Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

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

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chairman, I have a letter of support for this amendment that is signed by 66 local, national and State groups, which I submit for the Record. June 5, 2013. Re H.R. 2217--Support Rep. Deutch's Amendment to Eliminate the Immigration Detention Bed Mandate Hon. John Boehner, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Boehner and Minority Leader Pelosi: As organizations that work to protect and advance the rights of individuals in immigration detention, we write to encourage bipartisan support of Rep. Deutch's amendment (co-sponsored by Rep. Foster) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act, H.R. 2217, that would eliminate the immigration detention bed mandate. Congress has mandated through appropriations that DHS maintain a daily immigration detention level of 34,000 individuals, a micro-managing approach that does not exist in any other law enforcement context. DHS already uses a Risk Assessment Tool to help determine whether an individual presents a risk of flight or a risk to public safety and whether that person should be detained. Yet the bed ``mandate'' precludes the agency from making decisions about detention based on its enforcement priorities, policies, and need. It also makes increased efficiencies, effective alternatives to detention, and other cost-savings efforts for taxpayers impossible--an irresponsible approach for the federal government to take when Washington seeks to reduce federal spending. Alternatives to detention have received bipartisan support for its cost-savings from groups such as the Council on Foreign Relations' Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy, the Heritage Foundation, the Pretrial Justice Institute, the Texas Public Policy Foundation (home to Right on Crime), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Conference of Chief Justices. Today, taxpayers pay upward of $2 billion a year to fund immigration detention, approximately $5.5 million each day. Decades ago, criminal justice and correctional experts observed that holding all individuals subject to incarceration in jails or prisons was unsustainable, unnecessary, and a wasteful use of resources. It is common in the criminal justice system to use an array of less costly custody options, such as electronic monitoring and house arrest, to meet pre-trial and post-sentencing needs. The federal sentencing guidelines expressly allow substitution of a prison sentence with alternatives to incarceration. The immigration detention system should follow suit and conform to established best practices. We urge you to support this important amendment, which will eliminate this arbitrary immigration detention quota and save critical taxpayer dollars. Please feel free to contact Royce Murray with any questions. Sincerely, National Organizations Adrian Dominican Sisters. All of Us or None. American Civil Liberties Union. American Friends Service Committee. American Immigration Lawyers Association. Americans for Immigrant Justice, formerly Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. America's Voice. Arab American Institute. Congregation of St. Joseph. Detention Watch Network. Human Rights First. Immigration Equality Action Fund. Japanese American Citizens League. Justice for Immigrants. Justice Strategies. League of United Latin American Citizens. Lutheran Immigration Refugee Service. NAFSA: Association of International Educators. National Center for Transgender Equality. National Council of La Raza (NCLR). National Immigrant Justice Center. National Immigration Forum. National Immigration Law Center. Physicians for Human Rights. Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, OH. Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF. Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, O'Fallon, MO. Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary. South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). Southern Poverty Law Center. The Advocates for Human Rights. The Center for APA Women. UC Davis Immigration Law Clinic. Women's Refugee Commission. State Organizations Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma. California Immigrant Policy Center. Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. Maria Baldini-Potermin & Associates, PC. Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. New York Immigration Coalition. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. OneAmerica. Pax Christi Florida. Political Asylum Immigration Representation Project. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Justice Team. Vermont Immigration and Asylum Advocates. Voces de la Frontera. Local Organizations Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition. Dominican Sisters of Houston. Gesu Immigration Study Group. Good Shepherd Immigration Study Group. Gospel Justice Committee Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon, MO. Immigration Taskforce, SWPA Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Justice and Peace Committee/Sisters of St Joseph/West Hartford, CT. Justice for Immigrants, District 4 & 5. Milwaukee New Sanctuary Movement. PCUN, Oregon's Farmworker Union. Reformed Church of Highland Park, NJ. Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester. University of Miami School of Law Immigration Clinic. