Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to adopt this important amendment to ensure that they have an opportunity to be heard when they are injured by an attorney of their choice. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, section 1983 that my friend, the chairman, refers to as to providing attorney's fees, requires a determination of attorney's fees by the number of hours reasonably expended on litigation multiplied by a reasonable hourly fee. This bill is very different from that. Instead of referring to hours and an hourly rate reasonably spent by an attorney, this bill requires the court to establish the value of the actual, equitable, or injunctive relief. As I have suggested already, I cannot think of anyone who would believe that we should leave it up to a court to put a value on our constitutional rights that are, without question, priceless in our democracy. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this good amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 134, ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 135, and ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 136.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, Michael Flynn's resignation does not close the book on the administration's coziness with Russia. It confirms the urgent need for a bipartisan investigation of Russia's ties to the Trump administration and its ongoing influence. It confirms the urgent need for the President to release his tax returns so the American people can see any business ties that the President has to Russia. We need a full, independent inquiry into not just the actions of Michael Flynn in one conversation with the Vice President, but the ongoing connections between the administration and Russia, because the one thing we know for sure is it doesn't stop there. President Trump's fawning praise of Putin and the previous resignation of other aides over their Russian ties made it clear that this is a problem that goes beyond General Flynn. What we have learned over the past 24 hours is that colluding with a foreign government or lying to the Vice President and others is not what brought Flynn down. It seems that it was only the disclosure of those lies that made it untenable for Flynn to remain. The White House was apparently okay with everything until the American people found out. We need to find out what else the White House and President Trump doesn't want us to know about their connection to the foreign power that interfered with our election, and we need to start today.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, it doesn't take a law degree. It doesn't take imagination. All it takes is common sense to see that President Trump's ownership and his family's operation of hotels and golf courses and rental properties is ripe for corruption. President Trump's failure to completely divest his ownership interest not only violates tradition followed by every other modern President, it is unconstitutional. The Constitution prohibits any U.S. official-- including President Trump--from taking payments from foreign governments. His ongoing involvement in The Trump Organization will let foreign governments funnel payments to his businesses. Foreign operatives will try to curry favor with the administration with no accountability to the American people. When he took the oath of office last week, President Trump swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Sadly, his refusal to cut his business ties has broken that vow in these very first days of his administration.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, I proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with thousands of strong women and their allies in south Florida. It was one of hundreds of demonstrations across the country and the globe, millions of people in the streets sending a loud message that rang out all across the world. But the GOP majority has chosen to ignore the calls for women to be able to control their own bodies and their own health care. This bill says to American women: your bodies, Washington's rules. The majority uses talking points about getting Washington out of health care when they are fighting to kick 32 million people off their insurance, but when it comes to women's bodies, House Republicans are happy to step between a woman and her doctor. As a man, I have never had to drive across State lines to find a doctor. I have never had my doctor silenced about a medical procedure. As a man, I have never had to endure an invasive and unnecessary procedure to satisfy someone else's twisted political desires. These experiences are all too common for women in America today. While I and my male colleagues in Congress get to have an open and honest relationship with our doctors, this bill will deepen the ugly fight against women's control of their own bodies. Reproductive rights are women's rights and must be respected. Show that respect by voting ``no'' on H.R. 7.