Ted Deutch

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Parliamentary Inquiries

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, First Sergeant John Navarra, who is retiring as the leader of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. John N. Navarra is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with 22 years of service to our country. During this time, he served in multiple locations including the United States and Germany and primarily worked in the administration and logistics fields. Coupled with his service, John has demonstrated a life-long commitment to education by earning an Associate's degree in Business and Computer Science, a bachelor degree in Interpersonal and Group Communications, a Master's degree in Education with Concentrations in Teaching and Evaluation and a MBA in Leadership. However, it is not just his own education that John has been committed to. John has served as the JROTC Army Instructor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 12 years, beginning in 2007. In this role, John educated, provided guidance, and mentored the students in the JROTC program In doing so, he instilled in them the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor and thank Mr. John Navarra for his service to his country and his community. I congratulate John on his retirement.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ben Ferencz. Ben is the last living Nuremberg prosecutor and is also celebrating his 100th Birthday. Born in Transylvania in 1920, Ben immigrated to the United States and attended public schools in New York. He won a scholarship to Harvard Law School where he worked as a research assistant for a professor writing a book on war crimes. He received his degree in 1943 and promptly joined the U.S. Army as a private in the artillery. He was awarded five battle stars for not being killed or wounded at Normandy Beach and every major campaign in Europe. As the war was ending, he was transferred to General Patton's HQ to serve as a war crimes investigator. He entered many Nazi concentration camps as they were liberated and the horrors he saw made an indelible impression. When he returned home, he was recruited by General Telford Taylor to return to Germany to help in the additional war crimes trials. He was appointed Chief Prosecutor in what was aptly described as the biggest murder trial in history--the ``Einsatzgreuppen case.'' All 22 defendants, including six SS Generals, were convicted of murdering over a million innocent men, women, and children. Ben was 27 years old and it was his first case. Since then, Ben has dedicated much of his life to seeking compensation for victims and trying to prevent illegal war-making. He became a self-appointed personal lobbyist for peace, with countless lectures, publications, and speeches at many universities and in countries around the world. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Mr. Ben Ferencz and his service to his country, his community, and the world. Happy Birthday to Ben.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, today should not be about politics. I didn't rise to be political. This is personal. A few years ago, I was invited to speak at the U.N. General Assembly special session on anti-Semitism. I told the representatives from the assembled countries that anti-Semitism is the canary in the coal mine, that if there is anti-Semitism in your country, there is hatred that will ultimately permeate throughout society if it is not checked. I never thought I would need to explain that to my colleagues. This is not political. No one should make it political. The use of anti-Semitic language and images can never be tolerated. When a Presidential campaign runs a commercial alleging a Jewish global conspiracy in an ad featuring George Soros, Janet Yellen, and Lloyd Blankfein, it is invoking classic anti-Semitic tropes and it must be condemned. When the same campaign tweets an image of their opponent featuring a Jewish star and piles of money, it does the same thing and it must be condemned. When one of our colleagues accuses Soros, Steyer, and Bloomberg of buying the election, it also invokes classic anti- Semitism that must be condemned. And when one of our colleagues invokes the classic anti-Semitic tropes that Jews control the world, that Jews care only about money, and that Jews cannot be loyal Americans if they also support Israel, this, too, must be condemned. We have the opportunity to condemn all of that, by all of them, intolerable as it all is, by passing a strong condemnation of anti- Semitism. Mr. Speaker, because of anti-Semitism over millennia, millions of Jews have been hated, targeted, and expelled from their countries, violently attacked, killed, and exterminated. Words lead to action and to death. There is too much hatred, too many other people who are targeted, and we need to support all of them. But we are having this debate because of the language of one of our colleagues, language that suggests that Jews like me, who serve in the United