Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, a new CDC study shows a 13 percent risk that the Zika virus will result in microcephaly, causing incomplete fetal brain development. Already, nearly 300 pregnant women in the United States have acquired Zika. In light of these risks, how can this Congress continue to obstruct, delay, and deny the necessary funding for a response? On many issues, this Congress is divided. I get it. But this is our most basic job. This emergency will test us as Americans, and it will test us as an institution. Will we come together to prevent a Zika outbreak? Will we protect these families? Will we act in the common good, or will we continue to play politics, ignore the science, and disregard these serious risks? The study's author, CDC biologist Michael Johansson, said: ``We need to do whatever we can to help women avoid Zika virus infections during pregnancy.'' Let's listen to him. Let's do our job.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, my home State of Florida has some of the absolute worst gun laws in the country. Much like Congress, Florida's Legislature has done nothing to prevent violent criminals from getting guns. According to a report in the south Florida Sun-Sentinel, in just 1 year, Florida granted permits to 1,400 people who pled guilty or no contest to crimes including homicide, assaults, and child molestation. There are Members of this Congress who want to burden the entire country with Florida's shamefully weak gun laws in a race to the bottom for gun permit standards. Even the current reciprocity agreements between States are strained by how easy Florida makes it to get a permit. In 2010, the Philadelphia Daily News found that 2,500 Pennsylvanians applied for gun permits in Florida. Nonresidents apply for Florida permits to take advantage of Florida's shocking failure to protect its own residents from gun violence. This Congress must reject legislation that would force States across the country to abide by Florida's or any other State's weak gun safety standards. Passing this reckless legislation would, unfortunately, make gun violence Florida's most shameful export.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Mayersohn, who is being honored for receiving the ``Champion of Students'' award by Broward County Public Schools. This prestigious award is given to an outstanding individual who advocates for students on the occasion of Broward County Public Schools' 100th anniversary. Mr. Mayersohn is a graduate of Syracuse University, and has a distinguished record of outstanding service to his community. He has protected the needs of students as an experienced education advocate, surrogate parent and guardian ad litem. Mr. Mayersohn is also a successful entrepreneur and small business owner. He has a long history of civic and community involvement. For nearly two decades, Mayersohn has fought on behalf of parents, teachers and students to improve the public schools of Broward County. He has served as the Chair of the Broward County School Parent ESE Advisory Council and is a current Executive Board Member of the Broward County Council of PTAs/PTSAs. His tireless work in support of local students is truly impressive and worthy of recognition. Throughout his career in education and public service, Robert Mayersohn has shown himself to be an outstanding leader in his community. I am pleased to join the Broward County Public Schools in honoring Mr. Mayersohn for his ongoing commitment to excellence and distinguished service to our community.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, to celebrate the U.S.-Israel relationship. Sixty-eight years ago, the Israeli Declaration of Independence announced that Israel ``will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.'' To those who seek to undermine and delegitimize Israel at the U.N., I suggest that you ask whether your own countries value complete equality for everyone, irrespective of religion, race, or sex, or whether you even strive for that equality. To those who engage in economic warfare against Israel through boycotts, especially on college campuses, I ask why you attack a country that shares our own values of equality and freedom and vibrant debate even as you ignore those countries and regimes that subjugate the rights of their own people, those for whom women's equality, LGBT rights, religious tolerance, and open political discourse are anathema to their leaders and those who encourage terrorism against innocent Israelis. Mr. Speaker, as President Johnson said: ``America and Israel have a common love of human freedom and they have a common faith in a democratic way of life.'' I stand proudly here today in deep support of our love of human freedom and unyielding support of our faith in a democratic way of life and in strong support of our great ally Israel on her 68th anniversary.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, last week we read a powerful story under the headline: ``One Week in April, Four Toddlers Shot and Killed Themselves.'' Last year, toddlers shot someone with unsecured guns at a rate of one per week, and we are outpacing that horrific rate this year. I stand here over and over, begging for Congress to act on gun violence, but today I plead for gun owners to be smart about the guns in their homes. The groups Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety are educating Americans and are encouraging gun owners to secure guns in their homes and vehicles, to model responsible behavior, to ask about unsecured guns in other homes, to recognize the risks of teen suicides, and to tell their peers to be smart by sharing these simple steps to stop heartbreaking violence. Our society is saturated with guns. There are 357 million guns and there are 317 million people--the highest concentration in the world. As The New York Times noted, if owners do not secure these guns, they will continue to end up in the hands of ``shooters who need help tying their shoelaces, too young sometimes to even say the word `gun,' killed by their own curiosity.'' Mr. Speaker, on this gun issue, let's come together, all of us, to secure guns and to protect our kids.