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, last week, we observed a moment of silence to remember the victims 6 years after the Tucson shooting. Just yesterday, another moment of silence to remember the five people killed and six wounded when they were shot while waiting at the Fort Lauderdale Airport baggage claim. In those awful moments after the shooting, the airport was thrown into chaos and confusion. Yet, before we knew anything of the circumstances, every American could tell you what would come next because Congress has developed a well-worn routine in response to gun violence: first, shocking news of a deadly shooting, followed by thoughts and prayers, followed by a moment of silence on this floor, followed by a complete failure to take action. To truly honor the victims, moments of silence must be followed by productive discussions of policy: What will we do to keep our community safer? I ask my Republican colleagues, meet with me. Let's at least start a conversation here on the House floor. We can no longer remain silent during this epidemic of gun violence. Thoughts and prayers are all that we have offered the American people, and that is not enough.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, we came together this morning to read the United States Constitution and its 27 amendments. I offer a 28th amendment, an amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's disastrous decision in Citizens United: Section 1. To advance democratic self-government and political equality, and to protect the integrity of government and the electoral process, Congress and the States may regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections. Section 2. Congress and the States shall have power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation, and may distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence our elections. Section 3. Nothing in this article shall be construed to grant Congress or the States the power to abridge freedom of the press. Mr. Speaker, Citizens United let unlimited money flood into our elections and compromise our democracy. I ask all of my colleagues in this 115th Congress to join our effort to overturn it.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, in April of last year, 394 Members of this House sent a letter to the President urging him to oppose and veto if necessary any one-sided United Nations resolutions. Unfortunately, the resolution that passed the Security Council resolution without our veto was exactly that. It was one-sided. The resolution contained no fewer than five provisions on Israeli settlement activity. It calls the Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem illegal, and it characterizes Jews praying at the Western Wall as being in flagrant violation of international law. But even if you choose to accept every provision on settlement activity, the resolution included only one very general statement about violence. The U.N., which is historically biased against Israel, could not even condemn Palestinian terrorism against Israel as an obstacle to peace. It is, and the U.N. must acknowledge it. That is not balanced. It is one-sided. Today's resolution clearly supports the goal of two states: a Jewish democratic State of Israel living next to a demilitarized Palestinian state as it stands against one-sided U.N. resolutions to take us further than this goal. Please support this resolution.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the holiday season is upon us. We are getting ready to head home to spend time with family and friends, yet I rise today with a heavy heart. For the family of my constituent Robert Levinson of Coral Springs, Florida, these weeks are a painful reminder of another Thanksgiving, another Christmas--their 10th, in fact--without their father, grandfather, and husband.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky) for yielding. Madam Speaker, it is time to move on from this dangerous, partisan, and wasteful investigation into Planned Parenthood. This case is closed--after investigations with 13 States, three House committees, and a Texas Grand Jury that found no wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood. The majority wants $1.5 million from the American taxpayers to fund this dangerous sham when they know that they will never find evidence of wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood. But the evidence doesn't matter, Madam Speaker. The majority knows that, if they keep this farce in the headlines, it will do real damage to women seeking health care. They know that it will feed fake news sites on the Internet. They know that it will block women from exercising their constitutional rights. And they know that it will unfairly harass women's health clinics. Madam Speaker, they know that this will put abortion providers and their staff in danger. This panel serves no true investigatory purpose. It is a political tool. It is a disgrace. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Congresswoman Lois Frankel, rise today in memory of Harriet Sol, who passed away on November 20th. Her strength of character and her ever-outgoing and optimistic attitude is greatly missed by her loved ones and all who knew her. From the man she met on a Northeast train who eventually became her husband to the many recipients of her charity work, Harriet made an impact on everyone she met. Harriet never shied away from a new challenge to help others. Upon retirement, she and her husband Ed settled into life in Delray Beach, where her selfless efforts fundraising for the Andy Roddick Foundation for Children in Distress and for the local National Football League chapter charity earned her the ``Volunteer of the Year'' award at the Lakes of Delray. As vice president of the United South County Democratic Club and an active volunteer for the Palm Beach County Democratic Club, Harriet was known as a passionate activist and outreach expert. Harriet worked hard to better our community, and we have lost a great friend and mentor. It was an honor to have known her and to have represented her in the United States Congress.