Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tracey Grossman, recently honored as the recipient of the 2010 Daniel Ginsberg Award by the Anti-Defamation League. The Anti-Defamation League's Daniel Ginsberg Award is given annually to young ADL leaders who show the enthusiasm and creativity of Daniel Ginsberg and ADL leaders whose interest and involvement covered virtually the entire spectrum of ADL issues. Since 1995, ADL has recognized many of their young and most dedicated leaders with this great honor. Tracey's advocacy on behalf of the goals of Florida's chapter of ADL, and her guidance of Florida's ADL Glass Leadership Institute carries on the spirit of Daniel Ginsberg's great leadership. I would like to congratulate Tracey, her husband Gabriel, and her parents Wes and Maddi for this great honor. I am proud to have their friendship and wish Tracey continued success in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. DEUTCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1094 commemorates the life of the late Cynthia DeLores Tucker. Cynthia DeLores Tucker dedicated her life to eliminating racial barriers by championing civil rights and the rights of women. In particular, Ms. Tucker realized that voting was the most important civil right denied to African Americans and the key to changing this country. She spent her career in service to the principle that there could be no equality without equal access to the ballot box. Born October 4, 1927, the 10th of 11 children, she grew up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression, overcoming a childhood marked by economic hardship and segregation, to attend Temple University and later the University of Pennsylvania. In what would become the first step in her long career as a civil rights activist, Ms. Tucker worked to register African-American voters during the 1950 Philadelphia mayoral campaign. Shortly thereafter, she became active in local politics, serving as the first African American and first woman on the Philadelphia Zoning Board. Driven by her belief that no one should be denied the right to participate in our democracy, Ms. Tucker went on to participate in the White House Conference on Civil Rights and to march from Selma to Montgomery with Dr. King in support of the 1965 Voting Rights Bill. In 1971, Ms. Tucker was named Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by then-Governor Milton Shapp, making her the first female African American to hold this position in any State in the Nation. Under her leadership as Secretary of the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania became one the first States to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, and to institute voter registration through the mail. After leaving her position in Pennsylvania State Government, Ms. Tucker continued to dedicate her time to public service and the promotion of civil rights through private organizations. She served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the NAACP, and on numerous other boards, including the Points of Light Foundation and Delaware Valley College. In 1984, Ms. Tucker co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women, now known as the National Congress of Black Women, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of African-American women and their families. Mr. Speaker, Cynthia DeLores Tucker was a crusader for civil rights and the rights of women. Through her dedication to voting rights and the civil rights movement, she helped transform the perception of race and gender in the United States. I'd like to commend my colleague, Diane Watson, for introducing this resolution. It is important that this Nation remember and honor the outstanding work of civil rights activists like Ms. Tucker. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1094) commemorating the life of the late Cynthia DeLores Tucker.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to commemorate the life and to honor the legacy of Cynthia DeLores Tucker by supporting this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1299) supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors our law enforcement community by supporting the observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day. Since 1962, May 15 has been recognized as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 has been designated as Police Week. For nearly 50 years, we have continued this observance as a way to honor the men and women of our Nation's law enforcement agencies. They protect our neighborhoods, our homes, and our loved ones; and we are grateful. The men and women who dedicate their careers to our safety do so at the expense of spending long hours away from their families, putting themselves at great risk, and in too many instances, making the ultimate sacrifice. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in this Nation every 53 hours. Unfortunately, since the beginning of this year we have lost 58 officers. Despite this ever-present danger, these dedicated professionals continue to make sacrifices for their communities without asking thanks or praise. The law enforcement professionals and police officers who toil in our communities across this Nation deserve our unwavering support and our thankful recognition. I commend our colleague from Texas (Mr. Poe) for introducing this important resolution. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act is an important bill that will create jobs, lower energy bills, and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Improving efficiency is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to reduce pollution, and I am pleased to support a bill that encourages consumers to consider a more energy-efficient option when retrofitting or repairing existing appliances or systems. Residents of south Florida and other disaster-prone regions know far too well the process of home repair, as my constituents have had to replace roofs and windows after powerful and damaging storms. The underlying bill offers rebates for renovations, and my amendment simply ensures that the program will still apply if a natural disaster removes or destroys existing equipment. If a repair is required as a result of a hurricane or other natural disaster, the repair may no longer involve existing equipment and would therefore be ineligible for a rebate. For people who are making these repairs, we should ensure that it is our policy to encourage them to consider the most energy- efficient equipment. That is the purpose of this amendment. The amendment is limited in scope and will not alter the intent of the underlying bill. It will only apply to federally declared disaster areas and only extend eligibility to an appliance or system destroyed by the disaster. For example, if a hurricane takes off a roof, this amendment will ensure that the homeowner still has access to a rebate for purchasing an energy-efficient roof even though there is no longer a roof to retrofit. Fire season just began in California and hurricane season is right around the corner. We ought to be mindful of the challenges faced by Americans who live in regions vulnerable to natural disasters. This amendment ensures that a south Florida family can rebuild to a higher energy efficiency standard after a disaster and does not have to wonder why they don't receive the same tax incentive offer to any other homeowners who choose to renovate their homes. I would like to commend Mr. Welch, Chairman Markey, and Chairman Waxman for this important energy and jobs legislation and for accepting this amendment. I respectfully request that my colleagues join me in supporting this valuable, commonsense amendment and the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DEUTCH. I appreciate the comments and the support, and I ask that my colleagues all support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am both honored and privileged to congratulate Frank Pumilia on his installation to another term as President of the Margate Association of Condominiums. As a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, Frank attended local political events with his father and it was these early memories that inspired Frank to become an active member of numerous community organizations. A retired pretrial negotiator, investigator and paralegal expert, Frank served as Chairman and Chief Examiner of the Margate Civil Service Board from 1994 to 2002, and was a member of the Senior's Foundation of Broward and the Florida Business and Professional Board. Frank currently serves as the President of the Margate Democratic Club and as a board member of the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee. In addition to his current political involvement, Frank has long dedicated his time to the Margate condominium community. As the current President of the Margate Association of Condominiums, Frank has been tirelessly working to bring relief to the many condominium owners who are facing the threat of foreclosure. Most recently, Frank's community activism was recognized by his induction into Senior Hall of Fame by the Aging and Disability Resource Center. I am honored to have Frank's many years of friendship, and I wish him congratulations and continued success as he embarks on another term as President of the Margate Association of Condominiums. Frank's dedication to the Margate community has truly earned him the title, ``Mr. Margate.''

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 6th annual HeartCaring Meeting of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, advocating on behalf of early diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. There are far too many misperceptions about cardiovascular disease in women. Cardiovascular disease is the single most common cause of death among American woman. In fact, more woman die of heart disease every year than every cancer combined. Nearly 37 percent of all female deaths, or roughly 400,000 deaths a year, are the result of cardiovascular disease, many of which can be prevented with early detection and preventative care. Spirit of Women's dedication to having an impact on the lives of women by advocating for improved health and lifestyles of America's women is unmatched in the health community. Spirit of Women's HeartCaring program uses an innovative approach that engages hospitals, clinicians, and consumers in early diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The HeartCare program not only lowers health care costs by focusing on preventative care, but their focus on providing healthy lifestyles to American women adds quality years to women's lives. I wish to congratulate the Spirit of Women for their 6th Annual HeartCaring Meeting. Through their commitment to improving the health of American women, the Spirit of Women Hospital Network has proven that action is health.