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I stand here today because the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, SNAP, is not a form of government waste. There is nothing wasteful about a program that, through providing modest assistance to low-income families, has nearly eliminated severe hunger in the United States of America. The average SNAP benefit provides only $1.40 per meal. Already, this forces many seniors and families with young children to skip meals throughout the week or face a shortage in food by the end of the month. We already know that children who go hungry are more likely to struggle in school and face serious health problems and less likely to escape poverty as adults. The GOP's proposed cuts to SNAP of $20 billion amount to punishing children who struggle with hunger that is beyond their control. Don't we have a national interest in protecting families who are struggling to feed themselves? Our budget is a moral document. And, Madam Speaker, there is nothing moral about abandoning America's families and American children who are struggling with hunger.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, it was President John F. Kennedy who famously said, ``Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.'' Last week, some members of the United States Senate took the easy way out when they voted down the most basic measures to curb gun violence in America. Today, I ask my friends and colleagues in this body, Democrats and Republicans alike, to pray for the courage to stand with the American people and to refuse to accept the profound failure of the United States Senate. For the parents of those children lost in Newtown and for the families of the nearly 86 Americans who die of gunshot wounds every day, there are no easy days. Doing what's right, like stopping criminals from buying weapons online and cracking down on illegal gun trafficking, will not cost anyone a vote at the ballot box, for the American people know that these measures don't threaten the Second Amendment; they only protect the rights of all Americans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mr. Speaker, too many lives have been lost, and too many lives are on the line not to get something done.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 11 outstanding seniors from my district that have been selected to be part of the Broward Senior Hall of Fame. Through the generous donation of their time and resources, these exemplary seniors have displayed a level of commitment to public service that can be admired by all. The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County offers this annual distinction to seniors who have dedicated themselves to improving their community in South Florida. From ordinary citizens and businesspeople to public servants and advocates, they have gone above and beyond to serve both the elderly and those in need. The amount of time, money, 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 Judge Arthur Birken, Florida Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Josephine D'Espies, Pauline Grant, William Giroux, Sandra Harris, Dr. Robert Levy, June and John McCarthy, John Primeau, and Margaret Reilly on their election to the 2013 Senior Hall of Fame. I hope that by honoring them they can continue to inspire South Floridians to live by their example.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to have the opportunity to welcome one of my constituents, Rabbi Robert Silvers, of the Congregation B'Nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida, as he offered the opening prayer here today. He is a leader in the Jewish community in south Florida. His life epitomizes the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam--bettering the world. Rabbi Silvers' impact is felt well beyond the 1,200 families of Congregation B'Nai Israel, with pastoral work and care that he provides not only to his own congregation but also to the greater local community as a volunteer chaplain for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He has served as president of the Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis and as president of the Greater Boca Raton Religious Leaders Association, an interfaith coalition of clergy. Rabbi Silvers has been involved in education and interfaith dialogue throughout south Florida. I'm proud to call Rabbi Silvers and his wife, Ava, friends. I welcome them and all of his congregants who watched on C-SPAN as he delivered this meaningful prayer.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Richard D. Steinberg, who recently received the Mitzvah Society Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Rich is a respected financial advisor, dedicated community leader, and generous philanthropist who I am also proud to call my friend. That Rich has received this prestigious award should be no surprise. Rich is known to his friends and colleagues as a compassionate leader who always puts the well-being of his family, clients, and community above all else. These qualities have contributed to his success as a Chartered Financial Analyst and as President and CIO of Steinberg Global Asset Management. In this role, Rich helps individuals, companies, philanthropists, donors and other clients manage their investments so that they can achieve their goals. While Rich's professional life alone is worthy of admiration, it is his involvement in the South Florida community that truly sets him apart. A proud Jewish American, Rich's commitment to his community has led him to serve in many leadership roles for the Jewish Federation for South Palm Beach County and the Jacobsen Jewish Community Foundation. Rich serves on the Governance Committee for the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) of the Jewish Federation for South Palm Beach County, and is Vice Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Jewish Federation for South Palm Beach County's Foundation Executive Committee. He has also helped secure millions of dollars for local projects in South Florida while balancing these efforts as a devoted husband to a lovely wife and an energetic father who regularly volunteers at his children's schools. Rich is a model citizen whose dedication to faith, family, friends, and clients has made an immeasurable impact on our community. It is truly an honor to recognize his contributions today.