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Impact Broward and the critical work they do in South Florida. This vital organization has served Broward County through a dedicated commitment to providing at- risk children, veterans, senior citizens, and other individuals with the resources and care that they so urgently need. Each day, Impact Broward provides students with academic assistance, offers support to veterans, assists struggling senior citizens, and supports Broward County Non-Profits. These programs exist because of the strong commitment of all Impact Broward's staff, and I would like to especially acknowledge their President and CEO, Peter Kaldes, for the exceptional work that he has done to ensure that all Broward County residents get the care and support that they need. Congratulations to today's honorees: Dr. Philip Greenberg of the William ``Bill'' Kling VA Clinic, receiving the 2016 Edith S. Lederberg Wisdom in Action Award; Bruce Williams of the Pride Center, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award; Deputy Lauren Apollo of the Broward Sheriff's Office, receiving the Individual Award; Whole Foods Market, receiving the Award of Excellence; Flora Lathem of the Foster Grandparent Program, receiving the Robert Scott Public Service Award for Volunteering with Children; Jacqueline Coleman, receiving the Senior Companion Volunteer Award; Lisa Pohle, receiving the RSVP Seniors, Teachers Achieving Reading Success Volunteer Award; and American Express receiving the Corporate Excellence Award. I express deep appreciation for Impact Broward's great work. Their dedication to provide struggling individuals with critical attention and support is noble.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Engel. I thank Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce for moving forward with this critical piece of legislation to reauthorize the Iran Sanctions Act, which I am proud to introduce with the gentlemen. By extending the Iran Sanctions Act for another 10 years, we will cement the law that has, for 20 years, been the backbone of our Iran policy. Congress worked for many years in a bipartisan manner to craft economic sanctions that have brought maximum pressure on the Iran regime. In fact, it has always been Congress that has been at the forefront of sanctions policy. The nuclear deal is in place, and these sanctions provide the teeth when violations occur. Preserving our sanctions law should not be viewed by anyone as undermining the nuclear deal. It is, in fact, exactly the opposite. When the Iran nuclear agreement was negotiated, the entire success of the deal was predicated on the notion that, should Iran violate the deal, sanctions would immediately be snapped back into place. The very real threat of vigorous enforcement of U.S. sanctions is what holds Iran to its international obligations. Now, I was not a supporter of the nuclear deal, but that does not change the fact that the United States is a party to a multilateral agreement that we have an obligation to enforce vigorously. Strong sanctions from the European Union and the United Nations have come because of American leadership. We must continue to exercise that leadership. By living up to our obligations under the deal and by continuing to vigorously enforce the deal, including the willingness to snap back sanctions, we will be able to advance our interests. The Iran Sanctions Act expires in a matter of weeks. The time for action is now. I urge my colleagues to move swiftly to pass this bill and for the Senate to do the same. Even as we enforce the nuclear deal, Mr. Speaker, the United States must continue to lead the international community in confronting Iran's continued sponsorship of terrorism and its dangerous ballistic missile activity. We must ensure that Iran pays an economic price for endangering the world through its terror proxies, and we must galvanize the international community to bring home American and other foreign citizens whom Iran continues to detain, including my constituent, Bob Levinson. Iran has not lived up to its obligations to return Bob to his family. As we approach Thanksgiving, I plead with my colleagues in the House and I plead with my fellow citizens from around the country to stand with the Levinson family so that this is the last Thanksgiving they celebrate without their husband, their father, and their grandfather sitting beside them at the Thanksgiving table. We need to bring Bob Levinson home.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pola Berlin Dickstein, Dora Berlin Podziba, and Luba Berlin Marcus, three sisters who are celebrating their 85th birthdays on October 8th. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to them an extraordinary happy birthday and congratulations on this very special milestone. Born in Cuba to a Jewish Soviet refugee mother, their family was forced to leave as anti-Jewish sentiment spread. They arrived at Ellis Island on September 21, 1940 and settled in New York City. All three sisters eventually married veterans, and Pola settled in Boca Raton, where they are celebrating this special occasion. With their unique background and heritage, these sisters have never forgotten their roots. I wish all three of them a joyous and healthy year ahead surrounded by their loved ones. On behalf of my entire district and the United States Congress, mazel tov and happy birthday.