Peter Deutsch

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has once again tried to return to the United Nations this fall. In recent years, Taiwan has repeatedly expressed its strong desire to participate in the United Nations and other international organizations. I am pleased that the United States has pledged to support Taiwan's bid to become an observer in the World Health Organization and to obtain OAS (Organization of American States) observership for Taiwan. Many of us in this body have long supported that. In fact, in our Taiwan Policy Review of September 1994, we declared the intent to build stronger and more active support for Taiwan's participation in appropriate international organizations. The United Nations is such an appropriate organization. The United States has supported Taiwan's membership in the Asian Development Bank and the World Trade Organization and its admission to the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Group; Supporting Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations is the next logical step for the United States. In doing so, we will demonstrate to the world that the United States supports democracy and freedom in Taiwan. We will prove, yet again, that the United States is on the side of free and democratic people. It is indeed grossly unfair to see Taiwan and its 23 million people excluded from the activities of the United Nations year after year. When SARS hit Taiwan in the spring of 2003, Taiwan, without United Nations membership, was denied the World Health Organization's expertise and assistance for weeks. Taiwan's doctors had difficulty obtaining information about SARS, and as a result, Taiwanese SARS patients suffered and waited. Taiwan's immense population is also worth noting. Its 23 million people constitute a population that's larger than those of two-thirds of UN member states. Small states such as Andorra (population 54,000) and San Marino (population 23,000) have UN membership while Taiwan is denied? Furthermore, Taiwan's exclusion from the UN clearly violates the UN principle of universality. The UN's mission is to ``reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women, and of nations large and small.'' What of the rights of the 23 million people on Taiwan? Don't we believe that the Taiwanese populace counts? Taiwan is a democracy. It endorses the UN's ideals of peace, human rights, and development. It has been a responsible global citizen, contributing to aid projects like relief supplies for Afghan refugees, AIDS prevention in Africa, and the dispatch of a rescue team following earthquakes to El Salvador in 2001. If Taiwan were allowed to return to the United Nations, reconciliation and rapprochement between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China would help to stabilize the entire Asia-Pacific region for generations to come, while making the United Nations a much more representative body. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan's exclusion from the United Nations is unjust. We must speak up for Taiwan, our friend and ally, this year and every other until this injustice is corrected.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I would, actually, in a sense, not dialogue but mention several things in response to my good friend and one of my closest friends in this chamber, the last speaker, that I do not have the good fortune of having been born a Cuban-American, but having represented the district closest to Cuba for 10 years and having over 200,000 Hispanics, tens of thousands, if not more, Cuban-Americans in my district and having just completed a statewide run where at least all democratic Cuban-Americans had the opportunity to vote for or against me, I think I have a feel for Cuban-Americans and their perspective. But beyond that, I think that, as my good friend also knows, that for over 20 years, I have stood side-by-side with him in doing everything humanly possible to fight the dictatorship. And I think what needs to be clear on this particular issue and this particular amendment today, that this is not the travel ban issue, this is not the embargo issue, where I have stood side-by-side for the last 12 years with my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz- Balart) in fighting, successfully, against many of those who today might be joining me in this amendment with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis). Again, let me just be clear for my colleagues and my friends who are listening, that I have fought for 12 years in this House and for 10 years prior to that as an elected official in the State legislature with my friend and colleague in the State legislature, when we could deal with issues to support freedom in Cuba and for the Cuban people. But this is a very, very specific and a very narrow issue that I think, in fact, goes against everything that we have fought together for, for over 20 years, and it is a very, very, very specific issue. This is not repealing the travel ban. I would be standing here and rigorously fighting if that proposal were here, as often as I have for 10 years, and would be speaking against it and lobbying against it and working against it rigorously, but that is not what this proposal is about. This is a very specific proposal that deals with very specific things, only family members and changing the rule today that does not let, or until the President implemented the rule, that does not allow free travel, does not allow free access, does not allow free flow of capital to the dictator. Even that restriction was limited, limited to once a year, limited to emergency situations, true emergency situations, not made-up emergency situations, not going to a dance or graduation, but true emergency situations that have been elaborated on and mentioned earlier today. So there were several