Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I will speak to this bill in just a couple of seconds, but I want to pause, if I may, just to reflect on the Committee on Foreign Affairs bills that are on the floor today and what they say about the chairman of our committee, Mr. Engel. Mr. Engel, for more than three decades in the United States House of Representatives, has led with American values representing human rights, standing with our allies, and standing up against autocrats all around the world. And since I don't know, because of the pandemic, how much floor time we will have in the coming days and weeks, I wanted to take this moment to express on behalf of not only myself but I know so so many of his colleagues and friends around the country our deep appreciation for his leadership for all these years. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today that we are considering the Libya Stabilization Act, a bipartisan bill that I introduced with my colleague, Middle East Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Wilson. As Mr. Yoho said, since we advanced this legislation out of committee in July, Libya experienced a cease-fire and a burst of diplomacy that I hope will bring increased security and, eventually, peace to all Libyans. The most recent round of U.N.-led talks yielded an agreement to hold ``free and fair, inclusive and credible'' Presidential and parliamentary elections next year. These are important accomplishments, and credit should be given to the Libyan representatives to the negotiations, as well as the U.N., the U.S. Embassy in Libya, and both the Tunisian and Egyptian Governments for hosting recent political and military discussions. However, hard work and difficult compromises lie ahead. Recent talks failed to yield a transitional governmental administration. Public services like electricity continue to be limited or nonexistent. Moreover, progress on securing withdrawal of weapons, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya remains elusive. And we should not forget that previous diplomatic efforts in Libya repeatedly failed. That is why it is so important that we pass this bill today. It calls for a more active U.S. role in diplomacy, provides humanitarian assistance, and supports future elections, measures that will reinforce negotiations. It also sanctions those who deploy mercenaries, support militias, violate the U.N. arms embargo, and commit human rights violations in Libya. The bill's punitive measures take effect if the cease-fire collapses, which will incentivize the warring parties to remain at the negotiating table rather than return to the battlefield.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the bill that we will pass today demonstrates this Congress' interest in deescalating the conflict and that we support working with the U.N., our European allies, regional states, and Libyans to end the war and to help rebuild Libya. Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Wilson for his leadership on this issue. I also thank both the majority and minority staffs of the committee, and special thanks to Ryan Doherty of my staff for his tireless efforts in bringing this bill to this floor today.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Larry Vignola for his 10 years of service to the City of Coral Springs, Florida, Larry moved to Coral Springs when he was 5 years old, where he received a public-school education, attending Coral Springs Elementary and Middle Schools, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. After graduating from the University of Miami, Larry decided to give back to the community where he grew up and was first elected to serve as City Commissioner in 2010, Larry also acted as Coral Springs Vice Mayor for two years, and is Chair of several key committees, including the Youth and Family Committee, the Principal Education Committee and the Teen Political Forum, where I have been a regular guest speaker, and have seen Larry's commitment to our future leaders firsthand. As an alumni and City Commissioner Larry has always been there for the students, teachers and administrators of MSD before and after the tragedy in 2018. Through this dedication to public service, there is no doubt that Larry has made a significant positive impact on the Coral Springs community. As an avid sports fan, Larry has also devoted much of his life to coaching and mentoring young athletes, serving on the Coral Springs American Little League Board of Directors and chairing the Coral Springs Sports Coalition. He is a proud family man and enjoys spending his free time with his wife Aimee and their three children, Madison, Ava and Aimee. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Larry Vignola and his service to Coral Springs and Florida's 22nd Congressional District.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for yielding. I stand in strong support of H.R. 6813, the Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act. This bill is as simple as it is bipartisan. Too many of the folks who are charged with protecting older Americans don't have the specialized knowledge and training needed to assist people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This knowledge gap will be a growing problem as our Nation's population continues to age. In 2019, there were about 5.8 million people in the United States who were living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, the population is estimated to grow to close to 14 million people. And while not all of those with dementia are seniors, 81 percent of people living with Alzheimer's in the United States are 75 years of age or older. People living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are especially vulnerable to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and they are frequent targets for fraud and other scams. This means more interactions between people with Alzheimer's and first responders, adult protective services, the courts, and others in the community. Families and other caregivers know the challenges of dementia. These diseases steal so much from their loved ones, but caregivers