Lois Frankel

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, in a bipartisan spirit, I offer a motion to recommit in order to make needed improvements to the current proposal. Let me start with the story of Charles Bacino, as noted in ``The Street,'' a financial news service. Charles grew up in Pueblo, Colorado. He was an accomplished musician. He taught music for over 30 years and brought joy to audiences across our country, from Disney World in Orlando to the Venetian in Las Vegas. He even performed alongside the famed tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. But most importantly, Charles was the loving father of three children and seven grandchildren. At age 73, as Charles lay dying of pancreatic cancer in a hospital bed in Las Vegas, he called his financial affairs manager to his bedside to discuss his investments and put his final affairs in order. As a morphine drip was working to ease his pain, Charles' financial adviser persuaded him to invest $82,000 in a cocoa and banana plantation in Ecuador. Charles gave the adviser the keys to his house to get his checkbook, and in a matter of moments, his money was gone. Financial fraud against our seniors cuts deep. Sadly, there are many more out there like Charles. One in five Americans over age 65 have been victimized by financial fraud. This equates to seniors losing nearly $13 billion a year due to financial fraud. I am sad to report to you that close to 1 million seniors are currently forgoing meals as a result of economic hardship due to financial abuse, and this problem may get worse as older Americans live longer. Here is the thing: the bill that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle bring to us today shields abusers like Charles' so-called financial adviser and strips Congress of the power to protect our grandmothers and grandfathers from con artists who swindle them. Mr. Speaker, my motion to recommit would preserve decades of SEC consumer protections designed to help folks just like Charles. It would ensure that those criminals who prey on seniors will be held accountable. My amendment adds something to this legislation that every person in this Chamber--Democratic and Republican--should want to do and get behind: stronger protections for the people who held us in their arms when we were young and that sheltered us and shared their wisdom with us as we grew. As they protected us, we must protect them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the unveiling of the newly renovated Palm Beach Town Square, and to thank those involved in the project for their hard work. On Sunday, January 31st, the Town of Palm Beach dedicated the newly renovated Town Square, a symbol of Palm Beach's rich and unique history. The Palm Beach Centennial Commission, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Town of Palm Beach's incorporation, spearheaded the effort to renovate the square. Plans for the Town Square were first approved in 1929 by the Garden Club of Palm Beach, an organization which played a role in this recent renovation as well. The project restored the famous Seahorse Fountain and the surrounding architecture and landscape. The fountain was designed by Addison Mizner in 1929 to honor the two Palm Beach pioneers: Henry Flagler, the founder of Palm Beach, and Elisha Newton Dimick, the town's first Mayor. Funding for the original fountain was a community effort fronted by Harold S. Vanderbilt and other Palm Beach residents. Along with the fountain, this historic square includes a Memorial Park and reflecting pool and Veterans memorial wall. Just as the original fountain was made possible by Palm Beach residents in 1929, this renovation was a community effort. I would like to thank the local clubs and organizations, town officials, and those in the community who donated their time and funds to this endeavor for their commitment to the Town of Palm Beach.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself and Mr. Deutch to congratulate the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations, or COBWRA, for 35 years of diligent work. COBWRA has played an important role in the growth of West Boynton Beach, an area in both our districts. Since 1982, the officers and members of COBWRA have served as a voice for the residential communities of West Boynton Beach, ensuring that resident's concerns are heard and addressed. COBWRA has played a crucial role in bringing parks, schools, libraries, businesses, and hospitals to the area, while also serving as an advocate and educational source for residents. We are pleased to recognize COBWRA today for their service and commitment to their community, and look forward to working with them in the future to continue the growth and achievement of West Boynton.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for his leadership, and I thank him for yielding. Well, Mr. Speaker, here we go again and again and again. Once more, politicians are invading the bedrooms of the American women. I stand with Planned Parenthood. We will not go back.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Fort Lauderdale resident who dedicated his life to serving his family and community: Frank Herhold, who passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday, December 5th. Frank was a devoted family man and prominent member of the South Florida boating community. He started his career in the marine industry as the owner of the Anchorage Yacht Basin in Melbourne, Florida and later became the executive director of Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), where he worked until he retired. In his retirement, Frank's passion for boating continued. Prior to his passing, Frank attended the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and served on the city of Fort Lauderdale's marine advisory board. In 2010, Frank was the commodore of the Winterfest Boat Parade and recognized as ``Citizen of the Year'' by the city of Fort Lauderdale in 2007. Frank is survived by many loved ones. I offer my condolences to Frank's wife Mary Jo, his daughter Pam, and all his friends and family. I know that his legacy will continue to live on and inspire future generations.