Peter Deutsch

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber today during rollcall vote No. 227, No. 228 and No. 229. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all of these votes.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I too join with my colleague in supporting this resolution, but also speaking out really to help educate our colleagues in the country about the 200th adversary of Haitian Flag Day. It is a significant event, the bicentennial of the second oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti, that joined the United States in seeking its freedom from European colonialists in the early 1800s. The Haitian people have fought for 200 years, have been part of a movement towards democracy not just fighting side by side with Americans but side by side with other Western Hemisphere countries in seeking their own democracy. We have had a community also in south Florida as well as throughout the country that has grown and prospered and, in fact, many of their friends and relatives today still seek that opportunity that all of us have sought in the United States of America. Today, we have Haitian-Americans that are detained in Krome, in prison really, in the United States, in Miami-Dade County, some of whom, by court order, have been ordered to be released, and yet Attorney General Ashcroft has prevented their release by categorizing Haiti as a terrorist State at this point in time.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Resolution condemning the arrest of Cuban political dissidents. As the United States and the world's attention is focused on Iraq, Fidel Castro and his regime in Cuba have abruptly ended a perceived period of leniency and burgeoning democracy, by undertaking one of the harshest crackdowns against internal dissent. If the Castro regime believes that the arrest and conviction of 80 political dissidents in ``kangaroo courts'' for daring to advocate free speech and other rights for the people of Cuba will be ignored by the United States, Castro is greatly mistaken. My colleagues and I in the U.S. Congress have spoken in a unified voice condemning the unwarranted arrests of Cuban dissidents, and we will continue to aid Cuban people in gaining the basic human rights. One individual to be tried in the ``summary trials'' which bear little semblance of justice is Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, a physician who has first-hand knowledge of Cuban prisons for his activism on behalf of human rights. In February 2000, he was imprisoned and tortured for hanging the Cuban flag upside down, an undeniable act of non-violent civil disobedience. Dr. Biscet's freedom in October 2002 was short- lived and within months, this supporter of Dr. King's and Thoreau's peaceful methods of political change, has again been arrested for political dissidence and now faces life imprisonment under the draconian ``Law 91.'' Sharing in Dr. Biscet's good intentions, and sadly his fate of imprisonment, is Raul Ramon Rivero, an independent journalist and leader of the Cuban newspaper service. He is another nonviolent activist who was arrested on preposterous charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the simple possession of a Sony tape recorder and a Samsung computer, universal tools for most reporters. As numerous members of the Cuba Society of Independent Journalists like Rivero have been arrested and imprisoned, information emanated to the Cuban people has been severely limited. Marta Beatriz Roque, a Cuban economist, also faces 20 years in prison for political dissent. The Castro regime arrested Ms. Roque, and other economists like her, for speaking the truth about the failings of the Cuban communist economy. As was true with the historically similar failing Soviet economy, Castro's silencing of all economic criticism will not prevent the Cuban people from knowing the reality of their impoverished economic situation. Castro's arrest of these and other political dissidents, many of whom signed the ``Joint Statement'' highlighting the regime's failures, is a Stalinist tactic aimed at stifling popular unrest. This joint statement, published on March 9, 2003, reiterated the well-known facts that the regime refuses to ``respect the internationally recognized human rights or accept the existence of legitimate political opposition.'' Castro's harsh tactics will only stall the inevitable, the establishment of a free and democratic Cuba. The people of Cuba are impoverished and oppressed, and they are no longer swayed by Castro's empty rhetoric of helping ``the people.'' Dr. Biscet's, Rivero's, and Roque's passion for democracy and human rights for the people of Cuba is both inspiring and contagious, and this is what Castro fears most. The tides are turning against the Castro regime. His recent assaults on his own people epitomize Castro's true nature, his inability to ever be anything other than a fear- driven, totalitarian despot. These arrests and amplified oppression stress his anxiety and his desperate attempts to maintain power. Only the strong and the courageous can affect change, and we in the United States will continue to stand with those who strive to bring freedom to Cuba.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Jeanine Marrinson, a community leader, civic activist, loving individual, and a great Floridian. Born originally in Chicago, Marrinson moved to Florida in 1966 and soon began a career of service to her community. Mrs. Marrinson will long be remembered as an accomplished woman in business and civic affairs. After arriving to South Florida, she and husband Ralph opened the Manor Pines Convalescent Center. Later, she served as president of Designs by Jeanine and fulfilled the role as chief designer of her husband Ralph Marrinson's seven senior care facilities that the couple later opened. Prior to spearheading her own successful business, Mrs. Marrinson was an American Airlines Flight Attendant. Marrinson made sincere and concerted efforts to give back to the community. She volunteered for a number of organizations, including the YMCA, Kids in Distress, and for a period of more than 25 years the Boys & Girls Club. Remaining dedicated to these causes and helping many less fortunate neighbors, her devotion and commitment serves as an example to us all. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a special occasion for me to honor Mrs. Jeanine Marrinson. Marrinson's earnest and altruistic values in helping others and becoming involved in the greater Fort Lauderdale community serves as an example to us all. I trust that her amazing legacy will last forever and will be carried on by others who loved her. Mrs. Marrinson is survived by her husband Ralph Marrinson and her twin brother Jerome Duever of Chicago.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Phillip Halle, a community leader, political activist, loving family man, and a great Floridian. Born originally in New York, Mr. Halle moved to Florida after practicing law in New York City for many years. Mr. Halle will be long remembered by residents of Plantation for his staunch commitment to civic affairs in the town and in the greater region of South Florida. Over the years, Halle fulfilled numerous civic posts. As a prominent member of the Lauderdale West community in Plantation, Halle served as their representative to the city and to the Broward County Commission. In addition to representing his local community, Phillip Halle was once named chairman of the Broward County Consumer Protection Board and the Sanitary and Health Control Board. Clearly, Halle felt passionate about serving his community and helping his neighbors. Halle volunteered his time and resources to various causes, including acting as president emeritus of the Broward Coalition of Condominiums, a group representing 67 condominium groups, and being director of the Jewish National Fund, B'nai B'rith, and Temple Beth Israel. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a special occasion for me to honor Mr. Halle. His earnest efforts to assist his neighbors and be active in the community serves as an example to us all. His enthusiasm and dedication to many causes will be a legacy that stands to last forever. Mr. Halle is survived by his wife of 71 years, Kate Halle, along with son Michael Halle and daughter Gilda Siegel, in addition to seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette), who has been a leader for several years on this issue.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), who, based upon long background and interest in this area, has been a leader in terms of health care for all Americans.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time each of us has remaining?

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I know, at least at this table, we have literally probably about 10 or 12 or 15 Members who would like to speak. I would at least ask for unanimous consent to offer each side an additional 10 minutes.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I hear the possibility of objection so I withdraw it at this point in time. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), an original cosponsor of the legislation who is very knowledgeable about this issue.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price). (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis). (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger), one of our new Members.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore).

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hooley).

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am going to read a letter that Nancy Reagan wrote to this Congress on this issue. ``As you may know, Ronnie will observe his 92nd birthday soon. In earlier times we would have been able to celebrate that day with great joy and wonderful memories of our life together. Now, while I can draw strength from these memories, I do it alone, as Ronnie struggles in a world unknown to me or the scientists who devote their lives to Alzheimer's research. Because of this, I am determined to do what I can to save other families from this pain. I'm writing, therefore, to offer my support for stem cell research and to tell you I'm in favor of new legislation to allow the ethical use of therapeutic cloning. Like you, I support a complete ban on reproductive cloning. However, I believe that embryonic stem cell research, under appropriate guidelines, may provide our scientists with many answers that are now beyond our grasp. Sincerely, Nancy Reagan.'' Mr. Chairman, there are those families that might not choose to want to use this research, and my colleagues mentioned, themselves, that they would not. This bill actually bans the importation of those cures. I doubt there is a family in America that if Alzheimer's was cured through this research in Ireland, Japan, Germany that they would not use it; and I would not ask a Member personally to state what would happen on the floor if that was the case, but I ask them to look into their own hearts before they vote about that. Finally, I would say that that is the issue in front of us today. I urge the support of the substitute and adoption of the final bill.