States in Congress and whose father earned a Purple Heart fighting the Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge, that we are not loyal Americans. Why are we unable to singularly condemn anti-Semitism? Why can't we call out anti-Semitism and show that we have learned the lessons of history? It feels like we are only able to call the use of anti-Semitic language by a colleague of ours--any colleague of ours--if we are addressing all forms of hatred. And it feels like we can't say it is anti-Semitism unless everyone agrees that it is anti-Semitism. Who gets to define what counts as stereotypes or discrimination? Isn't it the people who experience the bias? The people who have experienced that hatred for thousands of years? If Jews whose families were persecuted or attacked or killed are talking about how anti-Semitic words can lead at their most hateful and violent extremes, then it is anti-Semitism. And take my word for it. If you don't do that, then please understand that an anti-Semite will hear those words as a dog whistle. What has been so difficult for so many people in my community is that people who are fearful when anti-Semitic tropes are used are being told that they are wrong. Jewish elected officials are saying that this history that we know well is invoked by referencing dual loyalty, and some of my colleagues are saying that it doesn't matter what that history means to me. It is intensely personal because it is ongoing: in Europe, in Asia, in the Middle East, in South America, and in the United States. Eleven people were killed less than 6 months ago in a synagogue because they were Jews. What is happening in our country should alarm us all. The attacks on our colleagues because they are Muslim or African American or Hispanic or members of the LGBT community, any attack must be condemned when it is based on hatred. But when a colleague invokes classic anti-Semitic lies three times, then this body must condemn that anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is worthy of being taken seriously on its own. It is worthy of being singularly called out. Jews control the world? Jews care only about money? Jews have dual loyalty and can't be patriotic members of the country in which they live? Words matter. For generations, they have had dangerous consequences for me, for my family, and for my people. This shouldn't be so hard.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to honor Ramola and her late husband Bob Motwani for their integral contributions to the City of Fort Lauderdale and to congratulate them on being recognized as ``Honored Founders'' of Fort Lauderdale. After hearing that the city was flourishing due to large numbers of spring breakers, Ramola and Bob moved to Fort Lauderdale and purchased the Merrimac Hotel in 1986. However, the city's crackdown on spring break that same year led to a sharp decline in business, making it difficult to support their family. In the face of this adversity, Bob set out to find new guests from around the world and began working with local beach committees. These committees sought infrastructure and other improvements that would attract more visitors to the beach. This hard work and determination paid off, attracting more visitors, businesses, and developers to the area. Their success allowed them to purchase additional properties for redevelopment and make an even bigger impact on the city. Following Bob's untimely passing at the age of 47, Ramola took the reins managing their properties and raising their two sons. Ramola has continued the family's active civic engagement in beach development and redevelopment issues, including securing sponsors for projects the city couldn't afford on its own. Madam Speaker, we have only just scratched the surface of the myriad contributions the Motwanis have made to revitalize Fort Lauderdale and turn it into the thriving city we have today. Congratulations to the Motwanis on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Chair, we introduced H.R. 8 8 years ago after our friend and former colleague, Gabby Giffords, was shot and nearly killed. When she was by our side to introduce the bill, she said: ``Speaking is still difficult for me, but I don't think I can make myself more clear: Congress must act to make our country safer from gun violence.'' Now is that time. We have waited too long to close loopholes that let people easily avoid background checks through private sales. I have cried with too many survivors and attended too many funerals. I have marched with too many student activists, and I have bowed my head through too many moments of silence. We know strong gun laws work. In the 25 years since the Brady law took effect, background checks have stopped more than $3 million in gun sales and have saved countless lives. It is time to expand the Brady law. It is time to close the dangerous loopholes. It is past time for Congress to take action to save lives from gun violence. Mr. Chair, this is not a moment of silence. This is not a sit-in. This is action by the United States House of Representatives on behalf of everyone who has pled for that action after San Bernardino and after Sutherland Springs and after Fort Hood and after Virginia Tech and after Columbine and Sandy Hook and Las Vegas and Pulse and everyday gun violence in our communities and, yes, after Parkland. Let's represent the 95 percent of the American people who want us to take this action to help save lives. Let's pass H.R. 8.