step up every day to help people with dementia stay safe and stay healthy. Unfortunately, the strategies and caregiving practices that they use aren't known by others who are charged with preventing elder abuse and fraud. This bill will close that gap in knowledge. The bipartisan Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act will ensure that first responders, court officers, and other social services personnel have access to the best practices and necessary training to assist people with Alzheimer's. This bill will bring everyone together--the Department of Justice; Department of Health and Human Services; State, local, and Tribal adult protective services; law enforcement, aging, social, and human services agencies; and nonprofit associations--to develop best practices and training materials to get everyone on the same page to help. By ensuring that everyone knows how to support people with Alzheimer's, we can better protect against fraud and abuse. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Reschenthaler, for his strong work and strong support of this bill. We have built a strong, bipartisan coalition that supports this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I also want to extend appreciation to the Alzheimer's Association for their expertise and for their advocacy. They have done so much to support people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This bill will put Federal Government support behind their important work. It will help to support people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It will help their caregivers who look out for this vulnerable population. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge passage of this bill.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor South Florida's first responders, as they continue to serve our communities through these unprecedented times. As we all know too well, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. In response, many states and municipalities imposed restrictions and closures on business and individual activities to reduce the spread of the virus. Despite taking these drastic, yet necessary, steps, the virus struck South Florida much harder than other areas of the state. Putting themselves at great personal risk, our first responders have been the first line of defense for our communities during the COVID health crisis; even as they continued to fight fires, handle emergency health situations, and keep our communities safe. That is why I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our first responders, and their service and sacrifice to our communities. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the late William John Betters for his distinguished service to our country and his community. Born on December 1, 1924, William is a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942-1945. Like many of his fellow Americans at the time, William was proud to enlist at the young age of 17. During his service he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart. After returning from serving his country, William created a business as self-employed plumber and contractor, building housing in his hometown. He also devoted his life to family, marrying Eleanor Kurkoski in 1946, having 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren. One of his granddaughters has followed in his footsteps and is serving our country as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and service of William John Betters.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Ethics, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 1074) in the matter of Representative David Schweikert, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I yield an equal amount of time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant), the ranking member of the Committee on Ethics, for purposes of debate only, and I ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to control that time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on Ethics, I rise in support of a resolution for Representative David Schweikert of Arizona to be reprimanded by the House of Representatives. One of our most basic obligations as Members of Congress is to adhere to the principle that public office is a public trust. To uphold that trust and to maintain civic confidence in the integrity of this body, we, as Members, have bound ourselves by certain standards of official conduct. Our Constitution vests the House with the responsibility for self- discipline and self-accountability to those ethical standards. The Committee on Ethics, whose membership is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats and whose work is supported by nonpartisan staff, is charged with: enforcing the laws and rules governing our official conduct; investigating allegations that those laws and rules have been violated; and, where appropriate, making recommendations to the House for the disposition of such investigations. We are here today to fulfill that charge. Our committee began reviewing allegations involving Representative Schweikert after public reports detailed potential misconduct by him and his former chief of staff, who is no longer employed by the House. In 2018, the Office of Congressional Ethics sent two separate referrals regarding Representative Schweikert to the Ethics Committee for further review. Those referrals included: troubling allegations of systemic campaign finance violations and reporting errors by Representative Schweikert's authorized campaign committees; allegations of misuse of his Members' Representational Allowance, or MRA, for unofficial purposes; and evidence that he pressured his official staff to perform campaign work. During the 115th Congress, the committee impaneled an investigative subcommittee to lead a bipartisan review of these allegations. At the start of the 116th Congress, the committee reestablished that evenly divided bipartisan panel and appointed Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota as its chair, along with Representative Bill Flores of Texas, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, and