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, every budget should be viewed through the lens of the American people. The hardworking Floridians I represent want to know: Does the Ryan budget put Americans back to work or back on unemployment? The moms and dads I represent want to know: Does the Ryan budget invest in our children or does it ignore our outdated public schools? The small business owners I represent want to know: Does the Republican budget fix our rigged Tax Code or does it protect special interest loopholes? The retirees I represent want to know: Does this budget protect Medicare or does it abandon seniors in the face of skyrocketing health care costs? The answer is: no. No, the Ryan budget will not put people back to work. No, it doesn't invest in our schools. No, it does not end special interest giveaways. No, it does not protect Medicare. The Ryan Republican budget does not stand by our communities, and it doesn't invest in our future. That's why I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Republican budget.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Solar Challenge, a U.S. Department of Energy grand- funded program that encourages residents and businesses of Broward County to convert to solar energy. I would like to applaud the program and its sponsors for establishing a simplified and streamlined process for Broward County residents and businesses to obtain photovoltaic rooftop solar systems. I have been a long time supporter of solar power as a way to create new jobs in South Florida and move our country towards a more secure energy future. With some of our nation's most beautiful environmental treasures, including our beaches and the Everglades, I believe these natural resources must be protected by further investments in renewable energy options. Improving our access to innovative clean energy technologies will help curb our dependence on fossil fuels, thereby benefitting our environment, economy, and national security. The Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Challenge provides an important service to the county by making solar power more accessible to local residents and businesses. I am thankful to this conference for bringing together government officials, local businesses, and private citizens committed to solar energy to share information and resources. I want to particularly thank Kristin Jacobs, Broward County Mayor, for her leadership in spreading green energy to the region. Congratulations to the Go SOLAR Broward Rooftop Challenge team and all of the conference participants for taking action to spread solar power resources to South Florida.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alliance for Lupus Research's tenth annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus. Since its creation, Walk with Us To Cure Lupus has promoted awareness in our community and raised over one million dollars in support of medical research aimed at curing this disease. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system attacks normal, healthy tissues. The underlying causes are unknown, and there is no cure. This disease may cause damage to various parts of the body including skin, joints, and internal organs. As a chronic disease, those who suffer from lupus can endure months of symptoms that may reemerge as flares throughout their lives. It is estimated that over 1.5 million Americans have lupus, including 100,000 people in my home state of Florida. The worldwide total is now over 5 million. It is important that we continue to support research to develop better treatments and find a cure, educate our friends, families, and health care professionals to improve diagnosis and treatment, and promote awareness of this disease and advocate on the behalf of those who are affected by it. I am especially proud of the many Floridians who have contributed to these efforts. In particular, I would like to recognize my good friend and the district director for Florida's 21st Congressional District, Wendi Lipsich. Wendi was diagnosed with lupus 25 years ago. While she is well-known for her energetic advocacy on behalf of seniors, children, and families throughout our community, she deserves special recognition today for her contribution to the Alliance for Lupus Research. Ten years ago, with the help of her friends Allison Rubin and Randy Netko, Wendi launched the first annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus event in South Florida. Eight hundred people attended the first walk in 2004 and raised $200,000. Each year since, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised exclusively for the purpose of research into curing lupus. In total, the Alliance for Lupus Research has committed $81 million to develop a greater understanding of this disease and find a cure. This weekend on March 3, 2013, hundreds of participants will join together at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida to walk together in support of lupus research. I commend all of the participants and donors that will make the tenth annual Walk With Us To Cure Lupus a success. Congratulations to Wendi, Allison, and the other organizers of this year's walk. Together, you are providing hope to the millions of families touched by lupus and bringing our nation closer to finally discovering a cure.