Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, the south Florida community recently lost a hero when World War II veteran William Kling passed away at the age of 84. Bill Kling, a native New Yorker, served in the Navy during World War II. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jewish War Veterans, and the Disabled American Veterans. For me, he was an inspiration and a friend. However, Bill is best known for his role as the president of the Broward County Veterans Council for 27 years. Bill's activism led to building of an outpatient VA clinic in Broward County, a veterans nursing home in Pembroke Pines, and the opening of the South Florida National Cemetery in 2007. So even as we mourn the loss of an incredible advocate, we know that Bill Kling's contributions live on in every veteran cared for at the outpatient clinic he helped to build, in every family who visits an elderly veteran residing at the nursing home he helped to establish, and in every prayer spoken at the national cemetery that he helped make possible. I join with Bill's family in mourning his loss; but on this anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I express the gratitude of our entire south Florida community that will long benefit from Bill Kling's tireless efforts to honor those who so bravely served our Nation.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to recognize Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Ranking Member Howard Berman for their extraordinary leadership and their tireless work to bring forward a bipartisan and bicameral bill. I thank you for working with me to include several of my provisions in this legislation, including the Iran Transparency and Accountability Act, a measure that will, for the first time, require companies to disclose their business with Iran on SEC filings and for the first time create a public listing of these disclosures to clearly and definitively let the American people know which companies continue to support the illicit nuclear weapons program of Iran. Mr. Speaker, the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act significantly expands sanctions against the Iranian regime and those who, in the face of united international opposition, continue to contribute to Iran's quest for nuclear weapons. This bill sends one clear message to the entire world: if you do virtually any business in the Iranian energy sector--the financial lifeline of this regime's nuclear program--you will be subject to sanctions. Today, the United States Congress takes U.S. sanctions policy to an unprecedented level. By sending this legislation to the President's desk, Congress can initiate an unprecedented crackdown on the Iranian regime. But our work does not end here. These punishing sanctions are a means to an end; and we cannot, for one moment, take our eye off the endgame--halting Iran's march toward a nuclear weapon. Again, I thank the chairman and ranking member for their leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. Now is the time to stand for human rights in Iran and Syria. Now is the time. Now is the time to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, even for a Republican House with a record of attacking women's rights, bringing up this bill under suspension that disregards the United States Constitution, is beyond brazen. It is time that my colleagues come clean with the American people and admit these arbitrary limitations on a woman's constitutional right to choose are part of a broader effort. Tonight, it's the District of Columbia. Tonight, 20 weeks is the threshold for turning a constitutional right into a crime. What is tomorrow--10 weeks, 10 days? Where does it end? Mr. Speaker, when they talk about competing rights, they are intent on granting, even to a newly fertilized egg, the constitutional rights of American women. They want to put the rights of a zygote ahead of the rights of a woman exercising autonomy over her own body. My colleagues say this bill is limited in scope; but their intentions, Mr. Speaker, are not limited in scope. Right now in this Congress and across the country, the rights of women are under attack.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, right now in this Congress and across the country, the rights of American women are under attack. It is sad that we must fight to defend these rights. But fight, Mr. Speaker, we will.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, we all know that wearing sunscreen, quitting smoking, or steering clear of asbestos can reduce our cancer risk. Yet, carcinogens are all around us, and exposure to these cancer- causing agents can be found in everyday products and in the food we eat. For the most part, consumers are kept in the dark with no way to know for sure whether the makeup they use or the food they eat contains known carcinogens. It's time to help consumers choose safer products for themselves and for their loved ones. That's why today I'm introducing the Cancer Free Label Act. My bill will give companies the chance to market to consumers the fact that the products that they make are free of carcinogens. Just as consumers refused to buy baby products laden with BPA and nearly wiped this chemical from the shelves, the Cancer Free Label Act will use market-driven forces to drive change. By passing the Cancer Free Label Act, we can give families across America the opportunity to avoid cancer-causing agents. And by promoting healthier choices, we will even be able to save lives.

