Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to reject these bills and to get to work. The U.S. Federal Government is set to shut down in a matter of days. Shouldn't we be working together to stop a preventable crisis that will hurt our economy and tarnish our Nation's image? It is our job. That is what we are here to do. Instead, we are debating a bill that is based on a false premise. I am not talking about some debunked and discredited viral videos on the Internet, nor am I talking about the lie that defunding Planned Parenthood will prevent Federal dollars from funding abortion. As many of my colleagues have already pointed out, our laws have long prohibited Federal dollars from being used to pay for abortion. What I am talking about, Madam Speaker, is the 28 men who wrote Speaker Boehner this summer demanding--demanding--that we either defund Planned Parenthood or stop funding the Federal Government: 28 men who, I guarantee you, have never relied on just one health provider in their community to get a Pap smear; 28 men who, I guarantee you, have never had to end a sentence about their educational goals or their financial or career aspirations with the phrase, ``unless I get pregnant''; 28 men who hatched this plan to deny basic health care to millions of women--millions of women, I might add, that have been marginalized by this Congress. Their voices are not being heard today nor are they being represented, not in these bills. Why? Because Speaker Boehner would rather let 28 men set the agenda for this entire House than seek out bipartisan support needed to fund education programs, health care, veterans programs, and services for our seniors. That is what we should be doing. Madam Speaker, these bills defund access to health care that has nothing--absolutely nothing--to do with abortion unless, Madam Speaker, I should say that we are talking about the more than 350,000 abortions that Planned Parenthood prevents every year by providing contraception and health care and education. I understand that my colleagues don't recognize the reproductive rights of women. I understand that is their view. I, Madam Speaker, recognize that women have those rights, and I urge my colleagues to reject these bills.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the so-called Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. Today, Mr. Speaker, is Constitution Day. How is the House GOP celebrating Constitution Day? By trampling on our Framers' vision of an independent judiciary as one of three separate but equal branches of government. The Framers of our Constitution established an independent judicial branch because they believed the judges should be able to interpret the law without interference. They believed that only when judges were shielded from the influence of politicians and pundits and special interests could they issue rulings fairly and impartially. In short, they worked to create a system that shielded judges from efforts like the one behind today's Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, is nothing more--I repeat, this legislation is nothing more--than a giveaway to corporate special interests that seek to price Americans out of their day in court. The bill restores a rule, reimposes a rule that our independent judiciary system abandoned over 20 years ago because it unfairly disadvantaged workers and consumers and other Americans that dared to take on big corporations in court. Our judges put in place this rule--or kept this version that we use today of this rule--20 years ago, and they remain strongly in support of it today. That is because today's rule, Mr. Speaker, gives judges the flexibility to determine when to apply sanctions against attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits. This legislation flies in the face of our Framers' vision of an independent judiciary. It strips our judges of their discretion, imposing congressionally mandated rules that drove up costs and clogged our courts when these were the rules before. We don't have to debate the harmful consequences of this legislation because history has already shown us how the 1983 version of rule 11 tipped the scales of justice in favor of those with the deepest pockets. Mr. Speaker, too often everyday Americans feel that they have got the cards stacked against them in our economy and in our elections. Let's give them a fighting chance in the courtroom and reject this frivolous bill.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I thank the chairman for his leadership in the committee. Mr. Speaker, there have been a lot of points made during this debate. I would like to set some context for the rest of the evening. Iran's regime is anti-American. They are anti-Israel. They are homophobic. They are misogynistic. They violate the human rights of their people. Iran's support for terrorists has led directly to the deaths of American citizens. It actively works to destabilize the Middle East. It vows to destroy Israel. It is responsible for the death of civilians and members of the military from Beirut to Buenos Aires. It has assisted in Assad's slaughter of 300,000 of his own people. As we gather here today, four Americans--Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, my constituent Bob Levinson--are in Iran, held by the regime and unable to return home to their families. Mr. Speaker, it is well known that I oppose this deal. On the nuclear issue, it does not dismantle Iran's nuclear program. It pauses it. Now, inspections in Nantanz and Fordow are very positive, as is the monitoring of the fuel cycle and the reduction in enriched uranium. But we cannot access other suspected nuclear sites in less than 24 days. If we find Iran in violation of this agreement, we cannot restore sanctions to the punishing level of today and, if we snap back sanctions, Mr. Speaker, Iran has the right to cease performing its obligations under the agreement altogether. While there has been a lot of speculation about what could happen in the absence of a deal, we know that, under this deal, the regime will get billions of dollars to support terrorism; we know the arms embargo will be lifted, meaning that the most advanced weapons will be available to the regime; and we know that the ban on the development of ballistic missiles will be lifted. Now, I have heard a lot of criticism of those of us who oppose the deal. I don't want war, Mr. Speaker. To the contrary, I want to prevent Iran from using billions of dollars to cause more violence and its surrogates to cause more bloodshed. I don't want the start of an arms