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, here is what the terrorists say: ``America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms. You can go down to a gun show at the local convention center and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle, without a background check, and most likely without having to show an identification card.'' Those words, Mr. Chairman, are from the mouth of former al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn, who, until his demise, was one of the world's most wanted terrorists. Mr. Gadahn can be seen on a video urging lone- wolf attacks on innocent Americans. After describing how easy it is to buy a firearm in our country, he ends the video by saying: ``So what are you waiting for?'' So I ask this Congress: What are we waiting for--more attacks like San Bernardino or Paris? more families destroyed? more innocent lives wasted? more 30 seconds of silence in this Chamber? Let's save some lives today. Say ``no'' to the purchase of weapons by those who would use violence and threats to destroy our way of life.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FAST Act, our first long-term surface transportation bill in nearly 10 years. I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their bipartisan leadership. It has truly been an honor to work on a committee where we can show the American people that we know how to work together. Mr. Speaker, transportation moves our economy. Passing the FAST Act will shift America's infrastructure into higher gear. This legislation brings American families tens of thousands of new good-paying jobs while promoting safer, more efficient travel on our transportation infrastructure. It sends more dollars to our local communities, who know their needs best. I will associate myself with the remarks of my colleague Representative Brown when I say that this is a wonderful gift to the American people for this holiday season.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shawn Friedkin for receiving the Arnold H. Snider Visionary Leadership Award from the Reeve Foundation, recognizing his many years of tireless work on behalf of disabled people. Twenty years ago, Shawn was a newly married man with a young daughter when his life was forever changed. After a terrible car accident, Shawn experienced unrepairable damage to his spinal cord and would never walk again. On November 19, the Reeve Foundation held its 25th Annual ``A Magical Evening'' fundraiser in New York, where Mr. Friedkin's hard work was recognized. In 1997 Shawn founded Stand Among Friends, an organization to help people with disabilities live life to their full potential. Since then he has been involved in raising funds for neurological research and creating programs to support people with disabilities in our community. As President of this organization, Mr. Friedkin opened a disability center on Florida Atlantic University's campus in 2006, which has helped place over 800 people in jobs. Shawn is an inspiration, and I am pleased to recognize him today and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, our folks back home are understandably frightened, and there is no question that ISIL must be destroyed and that the safety of Americans must be our first priority. But denying refuge to women and children who are fleeing rape and torture and who go through a 2-year vigorous entry process will not make us a safer country. At a time when we are trying to forge a coalition of international nations, it is self-defeating to send a message of isolation. Our antiterrorism resources must be focused on terrorists, not on innocent human beings seeking shelter from the most unspeakable horrors.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pastor Larry Thompson for his 21 years of excellence as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale and his dedication to his community. Pastor Thompson is the longest serving pastor at the First Baptist Church, and his commitment to his congregation and community is commendable. The congregation of the First Baptist Church has become more diverse during his tenure, which is a lasting legacy for the community. He has inspired people around the world by broadcasting his services online. His sermons have been viewed in more than 90 countries and are translated into Creole, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. In honor of his retirement and years of service to his community, I am pleased to recognize Pastor Thompson and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fire Chief Carlos Cabrera for his 26 years of excellence in the West Palm Beach Fire Department and his dedication to protecting his community. West Palm Beach is a safer place thanks to him. Chief Cabrera, the first Hispanic fire department chief in West Palm Beach, had a career of outstanding achievement and service. During the course of his career Chief Cabrera extinguished hundreds of fires, saved many lives, and even delivered seven babies. In honor of his retirement and years of service to his community, I am pleased to recognize Chief Cabrera and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would just be repeating myself. I do want to repeat one thing which I think is important. Since the system has been used by FMCSA, there has been a 14 percent reduction in serious violations of the law, and I think that speaks for itself. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chair, ranking member, and all the colleagues who worked so hard on bringing this legislation to the floor. My amendment is really about improving this bill. It is going to make it a better bill, and it is about making our Nation's roads safer and the delivery of goods more efficient. There are 15.5 million trucks on the road each year driving more than 93 billion miles annually, carrying over a billion dollars' worth of goods. There is no question that our Nation's trucking industry is a huge economic driver, earning $650 billion annually, 5 percent of the United States GDP. With all that sunshine comes a little bit of rain. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that in 2013 almost 4,000 people were killed and 95,000 people were injured by large trucks, costing the public a whopping $100 billion annually. So my amendment does three things to increase safety and to reduce those costs. First, the amendment brings the requirement for commercial truck insurance into the 21st century. It is shocking, Mr. Chair, that the minimum insurance required for commercial trucks has remained the same since the 1980s at $750,000 per incident regardless of the number of victims or their injuries. The FMCSA, which is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is currently engaged in rulemaking to examine the appropriateness of this standard. The base bill requires studies that I respectfully submit will slow down this process. Imagine a large truck hitting a bus full of schoolchildren and the insurance only being $750,000 to cover all the losses. Do you want to be the person that tells the parents that Congress needs to do more studies before their medical bills can be paid? My amendment strikes these unnecessary studies so that the FMCSA can finish their important work without delay. Second, the base bill creates a national hiring standard that brokers and shippers must use to hire carriers. One of these standards is based on outdated information. It is not updated annually. So my amendment at the desk would strengthen the hiring standard by prohibiting the hiring of motor carriers defined as ``high-risk carriers'' by the FMCSA. Finally, just this year, the FMCSA did a study that found that compliance, safety, and accountability scores accurately predict safety performance by drivers. These scores are currently used by brokers and shippers to identify unsafe carriers. Studies show that, since this system has been used, there has been a 14 percent reduction in serious violations of the law. I want to repeat that. There has been a 14 percent reduction in serious violations of the law. This base bill requires another study that is going to take 18 months. Not only that, the base bill now hides important safety statistics during this time. What my amendment does is very simple. The provision makes these safety scores transparent for the public to see. Together, these measures are going to improve the movement of goods across the country by increasing safety and efficiency. It is a real good amendment. I think it is going to make this bill much better, and I urge its adoption. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. I thank Mr. Engel, Mr. Smith, and my colleagues on the anti-Semitism Taskforce. Mr. Speaker, Susanne Winter, a member of the Austrian Parliament from the extreme rightwing Freedom Party of Austria, received the following post on her Facebook: ``The Zionist money Jews are the global problem. Europe, and in particular Germany, are now getting what they deserve from Zionist Jews, particularly rich Zionist Jews in the USA.'' Winter responded to the post on Saturday. She said: ``It is great. You took the words right out of my mouth.'' Mr. Speaker, this resolution condemning anti-Semitism in Europe takes the words right out of my mouth, and I support it emphatically.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Today, we saw the Republicans' latest attempt to punish Planned Parenthood, one of the Nation's premier healthcare organizations, only because it provides an array of services, including legal abortions. Mr. Speaker, at some time in her lifetime, one in five American women is going to turn to Planned Parenthood. In fact, Planned Parenthood provides 400,000 Pap smears, 500,000 breast exams, 4.5 million STD tests, and prevents 500,000 unwanted pregnancies each year. This Chamber's latest fiasco would leave millions of women with no place to go for basic preventative healthcare services. Mr. Speaker, I am sad to say that the Republicans are more obsessed with the uteruses of American women than of the real issues facing us today.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate baseball Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who turns 70 years old on October 15, 2015. Jim was one of the greatest pitchers while playing with the Baltimore Orioles. Jim joined the team in 1963 after graduating from Scottsdale High School, made his major league debut in 1965, and continued to play for the Orioles until his retirement in 1984. He won the American League Cy Young award three times, the Gold Glove Awards four times, was named to the American League All-Star Team six times, and was a key part of three World Series winning teams. Jim was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 in his first year of eligibility, and his number, 22, was retired by the Orioles following his retirement. Jim is truly an exceptional man, not only on the field but off the field. Over the years, he has devoted his time to numerous charities including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Baseball Assistance Team. He has two daughters, Jamie and Kelly. I join with his friends and family in celebrating this wonderful milestone. I wish him good health and continued success in the coming years.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, on rollcall vote 545, I was not present because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' (By unanimous consent, Mr. Hunter was allowed to speak out of order.) Moment of Silence to Honor the Brave Men and Women who Served on the El Faro

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republic of China on Taiwan's National Day and recognize the heroism of Ho Feng-Shan, a Chinese diplomat stationed in Vienna during World War II. At great risk to his own life, Feng-Shan issued thousands of Chinese visas to Jews, allowing them to escape Nazi camps. Ho Feng- Shan's courage is just one example of the Republic of China's proud heritage celebrated on National Day. A vital U.S. trading partner, Taiwan helps maintain peace and stability in the western Pacific and shares our values for freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Rooted in our history of mutual interests and common goals, the U.S.-Taiwanese relationship will continue to flourish. I pay tribute to Ho Feng-Shan and wish the people of Taiwan a happy National Day.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the resolution to create a select committee to investigate Planned Parenthood. Well, here we go again. Planned Parenthood is the new Benghazi. Under the ruse of saving lives, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would use the resources of the United States Government to pursue their extreme agenda. The targeting of Planned Parenthood is a gross abuse of political power to punish a trusted organization because it provides a full array of health services that includes abortion, and it sends a chilling message to anybody who would dare to give women choices. Mr. Speaker, to quote a well-known political thinker, ``There is no greater tyranny, than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.''