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Young Israel of Boca Raton, Florida synagogue. I would like to recognize them for their service to the Jewish community of South Florida and the local community as a whole. Founded in 1988, the Young Israel of Boca Raton has served as a center of Jewish identity and education for the South Palm Beach County community. I want to particularly acknowledge Yakov (Jason) and Ruchie Lyons, the special honorees during the Silver Anniversary celebration, for their dedication to the synagogue and its emphasis on prayer, study, and community service. I would like to congratulate the Young Israel of Boca Raton synagogue, an extraordinary Jewish community of South Florida, on their 25th Silver Anniversary. Hopefully, through their example, the Young Israel's philosophy and spiritual guidance can extend far beyond South Florida.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speak, today I rise in honor of Doctor Susan M. Widmayer and the Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDTC). I would like to honor both Susan and the CDTC on their excellent research on infant mortality and efforts to improve the lives of children and their parents. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Widmayer, the Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Broward County has made great strides in providing special care for children with disabilities and mothers with HIV. When the CDTC started, Florida had one of the worst infant mortality rates in the country. As a result, Dr. Widmayer and her staff committed to improving the health prospects of children throughout South Florida. Thanks in part to the research by the CDTC, world HIV transmission rates from mother to infant dropped from 25 percent in the mid '90s to around 3 percent today. When no one else would care for the tens of thousands of children with impoverished parents, Dr. Widmayer answered the call. Approximately 70 percent of the Center's clients live in poverty, but that has not stopped the CDTC from providing prevention, intervention and treatment services. Every patient that walks into the CDTC is welcome, regardless of family income. By serving the specialized needs of these children, Dr. Widmayer is giving them the opportunity and care that no other institution would. Today I would like to honor Dr. Widmayer and the Children's Diagnostic Treatment Center, and I hope that they will continue to serve our communities by improving the lives of children throughout South Florida.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today disappointed that my amendment to the Require a PLAN Act has been left out of this rule. This bill is bad political theater. Not even the devastatingly dangerous Ryan budget could achieve the balanced budget in 2014 this bill demands of the President. Setting this silliness aside, my amendment would address a separate issue: this bill's use of the phrase ``unified budget'' and the inclusion of Social Security as part of that unified budget. This is a blatant attempt to nullify Social Security's historic independence from the Federal budget. Social Security is funded by the payroll tax. It was created with its own revenue stream so these hard-earned benefits would never fall victim to the political shenanigans of a Congress like this one. As President Franklin Roosevelt said: With those taxes in there, no damn politician can ever scrap my Social Security. Mr. Speaker, Social Security is not an item in the budget. It is social insurance that protects all Americans against destitution due to old age, a disability or illness, or the death of a breadwinner. Workers have built up $2.7 trillion in the Social Security trust fund which ensures that benefits will be paid in full at least until the mid-2030s. I have called for small adjustments to strengthen Social Security for the long term, and I'm ready to have that debate. But to put Social Security on the general budget's ledger as America's largest generation retires is simply beyond the pale. This bill, Mr. Speaker, puts Social Security on the GOP chopping block. This is a dangerous precedent. We cannot allow the accounting tricks in this bad legislation to endanger the Social Security that keeps so many Americans financially secure. President Truman said: Social Security is not a dole or a device for giving everybody something for nothing. True Social Security must consist of rights which are earned rights that are guaranteed by the law of the land. Today, Mr. Speaker, these earned rights of millions of Americans are in jeopardy, as is that guarantee. We must vote down this rule and we must vote down this bad bill.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 834, which urges the European Union to take steps to swiftly designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Despite its history of violent civilian attacks, our European partners in fighting terrorism as a whole have yet to formally recognize Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization. Mr. Speaker, the failure of the EU to gain consensus on this matter serves as a grave injustice to those who have been the victims of terror attacks masterminded and carried out by Hezbollah throughout the world. From the suicide truck bombings of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in April 1983 that killed 63, the U.S. Marine barracks bombing in October 1983 that killed 241 American military personnel, a separate attack on the French military compound that killed 58, as well as the hijacking of TWA 847 in 1995 and Hezbollah's role in the 1994 bombing of the Israel-Argentine Mutual Aid Association in Buenos Aires that killed 85, right up to the terrorist attack this summer at a Bulgarian airport that killed six, Hezbollah has shown its propensity to attack civilians and to attack them anywhere in the world. It's also shown its propensity to attack even within Lebanon, where the group is responsible for the 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Hariri. Hezbollah and its state