Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Forced arbitration provisions strip employees of their rights. They ensure that employees are no match for their employers when it comes to reporting discrimination and harassment. Today, this House of Representatives has the opportunity to restore the rights of all workers to seek justice and public accountability. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support and pass the bipartisan FAIR Act.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of two of our country's Military heroes, Contract Working Dogs Chucky and Mako, who are being honored for their service with a celebration hosted by Mission K9 Rescue and its founders: Kristen Maurer, Louise Kastner and Bob Bryant. This special event has been underwritten by former magazine publisher and charity organizer, Mindi Rudan and attorney Debra Rochlin. Both CWD Chucky and CWD Mako are retired explosive detonation dogs who served our country with honor and saved countless live throughout their service. Around the world, our military is dependent on the valuable, selfless, and heroic contributions of our highly trained working dogs. These dogs faithfully serve right alongside our service men and women and, after a lifetime of service, many never make it home to spend their senior years knowing the safety and love they so deserve after giving so much. Winner of Petco Foundation's ``Helping Heroes'' Award and ASPCA's Henry Bergh Founders Award in 2017, Mission K9 Rescue is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to rescue retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs and other Dogs who've given so much to our country. Mission K9 Rescue provides money, transportation, adoption, veterinary care and professional assistance for these retired hero dogs. In addition, Mission K9 Rescue helps re- home them and whenever possible reunite them with their military handlers, many who owe their own lives to these dogs and want to provide that love and home. Once again, I would like to recognize our military heroes CWD Chucky and CWD Mako for their service, Mission K9 Rescue for their unbelievable service to our often forgotten servicemembers, and to Mindi Rudan and Debra Rochlin for their support of this event. May they go from strength to strength.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues, Representatives Alcee Hastings and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, in honor of Leah Seltzer on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland, Florida. We know that Leah has been eagerly looking forward to this moment, and we are honored to share this special day with her friends and family. As a seventh grader at Donna Klein Jewish Academy, she excels at English and Art where she is known by her classmates and teachers to have a great eye for detail. Outside of the classroom, Leah loves to sing, dance, and play soccer, as well as travel with her whole extended family. Leah's passions also include helping less fortunate members of her community, through programs organized by the Children's Services Council of Broward County. Her Bat Mitzvah project, which was making peanut butter and jelly lunches and stocking shelves for LifeNet for Families, further speaks to this passion and demonstrates that Leah lives by the Hebrew phrase ``Tikkun Olam'', to repair the world. We join in wishing ``Mazel Tov'' to Leah and her family. We also wish her every success in her promising future as she continues her personal and academic pursuits. It is with great pleasure that we honor this remarkable young woman on her special day.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 246 and to voice my relentless opposition to the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign that seeks to delegitimize the State of Israel and deny the Jewish people--and only the Jewish people--the right to self- determination. This resolution reminds us that boycotts have been previously used as tools for social justice in this very country. But BDS doesn't seek social justice. It seeks a world in which the State of Israel does not exist. It is not incompatible to support a strong, secure Jewish State of Israel and to support human rights, dignity, and prosperity for the Palestinian people. It is incompatible, however, to support BDS and claim to support two states for two people when BDS envisions Palestine from the river to the sea, one state, and the other, rejection of the Jewish State of Israel. You simply will not, and cannot, achieve lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians and work toward a two-state solution if you support a movement that seeks to delegitimize the very existence of Israel. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Zeldin, Mr. Nadler, and Mrs. Wagner, for bringing this resolution to the floor today. I strongly support their efforts. I strongly support this resolution condemning BDS, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for yielding the time. I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the U.S.-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act. I thank Chairman Engel for his support of this legislation, as well as Ranking Member McCaul, and I am especially grateful to my friend, Congressman Joe Wilson, for introducing this bill with me. I also thank the 289 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill. Today, we send a clear message that bipartisan support for the U.S.