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Anne Traficante, a great Floridian, a caring wife and mother, and a noted political activist. Mrs. Traficante was no stranger to the political arena, and her contributions on behalf of the citizens of Sunrise and all of South Florida will not be forgotten. Traficante first got involved in local advocacy in the mid-1970s when she and her husband first relocated to the South Florida region. A dedicated activist, Traficante steadfastly worked to fight for important measures that were of great concern to her and her community. In a 1992 interview, she said, ``I have to get up and chastise and criticize and fight for I what I believe is right. It's something that has to be done, and I get up to do it.'' Many of Mrs. Traficante's efforts focused on aiding her fellow senior citizens. She successfully fought for weather shelters at bus stops in Sunrise, lobbied the city to create a senior living center, and in the wake of Hurricane Andrew's destruction she went so far as to criticize city commissioners for allotting $44,806 in the budget for senior citizen parties. In addition, Mrs. Traficante volunteered her time and resources by opening a distribution center in Sunrise where hurricane victims could receive free food, baby supplies, and other items. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor to stand here today and remember the life of an exemplary citizen of South Florida, one who remained devoted to her fellow neighbors and sought a better quality of life for her community. Her legacy as an ardent and accomplished political activist will last for many years to come. Mrs. Traficante is survived by her daughter, Joyce Shepard of Queens, NY, along with 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Anthony Cannestro, an effective union leader, a loving family man, and a great citizen of Florida. Born originally in Newark, NJ, Cannestro entered the U.S. Navy and later became a machinist. In 1958, Cannestro and his wife of 49 years, Mary, relocated to South Florida. Mr. Cannestro will long be remembered for his tireless efforts in establishing and running Teamsters Local 769. Cannestro was a key member of the original group that first organized workers, and he soon became the Local's vice president. In 1973, as a resident of the Fort Lauderdale and Cooper City area, he was asked to assume the presidency of the union by his fellow Teamsters, and he remained the union's boss until he retired in 1999. Mr. Cannestro was often regarded as one of Florida's more powerful voices in the organized labor movement for the better part of 40 years, wielding his influence from the state capital on down to local city councils. During his time as president of Local 769, the Teamsters successfully unionized local government employees, construction and building employees, airline workers, and more employees from numerous trades. Cannestro's effective organizing tactics landed him a post on the Georgia-Florida Conference of Teamsters where he contributed to an important regional dialogue on the Teamsters and its presence in the Southeastern portion of the country. In addition to his work with the Teamsters, Mr. Cannestro volunteered his time to many charitable groups, including serving as general chairman of the Boys Town of Italy. He also served locally for the American Red Cross and raising awareness for Cerebral Palsy. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a special occasion to honor Mr. Cannestro. His earnest efforts in South Florida to afford his fellow union members common sense worker protections and to raise the standard of living serves as an example to us all. Mr. Cannestro is survived by his wife Mary, of Lady Lake, and four children, Ginny of Dania Beach, Anthony Jr. of Navarre Beach, Michael of West Palm Beach, and Nicholas of Dania Beach. Mr. Cannestro also is survived by 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. J. ``Rick'' Ricciardelli, a former North Miami councilman, civic leader, and a great Floridian. Born in 1923, Ricciardelli joined the marines where he fought in World War II as a young man. Soon after returning from Europe, he became commander of the North Miami AMVETS, the first chapter in South Florida, and later became vice commander of the national veterans organization. Arriving in North Miami with his family in 1947, Ricciardelli became involved in local community projects and was elected to the North Miami Council in 1950. In addition to being an active council member, Ricciardelli also served as city judge and police commissioner. As a result of his dedication to his community, the bridge on Northwest 125th Street now bears his name due to his efforts in helping to build it. In his professional life, Ricciardelli managed two very successful insurance companies, Underwriters Financial of Florida and Specialty Insurance Underwriters. In 1977, he served as chair to the Florida Insurance Fraud Committee, where he led a statewide operation to protect consumers and halt the practice of insurance fraud. Not to be forgotten, Mr. Ricciardelli was devoted to his family and community. He was known to raise money for various charitable groups, and he was involved with the Boys Town of Italy. His exemplary work and his kind generosity afforded him the distinction of being knighted by the Italian government. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a special occasion to stand here and honor Mr. Ricciardelli. His commitment to the people of North Miami and to all Floridians serves as an example to us all. Mr. Ricciardelli is survived by his wife Debbie, and daughters Peggy Appler, Nancy Corbin, Vikki McGowan, Denice Strniste, and Rikki Southworth. He is also survived by sisters Mary Webb, Gloria Fusco, and Virginia Papale.