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% of cancer is caused by genetic factors, people can reduce their risk of getting cancer by the other 95% 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, I am introducing legislation called the ``Cancer-Free Label Act.'' Under this bill, manufacturers who would like to market their products as being completely free of all known carcinogens would be allowed to seek a ``cancer-free'' label. By submitting a confidential application to be evaluated by the agency that regulates their 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 ``cancer-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% voluntary. It would simply harness the power of the free market, enabling consumers to choose safer products for themselves and their families. We all remember the most recent example of this--it was consumer selection, not government intervention, that got BPA out of baby products. 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. Madam Speaker, it's clear that my Republican colleagues cherish the many tax loopholes that funnel billions to oil companies, outsourcers, and operators bent on repealing Wall Street reform. That's why they've killed the DISCLOSE Act, which would close loopholes used by special interests to secretly spend unlimited sums of corporate cash in our elections. As terrible as Citizens United was, it did not include a right to buy elections anonymously. No, it is the Republican Congress that protects the identities of those writing these multimillion-dollar checks. They want a battle of bank accounts, Madam Speaker, because they know that they can't win a battle of ideas. They can't run on deregulating Wall Street when America's financial security is still at risk. They can't run on cutting taxes for billionaires when they block every effort to create middle class jobs. And they can't run on cut, cap, and balance when the only thing that they cut is our seniors' health care. If my Republican colleagues believe they are worthy of competing in the great battle of ideas that is our democracy, they should put their mouths where their money is and pass the DISCLOSE Act.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in cautious support of S. 1959, the Haqqani Network Terrorist Designation Act. Despite its name, this bill does not require the U.S. Department of State to formally designate the Haqqani Network as a terrorist organization. Rather, it imposes a one-time reporting requirement on the State Department to explain whether the Haqqani Network meets the statutory requirements for that designation. More importantly, the bill preserves the authority of the State Department to make this determination without congressional interference. Let's be clear: the Haqqani Network is a dangerous organization and sworn enemy of the United States. From its base along the Afghanistan- Pakistan border, the network of insurgents led by Jalaluddin Haqqani and his family has, for years, fought U.S. and allied forces in eastern Afghanistan. The Haqqanis are responsible for several high-profile acts of terror--including an attack on the United States Embassy on September 13, 2011, that left 16 Afghans dead. One tool--one tool out of many--for fighting an organization like the Haqqani Network is to designate the group a terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Once a group receives that formal designation, the full weight of the Federal Government is brought to bear, including criminal penalties for the provision of material support to the organization, restrictions on travel, and seizure of assets. Designating an organization a terrorist organization is often an appropriate tool when the circumstances are unambiguous. But the circumstances in eastern Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan are anything but unambiguous. The United States is engaged in delicate negotiations with the Government of Pakistan as it prepares to draw down troops and end the war in Afghanistan. In just the last few weeks, our diplomatic corps has achieved the monumental task of reopening our lines of communication with the Pakistani Government. It may be that, in this context, there is a diplomatic or strategic benefit to holding back on the formal designation of the Haqqani Network as a terrorist organization--perhaps just for the time being. The State Department has already designated several individuals in the Haqqani Network as terrorists. If there's a reason that Secretary of State Clinton has not yet formally designated the entire network, then we ought to defer to her judgment. Still, a modest reporting requirement as to some of the legal reasoning behind that decision is a fair request. Even if the Haqqani Network meets the statutory criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization--even if that tool is available to us--Secretary Clinton will make that decision when she determines that it is useful and appropriate to do so. I thank the Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of my friend Matthew Levin, the Southeastern States Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Matt has shown outstanding leadership in the development and coordination of AIPAC's political and grassroots objectives. It is an honor to commemorate his years of dedicated service in strengthening the United States' relationship with our great ally Israel. A native of South Florida, Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He first joined the Washington, DC, office of AIPAC in 1987, where he served as a Field Organizer for pro-Israel communities throughout the United States. Matt traveled extensively throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southwest to speak about the importance of the United States-Israel relationship and encourage citizen involvement in the American political process. From this wealth of experience, Matt has gained an extensive background in politics and foreign policy. Matt's impact in the Jewish community of South Florida and the United States extends beyond his work with AIPAC. For six years, Matt served in BBYO, one of the world's leading Jewish organizations, where he demonstrated his passion for convening and connecting Jewish teenagers of all backgrounds, while motivating them to make a difference in the world. In 1981, Matt rose to become the Gold Coast Council President of BBYO. It is an honor to congratulate Matt, his wife Danielle and their sons Jakob, Cooper and Noah, as they celebrate Matt's outstanding work and leadership. Matt Levin has dedicated 25 years to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, a commitment he and I both share. I applaud his efforts and look forward to working with him to strengthen our community at home and throughout the world in the years to come.