restrictions even. I would say to my colleagues that if we actually look at this in terms of capital to the dictator, I mean these are people who are staying with relatives. This is not staying at five-star or tourist hotels. Let us think about what this actually is. It was a mistake. This policy is a mistake. It was a mistake. It was not a thought- through policy in the specifics in terms of the implementation. I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, supporters of the embargo, opponents of the embargo, supporters of the trade ban, opponents of the trade ban to join in the support of this amendment which is narrowly drawn, very specific, to just deal with a very, very humane issue that deals with not taking a stand on what is the best policy, but on the narrow issue, which is a human issue. I can tell you that not only for the Cuban Americans that I have talked to, but for all Americans, this is a position that has close to universal support throughout this country and throughout the State of Florida.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, there is an expression those of us in Florida occasionally use that there are two types of Americans, those that live in Florida and those that want to live in Florida. And if people live long enough, generally that might be where they end up. I remember the first year I came to this Chamber, and I see many of my colleagues who joined me that first year, Congressman Diaz-Balart, Congressman Hastings, and others. Right after Hurricane Andrew was the last time our State experienced something of the magnitude of what we are experiencing today. My colleague from West Palm Beach just used the words that were the catch words after Hurricane Andrew: we will rebuild. In fact, we rebuilt and we rebuilt stronger and we rebuilt more significantly and a better community after the disaster of Hurricane Andrew. I am confident that we will do the same after Frances and Charley. One of the advantages and disadvantages of literally living in paradise is that we actually are a location on the planet Earth where hurricanes find their way on a pretty regular basis. I am proud of the response of the people of Florida during this last disaster. I look forward to the continued effort and prayers and specific things of everyone in this country. The President is planning on coming back to Florida tomorrow, an unexpected visit sooner than after the Charley disaster. Unfortunately, at this point I do not expect to be able to join him because I hope to be on this floor passing this, as has been mentioned, hopefully unanimously, the $2 billion. In the 12 years since Andrew, we have had many supplementals of disasters that have faced this country. I think it is really part of the greatness and the really shining moments of this Congress when we acknowledge our debt and our relationship to every other citizen of the United States as we pass this supplemental tomorrow. I urge its adoption.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber Wednesday, June 23, Thursday, June 24, and Friday, June 25, during rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 288, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 300, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 304, ``No'' on rollcall No. 318, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 325.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sympathies to the Hastings Family. Mrs. Mildred Hastings, mother of Congressman Alcee Hastings, passed away on June 24, 2004 after complications related to a heart disease. Her passing is deeply felt and she will be profoundly missed. A woman of humble beginnings, Mildred Hastings worked hard to improve the circumstances of her family and those around her. She was revered by many in her community and developed personal bonds with constituents from the district. Mildred Hastings was a great motivator and her positive outlook on life not only influenced her family and friends, but also the members of Congressman Hastings' staff. The Congressman's Chief of Staff, Art Kennedy, greatly admired her positive energy and her unwavering support of her son. She has left those close to her with fond memories. Congressman Hastings said, ``My mom was my greatest friend and mentor.'' Mildred Hastings guided her son throughout his life and along his milestones to becoming a lawyer, judge, and now Congressman of Florida's 23rd District, Miramar. Mrs. Hastings is survived by her son, grandchildren, and cousins. She was 82 years old. My sincerest condolences go out to the Hastings family in remembrance of this inspiring woman. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the public outcry over the defaced Liberty Column Monument in Miami's Bayfront Park. The Liberty Column Monument is dedicated to the thousands of Cuban rafters who have lost their lives at sea while fleeing Fidel Castro's Cuba. Embodying their sacrifice, having risked everything for a chance at freedom, the monument is a pair of hands, bound in stone, reaching towards the open sky. The column is an important symbol to our community as many have lost family and friends to the cold waters off of the American shore. Humberto Sanchez, a Cuban exile himself, paid $30,000 to create the monument in 1994. He has been collecting pieces of rafts off of Florida shores for years and has dedicated himself to memorializing the exodus of the Cuban rafter. Mr. Sanchez exemplifies the spirit and courage of the people he has celebrated in the Liberty Column. Much to my great dismay, and to that of the Miami community, the Liberty Column Monument was recently vandalized in a despicable and most disrespectful fashion. I am pleased to inform the House that there is an ongoing movement to raise funds for its repair. There have also been talks of upgrading the monument to pure bronze to prevent future destruction. