Lois Frankel

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Dana Haverman from my home State of Florida is frightened. Despite the fact that she got her first job at age 15, despite the fact that she worked continuously her entire adult life, despite the fact that at age 60 she lost a long-time job because of this country's economic downturn, despite the fact that she has been looking for a job every day and has not found one, despite all these facts, this Congress has failed to extend emergency unemployment insurance that would give her and thousands of Floridians a little bit of help in paying their electricity and water bills until they find their next job. Mr. Speaker, let us vote today to extend relief deserved by America's job seekers. Mr. Speaker, Dana Haverman from my home State of Florida is frightened.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 3824 to end the Republicans' very cruel refusal to end unemployment benefits that would protect more than 80,000 Floridian job seekers in my home State of Florida.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Numbers 2, 3, and 4, I was not present because my flight was canceled due to the extreme weather over the past few days. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for all three votes.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, one of the cornerstones of America's security commitment to Israel is an assurance that the United States will help maintain Israel's capability to defend itself, by itself. We do this by safeguarding Israel's qualitative military edge (QME)--the ability for Israel to counter and defeat any threat that might arise from non-state actors, individual states, or even a regional coalition of states. Four decades after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when a coalition of Arab states launched a surprise attack against Israel on the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Israel continues to face hostilities on every border: rocket fire from Hamas and Hezbollah, spillover from the conflict in Syria, increased terrorism in Egypt's Sinai, and the ever- looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. That is why it is critical we redouble our efforts to ensure Israel has the tools necessary to counter any and all threats. H.R. 1992, the Israel QME Enhancement Act, is an important piece of bipartisan legislation that does just that, by preserving and strengthening Israel's QME. Specifically, this law would expand the definition of QME to include defense against cyber and asymmetric threats while also increasing the Administration's reporting requirements to Congress from every 4 to every 2 years. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1992.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Whipple Warriors, a group founded by Ronda Bogani Ayala of West Palm Beach, Florida. This organization is dedicated to helping people with pancreatic cancer who qualify for a procedure known as ``Whipple'' surgery. Pancreatic cancer is a heart-breaking disease with a very low life expectancy. About 3 out 4 patients die within the first year of diagnosis. Whipple surgery can help increase the life expectancy of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, though only about 15 percent of patients qualify for this dangerous and complicated procedure. In January 2010, Ms. Ayala received the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. However, she was a candidate for the Whipple surgery. After her procedure she found very few resources for support and guidance. She decided to create an organization called the Whipple Warriors in 2011 The Whipple Warriors provide support to patients in many countries, allowing patients to discuss their experiences and share ways to cope with the cancer. Additionally, Whipple Warriors members participate in research to study the long-term effects on the body. They provide much- needed resources to the growing community of survivors around the world. In honor of Ronda and her organization's tireless work for the pancreatic cancer community, I am pleased to recognize the Whipple Warriors and wish them continued success in this important endeavor.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1965, the so-called Federal Lands, Jobs, and Energy Security Act. This bill would fundamentally undermine the way our public lands are managed by forcing us to prioritize oil drilling over all other land uses. Current law requires the federal government to manage public lands by taking into account a variety of uses, including recreation, wildlife habitats, and indeed, oil exploration. This bill would throw this successful historical precedent out the window and put the destructive practice of oil drilling at the top of the list. If this would happen in my home state of Florida, we would see devastating effects to the Florida panther--an iconic symbol of our state and also one of the most threatened species in the world. Panthers play a critical role in our ecosystem, but their habitat has been greatly diminished and now there are only 160 panthers. Fortunately, the government recognizes that we need to consider important species like the Florida panther when making land-use decisions. Today's legislation could destroy efforts to protect endangered species like the beloved Florida panther. That's why I urge a ``no'' vote and yield back my time.