greater Hollywood YMCA to survive by renegotiating its $1.6 million debt. Such efforts led to much recognition for Bill and his wife. Even as late as December 2, 1999, Bill was honored with the President's Community Award from Nova Southeastern University, a school where the administration building bears his name. Mr. Speaker, while William Horvitz passing is a tremendous loss for the South Florida community, I can say without hesitation that his memory will live on through the work of the many organizations to which he dedicated his life. Though we will all miss Bill's presence, I would like to thank and praise him for his hard work and leadership in improving the world at large.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of Lois Deicke, a long-time resident of Broward County, Florida, who passed away this past New Year's Eve at the age of 82. Lois will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most prominent and generous philanthropists in South Florida. A native of Houston, Texas, Lois moved to Illinois where she met her husband Edwin. Together, they moved to Plantation, Florida, around 1960 after a successful career as an insurance executive. Their impact was felt immediately in the South Florida community, as the Deickes exhibited an overwhelming generosity in donating to a variety of civic, philanthropic, and humanitarian causes. Throughout her time in South Florida, Lois and her husband both contributed to nonprofit agencies and projects throughout the community, patronizing the arts, cultural programming, and even research to benefit the disabled. Lois originally began her charitable work by giving to the West Broward Symphony Guild and the Plantation Community Church. She also made a substantial contribution to the city's community center, now commonly referred to as Deicke Auditorium. Indeed, many organizations have benefitted from their relationship to Lois Deicke throughout the years. She actively supported the Broward Public Library Foundation, the Broward County Cultural Affairs Council, Holy Cross Hospital, and Nova Southeastern University, where she built the Deicke Dorm at the Ralph Baudhuin Oral School. It is also interesting to note that, though Lois was very proud of her residency in Plantation, by no means did her charity stop at South Florida's borders. She also gave to Midwestern universities and charities, founding the Deicke Center for Nursing Education at Elmhurst College in Illinois. Particularly gratifying is the fact that Lois and her husband both showed a strong interest in programs for the deaf and blind. This interest was undoubtedly rooted in personal struggles: both she and her husband, who passed away in 1984, suffered from hearing loss. Her personal experiences led Lois to form a strong bond with the Fort Lauderdale Lighthouse for the Blind. In 1994, the Lighthouse formally recognized the extraordinary efforts she made in remodeling their facilities, another example of Lois Deicke freely giving of herself for the betterment of others. Mr. Speaker, Lois Deickes life can be characterized by her selfless devotion to others and, for that especially, we all owe her a debt a gratitude. Though the South Florida community is undoubtedly saddened by her passing, we should all rejoice in Lois' accomplishments and thank her for her tireless work improving the community around her.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today, and actually in comment of other colleagues as well, of supporting legislation that would give Elian Gonzalez at least resident alien status in the United States of America. I do this because it is a Solomonesque answer to a tragic situation. But let me also just stop and reflect, and hopefully not just my colleagues but people throughout the country will listen, that if a mother left a country that had slavery and died on the way to freedom and her child was able to reach freedom and then the owner of the father told the father to ask for the boy back, we would be suspect of what the father said. Unfortunately, the reality of Cuba today is exactly that. It is a country where the leader does, in fact, kill people indiscriminately, does in fact restrict freedom of speech, religion, and travel. If it were not so, what I just said, the father would be here. The obvious reason the father is not here today or not here 2 months ago is because Castro is afraid that if he comes, he will not leave. I ask my colleagues to support this effort.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3261, the ``Communications Satellite Competition and Privatization Act of 1999.'' I want to commend Chairman Bliley for his commitment to this important legislation and for his efforts in working with Congressman Tauzin and Congressman Markey. Together, they have produced an excellent, bipartisan bill that is designed to bring the benefits of competition to consumers of satellite communications. This bill will reform the 1962 Act--a law that is woefully outdated and in need of a complete overhaul. Today, we still rely on a foreign government-controlled treaty organization--INTELSAT--to provide the bulk of international satellite services to and from the United States. This structure was designed in the 1960's when it was believed that only governments and monopolies could finance and operate satellites. So much has changed since those early days. Today, the United States leads the world in satellite manufacturing and technology. Yet, we still cling to the 1960's governmental model that stifles competition, trade, and ingenuity--all to the detriment of consumers. H.R. 3261 will end the last remaining telecom monopoly in the United States and provide incentives to encourage INTELSAT, and its sister organization, INMARSAT, to privatize in a procompetitive manner. The bill uses access to the U.S. market to encourage INTELSAT and INMARSAT to so privatize. If they refuse, they will still have access to the U.S. market for the services they were originally created to provide-- such