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following: house resolution Whereas, 2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Art Glass in the United States, and to celebrate the milestone and recognize the many talented artists, including many in Florida, more than 500 glass demonstrations, lectures and exhibitions will take place in museums, galleries, art centers, universities, art organizations, festivals and other venues across the United States, and Whereas, the Florida Glass Group is an Florida non-profit organization with over 75 members primarily in Florida whose mission is to educate the public concerning the development and appreciation of Contemporary Glass Art in Florida, and Whereas, the Art Alliance of Contemporary Glass (AACG) is a national non-profit organization with members primarily from the United States, whose mission is to educate the public and to provide grants to further the development and appreciation of art made from glass (Contemporary Glass Art), and Whereas, AACG and the Florida Glass Group inform and educate the public, including collectors, critics and art curators and provide financial support with grants to University Glass Programs, Museums, Art Center Glass Exhibitions and other public glass programs for Contemporary Glass Art, and Whereas, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach and the Naples Museum of Art and other art venues in Florida are having exhibitions in 2012 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States; and Whereas, the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States is also being specifically celebrated and recognized on November 3rd, 2012 by over 300 glass collectors, glass artists, curators, and art gallery owners at an event sponsored by AACG on the Spirit of Chicago in connection with the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art International Art Show (SOFA) one of the World's Foremost Fairs of Art and Design Events at the Navy Pier in Chicago from November 1st through the 4th 2012, therefore be it Resolved by the House of Representatives of the United States that we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the development of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States; and be it further Resolved, that we applaud and honor the accomplishments of the Florida Glass Group and AACG as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary in the United States and proclaim the year of 2012 as Contemporary Glass Art Awareness Year in the United States; and be it further Resolved, that we encourage educators throughout the United States to provide educational programs for their students about Contemporary Glass Art and to arrange for students to attend exhibitions and otherwise participate in the various events and exhibitions recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art. We also encourage all citizens to attend events and exhibitions recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art; and be it further Resolved, that suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Art Alliance of Contemporary Glass and Florida Glass Group at the special celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Contemporary Glass Art in the United States on the Spirit of Chicago on November 3, 2012 during the SOFA Event at Navy Pier in Chicago as a symbol of our respect and esteem for those organizations and their memberships.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Thank you very much to my dear friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, and thank you for your committed work in making sure that not only this Special Order hour takes place tonight but for your work in ensuring that Jewish American Heritage Month has become a reality. You are to be commended for that, and I think we are all the better for it. I appreciate it, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the seventh annual Jewish American Heritage Month, which is an opportunity for our Nation to recognize the many contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our history. America's Jewish community has helped shape our country since its inception. Jewish Americans have courageously served in our Armed Forces in every major conflict of our Nation's history. They've also helped drive America as a powerhouse of economic innovation, contributing key advances in everything from science and medicine to the law and the arts. Today, as we mark this year's Jewish American Heritage Month here in Congress, I would like to highlight our community's tremendous contributions to American social policy. Jewish Americans have a long history of shaping our political priorities as a Nation. I am proud to be part of a community that has led efforts to protect the most vulnerable, to ensure fairness in our justice system, to promote economic opportunity, and to safeguard the religious freedoms and liberties of all Americans. We need look no further than Social Security, a program that helps keep 50 million Americans economically secure each year. Serving on the committee that helped establish Social Security was Wilbur Cohen, a man who was eventually appointed by President Kennedy as an Assistant Secretary for Legislation of Health, Education, and Welfare. As a member of President Johnson's Cabinet, Wilbur Cohen's influence over issues that impact America's seniors continue to grow, and many today regard him as the man who built Medicare. Jewish Americans also took an active role in our Nation's struggle for civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, Jewish Americans were passionately engaged in the struggle for civil rights: Rabbi Stephen Wise, the great American Jewish leader, was one of the founders of the NAACP. He made the case that civil rights were not only a Jewish issue but that civil rights were a quintessential Jewish issue. He understood and