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I don't know what it is like to lose a child to gun violence. My words are not sufficient to describe that pain. These are the words of Patricia Oliver, the mother of Joaquin Oliver. Joaquin was killed 1 year ago tomorrow at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Dear Representative Deutch: I am writing to you to plead with you to ensure that other mothers and fathers do not have to endure this gut-wrenching pain, the senseless and unnecessary loss of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for my family. My name is Patricia Oliver. My beautiful son, Joaquin, was one of the 17 who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last year. Words cannot express the devastation wrought on the families of the victims, the shattering of families, friends, and those who survived. After the avoidable mass shooting, many said we were in their thoughts and prayers. How many of you in this Chamber uttered just those words? I thank you for your prayers, but are you actually thinking about your constituents, about those you have sworn an oath to serve, and about those you know and love? If you were thinking, you would do something. It is in your power to enact commonsense gun laws, commonsense mental health support, and appropriate support and guidance to law enforcement. If we have the courage to stand up and do this, then never again will thoughts and prayers be needed in the aftermath of a mass shooting. This country is at a crossroads. We need your leadership. We need your love, your compassion. We need your serious thought unmarred by lobbyists. I implore you to think about the kids. Think about how you would feel if it were your son, your daughter, your granddaughter, or your grandson, because it could be. Had we--had the Members of this body--learned the lessons of Columbine and of Sandy Hook, Joaquin would still be here. The lives of hundreds would not have been ripped to pieces. This was preventable. Something you can do, and urge your colleagues to do right this moment, is support the recently introduced universal background checks bill. It is now my mission in life to do whatever I can to ensure that no mother and no father have to endure the pain I have, that no shining beacon of light, hope, and love like my Joaquin is snuffed out too soon in a preventable mass shooting. We know that he didn't have to die if our leaders had done enough. Other countries have solved this problem. The roadmap exists. Please follow it. Sincerely, Patricia Oliver, Parkland, Florida. Mr. Speaker, Patricia and Manuel, Joaquin's father, have not allowed Joaquin to remain a victim. He is an advocate. Last month, the Olivers visited Capitol Hill with a statue of Joaquin to deliver this letter and to call for change. It is time to listen to them, Patricia, Manuel, and Joaquin. We shouldn't have to know the pain that Patricia and Manny know, that 16 other families in Parkland know, and that families in every corner of this country know, to do something about gun violence. The time to act is now.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. One year ago, Madam Speaker, on February 14, 2018, 17 people were killed in a senseless and horrific act of gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I ask the Members of the House of Representatives to use this time to center their thoughts on the 17 who were killed, the 17 who were injured, the healing of the Parkland community, and the 40,000 lives lost to gun violence in every corner of this Nation each year. I ask that we work together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans to end this silence with action to make all our communities safer from gun violence. I ask that this moment of silence not be in vain, and I ask my colleagues to please rise and bow your heads as we remember Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup, and Peter Wang.