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate ten exemplary men and women from Broward County who were recently elected to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame. These outstanding citizens are individuals from all walks of life who have contributed greatly to the vibrancy and well-being of South Florida. Many have served in the military, held elected offices and judgeships, volunteered, and worked as doctors. Several have provided distinguished service on boards of organizations that benefit our communities and make Broward County the outstanding place that it is to live, raise a family, and retire. The names of these ten distinguished inductees to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame are Sandra K. Booth; Mitchell ``Mitch'' Ceasar; Commissioner Sue Gunzburger; Mohsin Jaffer, MD; Marie Goodrum Johnson; George A. Kling, MD; Arlene Lakin, Esquire; Patti Lynn; Judge Ronald J. Rothschild; and Jack Shifrel. 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 in the Congressional Record, and I look forward to hearing of their continued work and service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, an American is killed with a gun every 16 minutes. And what is Congress' response? Well, here is what we have become really good at. We have become really good at coming together for moments of silence. We do it every time there is a mass shooting. And, in 2015, there were 330 mass shootings. We ask: Why can't we do more? And our response, the response too often, is: We don't need to do anything else. There are plenty of laws on the books. Why don't we enforce them? Well, the fact is that there is one thing we can do that is not on the books. We can require that everyone who buys a gun has a background check. If you buy a gun in a store, you have to get a background check. But for gun shows, 100 gun shows a week, 5,200 gun shows a year, 5 million people traveling through those gun shows, there is no background check. There is no background check for the millions of Internet ads or classified ads. Let's pass mandatory background checks to help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. That is what we can do, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is too much at stake for us to continue to ignore this tragedy. It is time for Congress to act.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 33 high school seniors from Palm Beach County who plan to enlist in the military after graduation this spring. Their maturity and courage are a testament to their dedication to our country. I am proud to represent a Congressional District that is home to veterans of every major conflict since World War II. I feel tremendous gratitude to these men and women in the armed services, veterans, and their families. My father, the late Bernard Deutch, volunteered to fight in World War II as a teenager where he earned a Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. It was his example of service to our nation that motivated me to serve in Congress. Congratulations to Roberto Montoya Bravo, Franchesco Garcia, Stephen Gordon, Alex-Lamar Stone, Niko Notare, Cristian Mccusker, David Coleman, Manolo Vallejo, Jonathan Burrage, Garianne Baucicaut, Jessica Hole, Susana Hoyos Cuervo, Isaiah Ortiz, Carlos Avila, Rafael Mitre, Uriel Najera Merino, Harrison Magyarosi, Enrique Cadiz, Kaiden Parker Bolley, Daniel Machado, Jordan Norwood, Neslendy Delice, Joshua White, Michael Rosa, Marek Gawel, Joshua Richardson, Nicholas Cutter, Lamar Butler Jr, Robert Del Carpio, Logan Peluso, Christopher Coronel, Sabrina Kutenits, and Camilo Rosado. I am pleased to honor them and I thank them for their future service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration of the 195th anniversary of Greece's independence. America's Founding Fathers drew inspiration from ancient Greece's democratic example. Hundreds of years later, the modern-day nation of Greece continues to stand as an ally with the United States. Yet our relationship goes far beyond our mutual security concerns. Our bond is rooted in our shared values of democracy, liberty, and humanitarian aid. As a co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israeli Alliance Caucus, I will continue to promote greater collaboration between Congress, Israel, and Greece. I congratulate the people of Greece and extend my best wishes on the occasion of Greek Independence Day.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the twenty-two outstanding teachers from my district who have been awarded the Teacher of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. For the past 30 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 themselves to inspiring and empowering the next generation of young South Floridians. The amount of time and effort these exemplary teachers have spent betting the next generation of their community is truly admirable, and their passion is worthy of 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, dedicated to ensuring a bright future for our students. Congratulations to Cara Pavek, Polly Moorman, Jeanne Russell-Khan, Kenneth Johnson, Tina Garofalo, Alyce Lewert, Deborah Woolsey, Lori Paquette, Stephany Pierre, Gina Yallop, Linda Josaphat, Lorraine Overton, Margaret Longazel, Abbe Snyder, Rosanne Breland, Kristen Stern, Randy Weddle, Rachel Smith, Jenifer Berlatsky, Lindsay Ackerman- Conway, Lawrence Shane, and Nicole Scalisi 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor of Daniel Ben-Zaken and Rachel Bean, who were awarded in this year's C-SPAN student documentary contest. Daniel and Rachel are students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Their powerful