Peter Deutsch

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. I support the gentleman's efforts, but again, as a place holder, we do not do place holders, we do real amendments. We do real law. And, unfortunately, I understand the limitations that the gentleman had in the appropriations process, and that this was a way to raise the issue. It is an important issue, and I am glad it is being raised. But when we vote, we actually vote on real things. Members that support this legislation, in fact, are supporting no funding for the FDA to regulate drugs that come into the United States of America. If any of my colleagues had joined me in looking at the drugs that come in, I am sure they would vote against this amendment.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this is a limiting amendment to prevent the implementation of rules that the Secretary of Interior has overturned of the previous administration dealing with seven leasehold parcels in Biscayne National Park, parcels whose leases ran out 3 years ago, six of whom were subsequent leaseholders who purchased those leases from the original leaseholders at fair market value. So we have seven leaseholders who have not paid rent for 3 years. Under the prior administration, regulations were in place to develop a management plan. The Secretary of the Interior overturned that regulation upon her assumption of that office. This is really not just an issue about these seven leaseholders. This is really an issue about private use of a national park or public lands. That is what this issue is about. This happened in my district, in my area. I represent 90 percent of Biscayne National Park. But this could happen tomorrow in any of the national parks, the 400 national parks in the United States of America. I urge my colleagues to overwhelmingly and sincerely support this amendment to prevent this from happening. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds just to respond to some specific points. First of all, I represent 90 percent of Biscayne National Park. My district is literally feet, not miles, from Stiltsville. My colleague represents 10 percent of the park. It so happens these structures are there. But I think the critical distinction that we need to make, number one, I support Stiltsville. This is not about Stiltsville. What this is about is freeloaders in a national park. My colleague said owners. These people are not owners. These are leaseholders. The people that own that property is us, the people of the United States of America, not the seven leaseholders. There is a difference between leaseholders and owners. We, as the owners, deserve to do what we want, which is to keep Stiltsville but use it for public purpose, not private gain. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey).

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. I support Stiltsville. I think Stiltsville is a wonderful part of our community of south Florida. I live in south Florida. My family was raised there. I want to stay there for the rest of my life and hopefully for generations after. But again this is literally private use of public lands. These are leaseholds that ran out 3 years ago. Six of the seven people bought those leases at fair market value from the original leaseholders. They ran out 3 years, they have not paid anything, on us the owners. They have not paid anything to us as the owners, the people of the United States of America, for the last 3 years. They have been freeloading. If it can happen in Biscayne National Park, it can happen anywhere. Let us stop this policy of the Secretary of the Interior.

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

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the achievements of Sidney Permisson, an outstanding and dynamic member of Broward County whose numerous contributions will leave a lasting effect on the Sunrise community. Mr. Permisson, who passed away on May 13, 2001, was a civic activist in Broward County for over twenty years. Sidney Permisson was born on February 28, 1916, and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He completed two years of studies at Brooklyn College before he had to leave school to help support his parents. Mr. Permisson worked at a Brooklyn bakery for eight years and eventually became a delegate for the Cake Bakers Union, Local 51. During this time he married Pauline Kravitz, his wife of 62 years. His work in the union eventually led him to become a mediator and a labor chief, where he stood up for hard-working men and women with no political clout or financial influence. Sidney Permisson retired in 1975 and moved to Sunrise, Florida. Upon his arrival, Mr. Permisson quickly became active in the community. As his two daughters, Joyce Japelle and Elayna Finkle, will tell you, he believed in hard work, helping others, and doing the right thing. Friends describe Sidney Permisson as compassionate, sincere, honest, and always there to help. He fought to establish a countywide trauma network, led a powerful condominium association, worked for environmental protection, kept tabs on local tax and education issues, and spoke out about consumer rights, good government, and health care. He was an inspiring public speaker. When Sindney spoke, people listened. His efforts in the community brought him a great deal of deserved recognition. Mr. Permisson received the Sunrise Volunteer of the Year Award twice, in 1987 and 1988. In 1989, as president of the Gold Key Civic Association, a social assistance organization for Sunrise area residents, Mr. Permisson received the President's Special Recognition Award issued by the Broward Regional Health Planning Council. He won the Sunrise Political Club Humanitarian Award in 1990. Also in 1990, he was elected to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame for Outstanding Volunteer Service. As President of the Statewide HMO Ombudsman Committee from 1996 to 1997, Sidney Permisson worked for the establishment of 11 statewide HMO Ombudsman councils to help solve problems between subscribers and managed care providers. Finally, he received the HMO Patient Advocate Award and the Broward Regional Health Planning Council Dedicated Service Award in 1996. Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of Sidney Permisson are a testament to his dedication and his passion. He leaves a lasting legacy for the people of Broward County which greatly enriches our community.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leonard Abess, a successful banker whose philanthropy during his 97 years of life contributed greatly to the enrichment of the Miami community. It brings me great sadness to report that Leonard passed away on June 3, 2001. Today, I wish to celebrate his life's achievements and mourn the passing of a great man. Leonard Abess was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Romanian Jews. He moved to Washington D.C. in 1917 to live with an older sister after the death of his mother. He then enrolled in college at New York University where he took accounting classes at night while working full time during the day. Leonard moved to Miami in 1925 to open an accounting firm inside First National Bank, where he was an independent auditor. Twenty-one years later he co-founded City National Bank, which is now the largest nationally chartered bank based in Florida. He went from making $25 a week as a young accountant to making millions. All those who knew Leonard would tell you he never let his riches stop him from caring about people. Leonard Abess despised bigotry and worked so that others could benefit from his philanthropy. He treated everyone with love and dignity. In 1949, when local hospitals refused to hire Jewish doctors, Leonard and a group of Jewish residents pooled their resources to form Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. The hospital, of which Leonard was a founding member and a former chairman of the board of trustees, now has a $300 million-plus operating budget. Leonard's public service won him countless accolades. He was the recipient of the Anti-Defamation League's Man of Achievement Award and was also named their chairman emeritus. Leonard was the Humanitarian Award winner from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He and his wife, Bertha, who died in 1997, were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. Leonard Abess was survived by his daughter Linda Ellis; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, along with his family, the community of Miami will be at a great loss for his woderful spirit and generous philanthropic contributions.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, since its inception, the United States has been a safe haven for those less fortunate. A Nation built around those seeking religious or political freedom. A new chance. A fresh start. Opportunities for themselves, and for their children and their children's children. And so, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a symbol of our Nation's freedom; one that has already welcomed generations of new Americans to our shores: the Freedom Tower. The defining landmark of the Miami skyline for nearly 80 years, the Freedom Tower has represented to Cuban exiles the principals upon which our nation is based. And now the Freedom Tower is undergoing a well- deserved $40 million transformation to become an interactive museum, library, and research center that will chronicle the experiences, hardships and triumphs of Cuban exiles on their journey to South Florida. Originally the home to a Miami newspaper, the Tower became the Cuban Refugee Emergency Center in 1962 and remained so for over a decade. Known as ``El Refugio,'' the Freedom Tower served as Florida's Ellis Island to the 450,000 refugees that made the journey. Mr. Speaker, the Freedom Tower has already meant so much to the South Florida community. And a year from now this distinguished Miami landmark will take on new meaning. It will teach new generations of Americans about the history of Cuban refugees and how their bravery and belief in American ideals has shaped and bettered South Florida as well as all of America.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A man who served his country proudly in its hour of need, and a man whose love for his work and his life are only eclipsed by his immeasurable love of family. It brings me great sadness to report that Howard Scharlin of Coconut Grove, Florida, passed away last Tuesday at the age of 73. Howard Scharlin attended school at Brooklyn College and later at Brooklyn Law School. He was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1951. Before entering the practice of law, he joined the Navy and attended Officers Training School from which he eventually became a line officer on the Battleship Wisconsin. It was on the Wisconsin where Howard began service to his country during the Korean War. After the war, Howard Scharlin moved to Miami in 1955. It was in Florida that he began his legal career as a real estate attorney and also a real estate developer. As a developer, Howard used his intellect and creativity to play a great role in the development of the City of Hialeah. Other accomplishments in the field include the co-creation of Palm Springs Mile, the creation of Anchorage Way and Commodore Plaza, and more notably, the development of the first townhouses in Florida and the laws creating condominiums. However, Howard may best be known for his intense involvement in community service and his most generous philanthropy. He was a major supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, and a myriad of Arts associations both in Florida and Aspen Colorado, where his family spent a considerable amount of