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from California for the time and for her support of this legislation, and I thank Mr. Collins from Georgia for his service and for his support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our Nation's veterans. Our veterans distinguish themselves in service to our country, but that distinction is too often recognized and preyed upon by scam artists. H.R. 450, the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act, will close a loophole in our criminal law and will give Federal law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on financial fraud schemes that target our veterans. My friend, veteran, and former Congressman Tom Rooney introduced this bill with me in the past two Congresses. It passed by a voice vote in the 115th Congress and passed unanimously 411-0 in the 114th. It is time to pass it again and to finally make it law to help our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Representative Meadows for continuing this important bipartisan work to protect America's veterans. In a 2017 survey, AARP found that 78 percent of veterans receive scam pitches specifically targeted to their military service. They also found that 16 percent of veterans lost money to financial fraud over the past 5 years, double the rate of nonveterans. Mr. Speaker, I thank Greg Dover of Palm Beach County Veterans Services, who sounded the alarm and helped fight for this important legislation. I have heard too many stories from south Floridians--veterans, survivors, families, and their veterans service officers--who have been taken advantage of through so-called pension poaching scams that target the supplemental aid and attendance pension benefit. In one case, a veteran responded to a solicitation with the hope of securing additional pension benefits. He was met with a high-pressure sales tactic in his own home. The sales representative tried to convince him to apply for benefits that he didn't want and that he wasn't eligible for. In addition to filing an improper claim on the veteran's behalf, the scammer lied and told the veteran that he was required to enter into a long-term healthcare contract in order to receive the benefits. Pension poachers comb through south Florida's senior communities to look for targets. They gather residents for high-pressure sales pitches to convince them to file inaccurate claims. In one case, a scammer intentionally withheld spousal income from a veteran's application to illegally unlock additional benefits. The veteran paid excessive filing fees of over $600, but that wasn't the worst of it. The VA eventually learned about the additional unreported income. They learned that the veteran was not eligible, and they sought to claw back nearly $50,000 in overpayments. By the time the veteran faced financial ruin, the scammer had disappeared and couldn't be found. As our senior population continues to grow, aging veterans will require assistance with activities of daily living that the veterans aid and attendance benefit can provide. The application of financial eligibility requirements offers an opportunity for scam artists to take advantage of our most vulnerable American veterans with empty promises and hidden consequences. Veterans don't have to face benefit hurdles alone, but they shouldn't be easy targets for criminals either. This legislation will help law enforcement fight back against pension poachers and other scammers. It will root out scam operations. And it will protect our veterans from falling prey to these ploys. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to be there for our veterans, just as they have been there for us. Please vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Mr. Charles DiMatteo, who will be celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 8. The son of a produce store owner father and a seamstress mother from Sicily, Charles lived the American Dream. He was born at home and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, as one of nine children. His parents were well-known in the area as co-founders of Sacred Heart Church on North Street in the North End. Charles went to school and helped out in the family store. Charles received a draft notice and entered the Army Air Corps in 1942, serving as a radio operator and marksman. He was in 16 missions under fire in places like Burma, China and India. He suffered serious injury while unloading a cargo plane and was hospitalized. Charles continued his service until 1946, when he was honorably discharged with many service medals and honors. Following his military service, Charles worked as a railroad claims agent and ran a wholesale produce business. His fruit baskets were legendary in the area and he was referred to as the ``Basket King.'' He is a lifelong member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). After retiring at age 70 and relocating to Florida, he joined DAV Chapter 133 in Pompano Beach. Charles is known as a generous man who has supported many charities over the years. Charles is also a family man with a loving wife Anita, two children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Despite knee replacement and back surgeries, Charles still gets around quite well at age 99. Not surprisingly, he is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, and enjoys watching their games on television. His other hobbies include following the stock market, swimming and dining out. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Mr. Charles DiMatteo and his service to his country and his community. Happy Birthday, Charles.