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that the police will track down the criminals who damaged this symbol, and I am certain that the renovated Liberty Column Monument will continue to honor the lost souls who did not survive the voyage to free, American soil.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Joseph Feigenbaum of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is my pleasure to announce that at 84\1/2\ years of age, Mr. Feigenbaum has completed the requirements to receive a Doctorate in International Business from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Speaker, ``old'' is a relative term in Florida. Mr. Feigenbaum accomplished quite a lot in his life: he earned a law degree, built a successful textile career, and ran a factory in Venezuela. However, Mr. Feigenbaum knew retirement would not extinguish his desire to continue to cultivate his life. Through the support of his loving wife, Cherie, and by the strength of his desire, Feigenbaum returned to the classroom. Eight years later, dedication, discipline, and desire carried him to his goal. Mr. Feigenbaum serves as an inspiration and example for us all. Education is a lifelong opportunity, befitting anyone who chooses to pursue it. At 84\1/2\ years of age, Mr. Feigenbaum qualifies this point. I genuinely believe that his experiences can only benefit his community, and I am proud that he is a Floridian. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mr. Feigenbaum's accomplishments and honor the value he places on education.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the Chamber today during rollcall votes No. 284 and No. 285. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 284, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 285.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, there is an amendment at the desk that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) originally offered. Unfortunately, the mother of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) is in the hospital, and I know she is in the thoughts and prayers of all of us at this moment in time. It is an amendment which I support, and I rise today to offer it. It will dedicate $500,000 for outreach and assistance in minority and disadvantaged communities affected by Everglades restoration. When Congress first passed the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, it affirmed its commitment to clean up Florida's Everglades. That plan included an outreach and assistance component, which is critical to the success of this restoration plan. As the Department of Interior and Army Corps of Engineer began their outreach, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) and I and others believed their approach left many in minority and underserved communities in the dark and out of the process. Many constituents did not understand how the plan benefited their lives and few minority owned small businesses had any knowledge on how to access the contract dollars that are to be spent by the State and Federal Government in their backyard. When the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act last September, it authorized $3 million to be spent on outreach in minority and disadvantaged communities. This legislation, however, never became law, although the House's support for such efforts are clear. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) and others have worked tirelessly to encourage Interior and the Army Corps to incorporate issues of environmental justice into their plans, and focus outreach and assistance efforts on minority and disadvantaged communities. To their credit, they have done all they can. And their work, combined with assistance from the office of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) and others is starting to pay off. Everglades restoration is the largest environmental cleanup in the history of our Nation. Our responsibility is to not only ensure that the restoration is a success, but also the process by which restoration occurs. The process of restoration and the restoration itself must be inclusive and equally benefit all communities, regardless of race, culture or socioeconomic status. Our success is often limited by our resources. With $500,000 specifically dedicated to Everglades restoration outreach in disadvantaged communities, the Department of Interior can make a much more significant contribution to our efforts. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage both the chairman and the ranking member on this issue which is of crucial importance to the constituents of south Florida.

Mr. DEUTSCH. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. DEUTSCH. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks) for their kind words and commitment to work with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) and myself. I believe the little amount for which we are asking will go a long way. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be withdrawn and express my desire to work with the chairman and ranking member of the committee when this bill goes to conference.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber today during rollcall votes No. 236, No. 237, No. 238, No. 239, No. 240, No. 241, and No. 242. Had I been present, I would voted ``Aye'' on No. 240, and ``Nay'' on No. 236, No. 237, No. 238, No. 239, No. 241, and No. 242.