time. He showed a great interest in educational institutions as well, as he was on the Board of Trustees for the Coconut Grove Playhouse and the Ransom Everglades School, as well as endowing the I Have a Dream Foundation at the Drew Elementary School. In addition, Howard was an outstanding member of the Jewish community and a passionate supporter of the State of Israel. He was a board member on the American Jewish Committee, board member and Past President of the Miami Jewish Federation, President of the local chapter of AIPAC, participant in a number of missions to Israel, influential member on the boards of several Temples, and a number of other organizations. Mr. Speaker, Howard Scharlin was both well-loved and widely respected by all those blessed to have known him, especially his wife, three children, and six grandchildren by whom he is survived. He selflessly served his country. His life's work was his dream. And his family was a source of admiration and great pride. Today we celebrate Howard's life which serves as a wonderful example to all who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A man who served his country proudly in its hour of need, and a man whose love for his work and his life are only eclipsed by his immeasurable love of family. It brings me great sadness to report that Murray Eilberg of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away last night at the age of 77. Murray Eilberg was raised in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up right around the corner from a wonderful girl named Jane, who would become the love of his life. Murray and Jane were married for over 57 years. Their family grew as they had three loving children, Patricia, Herman, and Joey. Devoted to his family above all else, Murray was blessed to have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Like so many of the Greatest Generation, Murray Eilberg fought for his country when our nation called him to serve in World War II. Murray was proud to serve in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a brave member of the Experimental Demolitions Unit. Growing up, Murray dreamed of becoming a motorman. And so after the War, Murray spent twenty-two years working for the New York City transit system as one of the city's finest motormen. Only a progressively worsening eye condition could stop Murray from doing what he loved, as no one had any doubt he would have worked another twenty- two years if given the chance. In 1969, Murray retired and, with Jane, became beloved members of the South Florida community. Despite his blindness, he remained active as a member of the Blinded Veteran's Association, the Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. Known for his unwavering sense of humor, Murray was an avid joke teller who would captivate an audience; even during his final days in the hospital. Mr. Speaker, Murray Eilberg was both well-loved and widely respected by all those blessed to have known him. He selflessly served his country. His life's work was his dream. And his family was a source of admiration and great pride. Today we celebrate Murray's life which serves as a wonderful example to all who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, over the past 7 years, Members on the Democratic side of the aisle have supported bills to deal with the three issues covered by the bipartisan compromise that the House considers today. I support the fair, balanced compromise contained in this bill. It deals with the liability of parties who sent very small amounts of hazardous substance to a site, and the liability of homeowners and small businesses that has arisen from the generation of municipal solid waste, basic household trash. I congratulate all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their dedication in resolving these difficult issues. Ideology has been put aside to produce a common-sense bill that can and should become a public law. This legislation codifies the Environmental Protection Agency's current ability-to-pay policy, and contains two tailored exemptions from liability at final Superfund national priority list sites. The first exemption is available for any person who sent very small amounts of waste to a Superfund NPL site. The second exemption provides liability protection for homeowners and small businesses who have had their trash picked up by their city trash collector and then disposed of at a local landfill which has been listed as a Superfund NPL site. Under the bill, the costs associated with the two exemptions and the ability-to-pay provision are not transferred to the Superfund trust fund or the Federal program. This paragraph reflects the EPA policy that de micromis parties who have contributed only a minuscule amount of waste to the site should not participate in the financing of the clean-up. However, to deal with the equities of the situation where the waste material could contribute significantly to the cost of the clean-up, the bill gives the President the right, which cannot be challenged in court, to deny the exemption. During discussions of this bill, representatives of small business emphasized that their problem is not with the government but with large, responsible parties who go after or threaten small businesses or homeowners as part of a scorched-earth litigation strategy. For example, we have heard of situations where large responsible parties threaten to sue small businesses and homeowners listed in the local phone book because their trash was picked up by the municipality and deposited in the local landfill. To address these problems, this legislation will provide that no homeowner can be sued for merely putting household trash out on the curb which was picked up by the municipality. Small businesses and those who sent extremely small amounts of waste material to the Superfund site obtained additional protection by having the burden of proof shifted in their favor in these third-party actions, as well as providing them the ability to collect reasonable attorneys' fees. This bill represents a targeted and workable reform that is warranted and long overdue. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Madam Speaker, I yield the remainder of the time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a distinguished citizen of South Florida, Mr. Richard Deutch. Richard Deutch's inspiring courage, innovative business career, and leadership within the medical community serve as an example for what one caring individual can do when they share their dreams with others. Sadly, Mr. Deutch passed away on April 19, 2001. Born on April 18, 1926, Mr. Deutch was raised in Providence, Rhode Island and matriculated to Brown University at the age of 16 in 1942. Mr. Deutch earned his DDS degree from the New York University College of Dentistry in 1950, but not before proudly serving his country as a Naval Lieutenant Junior Grade during World War II. Mr. Deutch moved to Miami, Florida in 1957 and practiced as a successful pediatric dentist for over 20 years. In 1978, Mr. Deutch innovated a still-thriving chain of dental offices within retail department stores throughout South Florida. A compassionate man, he believed that quality dentistry should be affordable and available to every family. Not only did the convenience of Deutch's locations make a difference, but his willingness to keep his offices open long hours and weekends opened the doors for countless hard-working parents to attain quality care for their children. Mr. Deutch's tremendous capacity for leadership amongst his peers was shown in countless dental, civic and philanthropic organizations. Mr. Deutch was on staff at St. Francis and North Miami General hospitals, and served as Chief of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Mr. Deutch was a fantastic teacher and found great satisfaction in his teaching position at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, a non-profit teaching hospital. As the President of Mt. Sinai's Sustaining Board of Fellows, a Founder and Life-Trustee at Mt. Sinai, a former Trustee of Temple Israel of Greater Miami, and president of Westview Country Club for six years, Mr. Deutch never ceased giving his time and effort to improve the health and well being of the South Florida community. Patient and kind, Mr. Deutch will no doubt be missed the most by his loving wife of 46 years, Felicia, as well as by their children and grandchildren. However, he will also be long remembered by the unending list of the South Florida families, patients, and students he helped throughout his life.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jacob J. Marks, a distinguished citizen of Pembroke Pines, FL who proudly served his nation and his community. Mr. Marks, who unfortunately passed away on April 21, 2001, was an inspiring leader who left a legacy of diligence and devotion for his entire community. Born in 1921 in Philadelphia, PA, Mr. Marks was raised and educated in Pittsburgh. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he met his wife, Harriet. In 1941, Mr. Marks joined the U.S. Marines and courageously served his country until the end of World War II. He fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and was there when the United States flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. He was always proud to say that the official flag was raised only ten feet from his foxhole. Following his military service, Mr. Marks worked as a draftsman at Blaw Knox, a Pittsburgh engineering company where he remained until he moved to Pembroke Pines, Fl in 1984. After moving to Florida, Mr. Marks became involved in numerous civic and community organizations. Residents immediately recognized the value of his enthusiasm for and commitment to his community; characteristics which made him a natural leader. Loyal and responsive to the needs of his fellow veterans, Mr. Marks served as the Commander of the Jewish War Veterans, Post 177. As treasurer of Pembroke Pines Concerned Citizens, Mr. Marks worked diligently on numerous issues affecting the well being of his community. In his position as Director Emeritus of the Pembroke Pines Democratic Club, he was active in voter registration and community organizing. In addition, he was recently elected as the vice chairman emeritus of the Century Pines Jewish Center Board of Trustees. Always combining his energy with his compassion, he participated in annual charity events such as walkathons to raise money for medical research and disease awareness. In sum, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Marks was a wonderfully caring man whose energetic devotion to Pembroke Pines made him a true community leader. While we mourn his passing, Mr. Marks' legacy of community enrichment will be treasured by current and future generations of Pembroke Pines.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lifetime achievements of one of Florida's most active nature enthusiasts. Kenneth Carpenter, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and businessman, died Monday, February 5, 2001 at his home in Oakland Park at the age of 88. Mr. Carpenter was a lifelong outdoorsman and devoted countless hours to developing a 65 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. He will be dearly missed by his community. Mr. Carpenter was born on September 14, 1912 in Synder, Illinois and married Thelma Danner on September 11, 1935. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1936 with a degree in education and then obtained his master's of arts degree from Ohio State University in 1937. He was a dedicated teacher whose career was interrupted twice so he could serve his country in World War II and the Korean War. After retiring from the armed forces in 1961, Mr. Carpenter moved to Ft. Lauderdale and opened an auto supply store and later became a residential realtor. However, he gave up all of his business affairs to devote the rest of his life to canoeing and hiking the Florida and Appalachian Trails, a feat he accomplished at 78. Mr. Carpenter was a trail coordinator for the Broward County chapter of the Florida Trail Association and even during his struggle with cancer continued to make plans and attend meetings concerning the Florida Trail. Further treks have lead him to Peru, Colorado, Minnesota, Utah, and the Yukon. Mr. Speaker, Broward County will be forever grateful for the trails blazed by Mr. Carpenter, and will dearly miss his community leadership.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Nat Geier, a distinguished citizen of Sunrise, Florida who has devoted himself to improving his community over the last three decades. Through numerous citizen campaigns, Mr. Geier has been the engine of improvement in strengthening the Broward County community. This week, Nat Geier will turn ninety years old--it is an occasion which Broward County residents will celebrate with pride. Born in Poland in 1911, Mr. Geier immigrated to America at the age of nine. He dropped out of the New York City School system at age 13 to get a job in the garment business cutting material. This young drop-out learned quickly, worked hard, and rose up in the ranks, eventually earning enough to relocate and buy a condominium in Florida. An early resident of the now well-developed areas of South Florida, Mr. Geier has always understood that homeownership is the anchor of all communities because it gives residents long- term investment in the quality of their communities. For this reason, two decades ago, Mr. Geier set out to educate Broward residents of the importance of the ``Homestead Exemption'' rules which use the Florida tax code to encourage homeownership and community enhancement. Mr. Geier's efforts brought the benefits of the rules to thousands of homeowners and helped build the strong and lasting communities which exist in Broward County today. Mr. Geier's experience as a young man convinced him that a good education is the key to a productive job and success in life. Motivated by this conviction, Mr. Geier has consistently supported the Broward Schools in their efforts to provide young residents with quality education and opportunities for success. Throughout his thirty years in South Florida, Mr. Geier has actively campaigned in support of school bond referendums as well as funding early-on for computers in classrooms. More recently, Mr. Geier initiated the Area Agency for the Aging's Seniors for Seniors Dollar Drive. This fundraiser provides thousands in funding for the Area Agency's senior citizen support programs and community events. In these and several other civic initiatives, Mr. Geier has demonstrated his devotion and care to improving the quality of life for all Broward residents. His efforts span over four decades and his tremendous impact spans across the lives of his entire community. Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by saying, ``Thank you and happy birthday to Nat Geier,'' one of Broward County's most remarkable residents.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a dear friend and distinguished citizen of South Florida, Mr. Philip Morse. Philip Morse's inspiring courage, successful business career, and generous philanthropic initiatives serve as a beacon of American achievement for the causes of peace, freedom, and humanity. Sadly, Mr. Morse passed away on March 9, 2001. Today, I wish to celebrate his life's achievements and mourn the passing of a great American. Mr. Speaker, Philip Morse's life is a testament to the triumph of humanity over the greatest adversity, and the limitless opportunities earned by a hard-working American entrepreneur. Born as Ephraim Mushacski in Wolkowysh, Poland, Phil fled the 1939 Nazi invasions of his homeland and the horrors of the Holocaust. Traveling through Sweden, Russia, Japan, and Settle, he settled with relatives in New York City in 1940. Phil arrived in America as an impoverished refugee but through hard work and ingenuity, he realized his dreams of success and freedom. It was his unwavering commitment to the values of justice and liberty combined with his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit which lead to his great success in business. Phil's training in the repair and reconditioning of industrial machinery led to the creation of the Morse Electro Products Corp. where Phil first revolutionized the sewing machine, then developed a new way to transform the cumbersome radio console into a compact stereo. This innovation greatly reduced the cost of stereo production, making stereos affordable for working Americans. In little time, the Morse Electro Products Corp. became a multi-million dollar company with factories in New York, Texas, and California, Phil's entrepreneurial enthusiasm and strong work ethic kept his business ventures successful throughout the twentieth century. Mr. Morse's entrepreneurial spirit was equally matched by his commitment to the advancement of knowledge, peace, and freedom both in the United States and abroad. As a Holocaust refugee, Phil was a strong supporter of the Zionist movement and active promoter of business and cultural development in Israel. As a devoted member of his South Florida community, he was a founder of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center-Beth Jacob Synagogue and a member of the Beth Jacob's Board of Directors. In addition, Phil has been honored internationally for his commitment to spreading the values and culture of Judaism. For his efforts to bring together people of all races, religions, and ethnicity, the Anti- Defamation League awarded Phil the Torch of Liberty Award. In addition, for his visionary philanthropic leadership, he was awarded the Guardian of Israel Award by Shimon Peres. His care for both the spiritual and physical health of his community led to his founding of the Chair for Clinical Studies in Rheumatology at the Ben-Gurion University where he also served as a Board Member. In short, Mr. Speaker, Philip Morse embodies the best of American ingenuity, devotion to community, and love of freedom and humanity. He was a pioneer of American industrial development, a virtual institution for South Florida's Jewish community, and internationally honored philanthropist. While we mourn his passing, Mr. Morse's profound legacy will be treasured by current and future generations.