sponsor Iran continually spread anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rhetoric and excitement, with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah recently threatening to rain down rockets on Israel ``from the Lebanese border to Jordan to the Red Sea, from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat,'' prompting harsh rebukes from several prominent members of Lebanon's Parliament. By failing to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, Hezbollah is free to continue its operations, including recruiting and fundraising in Europe. Mr. Speaker, we deeply value our relationship with our European allies, including our joint commitment to combatting terror around the globe. We appreciate their partnership in enacting crushing sanctions designed to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions, but we do not understand the failure of our friends to join together in stopping this organization's reign of terror. That's why we are here this morning speaking about House Resolution 834. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd like to thank my friend, Congressman Kelly, as well as Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Ranking Member Berman for their leadership on this issue. My friend, Mr. Engel, the incoming ranking member, I look forward to working with you, continuing to work on these vitally important issues. I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to support this resolution.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend from Maine. I rise today and urge unanimous support for H.R. 6443, to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs facility in Sunrise as the Bill Kling VA Clinic. Naming this clinic after Bill Kling is more than a way to honor the memory of a great man. It's a most fitting way to acknowledge one of Bill's greatest accomplishments as a tireless advocate for south Florida's veterans. Because of Bill Kling, Florida's veterans are better cared for. Year after year he fought for the benefits that our veterans so rightfully earned during their service, including education under the GI Bill and health care through the VA. His achievements were many, but it was the opening of the clinic in Sunrise that Bill was the most proud of. He had previously assisted with the establishment of an outpatient clinic in Oakland Park. As the years passed and the facility was no longer suitable to care for the veterans, he started on what would be a 13-year project of establishing a new facility. After years of obstacles, the clinic opened in 2008 on his birthday. He commented at the time that the fight was not for a building, the fight was for better health care for our veterans. Now, thanks to Bill Kling and thanks to his vision, veterans in south Florida have a local VA health care facility available to them. The veterans from the west side of the county are able to receive medical assistance without the burden of having to travel long distances. I urge my colleagues to join me in renaming this clinic in his honor. Every veteran cared for in this clinic is part of Bill's lasting legacy. I'm humbled to remember him today not just as a community leader but as a friend. I commend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, my good friend and colleague, for her introduction of this bill and her comments honoring the memory of Mr. Kling. He truly was caring and compassionate, a loyal person and a loyal friend. He made everyone who crossed his path feel as though they were the most special person he knew. Finally, Mr. Speaker, when we announced the legislation to rename this facility at the facility there were some veterans standing out in front waiting to go in. They asked what the hubbub was about, and they asked why all the TV cameras, and I explained to them who Bill Kling was and why this was being done. They were grateful for the opportunity to know, and now veterans just like those veterans, when they walk through the front door, will learn not only about Bill Kling but will learn of his example as a veteran for continuing to work hard every single day for his fellow veterans. What a great honor we're bestowing on his family by honoring his memory in this way. Again, I urge my colleagues to unanimously support H.R. 6443, honoring this late, great American.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank my friend from Connecticut. I rise tonight to join all Americans in grieving for the innocent children and brave adults horrifically slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday. What happened in Newtown, Connecticut, is every parent's worst nightmare. Every parent who sends a child off to school each morning takes a leap of faith that he or she will be home that night for a hug, a family dinner, and for a kiss goodnight. For my wife and me, our three children are the center of our lives. Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel--that all Americans feel-- for the families whose children were so viciously taken away. Tonight, the American people are united in grief. In the coming days, a national conversation will take place on how to make our Nation just a little bit safer, and we must remain united. Never mind that some will feel threatened by this conversation and others will try to stop it altogether. This unspeakable crime was driven by unspeakable evil. Yet when it comes to preventing such heinous acts, nothing should stop us from speaking out; but more than that, nothing should stop us from taking action. By preventing another massacre, by stopping this rampaging gun violence, we will honor the memory of every 6- and 7-year-old child and every brave member of the Sandy Hook community we mourn for this evening. Please, please let us do more than talk. Please let us do more than give speeches. Let us come together to act to make America safer.