race. To the contrary, I want to prevent Iran from developing advanced centrifuges and an industrial nuclear program with an unlimited number of centrifuges so that other nations will not seek nuclear weapons. Mr. Speaker, I don't oppose this deal because of politics or my religion or the people who live in my district. I have simply concluded that the risks are too great. Now, these past few weeks have been challenging for all of us. Reasonable people can disagree, and I am saddened by the often vitriolic comments hurled at those of us with different views on both sides. I also disagree with the decision by the Republican leadership to make up new rules, ignoring our ability to have an impact right now through the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act that passed 400-25. The consequences of this deal, Mr. Speaker, present us with some harsh realities, but rather than denying them, it is now time for Congress to begin the work of defying them, and it will require bipartisan support to do it. That means ramping up intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation with Israel and our Gulf partners and making clear to our allies that Iran's violent activities in the region will not be tolerated. It means enhancing Israel's qualitative military edge and making Iran know that the penalties should it cheat and break out to a bomb will be punishing. It means intensifying sanctions already enshrined in U.S. law for Iranian support for terrorism and violation of human rights. President Obama rightly made this point last week: nothing in this deal prevents the United States from sanctioning people, banks, and businesses that support terrorism, and we must do so together. What happens next? I will vote against the deal. Mr. Speaker, there will be a day after the final resolution of this nuclear deal, and on that day, this House must work together to ensure that Iran's terrorism is checked and that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. On that, we all agree.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 426, had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of ScentsAbility Micro-Enterprise, Inc. as they are awarded the Platinum Business Award at this year's Connections luncheon, an annual awards ceremony sponsored by Career Source Broward and Palm Beach Counties. This award, presented by the South Florida Business Leadership Network, recognizes employers for disability-friendly practices and their commitment to training disabled Floridians for employment opportunities. ScentsAbility has made it its mission to do exactly that. Under the guidance of ScentsAbility employees, disabled Floridians craft and sell homemade candles as well as learn important vocational and leadership skills that will allow them to succeed in a variety of workplace settings. ScentsAbility's care and commitment to this work has enabled countless Americans with special needs to live independently and with confidence. Too often, Americans with intellectual and physical disabilities are unable to find meaningful employment and earn a living. As a nation, it is important we recognize and enable organizations, such as ScentsAbility, that raise awareness of these critical issues and prioritize the diverse needs of our community. It is with great pleasure that I honor ScentsAbility and its director, Ms. Bonnie Schmidt.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the victims of the tragic shooting last week in Charleston: Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Myra Thompson, Daniel Simmons, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, and Cynthia Hurd. My thoughts and prayers are with their families. And I congratulate South Carolina for trying to lower the Confederate flag. It is the right thing to do. But we don't stop these tragedies by retiring a racist relic. We stop them by fixing our broken gun laws, gun laws that are failing to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do us harm. To fix them, Congress must act. But what has our response been? Silence: silence after Aurora, silence after Tucson, silence after Newtown, silence after daily acts of gun violence. Mr. Speaker, America should never accept all this mourning, all this heartbreak, and all this gun violence. And shame on this United States Congress if we remain silent after Charleston.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Frank Kogut, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, who served in the Army from 1941 to 1946. As the Representative of a district home to veterans of every major conflict since World War II, I know very well the sacrifices that our veterans, military men and women, and their families have made for our country. I speak for our district and the Nation when I sincerely thank Mr. Kogut for his service to our country. Mr. Kogut, who held the rank of First Lieutenant, captured a German Admiral and fought in the 746th Tank Battalion on D-Day. Mr. Kogut's courage and resolve reflect the dedication of a generation of men and women who served during one of history's darkest periods. His patriotism is truly admirable and exhibits a level of dedication and self-sacrifice worthy of recognition. It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I honor Frank Kogut.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County as they open the Palm Beach Renewable Energy Facility 2. Today, the facility will celebrate its public grand opening as the most environmentally friendly waste-to-energy power plant in North America. It is also the first waste-to-energy power plant built in the United States in more than 15 years. As a member of Congress representing Palm Beach County, I am proud to recognize the County's commitment to alternative forms of energy and reducing the accumulation of waste. The Palm Beach Renewable Energy Facility 2 will reduce our reliance on the County's landfill by up to 90 percent while providing enough energy to power an estimated 44,000 homes and businesses. Each year, this facility will process over one million tons of post-recycled waste as well as recycle an estimated 27,000 tons of metal. Not only will the Palm Beach Renewable Energy Facility 2 repurpose our waste, but it will do so in an efficient way using advanced air pollution controls and water conservation measures. I especially look forward to visiting the facility's Education Center. This Center will provide countless opportunities to educate our students and the greater public on the benefits of preserving our environment and investing in innovative energy solutions. I congratulate the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, its partners, and its employees on this momentous occasion and honor them.