Representative John Katko of New York. The subcommittee, which was capably supported by the committee's professional, nonpartisan investigative staff, took testimony from 18 witnesses and reviewed several hundred thousand pages of documents. The investigative subcommittee also heard from Representative Schweikert himself and considered his views and interpretation of the evidence without prejudgment. Upon completing its exhaustive investigation, the subcommittee unanimously concluded that there was substantial reason to believe that Representative Schweikert's conduct violated various House rules, the Code of Ethics for Government service, Federal laws, and other applicable standards. On June 30, 2020, the investigative subcommittee unanimously adopted a Statement of Alleged Violations, or SAV, detailing 11 separate violations and the facts giving rise to those violations. As set forth in counts 1 through 6 of the SAV, between 2010 and 2017, Representative Schweikert's campaign committees erroneously disclosed or failed to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans that were made or obtained for the benefit of his congressional campaigns, including a fictional $100,000 loan that purported to be sourced from personal funds. His campaign committees also failed to report or falsely reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign disbursements and contributions. For those cumulative and sustained acts, Representative Schweikert violated: Federal Election Commission Act reporting requirements; clause 1 of the Code of Official Conduct of House rule XXIII, which requires Members of this House to behave at all times in a manner that reflects creditably on this House; and the Code of Ethics for Government Service. Count 7 addresses conduct by Representative Schweikert's former chief of staff, who made hundreds of thousands of dollars in impermissible outlays on behalf of Representative Schweikert's campaign committees over a 7-year period. Even though these outlays were eventually reimbursed by the campaign, they amounted to impermissible campaign contributions under Federal law. For knowing of this practice as it was ongoing but failing to prevent it, Representative Schweikert violated clause 1 of House rule XXIII and the Code of Ethics for Government Service. As detailed in count 8, between 2011 and 2018, Representative Schweikert converted campaign funds for personal purposes, primarily by accepting personal items from several staff members that were later reimbursed using campaign funds. This conduct violated: Federal election law and regulations; clause 6 of House rule XXIII, which states campaign funds must be kept separate and cannot be converted to personal use; and the Code of Ethics for Government Service. Count 9 addresses Representative Schweikert's misuse of official resources--including official funds, staff time, and congressional office space--for unofficial and campaign purposes between 2011 and 2017. By misusing his MRA and failing to provide necessary oversight over its use, Representative Schweikert violated 31 U.S. Code, section 1301, clause 1 of House rule XXIII, and the Code of Ethics for Government Service. As set forth in count 10, Representative Schweikert violated clause 1 of House rule XXIII by pressuring his former chief of staff to fundraise for his campaigns and fostering an office environment in which congressional staff felt pressured to perform campaign work. Finally, as detailed in count 11, Representative Schweikert violated clause 1 of House rule XXIII by failing to exercise the proper candor and due diligence necessary in responding to these allegations, including a finding by this investigative subcommittee that certain aspects of his testimony lacked credibility. Under House and committee rules, a Member confronted with a Statement of Alleged Violations may either challenge the allegations with a public hearing of an adjudicatory subcommittee or, instead, reach a negotiated resolution with the investigative subcommittee. In this instance, Representative Schweikert, with the assistance of his counsel, negotiated a resolution in which he admitted to all 11 counts in a Statement of Alleged Violations. He also agreed to waive his rights to any additional process, including his right to an adjudicatory hearing. For his misconduct, Representative Schweikert agreed to accept a sanction of reprimand by the House as well as a $50,000 fine to be paid to the United States Treasury. The investigative subcommittee carefully considered whether censure, rather than a reprimand, befitted Representative Schweikert's egregious conduct. Ultimately, the bipartisan subcommittee agreed to this negotiated sanction of a monetary fine and public reprimand by his colleagues, in large part because of Representative Schweikert's willingness to accept responsibility for his own misconduct. On July 29, our bipartisan Ethics Committee unanimously voted to adopt the subcommittee's recommendations and transmit to the House the resolution currently under consideration. Yesterday morning, Ranking Member Marchant and I filed our committee's report, together with the report of the investigative subcommittee, accompanying exhibits, Representative Schweikert's responsive views, and the materials provided to the committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics in its referrals. I urge all of my colleagues, if they have not done so already, to carefully read those materials. As with every investigative report our committee issues, the report in this matter explains when and why certain conduct may implicate laws, House rules, or other ethical standards. Some of Representative Schweikert's gravest violations arose from direct misconduct by him. Because of Representative Schweikert's own delays and posture toward this investigation, many of the most serious campaign finance violations are also now beyond the statute of limitations for civil enforcement, leaving the House as the only body to bring accountability to bear on his conduct. The bipartisan subcommittee unanimously recommended, and our full committee unanimously agreed, that such