- Israel relationship, for the security and civilian cooperation between our countries, and for the ties between the American and Israeli people, remains strong and unwavering. Today, we vote to strengthen and enhance this relationship, while also providing victims of terrorism a rightful path to justice and restoring much-needed assistance which contributes to security and saves the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. The security provisions in this bill reinforces the ways in which the U.S. guarantees Israel's right and ability to defend herself against any and all threats, in turn, contributing to our own national security interests in the region. By codifying the 2016 10-year memorandum of understanding, we advance security and stability in a volatile region. But just as our alliance with Israel is about more than just security, this bill is about more than just security as well. Our bond with Israel is rooted in our shared values. Just like this country, Israel is a vibrant democracy where political parties from right to left vigorously debate and disagree on politics and policy. This bill enhances nonsecurity cooperation between our two nations; cooperation that has yielded impactful and tangible results around the globe in areas like energy, and water, cybersecurity, health, and agriculture. It authorizes the United States and Israel to work together on humanitarian and development programs in developing countries; and it expands the work that Israel, the Palestinians, and other Arab states can do together to promote scientific and technological advancement and contribute to lasting regional stability. And finally, this legislation provides a long-awaited path to justice for victims of Palestinian terrorism. Last year, Congress passed the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which was meant to do just that. Unfortunately, that legislation has not yielded the intended results and, instead, created unintended foreign policy consequences. As a result, the Palestinian Authority refused to accept any U.S. assistance to the West Bank in Gaza, halting humanitarian programs run by international NGOs, and even our own USAID programming could not continue. The very real impact of these cuts has been felt on the ground. I recently led a bipartisan group of Members to visit a hospital in East Jerusalem that provides some of the only cancer treatments to Palestinians in the West Bank. That hospital has lost 25 percent of its funding. Also affected was U.S. funding for the training of Palestinian Security Forces. These forces cooperate with the Israeli Defense Forces to keep Israelis and Palestinians safe. This program, run by a U.S. General, saves Palestinian lives and Israeli lives, and it is currently not receiving funding. Mr. Speaker, we have a moral obligation to ensure that Americans injured or, even worse, killed by terrorism have a right to seek justice in our courts. We have a moral obligation, as well, to provide lifesaving assistance for those in need. And while this bill represents a compromise, I believe it will achieve both of these goals. Today, we cast a vote to expand relations with one of our closest allies; a relationship that is broad and deep; that highlights the positive impact the United States and Israel can have in so many critical areas when we work together; when we harness our mutual appreciation for science and education and technology; and when we work to advance security in the region. We do all of these because we know that whatever the politics and personalities, we are stronger as a Nation when we stand together with our ally, Israel, in support of security, peace, and democracy. I urge my colleagues to stand with me today and to support this good piece of legislation.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 549, the Venezuela TPS Act. The situation in Venezuela is dire. It is outrageous, Madam Speaker, that some in this Chamber would blame the horrific situation in Venezuela on the people of Venezuela. It is the Maduro regime that is committing horrific human rights abuses. People are being killed and tortured. The media has been censored. Opponents of the regime have been imprisoned. The economy is failing. Food is scarce. Essential medicines cannot be found. The mass corruption and poverty have forced more than 4 million people to flee the country for their lives. I have witnessed desperate Venezuelans crossing the border into Colombia in need of food. I spoke with families who traveled hours and hours to Cucuta for one meal for their children. I saw warehouses filled with food and humanitarian assistance that Maduro refuses to allow in to help his people. The dreadful living conditions, extreme violence, and persecution warrant extending TPS to Venezuelans living in the United States. We must stand with the Venezuelan people, the legitimate government of President Juan Guaido, and the return of freedom and democracy. For right now, passing this bill will ensure Venezuelans in the U.S. are protected from being deported to life-threatening conditions. Madam Speaker, this bill will save lives. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the victims of the 1994 terror attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires. On July 18, 1994, terrorists detonated a car bomb in the AMIA building, a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, an important part, a central part of that community. It killed 85 innocent people and injured hundreds more. This attack, which took place just 2 years after the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, shook the Argentine Jewish community, the largest in Latin America. In the 25 years since the attack, the investigations into the AMIA bombing have been marked by long delays and by judicial misconduct, failing thus far to bring justice for the victims, their families, and their community. Considerable evidence has linked this heinous attack to the terrorist group Hezbollah and its sponsor, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Now, despite warrants issued by the Argentinian justice system for Iranian and Lebanese nationals thought to be involved in the attacks, and their addition on Interpol's most wanted lists, Iranian and Hezbollah operatives have yet to face accountability for their actions. We encourage all responsible nations to not allow the perpetrators of this attack to continue to escape justice. After the previous President of Argentina worked to prevent Iran from being held accountable, Prosecutor Alberto Nisman heroically proceeded investigating this bombing, shedding light on the alarming and growing partnership between leaders in Iran and Argentina. Just 1 day before he was scheduled to present his latest findings, Alberto Nisman was found dead in his home with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. We are grateful that President Macri's government has continued to push for Iranian accountability. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the Ambassador of Argentina, who is in the gallery with us today. Twenty-five years later, Iranian-backed Hezbollah continues to carry out terror operations. Twenty-five years later, anti-Semitism continues to threaten the lives of Jewish communities throughout Latin America, around the world, and even here in the United States. With this vote, Congress honors the victims of this horrific attack; recalls the brave work by Alberto Nisman, who lost his life pursuing justice; and calls for full accountability for those responsible. It has been far too long. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member, Congressman Joe Wilson, ranking member of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee, and Congressmen Albio Sires and Francis Rooney, the chair and ranking member of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade Subcommittee, for joining me in introducing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with us against this despicable act of terror. As we recall the victims today, we stand against terror and hatred and anti-Semitism, and we stand for justice.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this entire amendment, in particular, the Jayapal-Deutch amendment to bolster the Federal Election Commission's enforcement of prohibitions against foreign interference in American elections. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said: ``Frankly, the United States is under attack,'' and, ``The intelligence community continues to be concerned about the threats of upcoming U.S. elections . . . in 2020.'' FBI Director Christopher Wray said that our adversaries are ``adapting'' and ``upping their game'' as we head into the 2020 elections. The people charged with protecting our national security are ringing alarm bells. That is why it is so troubling to hear President Trump say that he would listen to a foreign power's election assistance and maybe--maybe--call the FBI. Well, FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub responded to the President's comments with alarm, when she said: ``I would not have thought that I needed to say this. . . . Let me make something 100 percent clear: It is illegal for any person to solicit, accept, or receive anything of value from a foreign national in connection with a U.S. election.'' It is true, she shouldn't have to say that, and Representative Jayapal and I shouldn't have to file this amendment. It should be clear to every American that our elections are for Americans to have a say in their government and should be defended against foreign interference. But, apparently, the President needs some clarity. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and support elections free from foreign interference.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 313.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of my friends Patty and Ian Carlis, who have been selected as the honorees of Congregation Keneseth Israel's annual Gala. Patty and Ian Carlis have been active and engaged members of their community, helping to leave a lasting impact for the people of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Moved by the historic atrocities of the Holocaust and the need for greater awareness, Patty used the performing arts to educate her community's young people. Through shows like ``The Library'' and other works, Patty played an instrumental role in inspiring the annual Youth and Prejudice Conference, paving the way for a more sophisticated and meaningful understanding of the Holocaust for middle and high-school students. Ian Carlis served as a dentist at Bethlehem Smiles, going on to become the President of the dental staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital, where he was a clinical educator for the Hospital and a member of the Continuing Dental Education Committee. Ian has graciously served both the profession and the community which he values so greatly. To take their service even further, the Carlises went on to create the Ian and Patty Carlis Fund, a donor-advised fund which provides an array of grants to various organizations in greater Lehigh Valley. As a Lehigh Valley native myself, I congratulate them on this well- deserved honor and thank them for their continued leadership in their community. May they go from strength to strength.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be modified in the form I have placed at the desk.

Mr. DEUTCH. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is a technical amendment to address a drafting error so that it is conforming and so there will be no problems going forward.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my Florida colleague, Representative Castor, for her leadership in protecting access to high-quality healthcare in our State and across the country and for her authorship of the ENROLL Act to help more Americans shop for and sign up for health plans on healthcare.gov. My amendment requires navigators to provide information in plain language about the 10 essential health benefits that are a part of every healthcare.gov plan: outpatient hospital care; emergency care; hospitalization; pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder services; prescription medicines; rehabilitative services; labs; preventive care; and pediatric care, including dental and vision services. It also requires navigators to help consumers understand their protections under the Mental Health Parity Act. According to a survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association, only 4 percent of Americans were familiar with the mental health parity law as of 2014, and just 7 percent were aware of mental health parity more broadly. Those numbers didn't change from the time of passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 through the first years of enrollment in 2014. Mental health parity means insurance companies can't discriminate against Americans battling addiction in the opioid crisis. Parity means insurance companies can't make it harder to get care for deadly eating disorders than it is to get care for deadly cancer. Parity means we treat mental healthcare like healthcare because that is exactly what it is. The Affordable Care Act's protections have saved lives and the financial security of millions of Americans, including one family who told me the story of their battle to treat their 19-year-old daughter's eating disorder. Here is what they said: Our daughter was a sophomore in college when she was diagnosed with an eating disorder. She had to