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, exposure to cancer-causing agents increases every American's risk of cancer, and they are found in everyday products and in the environment. Since only 5 percent of cancer is caused by genetic factors, people can reduce their risk of getting cancer by the other 95 percent of causes by reducing their exposure to carcinogens. We all know that we can reduce our risk of getting cancer by wearing sunscreen, quitting smoking, and steering clear of asbestos. But what about everyday products? Which makeup has carcinogens? Which pesticides? Which air fresheners, carpet cleaners, flea collars, and yes, food items, increase your family's risk of cancer? Which baby shampoos? The reality is consumers do not know. Even if our constituents memorized the list of known and probable carcinogens, many substances in consumer products remain hidden. Words like ``fragrance'' and ``artificial flavoring'' are used in place of specific ingredients to protect companies' trade secrets, and they should. But there is no denying that this protection makes it harder for consumers to make fully informed choices. And even if known carcinogens were not part of a product's ingredient list, certain manufacturing or storage practices can result in the introduction of carcinogens into a product, which then can pass into your body. Today, along with my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), I am introducing legislation called the ``Carcinogen-Free Label Act.'' Under this bipartisan bill, manufacturers who would like to market their products as being completely free of all known carcinogens would be allowed to seek a ``carcinogen-free'' label. By submitting a confidential application to be evaluated by the agency that regulates its specific product, a manufacturer could provide consumers assurance that the product is free of known carcinogens without having to divulge valuable trade secrets. The voluntary application would protect manufacturers' hard-earned intellectual property and could not be used by any agency of government for any reason other than determining the product's ``carcinogen-free'' status. The application would simply include a full list of substances and a demonstrated adherence to best carcinogen-avoidance practices in manufacture, storage, and transportation. In addition, this program would not mandate any new bureaucracy to evaluate carcinogens; it simply creates a process for agencies to compare ingredients lists against existing government lists of known and probable carcinogens. Unlike other well-intentioned efforts to get carcinogens out of consumer products, this legislation would not rely on mandates or bans. If a manufacturer does not choose to apply, there is no penalty. The labeling program is 100 percent voluntary. It would simply harness the power of the free market, enabling consumers to choose safer products for themselves and their families. I urge my colleagues to pass this market-driven legislation and give consumers and families across America the power to opt-out of cancer- causing substances in everyday products.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, in the past 24 hours alone, terrorists along the Gaza Strip have launched more than 250 rockets into southern Israel. That's 250 rockets in 1 day since Hamas began its strikes. Imagine 250 rockets raining down in 1 day on your community anywhere in the United States. We would expect our government to act to protect our citizens. Israel is acting to protect her citizens. Israel has the right to protect her citizens from terrorist attacks. In the early hours of this morning, three Israeli civilians died when a rocket from Gaza struck the top floor of an apartment building. Later in the day, a rocket hit just 10 miles from Tel Aviv. The United States mourns the loss of life at the hands of Hamas terrorists. We will not waver in our support of Israel's right to defend herself against these and other attacks. The right of any nation to defend its citizens can never be called into question. Mr. Speaker, at this challenging time for our great ally, the United States stands with Israel.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the gentlelady's amendment to yet another bill that will never become law, another bill that feeds into the biggest problem we have here. The 112th Congress has actually set a sad new low for our democracy. We all know that President Harry Truman famously dubbed the 80th Congress in 1948 as the ``do-nothing Congress.'' Yet the do-nothing Congress of 1948 has nothing on this one. That Congress passed over 900 laws, while the 112th Congress has passed just over 100. Among the countless laws blocked by the Republican majority is the American Jobs Act, which economists say would create over 2\1/2\ million jobs. It's a sad day when the main drag on America's economy is the U.S. House of Representatives. Most Americans actually have to earn their vacation days, Mr. Chairman. The only thing the Congress has earned are abysmal approval ratings. The 112th Congress puts Harry Truman's do-nothing Congress to shame. At a time when our economy should come first, that, Mr. Chairman, is shameful. I rise in strong support of the gentlelady's amendment to a bill that prevents us from actually accomplishing the real work the American people expect from us.