conduct with respect to our investigation should itself be sanctioned. Other violations arose from Representative Schweikert's inattention to, or poor supervision of, staff under his supervision. For example, when asked by the investigative subcommittee about one particular loan to his campaign and whether he received any guidance on how to report it, Representative Schweikert said this: ``And this may be my sin, I didn't ask. I just--I assumed. I didn't even assume. I didn't think about it.'' If Members take just one lesson from this case, let it be this: It is unacceptable for us, as public officeholders, not to think about our ethical obligations. As Members of Congress, we all have an affirmative duty to ensure that we, and all who work under our supervision, comply with the laws, regulations, and ethical rules governing our official and campaign activities. The investigative subcommittee's report included several advisory recommendations that the committee will seek to implement to provide the House with more specific and emphatic guidance on some of the issues in this matter. So I expect that this case will serve to better educate all Members on their ethical responsibilities. Above all, the proposed sanction, which was unanimously approved by both the investigate subcommittee and the full Committee on Ethics, will affirm this body's unified commitment to maintaining the highest level of integrity. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time so that the distinguished ranking member of the Ethics Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant), may make any comments that he may have.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Phillips) for any comments he may have. The gentleman ably served as the chairman of the investigative subcommittee, and I appreciate his leadership.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I again thank each of the members who served on the investigative subcommittees that were impaneled in this matter during the 115th and 116th Congresses. The Committee on Ethics continually strives to enhance the reputation of this body and ensure that Members, as required by House rules and the Code of Official Conduct, always act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House. Representatives Phillips, Flores, Raskin, and Katko, your work on this case has been instrumental to that broader effort, and we are most grateful for your service. Madam Speaker, I am also appreciative and grateful for the ranking member, Mr. Marchant, and his dedication to upholding the integrity of this House and the principles that he brings to bear as he serves in a leadership position on the House Committee on Ethics. I am grateful to all of the other Ethics Committee members, my colleagues, for their work on this matter, and all of the others that we have handled in this Congress. I thank my personal staff, Josh Rogin and David Arrojo; and Mr. Marchant's staff, Scott Cunningham and Chris Donesa, for their commitment to ensuring that this work be done fairly. I also recognize the board and staff of the Office of Congressional Ethics for their contributions to this investigation. Lastly, as Mr. Phillips referenced, enormous thanks are due to our nonpartisan professional committee staff for their tireless work on this investigation and their dedicated service every day to this House. Finally, Madam Speaker, I note that while the committee's investigative work may garner more public attention, the committee's nonpartisan, advisory staff is always available to answer any ethics- related questions, to hold special training sessions for Members and employees, in addition to the mandated annual ethics trainings, and to issue advisory opinions upon request. I encourage all Members of this House, all candidates and Congressional staff, to avail themselves of our committee's resources to help them satisfy their ethical obligations and to avoid the mistakes like those by Representative Schweikert that bring us to the floor of the House today. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' as well, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials as well on the matter just under consideration.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, our best efforts to fight this virus at home cannot succeed if we are not also fighting it abroad. The United States has led the world out of every major modern crisis, and that leadership now is critical to our ability to successfully rebound from the economic impact of COVID-19. We will not be able to fully restore economic stability in our country until the spread of the virus is under control globally. In Congress, it's our imperative to act quickly for the American people. That certainly means protecting our courageous first responders, strengthening our health systems at home, and taking steps to safeguard American jobs and livelihoods. But it also means doing our part to eliminate threats before they reach our borders. Right now, the majority of the world, especially developing nations, lack the resources to prevent or respond to a public health crisis like COVID-19. They suffer from weak health as well as large percentages of displaced and refugee populations, where social distancing is near impossible. According to the CDC, 70 percent of the world is underprepared for a public health emergency. Robust U.S. funding for global health programs can help combat the continued spread of COVID-19. The United States must restore cuts to humanitarian funds, particularly in areas like water, sanitation, and hygiene, and increase funding for international organizations doing emergency response work. The United States has the scientific and technical expertise to assist others with their pandemic responses. The CDC is experienced in helping other countries meet international health standards for global health security. We must lead the international community in the global public health response, while also asserting leadership to coordinate a global economic recovery. If we do not recognize that challenges abroad are linked to challenges at home, we will not be able to fully overcome the impact of this virus. If we leave the world vulnerable to coronavirus, we leave our own country vulnerable as well.