believed firmly that the Jewish community and that the Nation--America--were stronger when prejudice was defeated and when equal rights were extended to all; Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma. In reflecting upon that march, Rabbi Heschel said, When I marched in Selma, my legs were praying. It was his understanding, his commitment, to what he viewed as essentially the holy work of lifting up all Americans and of ensuring equal rights for all; Several prominent Jewish activists, including Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman lost their lives, along with African American activist James Chaney, while fighting for the right to vote alongside organizers in the South; And perhaps there is no greater indication of Jewish Americans' involvement in the struggle for civil rights than the fact that both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965--two landmark pieces of civil rights legislation--were both drafted as legislation at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. As a Jewish American, I am honored to be part of a community that throughout our Nation's history has helped make America a more fair and a more just Nation--a Nation where opportunity extends to all, where everyone can be lifted up by being given the chance to succeed. It is a commitment to ensuring that seniors live lives of dignity and where the poor receive the support that they need when times are most difficult. Finally, it is the respect for every American--the dignity of every American--that is recognized and fought for still to this day by so many in the Jewish community. I am so grateful to my friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for helping to ensure that we have the opportunity to share these thoughts here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this evening. I am grateful for that opportunity. I thank you for it.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Diane Glasser, the National and State Party Committeewoman and Vice Mayor of the City of Tamarac. As she concludes her term as Vice Mayor, we reflect on her years of dedicated community and public service which set a brilliant example for our future generations. It is truly an honor to represent her in the United States Congress. Ms. Glasser has been integral in the significant growth and progress that the City of Tamarac has made over the past 20 years. She is a truly active and inspirational leader. She is involved in many civic and national organizations, such as the AARP, Hadassah, JAFCO, and University Hospital. Within the City of Tamarac alone, she has been a Charter Board Member, City Commissioner, and Vice Mayor. Ms. Glasser epitomizes public service, and it is unfortunate that I can only mention just a few in a long list of her tremendous accomplishments. I can affirm beyond a doubt that she has been an important leader in the Democratic Party in South Florida, and I do not want her achievements to go unrecognized. It is a privilege to represent an individual who has done so much for Broward County and the City of Tamarac. I applaud her efforts, and even though her term has come to a close, I look forward to her continued good work for years to come. Congratulations to Diane Glasser, together with her children and her grandchildren, as they celebrate this well deserved honor.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 568, a resolution making clear that the United States' policy towards Iran is not one of containment but is one of prevention. I'm pleased to have co-introduced this resolution with a bipartisan group of colleagues, including the chair, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen. Indeed, this Congress, this administration, and this President understand that failing to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran would ignite a destabilizing arms race in the Middle East, would threaten the very existence of our ally Israel, and would endanger the security of the American people. As Iran faces growing international isolation, now is not the time to roll back crippling economic sanctions, nor should we fall victim to this regime's penchant of hiding behind the pretense of negotiations simply to buy more time. With this resolution, we will send a message to Iran's regime and to the world that the U.S. will accept nothing less than a strict policy of prevention when it comes to this regime's illicit quest for nuclear weapons.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, in Congress, it's our job to help protect the American Dream. We have to remain the land of opportunity where anyone willing to work hard and stay focused can secure a brighter future. If Congress fails to act, 7 million college students across the country will see their student loan interest rates double to 6.8 percent. I met some of these students last week at Palm Beach State College. Whether it's the young man who works 85 hours a week while carrying 12 credit hours--the first in his family to go to college--or the young man who described in passion the 14-year path he has embarked upon to serve out his dream by becoming a surgeon, their pursuing higher education is a path of opportunity. If we want to protect the American Dream here in Congress, then we should give legislation that keeps interest rates low a fair shot. After all, that's all America's students are asking for--a fair shot at the American Dream.