take several leaves of absence from her studies to seek treatment. This would not have been financially possible without the benefits of the ACA. Had she left school for treatment before the passage of the ACA, she would have been dropped from our family insurance. But because of the ACA, she could continue under our coverage. It was this ongoing treatment that has allowed our daughter to regain her health enough to graduate from college and maintain full-time employment. While it is clear that parity has made improvements, we still have so much more to do. This week, I heard from another family in my district about their daughter's struggle to get coverage and treatment. In the cycle of denials and arbitrarily reduced levels of care, her family was able to use the parity law to fight for their daughter's life in the courts. But that is not enough. Parity protections have opened doors to better mental health and addiction treatment for so many Americans. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to acknowledge how far we have to go. My amendment will help more Americans understand the benefits and protections available to them and help them get the care they need. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, this is an important amendment so that every American understands that mental health is health and that we need to care as much about the health of our bodies from our shoulders up as we do from our shoulders down. That is what people need to be made aware of so they have the ability to fight for that access to mental healthcare. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, do you remember when you graduated from high school? Do you remember how big the world felt? Do you remember your dreams, what you wanted to learn, whom you wanted to meet, and how you wanted to change the world? You had those dreams, right? Kendrick Castillo and Riley Howell had those dreams, too. But for them, they will only be dreams because 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo led a charge to disarm the gunman who stormed into his classroom just days before graduating from the STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Together with Brendan Bialy and Joshua Jones, Kendrick saved the hopes and dreams of his classmates, even as he gave up his own. Just 1 week earlier, 21-year-old Riley Howell was killed as he, too, charged a gunman inside his classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Riley yelled to his classmates, ``Go, go, go,'' as he body-slammed his killer to end the shooting that killed one student and wounded four more. Kendrick and Riley are heroes for giving up their dreams. But we shouldn't be demanding such profound sacrifices from American students. Instead, we must demand basic decency from this Congress. This House has passed historic gun safety legislation. Madam Speaker, how many more of these heroes will we need? How many more lives lost before the Senate finally acts to help save lives?

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate ten exemplary men and women from Broward County who will be inducted to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame this week. Each year, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Broward County honors elder excellence in the volunteer sector of Broward County. These outstanding citizens are individuals from all walks of life who have contributed greatly to the vibrancy and well-being of South Florida. They are engaged in distinguished volunteer service that benefit our communities and make Broward County the outstanding place that it is to live, raise a family, and retire. The ten distinguished electees are Barbara ``Bobbi'' Arnold of Hollywood, Beauregard Cummings of Ft. Lauderdale, Gail Gannotta of Pompano Beach, Ruby Hutson of Lauderdale Lakes, Jean Merget of Ft. Lauderdale, Art Schmall of Margate, Florie Scott of Lauderdale Lakes, Carl Shechter of Pembroke Pines, Harold Smith of Davie, and Aline Zucker of Cooper City. Again, congratulations to these outstanding individuals. I wish them the best of luck with their induction and continued service to Broward County. It is with great pleasure that I honor them, and I look forward to hearing of their continued service activities.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the lives and service of two outstanding individuals: my constituents, Roy Trachtenberg and Walter ``Skip'' Campbell. Skip Campbell was known as a monumental warrior for justice who made a significant mark on the world. Skip served his community in the Florida Senate from 1996 to 2006, before his election as Mayor of Coral Springs in 2014. His leadership was paramount in ensuring the success and wellbeing of our community. A South Florida native, Roy Trachtenberg served as an administrator in the New York School system, where he devoted 35 years to helping students succeed. He moved back to Florida where he served as the Dean of Education for a community college trade school, where he developed a curriculum to upgrade the skills of workers displaced due to the 9/11 terrorist attack. Through their public service, each honoree has touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. In recognition of this service, the Coral Spring/Parkland Democratic Club have honored their memories by designating their annual service and leadership awards as the Roy Trachtenberg Service Award and the Skip Campbell Leadership Award. Skip and Roy are truly deserving of this honor. I am glad to see their legacies of service preserved and used as a paradigm for those who follow them.