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sue Watson, who celebrated her 80th birthday on October 8th. I would like to take this opportunity to extend to her my wishes for an extraordinary, happy birthday and congratulations on this very special milestone. Sue Watson was born on October 8, 1936 in South Bend, IN. She and her family moved to Palm Beach in 1976. In 1981, Sue was one of the founding members of Temple Judea and in 1982 was among the representative members of Palm Beach County at the first United Jewish Appeal Campaign Leadership Gathering in Israel. An avid dancer, Sue has won numerous ballroom dance competitions and awards--as well as the envy of her peers. She has dedicated her life to caring for others, from volunteering to care for infants born with HIV to her work helping patients at Hospice of Palm Beach County. Sue would say her most important work, however, is being the mother of Jodi and Brad Ochstein and the grandmother of Chris and Jake Ochstein, all of whom love her and were thrilled to be with her to celebrate her 80th birthday. I am honored to recognize Sue Watson in the Congressional Record, and I wish her a joyous and enriching year ahead. Happy birthday.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman, and I thank my friend, the ranking member. I have to oppose the amendment of my friend from Kansas. I oppose the amendment not because of what my friend is trying to accomplish, but because of the way that we are trying to do it. I proudly represent Bob Levinson, who went missing on March 9, 2007. He is the longest held American in history. We have worked tirelessly in this House--working with my friend, the sponsor of this amendment; Mr. Royce, the chairman of the committee; and Mr. Engel, the ranking member, we have worked in a strong, bipartisan way, all of us together, to bring Bob home. By amending this legislation--which I explained last week in our committee hearing why I opposed, just as the ranking member did today, because of the risks that the underlying bill causes in violating our legal obligations under the Algiers Accords that has yielded over $2.5 billion for American claimants and prohibiting settlement of claims until certification, that requirement that could prevent the U.S. from reaching settlement. This is a piece of legislation that we oppose. The goal is to continue to ensure that everything we do in focusing on bringing Bob home is done in a way that can pass with overwhelming support. So, unfortunately, I have to oppose my good friend's amendment. But I want to thank him for the effort of focusing attention, again, on American citizens who continue to be held in Iran. Eight months ago we were told when Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Jason Rezaian finally were able to return home to their families and that the Iranians agreed to continue cooperating with the United States to determine the whereabouts of Robert Levinson. It is 8 months later, and Bob Levinson is not home with his family in Coral Springs, Florida. I look forward to working with my friend from Kansas and I look forward to working with every Member of this House and all of us in this country who understand that as long as there are Americans being held and as long as Bob Levinson, the longest held American in history, continues to be missing in Iran that this House of Representatives will not rest, and that we will continue to pay attention and work together to find ways to maximize our efforts to bring him home through whatever pressure is necessary. It is intolerable that we have to come to the floor over and over and over again as this poor family continues to wait for the return of their father and grandfather. I thank my friend for helping to raise this issue. I, unfortunately, have to oppose the amendment for the reasons that I have stated. But I look forward to working together with my friend from Kansas, Democrats, Republicans, and all of the people of goodwill in this House and in this country until we bring him home.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend, Mr. Engel. Mr. Chairman, the goal here tonight, I think, is to both simultaneously ensure that we don't take any action that would make it difficult for Americans to bring claims to the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal that would enhance our ability to continue with our legal obligations under the Algiers Accords but that will also focus on the very specific problem that we have at hand. Mr. Engel's substitute amendment, I think, will permit us to do all of that. It carries over the provision from the underlying bill that requires reporting to Congress on claims settlements and payments to Iran, it enhances our ability to be aware of and to have greater disability of transfer of funds to Iran going forward, and it ensures that Congress will be able to keep in sharp focus before any of those transfers happen so that we can then act accordingly. And I would just remind everyone that we have really done meaningful work in the House under the leadership of the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Royce, and the ranking member, Mr. Engel. We have done meaningful work because we have been able to work together to take on the threats posed by Iran. It is because of the work, the bipartisan effort, the work that has been done together that Iran faced unprecedented economic sanctions. And it is because of the work, again, that has been done in