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the work of an exceptional young woman, Ms. Mazal Menasche Untermeyer of the Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School in North Miami Beach, FL. Mazal, a confident, bright, and charming high school junior, has worked as my nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Page Program during the 2004 spring session. Sadly, today is her last day. While in Washington, Mazal completed her duties as a Page with the same enthusiasm with which she approaches all of her numerous, diverse commitments. Mazal is an honor student, an award-winning member of her school's debate team, and volunteers at a local homeless shelter, tutors in a number of subjects, and has visited disadvantaged children in her home town. Mazal has not only done a wonderful job as a House Page, but she has also been a caring member of the South Florida community, earned the highest marks as student, and, as my staff can attest, has also mastered the arts of the brownie-baking and legging out an infield single in Congressional softball. Mr. Speaker, it was a pleasure to have a Page as hard-working and enthusiastic as Mazal. She has a bright future ahead of her and I wish her the very best.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Raymond T. White. Mr. White is stepping down from his outstanding service to veteran advocacy, and his work deserves our respect, gratitude, and admiration. Mr. White's commitment to veteran affairs is rooted by his own service to this country. In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to fight in the Korean conflict. His tenure is marked with distinction, and he served as a combat air policeman, a forerunner of the Green Berets. He completed his tour at Mitchell Field, Long Island, and there began his family with his wife, Roberta. This week, Mr. White relinquishes his duties as commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Department of Florida. He has also served in similar capacities over the past 20 years with veteran organizations such as the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. In addition, Mr. White's civic commitment led him to serve as Mayor of New Hyde Park Gardens, NY, in addition to his tenure as Chief of Police in Albertson, NY. I am happy that Mr. White will enjoy this day in the company of his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren. I am reassured that Mr. White's service to his fellow soldiers has been returned in blessings with a bountiful family.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan for having narrowly won his reelection on March 20. He will be inaugurated as the eleventh president of the Republic of China this May 20th. As many of us know, Mr. Chen has a very interesting story. He came from a poor Taiwanese farming family. After his university days, he became an active political reformer and activist for many years and served time in prison for his beliefs. After gaining his release, he became a lawmaker and later as mayor of Taipei. He won his first presidential race in March 2000, the first time in Chinese society that an opposition party candidate was elected president. During his first term in office, he led his country toward full democratization and drastically improved Taiwan's human rights record. Today Taiwan's constitution guarantees its citizens basic civil liberties, including freedom of peaceful assembly and association, freedom of speech and press, and freedom of religion. In the next four years, I am hopeful that Mr. Chen will continue Taiwan's political reforms and strive for better relations with China. Recently, Mr. Chen reiterated his determination to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and good relations with the United States. Mr. Speaker, I wish Mr. Chen the best of luck in all areas. As a beacon of democracy, Taiwan richly deserves our friendship and support.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. This landmark victory in the effort to rid this nation of segregation continues to product national repercussions, and on this day I believe we must rededicate ourselves to the ideals that it proposes. Mr. Speaker, many people consider Brown a failure. It is not universally accepted or practiced, and the victories of the civil rights movement have been overturned or forgotten in the subsequent years. Minority populations including black and Latino children continue to find themselves as this nation's lowest academic performers. Indeed, if Thurgood Marshall surveyed the racial landscape today, he may wonder if Brown had been overturned. But these very real challenges must not let us forget the lasting lesson of Brown. For many black parents, integration was not the key issue as it was the recognition of the fact that unless their children went to school with the children of the whites who controlled the purse strings, their children's educational opportunities would likely be shortchanged. Brown ultimately decrees that all children--black, white, Latino; Asian, Native American--are all equally deserving of a high quality education, and that we cannot allow superficial differences to dissuade us from this fact. We must provide our children the presumption of competence and the expectation of success. Our children must have an environment that nurtures aspiration, guardians who provide direction, and peers who provide support. If we are serious about realizing the promise of Brown, then we must challenge ourselves to deliver those things which they most desperately need.