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, when the doorbell rang at 5 a.m., Kimberly Metcalf of Boynton Beach, Florida, knew her worst fear had come true. Her only child, 22-year-old Michael Metcalf, U.S. Army private first class, died in Afghanistan on Sunday following an IED attack. Michael was killed while at the wheel of his armored vehicle that was going to rescue other soldiers that had been struck by a roadside bomb. Described by his mother as tough and strong, with a sensitive side, that he performed this one last act of bravery came as no surprise to all who knew him. Michael attended Park Vista High School and graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy. He loved surfing, skim-boarding, and spending time by the water. On Monday, Michael's friends and family gathered at the inlet to light candles on his surfboard. Winds blew out all but one. As his friends said, The candle wouldn't go out. He wanted to hang out with us all night. We will never forget Michael Metcalf's sacrifice, and our Nation is forever grateful for his service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Annette Fentin, recipient of the Jewish Museum of Florida's Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award. Her tenacity, professionalism, and role as a business and philanthropic leader in Florida are truly an inspiration, and it is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress. Annette Fentin is a pioneer. At a time when the very existence of her career seemed improbable, she not only entered the workforce but skyrocketed to the top of her field. As a young mother balancing numerous family obligations, Annette was inspired to get a real estate license, and after overcoming numerous hurdles was soon a top seller at a real estate firm. In 1969, after being recognized as a respected member of the business community, Annette became the first woman member to be appointed to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. She worked side by side with 99 men to help make Jacksonville a place where businesses could grow and thrive. Soon, Annette was appointed to their board of governors, was organizing business exchanges with countries around the world as head of the World Trade Committee in Jacksonville, and began her own firm where she employed 30 individuals. And the honor of being the first woman member of an influential organization was given to her once more, as she was appointed to the University of North Florida board of trustees. But Annette's service to her community transcends far beyond the realm of creating an environment where business can flourish. She is committed to improving education for people in Florida, and has organized fundraisers with her Synagogue, B'nai Torah, to assist students in need at FAU. Furthermore, in Miami she was instrumental in the creation of Israel Tennis Centers, a Jewish organization that fosters cultural exchange by connecting athletes who are part of the global Jewish community. Today, women make up half of our workforce here in the United States. And although we have made great strides since the 1960's when Annette first began her career, we are often reminded that there is still room for progress. Business owners like Annette who took on careers previously reserved for men are an inspiration to us all. She reminds us that with tenacity and courage it is possible to break barriers and give women a seat at the table.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, today is Israel's independence day, Yom Ha'azmaut, and I recognize our great ally's many achievements over the past 64 years. Israel has endured against all odds, against border attacks, against deniers of a right to exist, against international bias; and even in the face of the threats posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel valiantly strides forward. Israel is a world hub for biotechnology, for medical research, green energy and innovation, and she is also a welcoming home to those seeking freedom and equal rights as the region's only true democracy. So as we celebrate Israel's independence day, let's remember why our bonds run so deep. It's more than strategic cooperation or shared security. It's the values that Americans and Israelis share. For democracy and freedom, for basic human dignity, that's what forms the bond; and it's a bond that I will always work to protect and support.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

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

Mr. DEUTCH. I am opposed.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, this debate has revealed deep differences between the majority and minority when it comes to how to grow our economy. We object to how Leader Cantor's bill borrows $47 billion from China for tax cuts designed to benefit millionaires. That's why the CBO ranked this proposal second to dead last in a long list of things we could do to create jobs. Now, Americans have learned by now that there is no such thing as a temporary Republican tax cut for the wealthy. They're all permanent. Let's acknowledge the real price tag here, a half a trillion dollars in deficit spending over the next decade--not for education, not for infrastructure, another $500 billion in windfall for the wealthy. As I said before, our disagreements run deep. The fact that we are outnumbered means that this misguided legislation will likely pass. Given that reality, we should at least be able to come together and agree on which businesses should be excluded from this new windfall. That's what my amendment aims to do. My changes are relatively small. In fact, Leader Cantor's legislation remains largely the same. For example, pass my amendment, and H.R. 9 will still uphold the GOP plan to take $46 billion from China and give half of it to millionaires. H.R. 9 will still count oil speculators, professional sports teams, and corporate lobbyists as small businesses. H.R. 9 will still pick and choose winners and losers by arbitrarily adding new loopholes to our already overcomplicated Tax Code. And, of course, Leader Cantor's massive tax cut will remain available to businesses even if they create no jobs at all. So let me be crystal clear about what my bill changes. It better safeguards our taxpayer dollars. First, my amendment will stop businesses engaging in illegal activity, from drug trafficking to prostitution, from receiving this deduction. This is a no-brainer, and I have no idea why it's not in the bill already. We should all agree, given the recent news from South America, that there is no such thing as being too careful with American tax dollars. Second, this amendment ensures that no company that outsources American jobs will qualify for this windfall. Certainly our constituents don't want us borrowing money from China to give to companies that outsource jobs to China. Certainly we can all agree that cutting taxes for businesses that are American in name only, that choose foreign workers over American workers, do not deserve another giveaway. Third, my amendment prevents companies that do business with Iran from being eligible for this tax cut. As Iran pursues an illicit nuclear weapons program, we should not reward businesses that threaten the security of the United States and