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerold ``Jerry'' Klein who earned an Air Medal, Bronze Star, and Silver Star for his heroic service as a soldier in the Vietnam War. On Monday, November 11, Jerry was the first veteran to be honored on CBS 12's week-long segment, Veteran Hall of Honor. Jerry is a remarkable member of our community, and I am proud to represent him in Florida's 22nd District. Jerry has been an unrelenting ambassador for veterans, spending most of his time as a veterans' services volunteer. He helped establish the Palm Beach Veterans Court and earlier this month served as the Co-Grand Marshall in the West Palm Beach Veterans Day Parade, which drew thousands of veterans and civilians to the downtown area. Before Jerry was fighting for our veterans here in South Florida, he was fighting for our country in Vietnam. On May 1, 1968 Jerry helped rescue comrades in combat. ``My company was ambushed in the A Shua Valley which is on the Laotian border,'' Jerry recalls. ``We took about a dozen casualties. On that day I was involved in helping to rescue a number of my comrades and months later I was told that I was being awarded the 3rd highest award for valor that the nation can grant--the Silver Star.'' In honor of his service to our nation, I am proud to recognize Jerold Klein and thank him for his commitment to the South Florida community of veterans.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the veterans' disability claims backlog is simply unacceptable. American service members who risk their lives to protect our freedoms should not have to wonder if they will receive the basic benefits they deserve. Today, more than 405,000 veterans are waiting for their benefits in this tragically backlogged system. These aren't just numbers. These are real people--heroes who served our country. Take for example Jeff Colaicovo, a veteran living in my district in South Florida. Jeff received two Purple Hearts for his courageous service during the Vietnam War. He sacrificed for his country, and unbelievably, our claims system failed him. Until his case was brought to my office's attention earlier this year, Jeff had made little progress towards receiving the benefits he has earned. In fact, he and his wife spent over two years struggling with bills that his benefits should have helped cover. Finally, after reaching out to my office, Jeff began receiving his far-overdue benefits in June. Jeff, along with all of our nation's veterans, deserves better. Thankfully, today, we took an important step towards helping our veterans by passing H.R. 2189. Part of the reason veterans often wait so long for their benefits decisions is that the average number of conditions afflicting our veterans has grown significantly. This was true for Jeff whose conditions include PTSD, loss of hearing, irregular heartbeat, and severe back problems. In fact, our service members currently returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan submit an average of 8.5 separate conditions, whereas WWII veterans typically submitted less than three. Under the current system, each medical condition is individually adjudicated and the veteran only begins receiving benefits once the entire claim has been processed. H.R. 2189 will address this issue by requiring the Veterans Administration to pay benefits as each element of a veteran's claim is reviewed, rather than when the entire package has been processed. This would allow veterans to begin receiving benefits checks much sooner. While much more still needs to be done, this is an important step to help repair a broken system.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 563, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I stand in support of this bill, and I want to thank the chairman and ranking members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for extraordinary leadership in bringing this bipartisan and very important bill to the floor. Transportation moves our economy, and our waterways play a vital role. This bill is about jobs for America, and as a Floridian, I am pleased to support this legislation that promotes our ports and protects our most precious wetlands, the Everglades. Today's proposal will allow Florida's east coast ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville to advance in preparation for the widening of the Panama Canal. Accommodation of larger and heavier loaded post- Panamax freight ships is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs with a multibillion-dollar impact to Florida's economy. Today's bill also authorizes important projects that help restore Florida's most important watershed, the Everglades, with a four-to-one return on every dollar spent.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. This restoration means improving water quality for millions of people, protecting our natural habitat, increasing property values, expanding recreational opportunities, and boosting tourism for Florida. As this bill progresses, I hope we can work together to extend the period of authorization, as in years past. Mr. Chairman, this is a very good bipartisan bill. It is good for Florida, and it is good for our country. I urge its support.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Peyton Robertson, who is America's 2013 Top Young Scientist in the ``Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.'' Peyton, a 5th grade student, created an innovative sandbag designed that is reusable and easy to transport. After seeing the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy and from experiencing hurricanes in South Florida, Peyton wanted to help protect folks in Florida. This is not the first time that Peyton has worked to improve the lives of those around him with inventions. When he discovered that the golf balls he loved to hit didn't go as far when they were cold, he created a golf ball warmer. Peyton also invented retractable training wheels to help his sister learn how to ride a bike. When he grows up, Peyton would like to be an inventor, scientist, or engineer. Peyton, congratulations again on being named America's Top Young Scientist for 2013. Your innovative spirit and desire to improve the world is an inspiration to us all!