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a woman who will be missed by all who knew her. It brings me great sadness to report that Adele Gilmore of Sunrise, Florida, passed away on April 27th, at the age of 86. Ms. Gilmore championed her community through her deep conviction to philanthropic endeavors and public service. Her tremendous strength of character will be remembered by her friends, family, and colleagues. Hardworking and driven, Ms. Gilmore was a former vice president of Nathan's Famous restaurant. She was hired to work at Nathan's by Murray Handwerker, the son of Nathan's founder Nathan Handwerker. Ms. Gilmore founded the Nob Hill Chapter of the City of Hope, a research organization aimed at finding cures for cancer, AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases. Ms. Gilmore got involved in the City of Hope after losing her son, Mark, to AIDS. The Nob Hill Chapter of City of Hope has raised over $2 million since 1987, and Ms. Gilmore's efforts at the group's annual Christmas gift wrapping drive at the Sawgrass Mills Mall helped generate that success. Ms. Gilmore was also an active member of the Broward Democratic Executive Committee, as well as an officer and director of the Sunrise Regular Democratic Club. In addition, she found time to become involved in the political campaigns of former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore. Mr. Speaker, Adele Gilmore was both well-loved and widely respected by all those blessed to have known her. She is survived by her sister Evelyn, her sons David and Peter, her grandchildren Joshua, Benjamin, Maghan, and Fir, and one great-grandchild. Today we celebrate Adele's life, which serves as a wonderful example to all who follow in her footsteps.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal of Dania Beach, Florida. I praise Petty Officer Bruckenthal's commitment to his community and our nation. It brings me great sadness to report that Petty Officer Bruckenthal was killed recently in the bombing of a U.S. Navy vessel in Persian Gulf waters, and I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, and his admirers--of which there are many. Born in Long Island, New York, Nathan Bruckenthal later moved to Dania Beach, Florida. As the son of a police chief and the step-son of an Army veteran, Petty Officer Bruckenthal leaves behind a family legacy of public service. He himself was contemplating joining a Florida police department upon his return from Iraq. Petty Officer Bruckenthal joined the Coast Guard after graduating from high school. His service in Florida included nine months as a member of the Tactical Law Enforcement Team, searching vessels for illegal activity, before being deployed to the Persian Gulf. Law Enforcement Detachments from the Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, based at the Miami Coast Guard Station in Opa-Locka, have been deploying overseas since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer Bruckenthal is the first guardsman to die in combat since the Vietnam War. Petty Officer Bruckenthal is survived by his mother, Laurie Bullock, his father, Northport Police Chief Ric Bruckenthal, his brothers Matthew and Michael, and his wife Patricia, who is pregnant with their first child. Throughout his six years in the Coast Guard and two tours in Iraq, Nathan Bruckenthal served our nation with dignity and distinction. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate Nathan Bruckenthal's life, which serves as a wonderful example to all who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from the chamber today during rollcall votes No. 118, No. 119, and No. 120. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all of these votes.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my Floridian colleagues the Hon. Alcee Hastings, the Hon. Kendrick Meek, the Hon. E. Clay Shaw, the Hon. Robert Wexler, and the Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart to commemorate the contributions of William Markham, Broward County's Property Appraiser and one of Florida's longest-serving officeholders. Mr. Markham died unexpectedly Monday morning, March 8th, of a heart attack, and he will be greatly missed by his family and by the community that he so dedicatedly served. Bill Markham reminded us of a gentleman from the 1950's. Every morning, as a reminder of his wife, Sherry, he would cut a flower from his garden to pin to the lapel of his suit. He was always jovial and was frequently seen in his old-fashioned but traditional and proper straw hat. ``What you saw is what you got,'' said Clerk of Courts Howard Forman. His personality could also be colorful. In high school, he was the lead singer for a local rock band, and he campaigned in recent years with a string of B-movie style ads. In one, Markham's mother parachutes out of a plane so she can get to the property appraiser's office in time to qualify for a tax break. Indeed, his ebullient personality and individual flare could easily lead one to overlook his deep commitment to his work. He was first elected as property appraiser in 1966, the same position that his father held before his death in 1964. The tax roll was $1.5 billion then, and Mr. Markham oversaw its 7 percent annual growth to its current annual tax roll of $104 billion. As Broward County continued to expand, Mr. Markham fought for the rights of each and every taxpayer. He led the ``Save Our Homes'' campaign, helping to amend the State constitution so that appraisers could not raise the taxable value of a homestead-exempted property more than 3 percent a year where ownership had not changed hands. He waged a lengthy court battle with county officials to tax government-used incinerators and businesses located on government-owned property at Port Everglades. Arguing the harm to property values, Mr. Markham also supported the plight of Ft. Lauderdale residents in a dispute over the location of power lines through their neighborhood. Employees describe Mr. Markham as a hands-on administrator. He took a personal role in reviewing assessments of the county's most expensive properties and had an open-door policy for homeowners concerned about their property values. ``He was a firm believer that the buck stopped with him,'' said Joe Zdanowicz, Markham's longtime chief property appraiser. Mr. Markham died on the eve of his ninth campaign for the Property Appraiser's office. His death was sudden and a terrible shock to people who knew him as energetic and boisterous. He is survived by his wife and two sons, J.R. and Robert. Mr. Speaker, William Markham will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the contributions of Bernice Feldman Mayers of Dallas, Texas, and am pleased to be joined in this tribute by my colleague, Representative Wexler of Florida. Mrs. Mayers was not only a dedicated teacher of special-needs students, but shares the distinction of being related to two members of the South Florida delegation--Congressman Wexler and myself. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of warmth, dedication and caring. Born in the Bronx, New York, Mrs. Mayers moved with her family to Dallas, Texas, at the age of five. She graduated from Forest Avenue High School at the age of 15 and received her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma at the age of 19. Following graduation, Mrs. Mayers began to volunteer for a number of organizations including the City of Hope, a cancer research center. Mrs. Mayers also served as the president of the Dallas Chapter, where she coordinated the first ever cancer research study in the Dallas area. After receiving her master's degree in special education from Texas Women's University in 1967, Mrs. Mayers began her teaching career with Sam Houston Junior High School. She served as the head of the school's special education department, well-known as a fierce advocate for students with special needs. Mrs. Mayers retired in 1992, but she continued to work as both a substitute teacher and as a Hebrew teacher at Congregation Beth Torah. She also committed her energies to Forest Avenue Alumni Association and the Tom C. Gooch Elementary School in Dallas. Mrs. Mayers is survived by her husband, two sons, four grandchildren and numerous friends and extended family, all who will miss her greatly.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the contributions of Curtis Mancini of Davie, Florida. Curtis was among the seven U.S. soldiers killed on January 29 while serving in Afghanistan. He had served as a Davie police officer for 17 years and had been serving in Afghanistan for a year as a reservist. Curtis was a soldier's soldier. His father, Commander Sergeant Major John Mancini of Rhode Island had served in the Army for 35 years and remembers Curtis saying he served now so that his children and other people's children would not need to later. Curtis had been promoted to sergeant first class, assigned to the 2nd Battalion Infantry, 10th Mountain Division and shipped off to Afghanistan on January 5. He served as a positive role model and longtime instructor at the Institute of Public Safety. Between 1989 and 2000, Curtis served on a drug task force in the U.S. DEA in Fort Lauderdale and upon returning to Davie, he became a training instructor. Friends and family remember Curtis as an avid sportsman, a brilliant instructor and dedicated father. He enjoyed running marathons, most recently the Walt Disney World marathon and ran 45 miles weekly. In 2000, Curtis said in a Miami Herald interview, ``It's better to burn out than fade away.'' This was the type of man Curtis was. Curtis is survived by his three children, his former wife, and countless colleagues, friends and family.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the contributions of Dr. Morton Terry of Broward County, Florida. Dr. Terry was a dedicated teacher, mentor, and physician, and he leaves us with a wonderful legacy of service to the South Florida community. Dr. Terry, a native of Utica, New York, moved to Florida after earning his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1945. Dr. Terry practiced medicine for 32 years in Miami before he founded the Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as Chancellor of the University through its merger with Nova University, and remained active on the campus until the day he died. Dr. Terry will be fondly remembered by all at Nova Southeastern University. Despite his many obligations at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Terry found time to be active in a number of different professional and civic organizations. He was a lifetime member of the American Osteopathic Association, served as President of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, and he was also an honorary lifetime member of the Miami-Dade County Osteopathic Medical Association. Dr. Terry was committed to enriching and improving South Florida. To further this end, he held leadership positions with almost 20 different organizations including the United Way, American Cancer Society, and Boys Town of South Florida. Dr. Terry is survived by his wife, one son, and one daughter. He will missed by both the medical community and the South Florida community.

Mr. DEUTSCH

Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the contributions of Commissioner John Coleman of Hollywood, Florida. Mr. Coleman, a native of Rhode Island, retired to South Florida in 1992 and spent the rest of his life as a passionate advocate for the city of Hollywood and its beaches. In 1998, Mr. Coleman was elected to the Hollywood City Commission. During his term, he championed environmental issues and fought to protect Hollywood Beach from overdevelopment. Area residents fondly recall his ebullient spirit and passionate, fiery rhetoric. After serving his term, Mr. Coleman continued as an activist and civic leader. He campaigned at the local, state and national levels for candidates he supported. As President of the Broward Council of Democratic Club Presidents, President of the Hollywood Democratic Club, and member of the Broward Democratic Executive Committee, Mr. Coleman lent his voice to a multitude of issues for the betterment of life for all in South Florida. Mr. Coleman is survived by six sons, a daughter, his long-time companion, and nine grandchildren. He will be sorely missed for his exuberance and his dedication to civic activism.