documentary, ``Target,'' explores the issues and arguments surrounding gun safety and school shootings. The theme of this year's contest was ``Road to the White House: What's the Issue You Most Want Candidates to Discuss during the 2016 Presidential Campaign?'' Nearly three thousand video submissions from almost six thousand students across the nation were submitted to this contest, and I am thrilled that Daniel and Rachel's documentary was recognized as exceptional. I am honored that these young filmmakers chose to interview me for their documentary. In my remarks, I expressed my deep concern regarding gun violence in America, especially in schools. Our students must be able to study and learn in a safe environment absent the threat of gun violence. With an average of nearly one school shooting every week, this documentary covers a timely and vital issue facing our nation. Again, congratulations to Daniel and Rachel. I wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors and academic pursuits. It is with great pleasure that I honor them, and I hope they will continue to inspire young South Floridians to become involved in issues they care about.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe Equal Pay Day, the day when women's wages finally catch up to men's. Fifty three years after passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women and minorities continue to experience inequitable pay differentials. In fact, women who work full time, year round in the United States were paid only 79 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts in 2014. In Florida, a woman who holds a full-time job is paid, on average, $34,768 per year while a man who holds a full-time job is paid $40,971 per year. For minorities, the gap is even larger. This equates to a combined 17 billion dollars loss of wages annually for Florida women with full-time jobs. These lost wages mean Floridian families have fewer resources to buy goods and services. The wage gap directly hurts Florida's families and our economy. If change continues at the same slow pace as it has during the last 50 years, it will take nearly 50 more years--until 2059--for women and men to finally reach pay parity. I join the Enterprising and Professional Women of South Florida in observing Equal Pay Day and calling attention to the continuing wage disparity women in our nation and state face.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir, who will soon perform at the B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, Florida. From the over half a million Jewish Americans have served in the armed services since World War II to Simon Levy who was one of the two original West Point Class of 1802, Jewish Americans have a rich history of service in our Armed Forces. The West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir honors that history and ensures that the contributions of Jewish Americans are not overlooked. The choir consists of members from all four classes at the academy and has both men and women participants. The choir is an extension of the active Jewish body at the Academy; there are between 70 and 80 Jewish cadets at West Point. Next year, West Point is set to graduate its 1,000th Jewish cadet. For more than 65 years, the choir has performed at West Point community services and, by invitation, to congregations throughout the United States. Since its inception in 1947, cadets have had the opportunity to experience other facets of Judaism through participation in other congregations and events around the country. Every year they perform at the White House during the Holiday festivities, and most recently, performed at the United Nations ceremony commemorating the Holocaust. I join the B'nai Torah Congregation in welcoming these twenty five extraordinary men and women to the synagogue on April 8th.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the resolution. I thank my good friend and partner, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, along with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Diaz-Balart, for introducing this resolution with me and for their commitment to raising awareness to Bob Levinson's case and for always pushing for Bob's return. I thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for helping to swiftly move this resolution to the floor as we prepare to mark the anniversary of Bob Levinson's disappearance. I thank Senator Nelson for spearheading a similar resolution, which passed the Senate earlier this month. I also thank all of my colleagues who have cosponsored this resolution. Passing this resolution today is particularly significant. This Saturday, March 5, 2016, members of Bob's community in my district in south Florida will come together for a rally in support of the Levinson family and call for Bob's immediate return. Just 4 days later, on March 9, we will mark the ninth anniversary of Bob's disappearance from Kish Island in Iran. When we received word in January that our government negotiated for the release of four Americans imprisoned in Iran, we welcomed the news. These were Americans who were wrongfully held, and this move made very clear that the United States does not forget about its own people. We rejoiced as Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Jason Rezaian were reunited with their families. Our colleagues, Congressmen Kildee, Huffman, and Labrador, have been tireless, tireless advocates for the release of their constituents. I am so pleased that each of them has returned to the United States. For their families, Mr. Speaker, the nightmare is over. Unfortunately, the nightmare continues for my constituents, the Levinson family. Bob is now the longest held hostage in American history. Bob has now missed 9 years of birthdays with his seven children, anniversaries with his wife, Christine, weddings, the births of three of his four grandchildren, and so many other happy occasions that should have