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am the proud mother of a United States Marine war veteran, and our family is blessed he returned home with sound body and mind, but too many of our courageous heroes did not. October 5 marks the 1-year anniversary of the dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. It is a beautiful tribute to the brave men and women who suffered permanent injuries on the battlefield. This memorial sits just south of our Capitol, and it reminds us every day of the selflessness of those who fought for our freedom and returned home with the scars of duty. I offer my great thanks and appreciation to the 4 million veterans who are living today with service-related disabilities and the friends and the family who take care of them. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial celebrates your lives every day, as we all do in our hearts and our minds.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one year anniversary of the dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, a permanent reminder of the enduring sacrifices of our nation's veterans. The memorial was dedicated on October 5, 2014 to honor the more than 3.6 million men and women currently living with service-related disabilities. As a result of their service, many veterans are left permanently injured, ill or disabled. These men and women must face the challenges of living with visible and invisible burdens every day. Nearly 20 years ago, my friend and constituent Ms. Lois Pope, asked Art Wilson, National Adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans, if there is a place in Washington, D.C. where we honor disabled veterans. When Art responded that there was no such thing, Ms. Pope replied, ``We need to change that.'' Years later, thanks to the tireless work of Ms. Pope and the rest of the advocates at the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation, this monument now ensures that we will never forget the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces. I would also like to recognize broad support across Congress for honoring disabled veterans on October 5th of each year. The anniversary of the memorial's dedication provides an opportunity to express appreciation for the men and women who suffer from service-connected disabilities and to recognize their enduring struggles. Today, October 5, 2015, a screening of the documentary film ``Debt of Honor'' in Washington, D.C. will depict the realities of living with wartime sacrifices. This film will debut on national television on November 10th on PBS. As the mother of a veteran myself, I want to thank all of the veterans living with disabilities for their sacrifices and assure them that they will not be forgotten.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Feeding South Florida for their work during the 8th annual Hunger Action Month this September. Hunger Action Month is a Feeding America nationwide campaign to mobilize the public, help raise awareness about the issue of hunger, and take action to help end it. To celebrate Hunger Action Month, Feeding South Florida ``painted the town orange'' and held a series of events throughout South Florida to raise awareness about food insecurity, making it clear that anyone and everyone can do something to help end hunger. In South Florida, hunger and food insecurity are all too common. Nearly 14 percent of the population of South Florida is food insecure, with more than 785,000 people not knowing where they will get their next meal. Feeding South Florida is committed to providing assistance to the South Florida residents living with food insecurity. They have distributed 40 million pounds of food in 2014 in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. No American should have to wonder where they're getting their next meal. I join my community in raising awareness of this critical issue in the hope that every South Floridian has reliable access to nutritious food. I am proud to support Feeding South Florida in both their Hunger Action Month campaign and their day-to-day fight against hunger.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on roll call vote 520, I was not present because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``AYE.''

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the so- called Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act (H.R. 758). This misguided bill would reinstate procedural rules that failed thirty years ago, stripping federal judges of the ability to impose the sanctions they deem appropriate for bringing frivolous lawsuits. During the ten years the old rules were in effect, judges completely lost their discretion about whether or not to impose sanctions on attorneys and were forced to issue harsh penalties for even the smallest infractions. Heavy punishments under the old system lead to endless motions that clogged our already burdened legal system, preventing access to justice. Moreover, had the provisions in this bill been law for all of the twentieth century, they would have prevented dozens of landmark civil rights cases from moving forward. Under this bill, both Brown v. Board of Education, which struck down school segregation, and Loving v. Virginia, which eliminated bans on interracial marriage, might not have made it into the courtroom. To rectify this situation, Congress in 1993 brought back the standards that existed during the Civil Rights Era, giving judges more flexibility and focusing on deterrence, rather than punishment. H.R. 758 would undo that work by abandoning our faith in judicial prudence. We should not repeat the mistakes of the past, and we should not allow this bill to become law.