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the lifetime achievements of one of Davie, Florida's most active and charitable volunteers. Helen Stirling Gill, daughter of Davie's first mayor Frank Stirling, died Saturday, February 17, 2001, at the age of 78. Mrs. Gill was an active philanthropist for several decades, giving countless hours of service to her community. She will be dearly missed by the city's residents. Born on July 10, 1922, in Gainesville, Mrs. Gill moved to Davie with her family in 1924, where her father was elected the town's first mayor. She married William ``Billie'' Gill in 1945, and the couple settled in Davie where they established their family business, Gill Realty. Charming and attractive, Mrs. Gill was chosen as a Davie Orange Blossom Queen in the early 1940's. Devoted to the joy which local pageantry brought to her community, Mrs. Gill continued to help with the Orange Blossom festivities throughout her life by organizing Orange Blossom bake sales and events for children. In recognition of Mrs. Gill's contribution to the town of Davie, the Davie Chamber of Commerce dedicated the 64th Orange Blossom Festival Parade held February 24, 2001 to Mrs. Gill. Mrs. Gill was also a devoted member of the Davie United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and played the piano during church services. Always a generous caretaker of her community, she visited the sick and prepared many meals for church community dinners. In a collaborative effort with her husband and other Davie citizens, Mrs. Gill donated four acres for the creation of the Sheridan House for Girls in Southwest Ranches. The Sheridan House is a group home for girls and young women whose parents are unable to care for them. Mrs. Gill's generous contribution and care for those young women is testament to her kind spirit and love for her community. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, Helen Stirling Gill has left a lasting legacy for the people of Davie, Florida. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, this is really an exciting day, I think a great day, for our Congress; and I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor) for bringing this resolution in front of us. It is clearly a bipartisan effort from both sides of the aisle, but it is also an opportunity for the world's greatest and oldest democracy, the United States of America, through our Chamber, to express our thanks that another democracy exists in a region of the world with too few democracies. One thing that I think about often in this Chamber is literally right above us is, there is a series of law-givers that look down upon us in this Chamber. And there is only one that has a full frontal relief, and it is Moses literally right in front of us in this Chamber, and it is a part of the world that we are linked to as Americans in many direct ways. To put in perspective, though, for just a couple of seconds what Israel has gone through in the last several months, over 500 Israelis have died through acts of terrorism since the Oslo Agreements. Over 500 people have died in the most horrendous and horrific circumstance that we have seen and we read about over that period of months. What would that mean if it happened, God forbid, in the United States of America? What would the equivalent number be? It would be 25,000, 25,000 Americans in our society being killed through acts of terrorism. I do not even think we can contemplate what that would mean as individuals and as a society. I think many of us understand what the battle is still going on and we thought the battle had ended really of the right of Israel to exist. That is really unfortunately what it seems the battle is still about. It is a battle that is, in a sense, literally not hundreds but thousands of years old. And it is a real question that is there an acceptance of Israel's right to exist from the Palestinian people, or is the thought that this is still a group of people who are like the Crusaders, who are going to last several decades and then leave. I do not think anyone here believes that. I do not think anyone here thinks that. I do not think there is a soul in Israel that believes that or thinks that. But until that acceptance is there, I think the possibility for peace is more problematic and difficult. We praise the democracy of Israel, and I think all of us look forward to the opportunity that Ariel Sharon has in this moment of time, that all of us know historically, there is a moment in time that he can reach out in terms of a hand of peace and a clear hand of peace that others have not been able to do. And I think the words of this Congress and the deeds of this Congress to offer our assistance in that effort are complete, united, and 100 percent. I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Vice President, I make a point of order.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Vice President, we have just completed the closest election in American history.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Vice President, there are many Americans who still believe that the results we are going to certify today are illegitimate.