Lois Frankel

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend Addie L. Greene, a trailblazing public servant whose decades of leadership have left a lasting mark on Palm Beach County and the State of Florida. Addie and I had the privilege of serving side-by- side in the Florida Legislature, and I saw firsthand her strength, integrity, and deep commitment to the people she represented. A dedicated educator before entering public office, Addie began her political career in Mangonia Park, where she served on the Town Council and became the town's first African American woman mayor. In 1992, she made history as the first Black person from Palm Beach County elected to the Florida Legislature, serving four terms in the Florida House of Representatives. She continued her distinguished public service as a member of the Palm Beach County Commission from 2000 to 2009, including service as Chair. Throughout her career, Addie has been a steadfast advocate for working families, underserved communities, and greater opportunity and representation for all. Addie Greene did more than make history--she opened doors and brought others through them. I am proud to call her my friend, and even prouder to have served alongside her. I thank Addie for her extraordinary lifetime of public service and for all she has done to make Palm Beach County a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive community.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deirdre M. Jacobs. Assistant City Manager for the City of Riviera Beach, on earning the prestigious designation of International City/ County Management Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager (CM). This historic achievement makes Deirdre the first municipal executive serving the City of Riviera Beach to earn the ICMA--CM designation and the only currently active Black woman serving as an ICMA Credentialed Manager in Palm Beach County. It is the latest milestone in a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades of municipal public service. Deirdre is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Management, and Florida State University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration. Her career in public service began with internships in the Riviera Beach City Manager's Office and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners' Human Resources Department. In 1989, she formally began her municipal career as a Budget Analyst with the City of Tallahassee. Deirdre later joined the City of West Palm Beach, where she rose through the ranks to become a Division Program Manager in Community Development. I had the privilege of working directly with her when she served as a Special Assistant to the Mayor during my tenure as Mayor of West Palm Beach. I am especially proud of the work we did together to uplift families in Coleman Park, a historically under-resourced neighborhood. Our efforts included building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes' improving the community center, supporting seniors, and strengthening neighborhood services and resources. Deirdre brought dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for the families we served. Deirdre has brought the same commitment to public service to the City of Riviera Beach, where she was unanimously appointed Interim City Manager in 2019. During a pivotal leadership transition, she helped guide the City through a significant cybersecurity attack, maintained essential municipal services, recruited professional staff for key leadership positions, strengthened City operations, and advanced important infrastructure investments. Today, she continues to serve Riviera Beach as Assistant City Manager, bringing decades of experience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to effective and responsive local government. Her designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager reflects not only her expertise, but also her sustained dedication to the highest standards of public service. Her career is a testament to the impact of principled leadership and a powerful example for the next generation of public servants. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deirdre Jacobs on this historic achievement and recognizing her decades of distinguished public service. Deirdre's career reflects a lifetime commitment to professional local government and the communities we serve. Deirdre is not only a talented and dedicated public servant, but also someone who genuinely cares about people and works tirelessly to make their lives better. I am proud to recognize her contributions to our community and call her a friend.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Beyer for yielding and for bringing us together on this very urgent and important issue. This is very personal to me because after college, my son, Ben, was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He served overseas in two war zones, first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq. Like so many military parents, I lived with the fear of getting that knock on the door. My family was blessed. Ben came home safely, and later he returned overseas, this time working for USAID, America's civilian development and humanitarian agency. Ben taught me something I have never forgotten. That is because he said when he came home: Mom, the way to peace is not just through bombs and bullets. It is through soft power, such as helping people, building relationships, creating opportunity, and preventing conflict before it starts. That lesson changed the way I looked at America's role in the world. When I came to Congress, one of my missions was to help keep our sons and daughters out of harm's way by strengthening American soft power. Never has this mission been more urgent. For 6 months, we have been in a costly war with Iran with no clear end in sight. It is a stark reminder that real security requires not only military strength but diplomacy, development, and humanitarian leadership. I diverge because when Mr. Trump was elected, then came DOGE, and then USAID was eliminated. Programs were canceled, and thousands of experienced professionals were shown the door. Decades of experience and relationships were torn apart. The Trump administration dismantled one of America's most important national security tools. Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, what USAID looked like to Fatima, a mother in northeastern Nigeria. For most of her life, Fatima walked long distances to collect water from a stream shared with cattle, or she bought water from vendors when her family could afford it. She worried whether the water was safe for her children. Then a USAID-funded project drilled a borehole and brought clean water directly to a tap at her home. There was clean water for her children. There were no more long walks just to meet one of life's most basic needs. That is soft power. Then there is Apsana, a 16-year-old girl in Nepal who had never attended a formal school. Her brothers went to school while she stayed home. Then a USAID-funded program brought teachers directly to girls like Apsana. For the first time, she was getting an education and a chance at a future beyond early marriage. Then the U.S. funding stopped. All over the world, teachers stopped coming. The classrooms disappeared. Here in Washington, we canceled programs. For Apsana and millions more, we closed the doors to classrooms with brighter futures. May I add, I think we went from 500 programs to 2. I know what Americans are asking. Why should we care? Why should American taxpayers care about a mother in Nigeria or a girl in Nepal? It is because helping them helps us. Clean water prevents disease. Educating girls creates stronger economies and more stable communities. Of course, we should reform programs that don't work. We should demand results and accountability. Demolition is not reform. Foreign assistance is not simply a charity. It is national security. It stops disease before it reaches our shores. It restores and creates stability before the instability allows extremists to exploit it. It creates friends, allies, and future trading partners. It builds good will toward the United States without firing a shot. For Fatima, American soft power meant clean water. For Apsana, it meant a chance to choose her own future. For America, it means fewer costly crises, fewer wars, and fewer of our sons and daughters sent into harm's way. That is what my son, Ben, learned after serving in war. Sometimes, Mr. Speaker, a well, a vaccine, a bag of food, or a schoolbook could do more for American security than a bomb ever could. To the thousands of USAID professionals who spent their careers preventing disease, fighting against hunger, educating children, empowering women, responding to disasters, and representing the very best in America, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your service, the lives you saved, the communities you strengthened, and the good will you built for our country because your work mattered, and your mission still matters. We may have lost an agency, but we will not abandon the mission. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues who are here, and I know they agree with me when I say we must work to restore America's humanitarian and development leadership, rebuild the expertise and partnership that were lost, and make sure that America leads not just through military might but through the power of our generosity, humanity, and diplomacy. I know that is what my son taught me, and the mission stays ahead.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Amanda Perna--an accomplished fashion designer, author, and community leader--and to recognize her as a finalist in the Verizon Small Business Super Pitch Competition. Amanda was one of only four finalists to compete in the Super Pitch and win tickets to the World Cup Final. In 2012, Amanda founded House of Perna, a sustainable fashion brand based in Delray Beach. Over the past fourteen years, she has built one of South Florida's most recognizable independent fashion labels through creativity, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. Under her leadership, House of Perna has supported more than 250 nonprofit organizations through charitable donations, mentorship, educational workshops, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships. From advancing literacy and youth development to empowering women, supporting healthcare initiatives, and promoting the arts, Amanda has used her business as a powerful force for positive change throughout Palm Beach County. Amanda's dedication to serving others extends far beyond her business. She serves on the boards of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Achievement Centers for Children & Families, and the Delray Beach Chamber Advisory Board, reflecting her belief that opportunity, education, and creativity should be accessible to everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda partnered with Hearst Publications to create free sewing tutorials and patterns that helped people make protective face coverings. She also serves as co-chair of Laugh with the Library, raising critical funds to expand literacy programs, and chairs Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, inspiring community support for women and families affected by breast cancer. Amanda exemplifies the very best of community leadership through her compassion, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. She has demonstrated that business success and civic engagement go hand-in- hand, creating lasting opportunities for others while strengthening the fabric of our community. Please join me in recognizing Amanda Perna for her outstanding contributions to Palm Beach County. I thank Amanda for her extraordinary service to South Florida and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Chief Latosha Clemons and celebrate a remarkable career dedicated to public service. For 24 years, Chief Clemons served the Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department, where she