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni of Fort Lauderdale for his induction into the National Academy of Engineering, an honor he received for his outstanding work on new MRI methods and his national leadership in translational medical research. Dr. Zerhouni is a prolific researcher and scientist, and his long career illustrates his passion for public service and saving lives. His story exemplifies the American dream: he came to this country almost 40 years ago from a small village in Algeria, with only $369 in his pocket. Having graduated from medical school in Algeria, he started as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and rose to the position of Executive Vice Dean of the School of Medicine and the Chair of the Radiology and Radiological Sciences Department at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. After leaving Johns Hopkins, he served as the 15th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a position he held from 2002-2008. His research has led to major advances in CAT Scan and MRI technology. These developments include innovative imaging methods used to diagnose cancer, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary disease. His accomplishments also include authoring over 200 publications, holding eight patents, and co-founding five companies. In honor of his induction into the National Academy of Engineering and all his important contributions to public health, I am pleased to recognize Dr. Zerhouni and to thank him for his service to our country.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. First I would like to thank the esteemed Representative from Hawaii for sharing this time with me. Mr. Speaker, I once again rise and join my colleagues in urging you to allow us to vote to reopen government. I have been up here before day after day. I have taken a nuanced approach, quoting the wisdom of the popular children's author, Dr. Seuss, but today the Dr. Seuss gloves come off. It is no wonder, no wonder that a recent poll of Americans show that Congress is less popular than hemorrhoids, toenail fungus, dog poop, and cockroaches. Like millions of Americans, I want to put my head out the window and shout that this standoff is idiotic and this reckless, irresponsible shutdown has got to stop. Mr. Speaker, as I speak, the Earth is in turmoil. Iran is building a nuclear weapon; in Syria, a civil war is killing thousands of women and children; in Nairobi, terrorists attacked innocent shoppers in a retail mall; and in Europe, major countries are going bankrupt. So what does the greatest Nation on Earth do to set an example for the rest of the world? We hang a sign that says, ``Closed for business.'' And as we try to emerge from a recession that hurt so many of our constituents, we proceed to throw 800,000 patriotic Americans out of a job, leaving them without income to pay their mortgages, their car loans, their children's tuition. Oh, but that is not all. We stop the funding for Head Start for millions of children and slow down benefits for veterans who risked their lives and their liberty for our freedom. Mr. Speaker, this government does not belong to the United States Congress. This government belongs to the people of America, and they are demanding, rightfully so, that we open our government today. Mr. Speaker, let us vote today. Mr. Speaker, if this Congress delays any longer, I respectfully suggest that even the Ebola virus and twerking will overtake us in the polls, and it will be well-deserved.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as we enter day 10 of this reckless and irresponsible government shutdown, I once again turn to Dr. Seuss, the well-known author, best known for being able to communicate well to children. Some wisdom from ``Yertle the Turtle'': I am Yertle the Turtle. Oh, marvelous me, for I am the ruler of all that I see. Your majesty, please. I don't like to complain, but down here below, we are feeling great pain.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Lawrence ``Larry'' Ochstein, a resident of South Florida who turns 80 today. Mr. Ochstein, a proud veteran, has been a South Florida resident since 1976. He has worked for a variety of non-profits, including the American Red Cross and B'nai B'rith International. He is an extremely active member of the community, having served the Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches and as a Palm Beach County Poll Worker. In addition to all of his accomplishments, Larry is a proud grandfather and great-grandfather and an avid golfer. I know I join with his friends and family in celebrating this wonderful milestone. I wish him good health and continued success in the coming year.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last night, this United States Congress put more than 800,000 patriotic Americans out of work indefinitely. That means 800,000 families may not pay their mortgage, their car loan, or their college tuition. To those Tea Party colleagues who rejoice in a government shutdown, I once again quote our mutual friend, Dr. Seuss. Please listen carefully: Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You'll be as famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV. Except when they don't, because sometimes they won't. I'm afraid that sometimes, you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this is a very good example of what happens when colleagues work together. I want to thank Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel very much for including in this legislation language from a bipartisan