a bipartisan way that members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, who direct the funding of terror and commit egregious human rights violations, continue to remain sanctioned. And it is because of the efforts of Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel that banks continue to be weary of dealing with Iran, and Iran is still fully unable to access the international financial market in U.S. dollars. So there are plenty of examples of the good work that we have done together. When we work together on these issues of critical importance, the country is stronger and safer. I think Mr. Engel's amendment will provide us the opportunity to go forward in a bipartisan way in a manner that, again, will help the United States be stronger and safer. I know that is everyone's goal, both on the Foreign Affairs Committee and in the House. That is why I support the amendment, and that is why I urge my colleagues to also support it.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted rollcall No. 524, ``nay.''

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends, Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce, for their efforts. A sincere thanks to my dear friend, Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her partnership on this effort, her unyielding commitment to seeing that there is justice. She has been a tireless advocate for Holocaust survivors and the entire community. I also want to thank our Florida colleague, Senator Bill Nelson, and Senator Collins, for spearheading this effort in the Senate. We share a deep commitment to ensuring that every survivor can live out his or her life with dignity. It is a commitment that was inspired each and every day by those in our own communities. But for me, especially, it was a commitment inspired every day by our great friend and Holocaust survivor, my constituent, Jack Rubin. Jack survived Auschwitz and three other death camps before he was liberated at age 16. He was the only member of his family to survive. For decades, Jack fought for the needs of the survivor community. He fought for the right to seek justice. He was a voice for so many of those who had no one to speak for them. He traveled to Washington, D.C., many times at his own expense, well into his eighties. He testified in front of Congress. For me, Jack was a friend and a mentor. He was a cheerleader, he was an eternal optimist. He believed that it wasn't too late, it was never too late, to make a real difference in the lives of those who had suffered history's greatest tragedy. When the House version of this resolution passed back in June, Jack was watching from his home in Boynton Beach, Florida. When I returned to my office from speaking on the floor, I had a message from Jack telling me that he had tears in his eyes as he watched the House vote and that it was the best birthday present he could have asked for. Jack Rubin passed away in July, just days before the Senate passed this resolution. His wife, Shirley, his children, and especially his grandchildren, understood the commitment that he made throughout his lifetime to help those in need, especially in the survivor community. And while significant progress has been made on survivor care, Jack did not, unfortunately, live to see the day when every Holocaust survivor has his or her medical and mental health care needs met. So we continue this fight. We will press on, and passing this resolution today is the first step in continuing the legacy of my friend, Jack Rubin. When the House passed a version of this resolution in June, we were awaiting the results of a special round of negotiations between the German Government and the Claims Conference. In December 2015, the Government of Germany acknowledged the significant gap in funding for survivor care. As a result, Germany agreed to a new, high-level working group that would conduct additional negotiations aimed to close the gap for funding of home care needs. In an effort to make clear the severity of the needs and the critical importance of these negotiations, Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and I introduced the House companion to this resolution. The introduction and passage of that resolution, which urged the German Government to fulfill its moral and financial obligations to victims of the Holocaust, sent a very clear message to our German friends that the U.S. Congress was watching these negotiations. As we watched, a significant increase in home care funding was announced for 2016 and 2017, and a new agreement reached for 2018. Arbitrary caps placed on the number of home care hours allowed were also lifted. This is a commendable step forward, but there are still so many unmet needs. I am deeply appreciative of the decades-long commitment of the German Government to caring for survivors. I have spoken directly to Chancellor Merkel about this commitment, and I know that it is personal for her. I want our German friends to understand that this isn't about getting to a specific dollar figure. This is about continuing to meet all needs for a very small, very fragile part of the population that is rapidly aging. This is the last chance to make sure that those who suffered through the most horrific crimes against humanity are cared for. Survivors are in their eighties, nineties, and into their one hundreds. There is a finite amount of time left. This is not an indefinite commitment on the part of Germany. The resolution before us today continues to support