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am both honored and privileged to congratulate the over five hundred Enterprise Association of Steamfitters, United Association Local Union 638 retirees and their families who live in the state of Florida as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of their great union. Steamfitters Local 638 was chartered in 1884 as Local Assembly 3189 under the Knights of Labor. In 1914 the Local Assembly became one of the first Enterprise Association of Steamfitters locals to join the United Association, eventually being incorporated as United Association Local 638 in August of 1947. Since their incorporation, the Enterprise Association has trained close to 3,000 apprentices, ensuring a dignified wage, benefits, and a skilled trade to all who have passed through the program. Although many things have changed throughout its distinguished history, the Enterprise Association has preserved its reputation as an organization of highly skilled craftsmen dedicated to the preservation and protection of its members and their trade. The presence of so many Local 638 members in our community has helped Florida's working families overcome many barriers in their daily struggle to earn a living wage. South Florida is truly a better place because of their active engagement in the betterment of our community. I salute the Enterprise Association for 125 years of service to the trade union movement and for facilitating a dignified living wage. I wish the members and retirees of United Association Local 638 congratulations during this momentous occasion.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, as the newest Member of Congress, I just spent 6 months talking to voters every day, and I can say with confidence that there are a lot of partisan issues out there. However, there was one issue that united people of all political persuasions. That was our urgent need to prevent an economic meltdown from happening again. I have only been in Congress for a week, but I can say that the actions of those turning Wall Street reform into a political issue are no less appalling in person than they are on TV. For the millions of seniors who lost so much of their life savings, Wall Street reform is not a political issue. For the 8 million workers who lost their jobs, Wall Street reform is not a political issue. And for the 2.2 million families who lost their homes, Wall Street reform is not a political issue. For them Wall Street reform is about financial security. It is about oversight and honesty. And, most importantly, it is about accountability. Let's put politics aside and do the job that the American people sent us here to do by passing Wall Street reform and sending a tough bill to the President's desk.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madame Speaker, I am both honored and privileged to congratulate Commissioner Roy Gold as he begins his tenure as the 53rd President of the Broward League of Cities. This most recent achievement is one of many honors during Commissioner Gold's distinguished career in public service. The Commissioner has long been a leader in the Broward community, serving as a member of the Coral Springs City Commission since 2004, and Vice Mayor from March 2006 through November 2007. Commissioner Gold also serves as the Chair of the Florida Intergovernmental Financial Commission and as a member of both the Broward County Resource Recovery Board and the Broward County Oversight Committee. Beyond the City Commission, Commissioner Gold has dedicated his life to his family, a successful business career, and community and environmental activism. While serving as co-president and CEO of Cambridge Diagnostic Products, Inc., the commissioner has tirelessly worked to improve the community of Coral Springs. He is a founding member of the Coral Springs Neighborhood and Environmental Committee, a founding site leader for the Broward Waterway Cleanup, a founder of the Broward Adopt-a-Mile program, and a site leader for Broward County Adopt-a-Street. In addition to Commissioner Gold's environmental activism, he is currently a board member of the Coral Springs Charter School and the Coral Springs Museum of Art. Commissioner Gold's dedication to community activism in Coral Springs is a testament to his dedication to greater Broward County, and the Broward League of Cities will be well served to have him as their new President. I wish Commissioner Gold, his wife Janet, and his children Michael and Lauren congratulations and continued success.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the motion before us today is based on the simple fact that a nuclear-armed Iran is an unacceptable threat to our national security, poses an existential threat to our vital ally, Israel, and will ignite a destabilizing arms race throughout the Middle East. We must take whatever action is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terror; its President denies the Holocaust, and he has openly declared his intention to wipe Israel off the map. To be included among the powerful sanctions in this legislation is the removal of barriers that State pension boards raise which prevent the divestment of holdings in companies that help to fund Iran's nuclear weapons program. In 2007, the Florida legislature passed critical legislation that mandated that workers' pension funds could not be used to support Iranian nuclear weapons. In Florida alone, we removed more than $1 billion from companies that put their profits ahead of this Nation's national security. That is one State. This legislation will permit every State to divest from Iran just as Florida and 20 other States have already done. The divestment effort will become a full-fledged movement. The threat from Iran is real. This threat is unacceptable, and it demands this aggressive effort on the part of the United States and our allies.