bill sponsored by myself and my colleague, Mr. Trey Radel, also from Florida. This particular provision would authorize the State Department to use the ``best value'' contracting award method in high-risk, high-threat areas around the world, ensuring the safety of American men and women serving our country abroad. With this bipartisan effort, the State Department will be allowed to consider factors beyond only price in making security contracts, giving the State Department the flexibility and tools they need to keep those who serve us abroad safe from harm and ensure taxpayer money is being used effectively. Mr. Speaker, the attack on our embassy in Benghazi was a tragic reminder of the security environment in which many of our diplomats serve. And it is our responsibility here in Congress to do everything in our power to protect Americans and our embassies overseas. Again, I thank Mr. Royce and Mr. Engel for their good work.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to my friends on the other side of the aisle, this shutdown talk has evolved to ridiculousness. To quote Dr. Seuss: When beetles fight these battles in a bottle with their paddles And the bottle's on a poodle and the poodle's eating noodles . . . They call this a muddle puddle tweetle poodle beetle noodle bottle paddle battle. Mr. Speaker, it's time to work together and stop these beetles. I mean, stop the battle.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 1961, which would exempt the steamboat Delta Queen from important fire safety requirements. While I appreciate the historical significance of this Mississippi River steamboat, I believe that public safety must be our first priority. Exempting the Delta Queen through the passage of H.R. 1961 would expose the public to an unacceptable risk of catastrophic fire by allowing a vessel that does not meet current safety standards to carry more than 50 overnight passengers. For these reasons, I vote ``no.''

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my constituent Michael Kamen's parents, Milton and Renee Kamen, who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 27, 2013. The Kamens have been voting in Presidential elections since 1948, although not always on the same side. In fact, the first time they voted for the same presidential candidate was 2008. Their ability to disagree for so many years while maintaining a harmonious marriage is a testament, both to their love for each other and to their dedication to the American political process. The Kamens are truly an exceptional family. I know I join with their friends and loved ones in celebrating this magnificent milestone and wishing them good health and continued success in the coming year.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

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

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 re-appropriate resources in areas critical to our national security and to defend Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East. The motion to recommit adds $20 million in funding for Israel's Iron Dome defense program and $5 million for the Arrow defense program in order to bolster protection against short- and long-range missile attacks. Now here's something on which we can all agree. Defending Israel is in the interest of our national security. The bond between the United States and Israel is rooted in our shared national interest and our common values of democracy, rule of law, and basic human rights. Israel's security is our security. The same forces threatening Israel jeopardize the United States. And this is not a partisan issue. All of us who have been to Israel are struck by how close Israelis live to neighbors who want to destroy them. As a former mayor of a city, I ran a city where we had real problems like gangs and crimes; but never did I have to worry about the towns next door shooting rockets at my residents. I can't imagine what it would be like to be the mayor of Sderot. In 2008, before we had Iron Dome, a surge in Hamas rocket attacks forced Israel to launch a ground operation that, tragically, claimed over a thousand Israeli and Palestinian lives. Fast forward to last November. In just 1 week, over 1,500 rockets were fired at Israel again by terrorist groups in Gaza. Thankfully, this time, Iron Dome intercepted over 80 percent of the deadly attacks, preventing war and saving lives. I know that we can all agree that support for Israel's missile defense program is not merely a favor we do for Israel. Our political and military leaders have long praised the strategic significance of Israel's powerful military advancing our interests in the region, saving our Nation billions of dollars on military personnel and equipment that we might otherwise be forced to deploy. Looking at Israel's neighborhood, never has this situation been so urgent for both our countries, with increased threats from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and al Qaeda, and instability in Syria, Egypt, and Jordan. We must do all we can to strengthen Israel's defenses, and that is why this amendment to increase funding for these defense systems is so timely and so necessary. Support for Israel has always enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. So I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to come together on this important amendment to support Israel and promote stability in the Middle East. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. I am opposed in its current form.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.