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the important work done by Rabbi David Steinhardt of B'nai Torah Congregation. For 25 years, Rabbi Steinhardt has offered a religious home in the B'nai Torah congregation. As a member myself, the Rabbi has brought words of wisdom, healing, and inspiration to me, my family, and the Jewish community of Boca Raton. His deep commitment to teaching and advancing Jewish values has brought B'nai Torah to preeminence. His sermons reinforce our values and provide spiritual guidance, and his deep commitment to Israel is most appreciated by our community. For these 25 years of leadership, I am grateful for Rabbi Steinhardt. In times of hardship, such as after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Rabbi Steinhardt has created a space for mourning and healing within B'nai Torah. After the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, he welcomed local leaders of all religious denominations for a powerful community-wide vigil. Rabbi Steinhardt's work with the Interfaith Clergy Association has contributed significantly to the strength of our broader community. As we begin this new year, I am confident Rabbi David Steinhardt will continue to be a cherished member of the Boca Raton community. I greatly appreciate Rabbi Steinhardt's dedication to the congregants of B'nai Torah and the people of South Florida, and I am pleased to honor him.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, let's be clear. The longest shutdown in our history is not about border security. Both Democrats and Republicans agree we need strong border security; we need new technology; we need stronger ports of entry; and we need more personnel. But the President is tossing aside what we agree upon so that he can hit taxpayers for $5 billion for his wall, and he is making 800,000 hardworking Federal employees and contractors, and their loved ones, pay an even higher price right now. I have heard from constituents who should be working as aviation safety inspectors to keep our skies safe. Instead, one is waiting in the unemployment office. One cabin safety inspector is struggling to pay for cancer medication. Another is negotiating a payment plan for his mother's care, and his mother is an 88-year-old veteran living with dementia. Let's end the pain of this shutdown, reopen the government, get Federal workers back on the job and being paid. We can work together to strengthen our borders, and we can treat asylum seekers with respect.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for helping to shepherd this legislation through the committee last year and for bringing it to the floor so quickly this year. I thank the ranking member, I thank my fellow co-chairs of the Anti-Semitism Task Force, and I especially want to thank my colleague, Chris Smith, who has been a stalwart ally in combating anti-Semitism and has worked to create and strengthen this position for many years. Mr. Speaker, 4 years ago, on January 9, 2015, a gunman entered a kosher supermarket in Paris, killing four. Last year, on the anniversary of the Hypercacher shooting, another kosher supermarket in southern Paris was targeted with swastikas and arson. Tragically, there have been countless attacks against the Jewish communities of Europe over the last few years, some of which make headlines, but many of which don't: The anti-Semitic murder of a Holocaust survivor; the man attacked in Germany for wearing a kippah, a Jewish skullcap; the shootings at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels that killed four; the shooting at a Bat Mitzvah in Copenhagen; an 11-year-old in England attacked on the street as children shouted, ``Burn all the Jews;'' and White supremacists and anti-Semites marching in European capitals. Anti-Semitism is certainly not a new phenomenon, but we should expect that the United States Government would take a leading role in tracking, combating, and preventing it. After October 27, when the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in America took place and 11 Jews were gunned down for practicing their religion, America has an obligation to lead. We need a global-facing officer at the State Department who will engage Jewish communities and European leaders to make their countries safer for Jews. We have repeatedly asked this administration to fill the Special Envoy position. They have left it vacant for almost 2 full years under two different Secretaries of State. Members of Congress have sent letters to the White House and the State Department. We have asked administration officials in person about when or whether they plan to appoint a Special Envoy. There is bipartisan frustration over the delay. Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism is the canary in the coal mine. When it is present in your country, there is hatred in your country. I am pleased the House will vote on this bipartisan bill early in this Congress to send a clear message to the administration that there is no time to waste. Democrats and Republicans together expect America and the President to stand firmly against anti-Semitism by filling this important position.