been celebrated together as a family. This is a family who, for 9 years, has never given up on bringing their husband, their father home. We were so fortunate to be joined by Bob's wife, Christine, and his eldest son, Dan, when we passed this resolution in committee some weeks ago. We had the opportunity to tell them directly that this Congress will not forget about Bob. By passing this resolution today, this House of Representatives will now tell the world that we will never forget about Bob. Bob Levinson dedicated his life to serving this country, first with the DEA and then over 20 years as an FBI agent. Bob is a patriot who loves this country dearly, and now, Mr. Speaker, it is time for this country to come through for Bob. Over the years, the Levinson family has received proof of life in the form of pictures and video. We are grateful that throughout the nuclear negotiations with Iran, Secretary Kerry and others raised Bob's case at every single meeting, and we have been told that the deal to release the other Americans opened new avenues for consultation on Bob's case. But we cannot wait. Whatever information Iran has about Bob needs to be provided now so that Bob can be brought home. This resolution before us today calls on Iran to follow through on its repeated promises of assisting the United States in locating Bob. The resolution calls on our government and those of our partners and allies to continue to press Iran for information about Bob at every opportunity. President Obama and Secretary Kerry have repeatedly expressed their commitment to securing Bob's release, and Secretary Kerry reiterated that commitment during testimony in the House just last week. President Obama has stated in January, when referencing Bob's case, he said ``we will not rest until their family is whole again.'' For anyone who is watching this debate today, I encourage you to share this information about Bob Levinson, to tweet about Bob Levinson, to use the hashtag #whataboutbob. For those in south Florida, I encourage you to come to support the Levinson family this Saturday in Coral Springs. We must keep talking about Bob. We must raise the level of awareness about Bob's case. Our government and the government of our friends and allies must continue to work tirelessly to find Bob and to bring him home. The newly elected Parliament in Iran must know that we will never rest until Bob is home. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Mr. Smith for his powerful words and for sharing the very powerful and very moving words of Bob's family. I ask my colleagues to think about the Levinson family as if they were your own and to use the opportunity that we have here today to send what is the most powerful message that this House can send--these days especially--and that is a message of unity. Mr. Speaker, with this resolution today, we have an opportunity to recognize that, when a proud American has been missing from his family, has been missing from his community, he is missing from our family and he is missing from our community and our country. Our country is missing Bob Levinson. It is our country that will be made whole when Bob is returned. I urge my colleagues in the strongest way that I can to stand together with me, with Bob's family, and on behalf of every person in this great country in moving this resolution forward and continuing to work tirelessly to bring Bob home. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, when you run for public office, you get to meet amazing people passionate about politics at every level. But the best ones, the ones who inspire you, are the ones who remind you why you got involved in the first place: to help others. Today I rise in memory of one of the best. Bunny Steinman passed away on January 20, but her impact on the Florida Democratic Party and our community will surely last for decades. Bunny was a born trailblazer. Long before retiring to south Florida, she graduated from Syracuse. She earned a master's at Queens College. She worked in public education for over three decades, all while raising three kids with her late husband, Joseph. As her family mourns the loss of a mother and a grandmother, our community mourns the loss of a friend, a leader, and a mentor. Indeed, Bunny was so many things to so many people all at once. She was a teacher who never stopped teaching, an activist who never stopped organizing, a Democrat who never stopped believing that America is strongest when the right to vote is protected, when equal rights are respected, and when every child has the chance to thrive. Bunny Steinman, it was an honor to know you, to work with you, to represent you, and, most of all, to be your friend. We will honor your memory by carrying forward your passion for progress and the betterment of all. You will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Amanda Weinstein, a young student from my district who was recently recognized for exemplary volunteer service. Amanda was named one of the top honorees in Florida by the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor given to the most impressive student volunteers throughout our Nation. Currently a senior at North Broward Preparatory School, Amanda founded the ``Family Central Teen Advisory Board'' in 2013. Since then, she has encouraged fifty teens to share in her mission to assist the parent organization Family Central, a nonprofit that helps children and families in need. Amanda, who had been volunteering with Family Central for ten years, organizes toy, food, clothing and school supply drives, and has also created a tutoring and mentoring program. Among thousands of volunteers who participated in this year's program, Amanda's dedication and strive for excellence stood out as exceptional. I applaud Amanda for her initiative in seeking to make our community a better place to live. I happily congratulate Amanda and wish her the best of luck in her future academic and community pursuits. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Amanda Weinstein, a young student from my district who was recently recognized for exemplary volunteer service. Amanda was named one of the top honorees in Florida by the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor given to the most impressive student volunteers throughout our Nation. Currently a senior at North Broward Preparatory School, Amanda founded the ``Family Central Teen Advisory Board'' in 2013. Since then, she has encouraged fifty teens to share in her mission to assist the parent organization Family Central, a nonprofit that helps children and families in need. Amanda, who had been volunteering with Family Central for ten years, organizes toy, food, clothing and school supply drives, and has also created a tutoring and mentoring program. Among thousands of volunteers who participated in this year's program, Amanda's dedication and strive for excellence stood out as exceptional. I applaud Amanda for her initiative in seeking to make our community a better place to live. I happily congratulate Amanda and wish her the best of luck in her future academic and community pursuits. 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Boca Pointe Chapter of the American Friends of Magen David Adom on the occasion of their ambulance dedication. Magen David Adom is Israel's emergency medical service, blood bank, and disaster-relief organization. The American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), a nonprofit organization, is the largest supporter of MDA worldwide. Today, the AFMDA Boca Pointe Chapter will dedicate a fully- equipped ambulance to the people and State of Israel. This is the fourth such ambulance they have donated, a generous gift that truly saves lives. I express deep appreciation for the Boca Pointe Chapter's selfless humanitarian endeavors. Their unwavering support for the State of Israel not only sets an example for the future but for the South Florida Jewish community as a whole. I am proud to honor them and thank them for their work and service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, due to illness. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: On Roll Call 55, I would have voted no (On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 595). On Roll Call 56, I would have voted no (H. Res. 595). On Roll Call 57, I would have voted yea (Amendment No. 1, H.R. 1675). On Roll Call 58, I would have voted yea (Amendment No. 6, H.R. 1675). On Roll Call 59, I would have voted yea (Amendment No. 7, H.R. 1675). On Roll Call 60, I would have voted yea (On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1675). On Roll Call 61, I would have voted no (H.R. 1675).

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mae Duke, who is being recognized by the Century Village Democratic Club for her distinguished service as President. As part of the ``greatest generation,'' Mae's life embodied the American dream. Mae is a first generation Jewish immigrant raised on Coney Island, New York and overcame numerous obstacles to complete her education and work as a laboratory technician. Mae married Sam Duke, a New York City Police officer, in 1947, and together they raised four children in Brooklyn. Since her youth, Mae has believed in the importance of public service, civic duty, and participation in democracy. After her four children enrolled in public school, Mae ran for the local school board. Later, she and her husband started a youth league at their local synagogue. Today at age 89, Mae resides in West Palm Beach where she remains active with local community groups and as the President of the Century Village Club. She is adored and admired by her 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Wherever her life has taken her, Mae Duke has selflessly volunteered her time and efforts to better her community. I am pleased to join in honoring Ms. Duke for her enriching, lifelong community service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans and their National President, Freda Rosenshein. Ms. Rosenshein paid her official visit to the JWVA Florida Department on Sunday, January 24th in Deerfield Beach. For 85 years, the JWVA has ensured that the rich history of Jewish Americans' service in our Armed Forces is not overlooked. In fact, over half a million Jewish Americans have served in major conflicts since World War II. This organization is unique in its efforts to combat bigotry and anti-Semitism while remaining inclusive of all veterans, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Freda Rosenshein's tenure as Ladies Auxiliary President follows her distinguished history of service to the JWVA. She knows first-hand the sacrifice of our veterans and their families, as her father served in World War II, her grandfather served in World War I, and her husband served in Vietnam. Her maternal grandparents were charter members of the JWVA. Ms. Rosenshein served three times as the New Jersey Department President and played an integral role in establishing the David Blick Post No. 63 and Auxiliary in Elizabeth, New Jersey. During her visit to Florida. she continued her service to veterans by visiting the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Lauderdale and the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach, where she granted a wish to a veteran in hospice care as part of the JWVA Grant-A-Wish Program. I am proud to honor Freda Rosenshein, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Jewish War Veterans of America, and all the men and women who have defended our Nation through service in our Armed Forces. The debt we owe our veterans and those who selflessly serve them is immeasurable, and we must always strive to be a nation worthy of their heroic sacrifice.