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Leon Berman, a loving husband and father, a devoted community leader, and a great Floridian. Born in Paris in 1910 to his Jewish parents who escaped Russia, the family soon left France for the United States. This difficult journey at so young an age marked the beginning of a remarkable life for Leon Berman, one that embodied service to the community and pride for his country. Berman will be best remembered for his unparalleled passion for life. Mr. Berman's daughter, Hollywood Mayor Mara Giulianti said, ``He never wanted to die. He loved life until the very last second.'' A Hollywood resident since the mid-1970s, Berman along with his wife Bertha helped many important causes in South Florida, and Berman is responsible for mobilizing numerous in the community to become involved in local politics. Berman founded the Hills Democratic Club, and was a key member of the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee. As father to Mayor Mara Giulianti, Berman was her biggest supporter and most ardent campaigner, believing that his tireless work on the campaign trail could mean the difference between her election or defeat. As a highly regarded political activist in the area, Leon Berman was known to support and assist many Democratic and judicial candidates in South Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great honor to stand here today and honor this individual. Berman's devotion to his wife Bertha of 67 years, his commitment to family, and his involvement in the local community truly serve as an example to us all. Mr. Berman is survived by his wife Bertha, his daughter Mara of Hollywood and daughter Arlene Berman of New York City. Mr. Berman also had two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor community leaders, Herbert D. and Eleanor Meyerhoff Katz, for their strong commitment to the Jewish community on a local, national, and international level. Their dedication and distinguished leadership has enabled many communities to be stronger and more vibrant while maintaining a deep connection to their Jewish roots and culture. As a couple, Herbert and Eleanor have served as a model for the concept of charity. However, each has taken on numerous leadership roles on their own. The United Jewish Community of Broward County was formed under the direction and guidance of Mr. Katz. He is a past- president of the Jewish Federation and was an integral leader in the creation of the UJCBC, which combined two existing federations and now serves the 3rd largest Jewish community in America. Mr. Katz's other posts include: President of American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Vice Chair of the United Jewish Appeal; recipient of a Presidential Appointment to Board member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council; Secretary/Treasurer of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee; University of Pennsylvania Associate Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Overseers for the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies. Eleanor Meyerhoff Katz is a graduate of Wellesley College, and has been heavily involved in education. Mrs. Katz is a longstanding Board member of the Jack and Rose Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of Hillel, The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, Chairman of the Board for Curry College, a Board member for the Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values, a past president of the Beth Shalom Day School and the Jewish High School of South Florida, and a committee member for the Jewish Federation of South Broward. Mr. and Mrs. Katz were also instrumental in establishing the Chair for the Joseph Meyerhoff Professor of Modern Jewish History at the University of Pennsylvania. The Katzs have played an integral part of life in South Florida. Their commitment and love for their community has led them to take a leadership role in the Community Capital Campaign for the United Jewish Community of Broward County, with the new Eleanor M. and Herbert D. Katz Building, which will house many religious organizations and serve as a focal point for Jewish life. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a truly special occasion that I stand here today and commend these fine individuals for their outstanding achievements and service to the world community. Their unparalleled dedication to the ideas of community serve as an example for us all.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Terry Roth, a great Floridian, a noted businesswoman and an award- winning baker. Born originally in New York, she moved to South Florida as a child and soon after graduated from Madonna High School in Hollywood. She met her husband, Mr. Bob Roth, at a high school dance in the old Miami Armory and the two married in 1967, settling down to raise a family shortly thereafter. After their wedding, Mrs. Roth and her husband founded New River Groves, a citrus market located in Davie. The market remains open today and attracts thousands of customers every year. Disappointed and dissatisfied with local offerings and variations of the popular Key Lime Pie, Mrs. Roth began to prepare her own no-bake Key Lime Pie. Needless to say, her latest version of the South Florida dessert staple was a huge hit. Baking her highly-regarded pies in her own kitchen soon proved to be too monumental of a task, and soon thereafter her popularity led to an expansion of New River Groves to accommodate the increased demand of over 30,000 pies a year. As Mrs. Roth's fame grew, her pies attracted a national following, including notables such as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Nick Nolte, and Robert DeNiro. Mr. DeNiro and Mr. Nolte first sampled Mrs. Roth's pies with Jessica Lange when the Roth's store was featured in the movie Cape Fear. In addition to her success as a baker and entrepreneur, Mrs. Roth was truly dedicated to her family, and was described by all as compassionate and loving. Her battle with cancer began five years ago and was characterized by a positive spirit. Mr. Speaker, it is a truly special occasion for me to honor Mrs. Terry Roth, who embodied community leadership and strength as an upstanding Floridian. Her legacy as one of South Florida's great innovators and great characters, who provided a unique service to the community with humility and goodwill, serves as an example for us all. Mrs. Roth is survived by her husband Bob and son David of Cooper City, as well as her brother Sonny Grech of Naples, sister Doris Diehl of Marco Island, and father-in-law Al Roth of Davie.