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember September 11 alongside the City of Coral Springs, Florida as they host a memorial service to honor the victims of September 11th. Though eleven years have passed since this horrific attack on our nation, the attack is no less devastating today. Each year since the attacks, dedicated members of the Coral Springs community have worked to plan memorial services to remember those lost and honor their memory. It is truly an honor to recognize the community and this important initiative on this day. Seeing communities across the country come together to remember the victims is one of the few bright developments to rise out of this great tragedy. In collaboration with generous donors and volunteers, members of the Coral Springs community built the September 11th Memorial at the Coral Springs NW Regional Library in 2001. This memorial was dedicated to those lost in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and honors the residents who lost their immediate family members. I applaud the efforts of the City of Coral Springs in commemorating the September 11th tragedy, and feel blessed to have been able to participate in the 5K Inaugural Walk to Remember in the City of Coral Springs this year. I thank the community for their dedication. My family and I join with the families in Coral Springs and throughout the country to remember those we lost on September 11, 2001.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and the underlying bill, the polluters' bill of rights. I understand that my Republican friends are trying to improve the coal industry's outlook, and I imagine that most industries would benefit if Congress simply eliminated their obligation to help keep the public safe. We hear a lot about the immorality of leaving our children with mountains of debt, and I completely agree with that. I support measures to responsibly reduce the debt. But bills like this one are piling another form of debt on our children. We are leaving them to deal with the consequences of letting coal companies pollute the air that our children breathe and the water that they drink. Our failure to take comprehensive action on global climate change is already profoundly immoral. It is a disgrace that we refuse to sacrifice on behalf of our grandchildren. I fail to understand the perverse notion that my colleagues on the other side share that somehow global climate change is a laughable matter that we can sweep under the rug instead of an unprecedented threat to the health of our children and to the security of our Nation. How many more millions of tons of greenhouse gases would my Republican colleagues like in our atmosphere before they're concerned? How much less polar ice? How many more cases of preventable cancer should American children develop? I offered an amendment to slow down the bill's assault on America's environmental laws until scientists could verify that what this Congress seeks to accomplish would not increase cases of preventable cancer among our most vulnerable: children, seniors, and those with chronic conditions. Regrettably, the House will not even have a chance to vote. It must be too inconvenient for my colleagues to have to tell their constituents that they value these coal companies above sick children. Well, I've got news for my colleagues. Ignoring the consequences of our actions does not make them go away. These rules are in place because the American people demand safe air and water. They expect the electricity that powers their homes is not produced in a way that makes tumors grow in their loved ones. We should focus on building a Nation, a secure economic future in this Nation. That means investing in clean energy industries instead of catering to special interests. Moving forward with clean energy is the least we can do. Passing this bill is the worst thing we can do. I urge my colleagues to reject the bill.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this amended form of H.R. 4212, the Contaminated Drywall Safety Act of 2012. My friend Mr. Rigell is correct: when we have an opportunity to do something for the families in America who are really suffering and when we can do it in a commonsense and bipartisan way, we have every responsibility to take that action. That's what this bill is about, and that's what this evening is about. In the wake of the 2005 and 2006 hurricane seasons, a domestic shortage of drywall developed in our country, drywall for rebuilding homes and businesses. To make up for this shortage, builders began importing several million tons of drywall from China; but it was not until 2009 that reports started to surface that, unbeknownst to the builders or to the consumers, much of the drywall coming from China emitted high levels of corrosive sulfur. Currently, thousands of homeowners in 42 States, as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa, have been enduring an emergency situation in which contaminated drywall from China has been causing ever worsening destruction and damage to their homes. It has also caused serious health problems for the families living in those homes. Like my friend from Virginia, in having the opportunity to visit with families and listen to them share their stories about the illnesses that come one after another after another to their children, ultimately forcing them to move from their homes, one can't be helped but be moved to action. The problematic drywall corrodes copper piping and wiring in homes, which causes the failure of air-conditioning systems, telecommunications wiring, wiring for lighting and other household appliances. Such corrosion poses both potential fire and safety hazards in homes, and it causes undue financial hardship for homeowners who are constantly forced to repair or replace essential appliances. The damage to the housing structures and the detrimental health impact on family members caused by contaminated Chinese drywall renders many of these homes simply uninhabitable. Such a situation forces some families to find alternate housing while also having to maintain the mortgages on their homes that are uninhabitable. In these