the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust victims in the United States and around the world are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years. No amount of money can ever erase the tragedies of the past. No amount of money is ever a substitute for justice. But the day-to-day suffering of this very vulnerable population can be eased. The needs of elderly survivors are exacerbated by their physical and mental experiences during the Holocaust. Leaving their own homes for institutionalized care is often not an option. The tragic loss of many family members at the hands of Nazis means that many survivors rely on social services for meal deliveries or rides to doctor appointments. These are the most basic of human needs, and they deserve to have them met. I want to thank my friend, Chairman Ros-Lehtinen, and I want to thank Ranking Member Engel and Chairman Royce for their support, and Senator Nelson and Senator Collins for their efforts in the Senate. I want to urge my colleagues to join us in urging Germany to ensure basic dignity and comfort for survivors. When you look into the eyes of survivors in my district, as I do quite often, they worry about others. They say: Never again. But we should worry about them. For their remaining time on this Earth, they deserve peace through living out their lives with dignity. Germany can help make sure that they do. Jack Rubin knew and fought for that literally until his last breath, and this resolution commits Congress to that fight for dignity.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Engel for his support of this resolution and his outspoken and unwavering support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. I also thank Chairman Royce for his support of this as well. And to my friend and partner, Representative Ros- Lehtinen, I thank her as well. It is wonderful working with her on so many issues, but in particular our work on the committee to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. Thanks as well to Representatives Granger and Lowey for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, reports indicate that the United States and Israel are very close to signing a new memorandum of understanding, a 10-year MOU on security systems. This resolution before us today is very straightforward. It urges the conclusion of those negotiations. It doesn't prescribe terms of the MOU. It says that we need to get the MOU finished. This resolution has the overwhelming bipartisan support of over 275 Members of this House who are cosponsors. Now, the MOU is the backbone of our security relationship with Israel. The assistance provided has ensured and will continue to ensure that Israel is able to defend herself against any and all threats. The threats that Israel faces increase every day. Every day the threat of rocket attacks from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or Hezbollah looms. Every day Hezbollah adds more advanced rockets to its arsenal of over 150,000 capable of reaching every corner of Israel. Every day Iran transfers advanced technology and weapons to its terror proxies who target Israel. And every day Hamas is attempting to re-dig tunnels farther and farther into Israel. ISIS militants edge closer to Israel's border in the Sinai, and the fighting in Syria creeps closer and closer into the Golan Heights. Terrorist groups now have unprecedented, sophisticated capabilities, and many of these pose a strategic threat to the broader region. Mr. Speaker, Israel must have the resources that it needs to protect the safety and security of its territory and its people and, in turn, to preserve our own security and interests in the region. Throughout these negotiations, the administration has said that it is prepared to conclude the largest ever aid package to Israel. Now, these funds, coupled with our enduring commitment to preserving Israel's qualitative military edge, will help Israel remain strong and secure. And as the only democracy in the region, Israel stands as a beacon of hope for those around the world who recognize the global threat of terrorism and for those who value opportunity, equality, and freedom. When this Congress speaks with one voice, Israel is stronger and safer. By passing this resolution, this Congress is sending a message to the world that we stand united in support of a new MOU, in support of Israel's right to self-defense, and in strong support of the U.S.- Israel relationship. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel), my friend and the author of this resolution.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I just returned after a weekend in south Florida where people wanted to talk about two things: remembering 9/11 and wondering why Congress can't figure out how to find the necessary funding for Zika. This morning, Dr. Fauci of the NIH said that if we don't act, we are at risk of halting the investigation into coming up with a vaccine that can help prevent people from getting Zika. After 9/11, everyone in this country was able to come together as one. We all remember how that felt. My colleague, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, stood on the floor just now and talked about the bipartisan support for funding research and a response to Zika. In this partisan body, let's remember how that felt to stand together, and let's stand together for the people of south Florida and the people in this country and do the right thing and pass a clean Zika funding bill.