as public telephone and maritime services--but they will not be permitted to compete with private commercial providers of new services such as direct-to-home TV and high-speed Internet. To gain admission to the U.S. market for these new competitive services, they will first have to shed their governmental privileges and immunities and become truly competitive and private. COMSAT will also be normalized by this legislation. When Congress created COMSAT 37 years ago, it granted COMSAT a monopoly over access to the INTELSAT, and later, the INMARSAT satellites. COMSAT has been the only U.S. company permitted by law to directly use these valuable satellites. Any other U.S. company that wanted or needed access to these satellites, like AT&T, MCI, the networks, had first to go to COMSAT. It has enjoyed the exclusive U.S. franchise. COMSAT is not only the monopoly reseller of INTELSAT services in the U.S., but under the law no other company or individual is permitted to invest in INTELSAT. This has been a very lucrative benefit as INTELSAT pays a guaranteed rate of return to its investors of about 18 percent annually. We should all be so lucky with our investments. The time is long overdue for Congress to end this--we must end COMSAT's monopoly over access to and investment in INTELSAT. Congress shouldn't be dictating who can invest in INTELSAT. The U.S. would not be alone if we finally end this as over 90 other countries permit direct access of some kind, and 29 of those permit multiple investors. COMSAT also has much to gain from this legislation. In exchange for the monopoly benefits granted to COMSAT under the 1962 act, Congress imposed some restrictions as well. For example, no one could own more than 49 percent of COMSAT. This legislation will free COMSAT of these restrictions. This bill will permit users of satellite services to go directly to INTELSAT to purchase satellite capacity. The FCC has determined that this will result in cost savings of up to 71 percent. A 1998 study documented that reform legislation would save U.S. consumers $29 billion over 10 years. Worldwide savings would reach $6.9 billion. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3261. It brings the full benefits of competition to consumers and it will permit COMSAT to move ahead in this rapidly changing world of telecommunications.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce to the House Rabbi Tessler from Beth Shalom, Potomac, Maryland, who has really welcomed me into his community. My family and I recently moved to Potomac and have found a community rabbi who has been there for 17 years and has made our home a home that we have been very lucky and blessed to be part of. I wish him many, many years more in terms of striving to affect not just the area in suburban Washington but the entire country, in fact, the entire world.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, let us remember specifically why we are here. We are here because we made mistakes, but we made mistakes with the Republican majority in terms of some of the draconian cuts that they were attempting. We still do not deal with the fundamental issues. We do not deal with the fundamental issues that literally thousands of Americans are, in fact, being permanently damaged because they have reached therapy caps in terms of stroke victims who will remain paralyzed forever because of the inaction in this Congress that remains in this bill. But let us talk about what we are not doing. What we are not doing is we are not facing any of the real fundamental issues facing health care in America. My colleagues in the majority are afraid of those issues. There is a procedural game that is being played today, which is a suspension vote, which rejects the ability of the minority to do a motion to recommit that would probably overwhelmingly pass in this Chamber on prescription drug coverage for Medicare. My colleagues on the other side are afraid of that vote. They are afraid of giving the American people what they need and they deserve. They are afraid of fundamental change in the Medicare system. They are afraid of the Patients' Bill of Rights bill. They are afraid of putting the sponsor of that bill on the conference committee.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous career of Sergeant Richard ``Dick'' Brickman. On January 3rd, 2000, Sergeant Brickman will retire from the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department after 30 remarkable years of service. Sergeant Brickman will be sorely missed by the State of Florida's law enforcement community. Originally beginning his career in 1969 as a Road Patrol Officer, Dick Brickman has held countless positions in the Hollywood Police Department. Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Operations Sergeant-- these are some of the positions which Dick has held since being promoted in 1975. Throughout his tenure with the Hollywood Police Department, Dick has been at the forefront of innovative approaches to law enforcement. Sergeant Brickman was instrumental in implementing the ``Operation Reindeer'' program, a program that assigned officers to the roof tops of businesses and malls during the holiday season. Aimed at preventing seasonal crimes and apprehending criminals, this valuable and effective program has lasted 10 years and will stand as a testament to Sergeant Brickman's hard work and dedication to the Hollywood Police Department. In addition to his outstanding work with the Hollywood Police Department, Sergeant Dick Brickman has demonstrated tremendous leadership in both local and State-wide law enforcement associations. In December 1979, Sergeant Brickman was elected President of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), an organization which represents over 2,300 law enforcement officers in Broward County, Florida. He has been subsequently re-elected as President for seven 3- year terms. In addition, Dick also continues to serve on the Executive Board of the State of Florida PBA, an organization that represents more than 31,000 members of the law enforcement community statewide. Dick is an atypical individual in the sense that he is a native Floridian who exhibits strong ties to the South Florida community. Born in Miami, he has spent his entire life in South Florida. Throughout the past six years, he has remained active in the community volunteering his time as the girls softball coach for the City of Hollywood. Sergeant Brickman has also volunteered his time as coach of the girls softball team at South Broward High School. Indeed, Sergeant Brickman's devotion to the South Florida community is nothing short of outstanding. Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank Sergeant Brickman for his tremendous work on behalf of the State of Florida and the entire South Florida Community. As Sergeant Richard ``Dick'' Brickman retires from the Hollywood Police Department to close this important chapter of his life, I would also like to extend my best wishes for the future.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important date in the Florida educational community. Nova Southeastern University, Florida's largest independent university, will celebrate its 35th anniversary on December 2nd, 1999. This event, entitled ``Celebration of Excellence,'' promises to showcase the outstanding achievements of NSU students and alumni alike, and I am honored to be a part of this joyous occasion. Through Nova Southeastern University's quality educational programs, the university has made an immense contribution to the personal and professional advancement of thousands of Florida residents. In addition, NSU provides a wide range of community services and programs for the benefit of South Florida residents. Working to bring new skills and knowledge to the community around it, the work of Nova Southeastern University ultimately benefits Florida residents of all ages. ``Celebration of Excellence'' is also notable because it features the fifth anniversary of the merger of Nova University and Southeastern University of the Health Sciences to form NSU in its current state. This synergistic merger of the two schools has resulted in the development of some of Florida's most impressive medical and health care education programs. Indeed, these programs benefit the entire community's health and well-being. Nova Southeastern University has set itself apart in its ability to form partnerships with other educational institutions, state and local agencies, and community organizations. These successful cooperative efforts enhance local access to advocacy, counseling, health care, rehabilitative and other human services, raise community awareness on existing services and resources, and provide a valuable form to identify and address unmet local needs. It is without hesitation that I say that Nova Southeastern University has had a tremendous impact on the life of all South Floridians. Mr. Speaker, Nova Southeastern University has spent the last 35 years demonstrating its strong commitment to the well-being and education of the Florida community. I am extremely proud to celebrate this anniversary with administration, students, and alumni of NSU. Reflecting on their success of the past, I wish everyone at NSU the best as the university turns its eyes to the immediate future.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Robert J. McMenemy, who passed away last week at the age of 59 in Plantation, FL. I am saddened by this tragic loss: South Florida has lost a truly great community leader. For the past 35 years, Bob McMenemy was a strong presence at labor meetings, political club events, and civic activities throughout Broward County, FL. He was a fixture at Democratic campaign rallies, candidate fundraisers, and political dinners, known among politicians and elected officials as someone who could quickly motivate others to participate in the political process. Demonstrating his large influence on South Florida politics, Bob was the labor committee chairman and a vice chairman of the county Democratic Party, as well as former vice president and president of the Plantation Democratic Club. Though very active in politics, Bob was perhaps best known for his leadership in South Florida's union. He was a passionate advocate for better pay for workers on public projects, and significantly strengthened the labor movement in Broward County. He was a leader of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 675, representing the workers who drove construction cranes and other heavy equipment. Bob also served as the political action chairman and legislative director before becoming the union's president. In honor of his extraordinary dedication and work, the Broward AFL-CIO presented Bob with the ``Labor Leader of the Year'' award. This award was truly deserved, representing all that Bob stood for. It is important to note that Bob McMenemy did not simply focus all of his attention on political and labor issues. Throughout the course of his life, Bob was especially devoted to social issues as well. He was specifically known for his involvement in assisting people who suffered from drug and alcohol addictions. Bob served as the director of the Broward AFL-CIO's member assistance program, chairman of the Broward Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Board, and a board member of the House of Hope and Stepping Stones treatment programs. He strongly believed that people with drug and alcohol problems deserved a chance to recover, and he worked tirelessly to assist them in this important fight. On a more personal level, Bob McMenemy, with his deep Irish roots, invested his time in the Emerald Society, a group that promotes Irish heritage. He was, in fact, honored by the society at one of the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfasts in Fort Lauderdale. Most importantly, however, Bob McMenemy was a devoted husband, father, and son, who is survived by his wife, his two daughters, and his mother. No matter what calling one obeys in life, I can think of nothing more important than one's relationship with their family. Mr. Speaker, while Bob McMenemy's passing is a tremendous loss for the South Florida community, I can say without hesitation that his memory lives on through the work of the many organizations to which he dedicated his life. We will dearly miss Bob, but for the thousands of lives he touched, we thank and praise him for his hard work, his leadership, and his compassion for others.