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, we can't let disputes over dollars and cents diminish the hope for more smiles and laughter from sweet children like Jordan Ogman. This week, I visited 4-year-old Jordan to bring attention to the fight to save his life from a rare genetic disorder, TECPR2. Jordan's parents, David and Stacey, refused to view his diagnosis as a tragedy. They are inspired by his laugh, by his beautiful smile, and by his love for his family--especially his sister, Kira. They are ready to fight for him. The Ogman family is counting on Congress to do what is right. This Rare Disease Week, the 30 million Americans living with 1 of over 7,000 rare diseases are counting on Congress to invest in the research that can give them hope. Jordan's mom says: ``He is a warrior. He is resilient and bright, and we are fighting every minute to save his life.'' Congress needs to be there to fight alongside the Ogman family and every American family battling a rare disease. Jordan, you keep fighting. My colleagues, let's join this fight together.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, it has been 2 years since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In those 2 years, the surviving families and students have turned their pain into power. They stood up to gun companies. They testified before Congress. They helped craft and pass legislation. They worked with the Federal Government. They worked with the State government. They won school board seats. They made beautiful, moving art. Students have lifted their voices, written songs. They have walked out and they have marched. That is what the survivors of my community are doing. But there is so much more that Congress and the President can do to save lives from gun violence. There is so much more we can do to honor the lives that were lost at Stoneman Douglas: Alyssa, Scott, Martin, Nicholas, Aaron, Jaime, Chris, Luke, Cara, Gina, Joaquin, Alaina, Meadow, Helena, Alex, Carmen, and Peter.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Minnesota for yielding. I appreciate the kind words of the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I appreciate his leadership. Special thanks, as well, to the ranking member of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee, Mr. Wilson, for his leadership on these issues and his commitment to standing up for the Iranian people. In mid-November, popular protests against the Iranian regime began and rapidly spread to at least 100 cities throughout the country, in the most significant anti-government protests in Iran since 2009. While protesters took to the streets in response to an increase in fuel prices, they also called for structural reform of the Iranian political system. They condemned current and former leaders. In response, Iranian authorities shut down the internet. Security forces used lethal force, killing hundreds of people, marking the highest casualty rate of any protest movement in Iran since the Islamic revolution 4 decades ago. And they arrested over 7,000 more. Protesters returned earlier this month after Iran shot down Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 as it took off from Tehran's International Airport, killing all 176 people on board, and then tried to cover it up. The Iranians in the streets were frustrated by the regime's lies, frustrated by their incompetence, and chanted against the IRGC and against the Supreme Leader. As in November, Iranian authorities met these protests with unlawful, disproportionate force. Congress has long expressed bipartisan support for the human rights of the Iranian people, including the rights to peaceably assemble and the right to protest. Congress has also supported the rights of Iranian dissidents and authorized the licensing of communication services to improve the ability of Iranian people to speak freely. In keeping with that tradition, H. Res. 752 expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the rights of the Iranian people to free expression and condemns the regime for its crackdown on the recent, legitimate, peaceful protests in Iran. The resolution condemns the Iranian regime's serious human rights abuses, its significant corruption, destabilizing activities abroad, and urges the President and the Secretary of State to work with the international community to ensure that violations of human rights are part of all formal and informal multilateral or bilateral discussions regarding Iran. I also encourage additional efforts by this House to support the people of Iran. These include initiatives proposed by my colleagues, like the one by Representative Tom Malinowski, to end the ban on Iranians and other citizens of predominantly-Muslim countries from entering the United States. If we truly support the Iranian people, we need to allow them to visit so they can experience our vibrant society, so they can experience democracy, so that they can see pluralism and our great democratic traditions. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help advance these measures as well. I thank my colleagues for their strong support of this resolution which demonstrates that Congress stands with the Iranian people and supports their right to live in a free society.