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, as the Nation's newest Member of Congress, it is truly an honor to have my first remarks on the floor be in commemoration of Israel's 62nd anniversary. Today I proudly rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 260, which recognizes the independence of the Jewish state of Israel and reaffirms the unyielding friendship and unshakable alliance between our two great nations. As Israelis and Jewish communities throughout the world celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, this resolution holds a special significance for me and my constituents in Florida's 19th District. I proudly represent a district with one of the Nation's largest number of Jewish Americans, as well as Holocaust survivors. So many of my constituents remember when the promise of Israel was only an unlikely possibility, and over the years they watched the amazing realization of this dream and the establishment of this great nation. For so many of my constituents and to so many Americans, that day in 1948 when Israel declared its independence was the day that a promise was fulfilled to the Jewish people who for so long struggled to find a place they could call home. Sixty-two years later, Israel has grown into a thriving democratic state with a technologically advanced economy and a rich, democratic culture. The people of Israel embrace freedom, and through art and literature, music and business, the entire globe has benefited from Israel's existence and success. Throughout these 62 years, the people of Israel have shown an open-hearted desire to live in peace and a fierce resolve to protect the security of their citizens no matter what the cost. This nation and these citizens have shown incredible determination and fortitude in the face of terrorism and threats from those who deny and threaten Israel's very existence. Whether they be attacks from terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah or the continued financial sponsorship of terrorism by Syria and Iran, the people of Israel should know that the United States will always, unequivocally stand in support of Israel's right to self-defense. The relationship between the United States and Israel is unbreakable. The relationship is one between two peoples, our common values, the history we share, our commitment to freedom, and our joint vision of a secure and peaceful Middle East. From the recognition of the new state of Israel by President Harry Truman in 1948 through today, let me make this clear: The United States stands with Israel and the United States will always stand with Israel. The relationship is secure and the relationship is strong. This resolution not only reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense but recognizes that the single most serious threat facing Israel's security is that of a nuclear-armed Iran. Iran's illicit quest for nuclear weapons poses an existential threat to the state of Israel and an unacceptable threat towards the United States. The importance of this issue cannot be understated. Just this week, the very week we celebrate Israel's independence, news organizations have reported that President Ahmadinejad has approved new uranium enrichment plans in Iran. This threat is real and it is unacceptable. Congress and the administration must work together and use every tool at our disposal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The United States must take immediate aggressive action to ratchet up economic pressure on Iran, which I am hopeful the House will continue to work on tomorrow, and we must continue to demand that the international community join with us in this critical effort. As a new Member of Congress, I look forward to working with my new colleagues from both sides of the aisle on initiatives that will strengthen our bond with Israel, enhance Israel's defense capabilities, and thwart Iran's nuclear weapons program. America and Israel share a commitment not just to confronting terrorism and extremism but to bolstering freedom, human rights, and democracy across the globe. The generosity and kindness of the Israeli people could not have been more evident than the days following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. It was Israel that arrived on the scene first and began rescuing men, women, and children trapped in the rubble. It was Israel that built the first field hospital in Haiti and began offering immediate medical care to the injured. And it was Israel that stood with those most in need because of a simple belief in universal human dignity. Let us stand with Israel today by passing House Concurrent Resolution 260 and by expressing our most sincere hope that our dear ally Israel achieves the lasting peace it has long deserved.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Thank you, Speaker Pelosi. This is a truly humbling day, and the honor of a lifetime. My constituents are an extraordinary collection of Americans, seniors who served our Nation valiantly in times of war and rebuilt this country after the Great Depression. They are hardworking families who strive to pass on a better world and greater opportunities to their children. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their exceptional leadership. I am also grateful to my South Florida friends, Representatives Klein, Meek, and Wasserman Schultz, and especially our dean, Congressman Hastings. I want to thank Congressman Wexler for his service, as well as his support and friendship. I will never forget my family, friends, volunteers, and most importantly voters, who helped send me here today. I want to profoundly thank my wife, Jill, and my three children, Gabrielle, Serena, and Cole, who are all here with us today. Their love and support means the world to me. In all of her 86 years, my mother, Jean Deutch, never could have imagined hearing her name in this Chamber, and she is here with us today. Mom, thank you for making me believe that I could be anything I wanted to be, because today I am a Member of the United States Congress. Thank you, Madam Speaker.