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 the recipients of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) awards. This year's honorees are Charles Bender, Rabbi David Steinhardt, Aubrey and Sally Struhl, and Art and Glorianne Polacheck. In addition, I would like to congratulate the recipients of the Boca Raton Rotary Club's Lifetime Legacy Award, Jim and Arlene Sclafani. Through their philanthropy, service, and selfless sacrifices, each honoree has 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 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. Mr. Speaker, the new Democratic majority in this House will not limit its response to mass shootings to just thoughts and prayers. We will listen to gun violence survivors, not gun company lobbyists. We finally will respond to the demands of more than 90 percent of Americans who want stronger background checks. In the 9 years since the Supreme Court's disastrous decision in Citizens United, gun companies and other wealthy special interests have been able to dump unlimited money into our elections. In 2016, the NRA spent more than ever before and watched candidates they help elect ignore the gun violence crisis: nearly 40,000 Americans killed in 2017 and horrific mass shootings in Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Thousand Oaks, and Parkland. To release the grip of wealthy special interests on Congress, Democrats have introduced historic reforms as our top priority in H.R. 1, to make it easier to vote, to get money out of politics, to end corruption, and to call for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. Mr. Speaker, no matter what the issue--climate change, healthcare, the economy, or gun violence--it is time for Congress to start working for the people. This week, that work has begun.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Representative Frankel and Representative Hastings, rise today in recognition of the accomplishments and extensive public service record of United States Senator Bill Nelson's State Director, and our dear friend, Michelle McGovern. Since her time as a student at Florida Atlantic University, Michelle has demonstrated a passion for government and the capacity to lead. Her tireless work ethic, combined with her many successes, earned her election as FAU's student body Vice-President and appointment to Florida's Board of Regents, as the first and only FAU student appointee. Fast forward to today and Michelle has honorably served Senator Nelson and the State of Florida for 18 years. She rose quickly through the ranks from a Legislative Correspondent to her current position as State Director. In each of her roles, she exemplified leadership and collaboration, while providing superior service to the citizens of Florida. In addition to serving the entire state, Michelle devotes much of her time to serving her local community. She is a past President of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, SunFest, and the West Palm 100. She has also served on the Mayor's Nominating Committee for the City of West Palm Beach, Charter Review Committees for West Palm Beach and Wellington, and Wellington's Education Advisory Board. Michelle is currently the Chairwoman of the School Advisory Committee at Binks Forest Elementary School, where she has long been active in the PTA. On top of all this, Michelle and her husband John, have raised two wonderful daughters, Emilia and Victoria. Today we ask this body to recognize Michelle McGovern for her endless dedication and leadership in our community. Michelle has demonstrated a commitment to service that we should expect from all of our civil servants. We, along with the citizens of Florida, thank her for her service.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Ms. Beverly Fields, who celebrated her 100th birthday on October 21. The daughter of a Romanian father and Russian mother, Beverly has truly lived the American Dream. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York with her three siblings. Beverly attended P.S. 156 and was elected class president because, in her words, ``she went to school every day.'' After graduating, she went straight to work for a manufacturing company, and over the course of 20 years, she rose to the position of Manager. Despite the hard work she put in, she always made sure to find time for traveling and dancing. She was a regular patron of the Roseland Ballroom, and has visited Israel, Spain, St. Thomas, and St. Martin. Since retiring, Beverly's civic commitment has come full circle, as she is currently the President of the Resident Council at Park Summit senior living community. Like many of us, Beverly loves music, especially Jazz and concert symphonies. Her favorite artist is Frank Sinatra and her favorite song is Autumn Leaves. Beverly's most admirable trait, however, is her ability to always find ways to keep herself active and engaged. From playing cards and bingo, to reading adventure books and writing poems, to watching the travelogue and hanging out with her friends, Beverly's endless joy and companionship are attributes we should all strive to emulate. Mr. Speaker, today I call on my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ms. Beverly Fields and her contribution to our community. Happy birthday, Beverly.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Myra Pinto for being named Woman of the Year for Wynmoor Hadassah, a chapter in Hadassah's Florida Broward region. Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, has maintained a steadfast commitment to Jewish values, women's health, and Israel since its establishment over a century ago. Serving a global community, Hadassah's volunteer work in the U.S. and in Israel sustains education and advocacy efforts for women's health and safety, for civil and human rights, and for women's economic equity. It fuels policy work in support of Israel and the American Jewish community, and it provides support for the Hadassah Medical Organization, a Nobel Peace Prize- nominated organization that treats one million patients a year and performs leading, world-renowned medical research and clinical trials. Ms. Pinto's honor from this remarkable organization is well deserved. At 92 years old, Ms. Pinto continues to make indelible contributions to her Jewish community and Hadassah where she has served as her chapter treasurer for 5 years and counting. Her volunteer work at Wynmoor Hadassah follows a 25-year career in service of our nation's education system, during which time Ms. Pinto worked as a school secretary in a Brooklyn junior high school. In addition to her tireless work and many achievements as a professional and as a volunteer, Ms. Pinto is also a mother to a son and a daughter. Mr. Speaker, today I ask this body to recognize Ms. Pinto for her work at the Wynmoor Hadassah Chapter and for her resolute dedication to her community.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise in support of the Ileana Ros-Lehtinen U.S.-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018. I am proud to have worked on this critical security bill with my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The U.S.-Israel relationship has been and must continue to be a bipartisan priority regardless of the party in power at either end of Pennsylvania Avenue. With today's vote, we have the chance to reinforce that point. The threats against Israel remain numerous and complex. Iran is seeking to secure a permanent foothold in neighboring Syria. Hezbollah continues to stockpile an estimated 150,000 missiles near Israel's border, and a humanitarian crisis looms in Gaza, threatening stability in Israel. Israel must be prepared to defend itself from threats coming from every direction, from everything from the most rudimentary of weapons-- as we have seen with the ``arson kites'' from Hamas, the ``terror kites''--to advanced Iranian-made missiles. The 2016 memorandum of understanding between our countries committed unprecedented levels of security. That assistance is $38 billion over 10 years, and this bill will enshrine that figure into law. Notably, nearly all of this American taxpayer money will come back to the United States and support American jobs. This bill will codify this memorandum and ensure that Israel has the capability to defend itself from any and all threats. That means strengthening Israel's qualitative military edge, authorizing cooperation on UAV technology, and expanding cooperation in new areas, such as space, and through a new effort to work together to provide humanitarian assistance around the globe. When we consider legislation like this, we must remember that threats against Israel are also a threat to our security interests in the region. Enhancing Israel's security is a step towards strengthening our own national security, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill and strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. Finally, I would like to thank Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for her service to our Nation and particularly for her ardent and unwavering support for our ally, Israel, throughout her nearly three decades in Congress. Her long and decorated career in this Chamber, as historic as it was effective, will live on through her incredible achievements in our Nation's robust foreign policy. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen has been the leading voice on a foreign policy that stands up to rogue regimes wherever they are and always, always values human rights. Without a doubt, her contributions to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship will take their place in this body's history. There has been no greater champion than Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman's contributions to the strengthening of the U.S.-Israel relationship will take their place in this body's history because there has been no greater champion than Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. It has been an honor to work with her on this most recent effort to broaden and enhance the U.S.-Israel relationship, so it is only fitting that this piece of legislation should bear her name. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and colleague. This bill is but a small part of the legacy that she leaves behind in this great Chamber. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with her. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the chairman, Mr. Royce. I am grateful for their leadership, as I am for Mr. Engel and the great job he does as ranking member. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Ranking Member Engel. I rise in support of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti- Semitism Act, and I thank Congressman Chris Smith for leading this bill and all of my colleagues for their support. It has been more than a year and a half since this administration came into office, and this position remains vacant. Aside from some rumors around Washington, we don't know when this role will be filled. This position was created in 2004 with bipartisan support. I am sure my colleagues would agree that Congress doesn't pass laws for them to be ignored. It is imperative that there is someone at the State Department working to combat anti-Semitism globally. They should be working with Jewish communities, building coalitions, tracking cases, and pushing governments to do more to combat it. We need someone who will be our Nation's leading global advocate to combat anti-Semitism. We are seeing Jewish communities outside the United States and Israel shrink because they no longer feel safe in their own cities. We are hearing truly appalling stories, horrific stories like the Holocaust survivor who was brutally murdered in her apartment. We are feeling the hate speech rise, whether by politicians on extreme sides of the political spectrum or individuals empowered and amplified by social media. We urgently need someone in our government charged with addressing this scourge. This is not a time to abdicate our proud and historic leading role of pushing governments to protect their Jewish community, because if there is anti-Semitism that is growing in a country, it means that there is hatred growing in that country, and, ultimately, everyone is at risk. Our government cannot be silent in these moments. Filling this position must be a top priority. I call on my colleagues to support this bill, which will send a strong statement to the world that the United States remains committed to combat this bigotry and to defend Jewish communities and to fight hatred.