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Amory Underhill, an outstanding community leader who will be greatly missed by the entire Florida community. Graduating from John B. Stetson University in 1936, Amory practiced law in DeLand, Florida, for four years before joining the military. In the United States Navy, Amory served active duty for three years as a Lieutenant Commander. After completing his term of service as a Naval officer, he distinguished himself as an attorney in the Department of Justice where he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court in 1946. As a member of the American, Federal, Florida, and District of Columbia Bar Associations, Amory truly demonstrated his strong belief that through his law experience he could improve the lives of others. In addition to his tremendous work in law, Amory Underhill was distinguished in his devotion to higher education. At various times in his life Amory served as a Trustee at both Stetson University and Saint Leo College, and this extraordinary interest in education did not go unrecognized by either of these institutions. In 1974, he was presented with the distinguished Alumni Award by the Stetson University Alumni Association. Saint Leo College presented Amory with an Honorary degree--Doctor of Humane letters--in 1980. Lastly, in recognition of his tremendous accomplishments, Stetson University has created the Amory Underhill Award presented annually in his honor. Adding to his already extraordinary resume, Amory Underhill was continually involved in community service throughout his life. This interest dates back as far as 1946, when he became a member of both the Young Democrats of America and the Florida State Society. Amory was so interested in addressing the concerns of Floridians throughout his life that he became a Trustee of the Florida House in 1973. He was also member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and of the American Legions Military Order of World Wars. Participating in the DeLand Elks and in the DeLand Kiwanis Club, he was very well respected by the entire Florida community for this intense devotion to his work as well as interest in improving the world around him. In summary, Amory's exemplary work and civic involvement were truly outstanding and he will dearly be missed by the entire Florida community. However, I am grateful to say that we are lucky to have so many wonderful memories of his life and work.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a very important event. On August 28, 1999, Key West's historic 108-year- old Custom House opened its doors as the Key West Museum of Art and History, restored and operated by the Key West Art and Historical Society. One of Florida's architectural treasures, the Customs House will now serve as both a showcase for regional, national, and international fine art collections, and a repository of artifacts relating to the history and culture of the Florida Keys. Originally completed in 1891 on the historic port waterfront of the island city, the Custom House was used as a center-piece of federal authority. Occupied at various times by the collector of customs, federal court, and postal and lighthouse services, the building has a long history of supporting the city's maritime-based economy. While Key West was the largest city and port in Florida, the Customs House became the center for taxation regulation and immigration. It is crucial to note the importance of the Customs House at the national level, as well as at the state and local level. Beginning in 1898, during the Spanish-American War, this historic building housed civil service and naval activities. At one time, 104 naval vessels worked out of the port dominated by the Customs House. This occupation continued until 1976 when the Navy had to close its Key West sea base. Based on its extensive history, the Customs House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it is truly one of the most important architectural treasures in the state of Florida today. Now, after a restoration effort which took nine years and cost approximately $8 million, Key West's historic building is home to the Key West Museum of Art and History. Original woodwork, plaster, flooring, stone, brickwork, and fixtures have been preserved or carefully reproduced to make the revitalized Custom House both architecturally faithful. With this restoration process came the challenge of locating historically accurate materials and craftsmen with knowledge of century-old building techniques. This formidable challenge could not have been met without the aid of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, various state agencies, individuals, foundations and corporations. Indeed, the entire Florida community and nation at large owe a debt of gratitude to all who gave the monetary support to this undertaking. The Key West Art and Historical Society endows the new museum with excellent educational programs, services, and exhibitions, for children and adults alike. Housing a state of the art interactive public archive and research facility, the Key West Art and Historical Society develops programs in conjunction with the Monroe County Public Schools' curriculum, providing educational opportunities to over 8,000 Monroe County students, as well as thousands of other visiting school children and tourists. For the ``Community Opening'' of the Key West Art and History Museum, the historical exhibition Remember the Maine returned to Key West and was installed in the USS Maine Room on the second floor of the museum. This is a fitting and historic placement for this exhibit, because of the building's prominent naval history. The first traveling art exhibit is scheduled to open on September 22, thus achieving the Society's goals of national recognition and acclaim. Mr. Speaker, I commend the hard work and dedication that has gone into the Key West Museum of Art and History. As the Museum officially opens its doors to the public, the Customs House is once again the site of a historical moment for the State of Florida, as well as the nation at large. On this joyous occasion, I would like to congratulate all those who have contributed to this important endeavor, and extend my best wishes for all success in the future.