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman Norcross, for yielding. I am thankful for Congresswoman Maloney's leadership and commitment to Holocaust education. I appreciate Chairman Scott's leadership in helping to bring this bill to the floor. I am thankful to all of my colleagues, Democratic and Republican alike; the Education and Labor Committee; the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and the Jewish community organizations, which all worked together to promote Holocaust education. Last week, I was honored to participate in a bipartisan delegation led by Speaker Pelosi that visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was my first time there, and I walked through the gates where more than 1 million people perished. The magnitude of the effort of the Nazis to try to eradicate the Jewish people was shocking. I was shaken by the sight of the crematorium, the gas chambers, and the piles of hair, glasses, personal effects, and everything gathered in a way to dehumanize the Jews before they were even slaughtered. It has been 75 years since Auschwitz was liberated, and today, there are few remaining survivors who can share their stories firsthand. Six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. We must carry on and honor their memories as a stark and enduring warning to future generations, but recent polls show that we are failing to live up to that solemn responsibility. Less than half of Americans know how many Jews died in the Holocaust. Among teenagers, it is barely one-third. We must do better. Some States like my home State of Florida mandate Holocaust education as part of the public school curriculum. I am proud to represent Holocaust survivors living in south Florida. In my district, those survivors, their children, their grandchildren, and all of us who work to elevate their stories work so hard to make sure that this education is a part of every student's education. But not every State has the resources, whether textbooks or survivors and their powerful testimony. That is why this legislation is so important. It will empower the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to promote Holocaust education around the country. It will do the vital work of bringing Americans together to say ``never again.'' When we visited Yad Vashem, almost 50 countries in the world sent their leaders to speak up to remember the Holocaust and to speak out against anti-Semitism. President Macron pointed out that anti-Semitism is a poison.

Mr. DEUTCH. There are deadly attacks in America and anti-Semitic violence that is almost regular in occurrence, but with all of this poison of anti-Semitism, education is our antidote. Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I am proud the House of Representatives is working to give the words ``never again'' real meaning and real purpose by educating American students about the horrors of the Holocaust and the responsibility that all of us have to fight anti-Semitism and hatred.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am so honored to be here on International Holocaust Remembrance Day with colleagues, Democratic and Republican alike, who understand the importance of giving real meaning to the words ``never again.'' Standing at Auschwitz-Birkenau as we did with a bipartisan delegation last week, what you can't help but be struck by is the effort, the enormous effort that the Nazis went to, to try to destroy the Jewish people, to wipe them from the face of the Earth. Yet, they failed. The State of Israel is strong, the strong homeland of the Jewish people. In a world that Adolf Hitler could never have imagined, that the Nazis could never have imagined, Jewish Members of the House, like myself, have the opportunity like the one now to remind America why this is so important. Like my colleague from Florida, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, I represent a lot of survivors. Twice a year, our local Jewish family service organization has a program called Cafe Europa. They bring together the survivors from our community for lunch and the opportunity to socialize, to enjoy music, and to be with one another. They sit the survivors at tables based on the communities in Europe that they came from, communities where the Nazis tried to eradicate all the Jews. Here they are now, most in their nineties, coming together, in this case in south Florida, with the opportunity to be with one another. What is so remarkable is that at virtually every one of these meetings, there is a moment when a survivor from a community in Europe is able to reunite with another survivor from that community that he or she has not seen since before World War II. They have the chance to share their stories not just with each other, but they get to share their stories with all of us. Some, like Norman Frajman, a dear friend of mine who lost 126 family members in the Holocaust, was clear when he said, in speaking about Cafe Europa: ``We are disappearing, but when I see faces here, it does my heart good. There are still witnesses to this tragedy, and younger generations must learn of these atrocities that occur when hatred toward one another occurs. We must replace hate with love.'' Norman is right. Sylvia Richter, also from south Florida, was at Cafe Europa and said this in describing what happened to her, she said: My sisters and I were chosen by Dr. Mengele. I was forced to lie about my age and say I was 17 instead of 14. A female Nazi officer wiped black soot off her arm and told me it was my mother, father and siblings that she was wiping away and if I didn't keep lying, this would be me too. As she wiped away those ashes, she wiped away my smile. I never smiled again until 1946. There are people in America, there are people in the world who deny the Holocaust. There are far too many people who don't know the details of what happened during the Holocaust, and, sadly, these voices, these survivors will not be with us for too many more years. That is why this is so important today. That is why it is so important for all of us to come together, to pledge ``Never again'' and to make it mean something. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to be here today with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. There is nothing partisan about standing up to hatred and bigotry and fighting anti-Semitism. That is what we are showing here tonight.