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for myself and on behalf of my colleague Congresswoman Lois Frankel to honor one of south Florida's most respected leaders in higher education. After 18 years of service, our friend Dr. Dennis Gallon is retiring as president of Palm Beach State College. Under his watch, Palm Beach State College has become the eighth-largest producer of associate degree graduates in America. From expanding STEM education programs coveted by local employers to creating an honors college for high- achieving students, Palm Beach State College flourished under Dr. Gallon's leadership. Just last year, the United States Department of Education reported that Palm Beach State College offers the sixth-lowest tuition rates nationwide. Dr. Dennis Gallon's commitment to high-quality, affordable higher education is truly admirable, and his tenure as president of Palm Beach State College deserves our praise and gratitude. Congresswoman Frankel, and I am sure Congressman Hastings, and I proudly thank him for his remarkable service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. But we have enormous leverage right now, and we must use it for Jason Rezaian, for Saeed Abedini, for Amir Hekmati, and for my constituent Bob Levinson. If Iran wants the world to believe what it says at the negotiating table, if it expects the world to trust any of the commitments that it will make or promises to make in a nuclear deal, then it should send these Americans home. By passing this bipartisan resolution today, we will show the world that this is an issue that transcends politics. We gather here today in the United States House of Representatives, the people's House, to show that Members of Congress and the American people are united in demanding the safe return of these four Americans. Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring them home. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member, for yielding. I thank the chairman. I especially went to thank my friend and colleague from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for spearheading this resolution and for his tireless efforts to bring back his constituent. And I want to thank the fellow original cosponsors, Mr. Huffman and Mr. Labrador. Each of us here has the solemn responsibility to represent the families of these American citizens--in this case, our constituents who are missing or held in Iran. Each of us has seen the suffering of these families firsthand. We have also seen a remarkable strength of purpose as they live this real-life nightmare and do everything they can to bring their loved ones home. For the family of Robert Levinson, my constituent, 8 years is 8 years too long not to have their husband, their father, and their grandfather home. Bob Levinson went missing on Iran's Kish Island on March 9, 2007. Since his disappearance, the Levinson family has received proof of life in the form of pictures and videos. Iran's leaders have never provided any information about Bob's disappearance, despite repeated pledges to aid in the investigation. As negotiations with Iran have taken place over the past year and a half, many of us have doubts about the ability to trust Iran to follow through on the terms of any nuclear deal. We distrust because we have seen this regime time and again lie to the international community, support the world's worst actors and terrorists, destabilize the region, deny history, and chant ``death to America.'' So if Iran wants to be taken seriously by the international community, then it must start by dropping the bogus charges and releasing Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Jason Rezaian; and immediately assist in locating and returning Bob Levinson. Mr. Speaker, we are just weeks away from the June 30 deadline for a nuclear deal. We are grateful that the Secretary and the other negotiators have raised this issue inside meetings.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 347, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment Offered by Ms. Lee

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Annette Gumm, who, after years of service to Palm Beach County, is leaving the area. I speak for the citizens of Palm Beach County when I say that she will be greatly missed. Ms. Gumm's public service in Florida began when she moved to Gleneagles in 1986 following an early retirement. She quickly became involved in her new community by volunteering with Plumosa Elementary School and Delray Community Hospital. In 1992, she was asked to join the campaign of Burt Aaronson; and, following his victory, she served as the Commissioner's administrative aide for several years. Ms. Gumm also joined the Atlantic Democratic Club and was pivotal in transforming the organization into the United South County Democratic Club (USCDC). She has held several positions in USCDC, including Treasurer, Vice President, and President. The amount of time and effort Ms. Gumm has expended for the betterment of her community is truly admirable and exhibits a level of passion worthy of recognition. It is with great pleasure that I honor, my dear friend, Annette Gumm.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Lake Worth Drainage District, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary of providing water management services to the Palm Beach County community. For the past 100 years, the District has managed the surface water resources of southeastern Palm Beach County. Overseeing a complex system of 500 miles of canals and 20 major water control structures, the Lake Worth Drainage District has continued to protect our lands from the dangers of both flood and drought. Their tireless efforts have not only met the demands of our evolving urban and agricultural communities, but also bolstered employment and business growth opportunities. The amount of time and effort the District and its employees have expended for the betterment of their community is truly admirable and exhibits a level of commitment worthy of recognition. With their support Palm Beach County has remained the Winter Vegetable Capital of the United States. I happily congratulate the District and its employees on a century of hard work and dedication to the urban and agricultural community of South Florida. It is with great pleasure that I honor them.