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the twenty-two outstanding teachers in South Florida who have been awarded the Teacher of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. For the past 33 years, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise has offered this annual distinction to one teacher at each of the twenty- two schools in the greater Boca Raton area. Each awardee is selected by the school's principal. These teachers have dedicated their time to inspiring, empowering, and bettering the next generation of youth in our community. Their passion in this effort is truly worthy of our recognition. These twenty-two exemplary teachers have made a profound impact on their students through their caring, commitment, and professionalism. They are a cohort defined by integrity, excellence, and the highest marks in all they do. The City of Boca Raton is fortunate to have such outstanding faculty. Congratulations to Jennifer O'Sullivan, James Wade, Theo Wiles, Mary Donnelly, Sarah Call, Scott Johnson, Mary Cavaioi, Laurel Cash, Mary Giddings, Sunshine Grunstein, Kimberly Attias, Scott Fontaine, Susan Kinderman, Richard Andreacchio, Bogdan Paraschivoiu, Kathleen Kaminsky, Kevin McEnroe, Joann Tatham, Anna Lombado, Catrina D'Annunzio, Jennifer Napuli, and Melissa Romero on being nominated for this year's teacher of the year award. I am pleased to honor them, and I thank them for their continued service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Barbara Markley, and congratulate her on receiving the League of Women Voters of Broward County's 2019 Excellence in Leadership Award. Barbara is well-deserving of this recognition for her efforts to reduce firearm deaths throughout Broward County, Florida. Barbara Markley is a practicing attorney and gun safety advocate. She is the Co-Chair of the Gun Safety Committee for the League of Women Voters of Broward. Her innovative Lock it Up! Gun Safety Program, created in partnership with the Miami VA, has distributed 23,000 educational brochures and 11,200 gun locks in Broward in just 6 months with the help of 180 community partners. Her goal is to educate everyone about the dangers of unlocked guns and to save lives. With our unacceptably high rates of gun thefts and teen and veteran suicides, there is no doubt that Barbara's efforts have already achieved that goal. While it has already seen great success in Broward, Lock It Up! has tremendous potential to save countless more lives as it grows across Florida and beyond. I am pleased to honor Barbara, and I thank her for her service to our community.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Federation of Public and Private Employees (FOPE) as it celebrates 25 years of fighting for American workers. The National Federation of Public and Private Employees represents over 15,000 public sector employees in Florida who work for our colleges and universities, our counties and municipalities, and our school board and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, FOPE represents numerous private sector employees across the United States in the fields of aerospace, automotive, forestry, and parking and transportation. The right to collective bargaining is vital for strong labor and safety standards. Since passage of the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, employees have had the right to organize and determine whether they wish to have unions to represent them. As a result of this organizing, union members earn 28% more in yearly wages, are more likely to have employer provided health insurance, and enjoy more secure pension benefits than their counterparts. Madam Speaker, the benefits of FOPE' s efforts reach far beyond its membership, improving the working conditions and compensation of workers across the board. For this, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating and thanking FOPE and its current President, Dan Reynolds, on their 25 years of service to workers in my district and across the country.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, First Sergeant John Navarra, who is retiring as the leader of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. John V. Navarra is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with 22 years of service to our country. During this time, he served in multiple locations including the United States and Germany and primarily worked in the administration and logistics fields. Coupled with his service, John has demonstrated a life-long commitment to education by earning an Associate's degree in Business and Computer Science, a bachelor's degree in Interpersonal and Group Communications, a Master's degree in Education with Concentrations in Teaching and Evaluation and a MBA in Leadership. It is not just his own education that John has been committed to. John has served as the Army JROTC Instructor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 12 years, beginning in 2007. In this role, John educated, provided guidance, and mentored the students in the JROTC program. In doing so, he instilled in them the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor and thank Mr. John Navarra for his service to his country and his community. I congratulate John on his retirement.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this motion.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with solemn responsibility. I carry the legacy of the history of the Jewish people, a history of persecution, of discrimination, of scapegoating, but also a history of perseverance and survival. The embodiment of that perseverance is the establishment of the State of Israel, the home of the Jewish people. Mr. Speaker, I strongly condemn the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, economic warfare against the State of Israel, and there is no one in this Chamber--no one--who would question my commitment to opposing BDS or fighting anti-Semitism or supporting our ally, Israel. But I also strongly reject what my colleagues are doing here today. My colleague, my friend from Texas, is right. There has been a long and bipartisan history of support for Israel, and it has been so strong because of that bipartisanship. This is not a motion to commit about BDS. We have seen this play out before. The last time this resolution came up, my colleagues introduced a resolution condemning BDS and anti-Semitism and supporting Israel, and we all voted for it until it was time to actually go on the record, and almost every one of them voted against it. This is about politics. This is about trying to drive a wedge into this Caucus where it does not belong. That is what they are trying to do today. Mr. Speaker, the Jewish community also has a history of standing up against atrocities like the humanity crisis in Yemen. My colleagues are trying to block us from standing in support of our human rights and American values to condemn what is happening there. That is what this is about. That is why I am opposed to it, and we should all oppose it. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader, for his comments.