difficult economic times, tremendous strain is being placed on limited family finances to constantly replace or make repairs to essential home appliances or to pay for other housing options while maintaining that mortgage on an uninhabitable home with Chinese drywall. These families have been and are in desperate need of assistance. This bill seeks to provide assistance to homeowners who have contaminated drywall in their homes and to prevent contaminated drywall from entering the country in the future. Our bill will assist homeowners who are victims of this problematic Chinese drywall by urging the Secretary of Commerce to insist that the Chinese Government facilitate a meeting between the companies that manufacture the contaminated drywall and the representatives of the U.S. Government to help remedy homeowners who have the contaminated drywall in their homes. In addition, the bill urges the Secretary of Commerce to insist that the Chinese Government direct the companies that manufactured this contaminated drywall and exported it to this country to submit to the jurisdiction of the United States Federal courts and to comply with any decisions issued by those courts on behalf of the homeowners with this contaminated drywall. The bill will ensure that similar problematic drywall is not imported into this country in the future. It would require that each sheet of drywall that is imported for use in the U.S. be labeled with the name of the manufacturer and the month and year of manufacture. In addition, the bill requires that the Consumer Product Safety Commission ensure that future drywall manufactured or imported for use in the U.S. contain sulfur limits that do not cause elevated rates of corrosion in the home. The bill also requires the CPSC to revise their remediation guidance for homes with contaminated drywall to include a provision that contaminated drywall removed from homes should not be used in the production of new drywall. This bill is a product of bipartisan negotiations, and it demonstrates how this House works best when both sides work together to get something done for the American people. I really do want to express my sincere appreciation to my cochair of the Congressional Contaminated Drywall Caucus, Congressman Rigell, for all of his hard work and leadership on this issue. I also want to thank the Energy and Commerce Committee, particularly Chairman Upton and Chairwoman Bono Mack, for their help as well as the help of Ranking Member Waxman and of the ranking member on the subcommittee, Congressman Butterfield. I would also like to thank Congresswoman and Chair Ileana Ros- Lehtinen from the Foreign Affairs Committee for all of her hard work, together with that of Ranking Member Berman, in the commitment to finding a compromise to permit this bill to move forward. Finally, I would like to recognize my friend Congressman Mario Diaz- Balart for his tireless work on this issue from the time the first reports of contaminated drywall surfaced and for providing much-needed assistance to those victims of contaminated Chinese drywall. For all of these reasons and for all of the people who have been affected, I urge my colleagues this evening to support the passage of H.R. 4212. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I would be prepared to reserve my time if my friend, Mr. Rigell, would like to speak first.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia. I rise today to urge passage of H.R. 4305, the Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program Act of 2012. This bill, which I had the pleasure of introducing with my friend, Mr. Chabot of Ohio, will help law enforcement agencies nationwide safely recover missing children and elderly adults. As Mr. Chabot highlighted, every 40 seconds a child goes missing in America, with over 800,000 children reported each and every year. The panic that takes over when a child cannot be found is a feeling that every parent hopes and prays they will never have to experience. We know that every second is precious. In fact, in tragic cases involving abducted and murdered children, research supported by the Department of Justice shows that 74 percent were slain within the first 3 hours. Likewise, the families of adults suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia feel that same anxiety when a loved one goes missing. They're not just in danger of injury, but of going too long without medications that they rely on. In fact, half of elderly adults who wander from their residences suffer serious injuries or death if not located within 24 hours. Though the Amber Alert and Silver Alert programs are invaluable tools for law enforcement to alert communities of missing persons, too often they're not activated until precious time has passed. Whether young or old, we know that the ability to locate missing persons within the first few hours of their disappearance is vital. By passing H.R. 4305, we can help law enforcement agencies nationwide employ technology pioneered by Sherry Friedlander, a south Florida woman who started an organization called A Child is Missing. A Child is Missing helps police and rescue teams get the word out fast. It is the only organization that assists in all types of missing cases, including abductions, runaways, or individuals that lose their way. When a person is reported missing to law enforcement, A Child is Missing utilizes the latest satellite technology to place 1,000 emergency phone calls every 60 seconds to residents and businesses in the area where the person was last seen. In fact, just this year, A Child is Missing marked its 1,000th successfully assisted recovery. This proven technology works, and it saves lives. By passing this legislation, we can help law enforcement successfully recover missing persons nationwide.