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Tony Fransetta who is retiring as the founding President of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. Mr. Fransetta's thoughtfulness and devotion to addressing the needs of senior citizens has made him a trusted voice for seniors in my community and throughout Florida, and I laud his continued work on behalf of our nation's retired and aging communities. Mr. Fransetta's efforts to support labor rights began during his work with the Ford Motor Company following his service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. At Ford, Mr. Fransetta served as a leader for the United Auto Workers and represented 15,000 employees negotiating contracts and chairing programs such as quality control, insurance benefits, drug treatment, and employee education. Following his retirement from Ford in 1990, Mr. Fransetta joined the National Council of Senior Citizens and was pivotal in transforming the council into the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans in 2002. For over 13 years, Mr. Fransetta has dedicated himself to advocating on behalf of aging Americans and has received many accolades for his tireless work, including a lifetime achievement award from the national Alliance for Retired Americans and the honor of being appointed as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging in 2005. Mr. Fransetta's passion to civic service is reflected as well in his work as the chairman for the local area Auto Retiree Council, the chairman of the U.A.W. Florida Retiree C.A.P., which represents 26,000 retirees in Florida, the Vice President of the Executive Board, A.F.L.- C.I.O. State of Florida, and a General Policy Board Member for the national Alliance for Retired Americans. The amount of time and effort Mr. Fransetta has expended for the betterment of his community is truly admirable and exhibits a level of passion worthy of recognition. It is with great pleasure that I honor my dear friend, Tony Fransetta and I know that his passionate advocacy will continue to inspire Floridians to live by his example.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the upcoming nuptials of Alex Fernandez and Robert Wolfarth. Robert Wolfarth and Alex Fernandez of south Florida will be getting married in the District of Columbia at the Florida House on Capitol Hill. Their wedding ceremony marks the first same-sex marriage at the Florida House following its lawful recognition in the state through judicial ruling. Giving back to their community has been a centerpiece of Robert and Alex's professional lives and of their relationship. Robert, the grandson of former Miami Mayor William M. Wolfarth, and Alex, a public servant since the age of 15, met on September 25th, 2006 at Miami-Dade County Hall where Alex worked at the time as a Press Secretary. The two were immediately bonded by a shared passion for public service. Alex proudly served as an aide to Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and was her liaison to the LGBT Affairs Committee playing an instrumental role in the inaugural Miami Beach Gay Pride. As a successful real estate entrepreneur, Robert's most cherished professional accomplishment has been hiring an undocumented immigrant, helping her become an American citizen, obtain a real estate salesperson license, and achieve the American Dream of homeownership. A member of the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Board, Alex has been an active advocate for workforce housing for residents being displaced from their homes and community by the rising cost of living and real estate values. Among their many professional and civic endeavors, Robert and Alex are most proud of their mutual service to the communities they love, Miami-Dade County and Miami Beach. Whether it be through the rescue of their three dogs from the shelter, or the distribution of pumpkin pies to the less fortunate on Thanksgiving, or through their past service on the Planning, Affordable Housing, or Charter Review Boards, Robert and Alex find in each day of their relationship the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Through their marriage and the continued support of their friends and loved ones, Robert and Alex hope to demonstrate that as a nation, states, and communities we are strengthened through the contributions of countless loving and committed American same-sex couples seeking the fundamental right to the pursuit of happiness. On this special occasion, I wish Robert and Alex many continued years of love, health, and happiness as they enter this blessed new stage of their lives together.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Eden Skoop, a graduating senior from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who has been awarded the Best-in-Class and Perfect Attendance Awards from the Broward County School District Attendance Committee. The Best-in-Class Award is presented to students who have been continuously enrolled in Broward County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grades, with the best attendance. Eden has not missed a single day of school since entering kindergarten 13 years ago, for a total 2,340 school days. She has demonstrated a sincere commitment to her education and the Broward school community. The amount of time and effort she has committed to her education is truly admirable and exhibits a level of passion worthy of recognition. I happily congratulate Eden and wish her best of luck as she continues her academic pursuits in the Honors Program at American University. It is with great pleasure that I honor her, and I know that she will continue to inspire young South Floridians to live by her example.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. It will also give us a clearer sense of Hezbollah's global reach, as it requires reporting on what countries around the world are doing to disrupt Hezbollah's activities. Madam Speaker, Hezbollah has destabilized the Middle East for over 30 years. It has been a significant and deadly threat to U.S. interests. It stands ready, with more than 100,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel, many capable of striking anywhere with high precision. This is one of the most deadly organizations in the world, and the U.S. must use all of its economic might to shut down Hezbollah's global operations. Madam Speaker, people often ask what Congress can do to address the many dangers that we face in the world. This legislation is a step forward in protecting Americans and American interests and American lives. Similar legislation passed the House unanimously last year, and I urge my colleagues to again support this vitally important national security bill.