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Max Klein, a volunteer and community leader who will be greatly missed by the South Florida community. After spending a large portion of his life in New York as a highly successful newsreel editor, Max Klein and his wife Anne retired to South Florida where they took up residence in Lauderhill. Max soon plunged himself into the community in the hopes of improving the lives of his new neighbors and friends. Attending local government meetings on a regular basis, Max became totally immersed in the South Florida community. He contributed his time to various political campaigns and judicial battles, for Max truly believed that one man could make a difference. He was undoubtedly successful at getting his voice heard on all levels of government. As Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, former Mayor of Lauderhill and current County Commission Chairwoman, recently noted, ``Max was a very special person. . . . He definitely made a difference in the community.'' In addition to his outstanding activism, Max Klein distinguished himself through his extraordinary devotion to volunteerism. Soon after moving to Lauderhill, Max became involved at his local library, teaching gifted children how to write creatively. This involvement soon led him to become involved with the Pompano Beach Middle School as well. In honor of this tremendous devotion to volunteerism, Max was elected to the Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Broward Senior Hall of Fame. In summary, Max's extraordinary devotion to the community around him is truly a rarity in this age, and he will be sorely missed by the Lauderhill community, as well as by the South Florida community at large. Max Klein 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 Max, but we are lucky to have so many memories of his life and work.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the tremendous work of Sheriff Richard Roth. On July 26, Richard announced that he will retire after 35 remarkable years with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Roth will be sorely missed by the South Florida law enforcement community, as Richard's resume is nothing sort of astonishing. Originally beginning his career in 1965 as a radio dispatcher, Richard Roth has held countless positions in the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Road patrol officer, detective, detective lieutenant, major--these are some of the many titles which Richard has held throughout his years of service. However, it wasn't until 1990 that he was named Sheriff to carry out the term of former Sheriff J. Allison DeFoor II. Since his appointment to the post in 1990, Richard has been re-elected twice. Throughout his tenure as Sheriff, Richard Roth has accomplished much, including the reduction of the crime rate in the Florida Keys. Sheriff Roth was also instrumental in implementing the ``Smart Cop'' program, a program in which deputies are assigned a particular area so that they can become acquainted with specific neighborhood problems and concerns. This is all part of Richard's tremendous desire to have the Sheriff's office closely tied to the community, so that the south Florida law enforcement community can best accommodate the citizens of Monroe County. Though he will not be seeking re-election, Sheriff Roth's term is by no means over. One year before the qualifying race to fill his position begins, Richard aims to have the Sheriff's Office accredited. To accomplish this, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office will have to meet all of the standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Mr. Speaker, the future looks especially bright for Richard Roth because he will have his family near him full time. He and his wife Sandra have already celebrated their 41st Anniversary, and they will be busy traveling through Europe after Richard's retirement. I wish to thank him for his tremendous work on behalf of the entire south Florida community, and I would like to extend my best wishes for the future as well.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2031, the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act. The rational for this bill is simple and straightforward. State laws governing alcohol shipping and distribution must be followed and enforced. This bill ensures that States have the tools needed to fully enforce their laws, especially those governing the distribution of alcohol to minors. This bill will ensure that States have legal recourse against alcohol distributors who deliberately seek to violate State laws. Any vintner, retailer, or marketer who ships alcohol to adults in compliance with laws governing the shipments's destination should support this legislation. H.R. 2031 will simply allow States to take legal action in Federal courts against illegal business practices which often jeopardize the welfare of children. Just as law enforcement officials need the proper tools to fight crime, and drug enforcement officials need the proper tools to fight the war on drugs, liquor enforcement officials need the tools to enforce State liquor laws. These laws keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, and ensure that consumers