our treasured ally Israel. Mr. Speaker, my amendment also stops this bill from cutting taxes for pornographic empires that somehow qualify as small businesses under this bill. It also requires Members of Congress who are owners of small businesses to disclose any benefits that they get under this bill. It excludes golf courses that discriminate based on race and gender. Finally, my amendment bans lobbyists from cashing in on this deduction. Now, look, I know as soon as I sit down a colleague from the other side of the aisle will come forward and claim that I'm pursuing some procedural ploy and attempting to kill the bill. That's simply not true. Adopt these changes so we can vote on the final bill right here and right now. Join me and prevent Americans' hard-earned tax dollars from subsidizing Iranian nucs, cutting costs for criminals, and padding the pockets of pornographers. And let's make sure that this bill does not reward companies that ship jobs overseas. It is the right thing to do. It's up to us to make these changes. We can make them right here and right now. I ask all of my colleagues to protect the American taxpayers and support these final protections to the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the White House's first-ever Rotary Day. Tomorrow, Americans from Rotary Clubs across the Nation will be honored as champions of change in their communities. Many of us in this House frequent Rotary Clubs throughout our districts. I'm always pleased to meet with constituents so committed to honest discussion, civic engagement, and the betterment of our community. Last week, at a meeting of a Rotary Club in Coral Springs, Florida, I was reminded of something I would like to share with you today. It's called the Four-Way Test. These principles guide Rotary members in their daily lives, and they read as follows: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Madam Speaker, Washington has been paralyzed by partisan politics and a disappointing level of discourse. If we could just approach our Nation's problems a bit more like the Rotary Club's Four-Way Test, we would all be better off. After all, at a time of great challenges facing our Nation, the American people deserve no less than a Congress that operates with honesty, builds bipartisanship, and bases decisions on whether or not they will be beneficial to all our citizens. Enjoy your visit to the White House tomorrow for Rotary Day. I hope the Rotary's Four-Way Test visits this U.S. Congress very soon.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 11th annual America's Young Heroes contest, which honors students who have created visual art, film, poetry and essays to promote self-empowerment and combat bullying. These students have undoubtedly fostered more tolerant communities in South Florida as well as across the country, and I applaud their efforts. Last year in the United States, nearly 5.7 million middle school and high school students were bullied. Even more tragic is the fact that almost one in five teens who were victims of bullying contemplated ending their own lives. America's Young Heroes provides a vital platform for teens to address these problems in a way that helps promote positive change. I congratulate the organizers and participants of the America's Young Heroes contest for operating under the shared belief that in America, no child should be afraid to go to school because he or she is experiencing bullying. It is my hope that because of their efforts, we can work towards a future where all schools are a safe place for students to learn and grow.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mike Jones' years of dedicated service to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Mike leaves behind a strong legacy of working with business and community leaders to create progress in our community. Founded 35 years ago, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to help foster an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. As president of this vital organization, Mike has worked for over a decade in order to achieve that goal. He understood that pragmatic solutions come from bringing more people to the table. That is why he led a forum of 30 business groups to help discuss the development of a strategic plan for the county, and worked to create a regulatory climate more conducive to business practices. Mike's impact in South Florida extends beyond the business world. During his tenure, he worked with the entire community to help advocate for better schools and educational opportunities, and prioritized ethics reform by pushing the county to create an Office of the Inspector General and an Ethics Commission. I congratulate Mike Jones, his wife Dee, and their son, as they celebrate Mike's retirement. Mike's dedicated leadership has made a positive impact on the South Florida community, and it is an honor to represent him here in Washington.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Captain Robert C. Grant, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Coast Guard Reserve. For over 30 years, Captain Grant has dedicated his life to serving our nation and protecting South Florida, and it is truly an honor to represent him here in Washington. Captain Grant is an exceptional public servant. As Deputy Chief of Staff of the seventh Coast Guard District, he served as a senior advisor to eight admirals, and provided support to Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. And as Congressional Liaison for Florida's 19th district, Captain Grant assisted Congress in passing legislation that has proved instrumental in addressing new maritime smuggling tactics. But Captain Grant's work also extends to the realm of community outreach. He helped strengthen the relationship between the Coast Guard and the Cuban and Haitian communities in South Florida through a dedicated public outreach initiative. Furthermore, he was able to assist with relief efforts in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his exemplary service. Captain Robert C. Grant's service in the United States Coast Guard has made an extraordinary local, national, and international impact, and has made South Florida a safe place where families can grow and thrive. It is my hope that his example will inspire others to serve their communities for generations to come.