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015. I would like to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their leadership on this critical piece of national security legislation. I especially want to acknowledge the leadership of my friend from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows) in championing this effort and diligently pushing to make sure that we have the opportunity to hear this important bill. And I want to thank Representatives Meng, Zeldin, and Tom Price of Georgia for the key role that they have played in bringing this bill to the House floor. Since its inception in 1982, Hezbollah has attacked American citizens: in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in 1983, killing 63, including 17 Americans; in the U.S. Marine barracks bombing in October 1983, which killed 241 American and 58 French servicemen; in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut in 1984, which killed 24; in the hijacking of TWA flight 847 in 1985, in which a U.S. Navy diver was shot in the head and his body dumped on the tarmac; and in the Khobar Towers attack in Saudi Arabia in 1996 that killed 19 airmen. Hezbollah has been a U.S.-designated terrorist organization since 1997. And while it claims to be a resistance group, it is a very dangerous terrorist organization. It does not just attack Americans. It launches attacks not just on Israel. It attacks around the world. It is responsible for the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing in Argentina, which killed 29, and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish center that killed 85 people. It attacked a busload of tourists in Bulgaria in 2012. And since 2008, attacks plotted by Hezbollah have been foiled in Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. In 2012, a Hezbollah plot to assassinate the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States right here in a Washington, D.C., restaurant was uncovered. This attack, had it gone forward, would have resulted in innocent civilian deaths here in our Nation's Capital. Madam Speaker, today Hezbollah is helping Bashar al Assad slaughter innocent civilians in Syria. Hezbollah's fighters and operatives are on the ground in Syria, propping up the Assad regime as it drops barrel bombs on Syrian towns and uses chlorine gas on its own people. It is no secret that Hezbollah does Iran's bidding. Backed by millions of dollars from Iran, Hezbollah is keeping Assad's grip on power to preserve Iran's lifeline to its proxy. This reign of terror must be stopped before it has the potential to become even stronger. With Iranian support, Hezbollah has set up cells all around the world. It gets significant funding for its worldwide terror through its criminal activities, such as money laundering, narcotics trafficking, and the selling of counterfeit goods. And shockingly, it fund raises in communities all over Latin America and Europe. This bill will take significant steps toward cutting off Hezbollah's global reach by imposing sanctions on those financial institutions that facilitate Hezbollah's activities. We can severely hamper its ability to move the funds needed to fund its terror campaigns. This bill will also require the administration to look into satellite providers that continue to broadcast the Hezbollah-run Al-Manar television station. A terrorist organization should not be allowed to freely broadcast its propaganda and its messages of hate. In fact, more than 10 years ago, back in 2004, France's highest administrative court moved to ban Al-Manar, ruling that the Beirut-based outlet had repeatedly violated the country's hate laws and made anti-Semitic statements. Our legislation would give Congress and the administration greater insight into Hezbollah's criminal activities by requiring reports on Hezbollah's narcotrafficking and its transnational criminal network.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. When it comes to the security of our Nation and our partners around the world, the American people deserve a voice, but when Congress is unable to review or respond to policies of great consequence, like a potential nuclear deal with Iran, the American people have no voice. In recent days, we have heard another debate about another major international agreement also negotiated in secret, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Why do I bring that up in this context? Well, some of my colleagues who oppose this critical legislation have serious concerns about TPA and TPP. I share those concerns. I oppose fast-tracking TPP without the details on protecting jobs and workers and the environment and consumers and without any chance at making changes. Likewise, today, I ask my colleagues to acknowledge and respect my concerns about approving a deal today with Iran when too many questions remain unanswered. On matters of national and international security, bullet points in a framework just won't do. Before Iran gains access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, I want the details. I want details on conditions for sanctions relief and access to military sites and unannounced inspections, and you should, too. No one here knows what a final deal would look like or even if we will get one, but I know you agree that, if we do, Congress should get to review the terms. On behalf of our constituents, Congress must have a say. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 22 outstanding teachers from my district who have been awarded the Teacher of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. These exemplary teachers continue to make a profound impact on our students through their caring, commitment, and professionalism. They are a cohort defined by integrity, excellence, and the highest marks in all they do. For the past 28 years, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise has offered this annual distinction to a teacher at each of the 22 schools in the Greater Boca Raton area. Each awardee is selected by his or her school's principal. These teachers have dedicated themselves to inspiring and empowering the next generation of young South Floridians. The amount of time and effort these individuals have expended for the betterment of their community is truly admirable and exhibits a level of passion worthy of recognition. Congratulations to Chris Amico, Jonathan Benskin, Charisse Cason, Katie Delucia, Lisa Drescher, Lori Eaton, Dawn Esposito, Jennifer Hammer, Alicia Kaucher, Alexandra Laing, Courtney Lockhart, Ana Millet, Suzette Milu, Charna Rosenfeld, Beth Rubin, Denise Rudy, Jane Simonsen, Doris Vaillancourt-Milano, Kristy Verzaal, Lori Vetter, Cheryl Walling, and Ellen Winikoff on receiving this year's Teacher of the Year Award. I am happy to honor them, and I know that they will continue to inspire South Floridians to live by their example.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend for yielding. Madam Speaker, my Republican colleagues have no interest in preventing abortions after 20 weeks. The motivation behind H.R. 36 could not be more transparent. They want to make abortion after 20 weeks illegal and abortions before 20 weeks impossible. Consider the story of a young woman named Josephine, who recently moved to Florida from Texas with her two kids after escaping an abusive husband. While trying to build a stable home for her children, she was raped, and she became pregnant. She couldn't afford an abortion or a trip to her provider who was more than 80 miles away, so Josephine attempted to terminate the pregnancy herself by ingesting poison. She ended up hospitalized, needing several blood transfusions. She was still pregnant. By the time she gathered enough resources to cover her procedure and transportation to a provider nearly 80 miles away, she was 23 weeks pregnant. If this Republican majority were to have its way, Josephine would be denied access to a safe and legal abortion. From regulating providers out of business, to requiring waiting periods, to mandating counseling and medically unnecessary ultrasounds, this Republican majority has made securing an abortion--has made exercising a woman's constitutional right--a long and expensive process. Let's reject this bill and, instead, work to ensure that all women can control their own bodies, their own health, and their own destinies.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. This anniversary represents 67 years in which there has been a strong, independent, and democratic State of Israel; 67 years of growth, advancement, and modernization. But, unfortunately, it also means that for 67 years the only Jewish state in the world has repeatedly had to defend itself from enemies who seek her annihilation. Yesterday, Israel commemorated Yom Ha'zikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. For a country in which most of its citizens have served in the Israeli Defense Force and have proudly defended their country, this day is a personal reminder that their 67 years have not been without significant personal sacrifice. From the moment of its birth, Israel has endured attacks by state armies and terrorist organizations. More recently, these attacks have taken a new shape, in the form of economic boycotts, lawfare, and political de-legitimization campaigns. But 67 years later, Israel remains standing, proudly, as the shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. This is an important day for the Israeli people and people all over the world to reflect on how far this country has come in such a short period. It has transformed desert into fertile land, developed one of the most innovative and vibrant technology sectors in the world, and stood steadfastly on a foundation of democratic principles and basic fundamental liberties. I am proud to say that it was also 67 years ago, only minutes after David Ben-Gurion announced Israel's declaration of independence, that the United States recognized the nascent state. Since 1948, our two countries have shared a strong, unshakeable bond based on shared values and goals. And the United States and Israel will continue to stand together as Israel pursues peace, and as Israel confronts any threat to her people. It is my commitment as a Member of Congress to ensure that our partnership remains strong and unbreakable. As President Bill Clinton wrote, ``We are proud of the strong bond we have forged with Israel, based on our shared values and ideals. That unique relationship will endure just as Israel has endured.''

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 163, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 133. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''