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and their National Commander, Jerome ``Jerry'' Blum. Mr. Blum paid his official visit to the JWV Florida Department on Sunday, January 24th in Deerfield Beach. For 85 years, the Jewish War Veterans has ensured that the rich history of Jewish Americans' service in our Armed Forces is not overlooked. In fact, over half a million Jewish Americans have served in major conflicts since World War II. This organization is unique in its efforts to combat bigotry and anti-Semitism while remaining inclusive of all veterans, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Jerry Blum's tenure as National Commander follows his honorable military service and longstanding involvement with the Jewish War Veterans. His past positions with the organization include Post Commander, Department Commander, and Department Quartermaster. He also publishes the Department of Connecticut's newsletter, The Shout Out. He is a member of many other veteran service organizations and has served as President of his synagogue. Outside the JWV, he and his wife are involved with Relay for Life and its efforts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. I am proud to honor Jerry Blum, the Jewish War Veterans of America, and all the men and women who have defended our Nation through service in our armed forces. The debt we owe our veterans and those who selflessly serve them is immeasurable, and we must always strive to be a nation worthy of their heroic sacrifice.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend. We should be looking for bipartisan ways to ensure that it is enforced with vigor and with the most stringent verification and compliance. If a violation occurs or if Iran continues to engage in illegal activities that were never a part of this nuclear deal, we must ensure that we have the tools to enact punishing new sanctions, hopefully, with the support of our international partners, but certainly with the full, bipartisan support of the United States Congress. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak about Iran on the floor of the U.S. House without making clear that every one of us--435 Members of the House of Representatives--stand united in our commitment to bringing home from Iran Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, Siamak Namazi, and, my constituent, Bob Levinson. They sit in Iran, but we look forward to welcoming them home.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member, Mr. Engel, for his leadership today. I deeply appreciate the bipartisan way that he and Chairman Royce have run our committee when it comes to the goal that we all share of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. I am also grateful for the commitment that my friend Mr. Russell has made to this same issue and to his service to our country. This legislation, unfortunately, doesn't advance this goal that we share, nor does it prevent Iran's other provocative, illegal, and destabilizing regional activities. I opposed the nuclear deal. I have been clear about my concerns with the deal itself and with what Iran might try to do with billions of dollars in sanctions relief. I have also been clear about my frustration that the ballistic missile tests undertaken by Iran in violation of U.S. and international law have not yet resulted in sanctions either by the United Nations Security Council or by the administration. Given the dangerous behavior that we have seen out of Iran in the past months and weeks with respect to its illicit ballistic missile program and its continued funding of Hezbollah in Syria, we should be working together to put forward legislation that strengthens the enforcement of the JCPOA and prevents Iran from continuing its sponsorship of terror, its illegal missile development, and its gross human rights violations. This bill, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, doesn't do any of those things. Some of my colleagues claim the bill will prevent entities from getting sanctions relief under the deal that have ties to terrorism or WMD proliferation. I expressed directly to the administration that they need to ensure that any entity that is subject to sanctions relief under the nuclear deal be carefully investigated and resanctioned if they are found to be engaging in support for terrorism or human rights abuses, but this bill doesn't do that. Instead, it requires certification that the 400 entities named in the JCPOA have never engaged in activities related to terrorism or the development of weapons of mass destruction. This standard will result in the administration devoting significant time and resources to a certification that can never be met, while also preventing--importantly preventing--implementation of the JCPOA. Instead of devoting the necessary resources to sanctioning individuals and entities that support terrorism and violate human rights--dangerous activities that were never part of the nuclear deal--it devotes enormous resources to a process that won't accomplish that. Iran must pay the price for its continued bad behavior. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today adds several of Iran's terrorist proxies to the banking provisions of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, one of our most important sanctions laws. Of course we want to stop banks from facilitating transactions to these terrorist organizations; but, unfortunately, some of our European friends attempt to distinguish between the military and political wings of terrorist groups. They shouldn't. There is no distinction. I have spoken out against this policy. Nevertheless, because of this discrepancy, by naming these specific terrorist groups in CISADA, this bill has the potential to cut off European banks from the U.S. financial system. Now is the time, Mr. Speaker, for us to be working with our allies to craft the toughest international sanctions to crack down on Iran's dangerous activities. Mr. Speaker, whether you supported this deal or not, as Mr. Engel said, it is going forward.