receive safe products from people who sell these products. I urge my colleagues to support the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act. I would just quickly add that I served 10 years in the Florida legislature, Mr. Chairman, and was involved in legislating areas of enforcement of the structure that Florida has for alcohol sales in Florida. What is going on today, I do not think there will be any speaker here today who would question it, is absolutely in violation not just of Florida laws, but laws in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Essentially, people have created a way to evade systems that legislatures have in place for the sale of alcoholic beverage, which are different in the 50 States, but these systems literally violate those laws in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Again, it has been made clear that this is not against E commerce in any way, but in fact what the Internet has done is allow a new way of bootlegging. I, as one of many millions, tens of millions of Americans, have purchased products through the Internet. I encourage that. But as I sat with my son, and my son, who is 8 years old, has the ability, he remembers credit card numbers and access numbers pretty well, and has the ability today or tomorrow to, in his own way, perhaps, purchase things through the Internet. Obviously, that is not what we want to see happen. On top of that, there are legal ways to purchase these products through the Internet today. Again, I urge my colleagues to close a loophole. This is not an issue of trying to stop commerce on the Internet, it is an issue of enforcement of State liquor laws which have existed in the 50 States, with a great deal of authority for that enforcement.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I, along with I think probably 30 of my colleagues last week, had an interesting dinner meeting with Bob McNamara. If there is any lesson that he has learned in looking back on Vietnam, it is really hearing and receiving, giving the wrong messages and not talking to each other. We really have an opportunity right now to heed some of the lessons that he talked about. Vietnam is making progress, contrary to the previous speaker. There is a great deal of evidence which our former colleague, the Ambassador, has articulated to us, and the press has as well. It is a relationship that can continue to be good for the United States as we are moving a young nation towards moving into the community of nations, of living within international standards. It is a region in the world that for 4,000 years has faced uncertainty and conflict. What we are talking about is normal trading relationships. That is really what the issue is about. Obviously people can see it differently, but I urge the defeat of the resolution.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, as Russia prepares for Parliamentary and Presidential elections, there are alarming signals that the Kremlin is cracking down on privately owned news outlets who have been critical of government policies. In particular, I understand that the independent and highly regarded television station, NTV, has been pressured by officials who are displeased with its news coverage of the Kremlin. There are reports that the owners and reporters of NTV and other news organizations have been harassed, and that government agencies have threatened to deny operating licenses to these organizations, have attacked private media companies through state- owned media, and have issued veiled threats to nationalize NTV and other private media outlets. Such activities undermine Russia's free and democratic nature. I find particularly disturbing reports that Yeltsin Administration head Alexander Voloshin has asked his staff to find any grounds possible by which to initiate criminal action against owners of private media enterprises. The most notable example is Mr. Voloshin's order to the Director of the Tax Police Federal Service to carry out inspections of the editorial offices of media outlets owned by Media Most, the largest privately owned media company in Russia, headed by Vladimir Goussinsky. The fact that Mr. Goussinsky has consistently submitted tax returns and paid all taxes required by current law since 1992 was apparently insufficient in stopping these egregious searches. Free press may also be threatened on another front. In July, 1999, the government established a new Ministry for Publishing, TV and Radio with the task, according to Prime Minister Stepashin, of ``consolidating'' the government's ``ideological work.'' This new ministry will have vast powers to oversee and control news content and other aspects of Russian media, including publishing, licensing regulations, advertising, satellite broadcasting, and press distribution. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely concerned about the possible effects that this new Ministry's policies might have on private and independent media outlets. Whoever controls the media in Russia may well influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections. It is generally accepted that favorable television coverage of President Boris Yeltsin's re-election campaign made possible his ultimate success at the polls. In a democratic society, the diversity of opinion and variety of information that is fostered by a free and independent press is an important part of the political process. The subversion of independent media, especially at this critical juncture in the Russian political process, is disturbing. If Russia's nascent democratic system is to succeed, freedom of the press must be preserved. I call on President Yeltsin and Prime Minister Stepashin to ensure that attacks on privately owned media are curtailed, and to publicly reinforce the government's favorable opinion toward freedom of the press in Russia.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber today during rollcall vote No. 354. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea.''