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Mr. Henry Wheeler, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Sunday. Henry was born and grew up in Buffalo, New York, in the midst of the Great Depression. He met and married his wife, Betty, just before leaving to serve his country in World War II. During the war, Henry served as an intelligence specialist in a number of major campaigns in Europe. In one instance, he was captured and held captive by the Germans as he gave blood to a fellow officer. He was released after the Allies' victory in the Battle of the Bulge. As the Nazis surrendered, Henry was part of cleanup operations at Buchenwald, seeing firsthand the evidence of the Holocaust. For his service, he was awarded both the Bronze Star and the European-African- Middle Eastern Service Medal. After the war, Henry returned home and cofounded Service Systems Corporation, which became a conglomerate of specialized service companies, employing approximately 5,000 people nationwide. In 1967, he moved to Fort Lauderdale with Betty and their five sons. He has always paid his success forward, making substantial charitable contributions to various causes. But in a testament to his character, he always made those donations anonymously. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Henry Wheeler and thanking him for his contributions to our country and south Florida. Happy birthday, Henry.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, and, Mr. Speaker, this proposed constitutional amendment will overturn Citizens United and will put voters back in charge of Washington. Over 90 percent of American voters want background checks on gun sales; three-quarters want aggressive action on climate change; 85 percent want guaranteed paid sick leave; and 75 percent of the people in our country think we ought to raise the minimum wage. The problem is these are the priorities of voters instead of the priorities of donors, and right now, in this House, donors call the shots. Ninety-three percent of Americans believe that we don't hear their voices. The cynicism is deep and it is bipartisan. Only 5 percent of Republicans and 6 percent of Democrats believe that their views are heard by their elected Representatives. Why? The Supreme Court's disastrous Citizens United decision held that unlimited election spending doesn't corrupt our political system. The Citizens United decision was wrong. To American voters, our Congress and our government institutions look like they are bought and paid for. In recent elections, just 150 wealthy families and the corporations that they control have flooded our elections with hundreds of millions of dollars. That money buys something. Unlimited money in our elections too often determines who can afford to run and sets the legislative agenda here in Washington. Here is what needs to be asked: If your family can't answer a politician's phone call when they ask for a donation, if they can't afford billboards and television ad buys, how are their voices being heard? It doesn't matter whether a wealthy donor supports policies on the left or right. Each side has its billionaires. Let's be clear about that. But none of them should be able to spend unlimited resources in our election. Unlimited spending doesn't produce more speech. It produces louder speech. It compromises the free speech rights of everyone else in America. It corrupts elections when people are sent to Washington to work on behalf of corporate interests rather than voters' interests. And it leaves our elections vulnerable to attacks from foreign adversaries. Mr. Speaker, it is time to get big money out of politics; it is time to get secret, dark money out of our elections; and it is time to get foreign money out of our campaigns. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, for the sake of our democracy, it is time to overturn Citizens United and put voters back in charge of Washington.

Mr. DEUTCH

Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, in the 4\1/2\ months since 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, there have been 15 shootings at schools and colleges around the country. In the absence of congressional action, the only thing that has stopped these school shootings is summer recess. But summer recess won't stop the daily gun violence in communities across the country. In the past 72 hours, 97 people were killed and 180 people were injured by gun violence. And summer recess won't provide relief to the families who are still grieving the loss of their children, their loved ones. Earlier this month, four Stoneman Douglas seniors were honored with degrees they earned but never received because they were murdered in their school. Their parents and siblings walked onto that stage instead. It shouldn't have been this way. It is time for this House to act on gun violence. Bring up the bipartisan bills on universal background checks, banning bump stocks, gun violence restraining orders. We cannot wait until the school bell rings again this fall. We have to act now