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to congratulate a recipient of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards, Laura Reiss. Laura has always believed in a world where people celebrate and support each other. In 2008, she harnessed this belief and started a free after-school Kindness program at Sunrise Park Elementary in Boca Raton, FL where her children were going to school. This kindness movement that began as a single club became The Kindness Matters 365 Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that educates children about the importance of being kind to themselves and to others, and contributing to society so they can make a positive impact in their communities and the world. The Foundation has spread to nine states, with more than 500 ambassadors and 4,000 members in 90 chapters. As part of their service- learning based and community service projects, these clubs have collected and distributed over $1,347,300 in goods, supported 45,900 individuals, raised $2.5 million in disaster relief, and reported over 613,213 community service hours. Through her philanthropy, service, and selfless sacrifices, Laura Reiss has touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. The work she does and the time she has put in is truly deserving of this award. I extend my most sincere congratulations to Laura and to all of tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy Award honorees.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to congratulate a recipient of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards, Jerry Kramer. Jerry has lived a life of service to his country and community. He served in the army in Okinawa and Korea, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for bravery in combat. After returning home, Jerry built successful home-building companies, building 200 homes per year, from scratch on Long Island. This experience in construction allowed him to build and donate a 20,000 square foot facility for the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. Currently, Jerry makes substantial donations to local and national non- profit organizations each year. Through his philanthropy and service, Jerry Kramer has touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. The work he does and the time he has put in is truly deserving of this award. I extend my most sincere congratulations to Jerry and all of tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy Award honorees.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to congratulate two recipients of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards, Sue and Yaacov Heller. For the Hellers, life individually and as a couple has involved giving back and creating awareness through the arts and education. Yaacov has been rated among the world's most accomplished sculptors and top silversmiths. His work has been used to convey messages of hope, tolerance, acceptance, remembrance and peace through interpretation of the human form and spirit while holding to his personal unswerving commitment to artistic quality. Sue Heller is a retired art educator with more than 30 years of experience. Her emphasis has always been ``speaking through the arts.'' She feels that students with special needs and adults in crisis who might not otherwise be able to learn or express themselves can find a way to ``converse'' through the creative process. This belief has always been motivation for professional and volunteer work. Through their philanthropy and service, the Hellers have touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. The work they do and the time they have put in is truly deserving of this award. I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Hellers and to all of tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy Award honorees.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to congratulate two recipients of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards, Doris and Neil Gillman. When it comes to strengthening their communities, the Gillmans strongly believe that enduring support begins with not with a check, but with a relationship. The couple has partnered with dozens of charities in Boca Raton and Pittsburgh and have built their volunteerism and philanthropy around being deeply engaged in the organizations to which they commit. The impact of the Gillmans' connections to causes, particularly those that serve children, veterans, and animals, can be found throughout the city. They've worked closely with Florence Fuller Child Development Centers to construct much-needed new facilities, with the Caridad Center to outfit a new pediatric dental surgery room, with Boca Raton Regional Hospital to provide support for new parents in need, and with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League to accomplish the vision of their new campus. The couple has also served on local charitable boards; Doris with Boca Helping Hands, and Neil with the Boca West Children's Foundation. In fact, it was BWCF that led them to many of the organizations they have supported, including their most recent focus-- Sweet Dream Makers. Through their philanthropy and service, the Gillmans have touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. The work they do and the time they have put in is truly deserving of these awards. I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Gillmans and to all of tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy Award honorees.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to congratulate two recipients of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards, Toby and Leon Cooperman. The Coopermans' story exemplifies the American Dream. As a first generation American and son of a plumber, Leon worked hard to receive a quality public education before earning his MBA from Columbia University. His hard work continued as he entered the professional world, leading to a remarkably successful career. Due to the success achieved through their hard work, Toby and Leon feel a moral imperative to give others the opportunity to pursue the American Dream that they have enjoyed. This led them to take The Giving Pledge, a commitment to give the majority of their wealth to address societies most pressing needs. Through their philanthropy and service, the Coopermans have touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our South Florida community. The work they do and the time they have put in is truly deserving of these awards. I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Coopermans and to all of tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy Award honorees.