broke barriers as the first African American woman to join its ranks. Throughout her career, she has exemplified courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of her community. Her record of service reflects the very best of public leadership. Recruited by then-Fire Chief Floyd Jordan, Boynton Beach's first African American Fire Chief, Clemons began her career as a probationary firefighter and quickly established herself as a leader. Through hard work, determination, and exceptional performance, she rose through every level of the department--serving as Paramedic, Operator Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief before taking on senior leadership roles as both Deputy Chief of Administration and Deputy Chief of Operations. At every stage, Chief Clemons earned recognition as one of the department's top candidates for advancement. In a profession where women make up only about 9 percent of firefighters nationwide--and Black women represent an even smaller share--Chief Clemons has opened doors for others while demonstrating what is possible through perseverance, skill, and leadership. She continues to serve as a powerful role model for women and girls considering careers in public service and emergency response. In addition to her extensive work in the field, Chief Clemons volunteers her time by hosting a free camp for girls to get them interested in the fire service. Her commitment to service reaches beyond the firehouse. As Interim City Manager for the City of Forest Park, Chief Clemens also oversees the daily operations of municipal government and brings the same steady leadership, sound judgment, and dedication to excellence that defines her firefighting career. The confidence placed in her reflects both the respect she commands and the breadth of experience she brings to every challenge. Today, I am proud to recognize Chief Clemons for her extraordinary contributions, her groundbreaking achievements, and her enduring commitment to serving others. Her leadership has strengthened every community she has touched, and her example will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, while this amendment may be well-intentioned, it risks inflaming tensions at one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world. The Temple Mount is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. It is at the center of competing historical, political, and religious claims. History has shown that even small changes to access or worship arrangements can spark violence far beyond Jerusalem. For decades, Israel, Jordan, and the international community have worked to preserve the longstanding status quo, not because it is perfect but because it helps prevent broader conflict while difficult issues remain unsolved. The appropriations bill is not the place to insert the United States into one of the world's most delicate religious disputes. Religious freedom is a fundamental American value, but lasting progress at the Temple Mount will come through careful diplomacy and respectful, longstanding efforts that preserve peace and stability, not through an appropriation amendment with 10 minutes of debate. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, this amendment would eliminate U.S. health development and security assistance to the central government of Nigeria. This would be a serious mistake. Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation, one of the largest economies, and a critical partner in promoting stability across West Africa. Our health programs prevent deadly diseases from spreading across borders and strengthen the capacity to respond to future pandemics. Our development assistance helps reduce poverty, improve education, expand economic opportunity, and address the conditions that fuel instability, conflict, and migration. Our security and assistance helps Nigeria combat Boko Haram, ISIS, and other violent extremist groups that threaten both regional and global security. If the United States walks away, the challenges will not disappear. Our influence will. China and Russia will be more than happy to fill the vacuum, expanding their economic, political, and military influence at America's expense. Engagement does not mean writing a blank check. It means using American leadership to promote accountability, to strengthen democratic institutions, to protect human rights, and to advance our national security interests. Walking away would make neither Nigeria nor the United States more secure. Ironically, this amendment would end the very programs that this provision is trying to support, so it really doesn't make too much sense. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I have heard folks cite what we call the good, the bad, and the ugly with the U.N. Let me just say again, at a time when conflict, hunger, disease, and displacement are affecting millions around the world, we need a place where all nations can get together. What would it mean if the United States walks away? If we walk away, who fills the void? Fill in the blank: China, Russia, maybe even Iran. As I have said before, penny-wise, pound-foolish. Madam Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, the United Nations was created after World War II with a simple mission: to help prevent another global war and promote peace among nations. Today, it brings together nearly every country in the world to resolve disputes through diplomacy instead of conflict. It coordinates humanitarian relief during wars and natural disasters. It feeds millions of hungry people. It helps vaccinate children, support refugees, and deploy peacekeepers to help protect civilians and maintain stability. The United Nations has made important contributions to the world. Its agencies have helped eradicate smallpox, expand childhood immunizations, delivered lifesaving food and humanitarian assistance to millions, supported peace agreements, protected refugees, promoted human rights, and helped countries work together to combat disease, terrorism, and other threats. We are at a time when instability and suffering are almost unimaginable. The United Nations is a primary partner in getting food into Sudan through the World Food Programme, delivering health to children in Haiti through UNICEF, or supporting and monitoring peace in places like South Sudan and the Central African Republic. This amendment will cut that off. It will cut it all off. The U.N. also establishes international rules that make global travel, trade, shipping, aviation, and communications safer and more reliable. Look, the United Nations is not perfect. It should always be held accountable and reform when necessary, but when the world faces challenges that no nation can solve themselves, the United Nations provides a place for countries to work together in pursuit of peace, security, and human dignity. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Jordan has remained a steadfast ally of the United States, despite increased complexities in the world and in the region. Surrounded by Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, Jordan has been an oasis of stability in the region that has commanded U.S. foreign policy attention for decades. Jordan is a vital security partner, including regional leadership in the United States' mission against ISIS. They have been generously welcoming neighbors, hosting over 600,000. I will repeat that again: 600,000 Syrian refugees and 2 million Palestinians. I know I have, and I am sure many of my colleagues have personally visited classrooms in Jordan where we have seen Syrian children educated instead of just being left on the streets. In recent years, encouraged by the United States, Jordan has taken dramatic steps to increase government efficiency, professionalize human resources, improve access to water, and digitize government services. A strong partnership with Jordan directly contributes to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous United States, but they can't do it alone. They need our support, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, there is no question that going forward there needs to be a thoughtful conversation how we spend our foreign aid money. I know we are all committed to that. My heart breaks for the suffering of innocent people in Gaza. We must find a way to infuse humanitarian support, how to find a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, but let me tell you how we got here. Since 1979, Iran has repeatedly called for Israel's elimination while arming terrorist proxies. In the past 3 years, those proxies have launched more than 30,000 rockets, missiles, drones, and mortars into Israel while Hamas hid in their billion dollars' worth of building of tunnels, 450 miles of tunnels, beneath civilian areas to wage war, not peace. This is not a way to handle foreign policy. I join all rational people who say let's have a deliberate conversation how to move forward, but not with a 10-minute debate on the floor of the House. Let's have our efforts aimed together to a two-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live peacefully and prosperously together. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Massie

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman).

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), and I move to strike the last word.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise in very strong opposition to this amendment. Maintaining stability in the Middle East has long been a vital United States strategic interest. What happens there affects our economy, national security, and the safety of our American servicemembers. As written, this amendment is overbroad in that it prohibits or could limit the use of funds for longstanding initiatives related to peace building, refugee settlement, and U.S. Embassy operations. This amendment would restrict our country's ability to confront Iran's proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations in the region who are sworn enemies of the United States, Israel, and our allies. Madam Chair, a 10-minute debate is not the way to change policy as we have a mission of peace in the region and prosperity, both for Israelis and Palestinians.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I am opposing this amendment that strikes the Global Environment Facility fund. This amendment would eliminate the United States' contribution to the Global Environment Facility, a multilateral trust fund that provides grant-based funding to developing countries to address global environmental challenges. It has long had bipartisan support for very good reason. It benefits the U.S. economy and the environment by addressing problems that cross borders and affect our domestic health, safety, and prosperity. It helps protect tropical forests. It reduces transboundary pollutants like microplastics. It prevents unsustainable fishing and invasive species. It combats illegal wildlife tracking, which transnational criminal organizations use to finance their very dangerous activities. Even in our own country, we are challenged. Just look around, Mr. Chair. Put on the news. We are challenged by severe drought, rainfall, storms, and heat. It is pretty hot out there. Land degradation and the loss of soil and water health are threatening livelihoods all over the world. We are continuing to see ever-greater humanitarian needs caused by these disasters both domestically and abroad. We need to get ahead of these crises. Helping communities cope, especially those with the least means to do so, is not only moral. It is smart. These are problems that cannot be solved alone. Funding for the Global Environment Facility allows us to work together, leverage contributions of other countries, and provide U.S. leadership to tackle these challenges. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I just want to say, when it comes to our security, our prosperity, the lives of our patriots who put on our uniform, it is, as my mom would say, penny-wise and pound- foolish to pass this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.