Member of Congress

Lois Frankel

Role
Current Representative
State
FL
Party
Democrat

Speeches

HONORING DR. JOAQUIN GARCIA2024-01-17

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Joaquin Garcia, an esteemed medical professional of Palm Beach County. January 12, 2024, has been officially declared as Dr. Joaquin Garcia Day. Dr. Garcia is the first notable Hispanic in Palm Beach County to have a High School named after him to honor his memory and community contributions. As a Cuban native, Dr. Garcia continuously strived towards progressing immigrant members of the community in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other various Hispanic-affiliated groups. As a founding member and chairman of the Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County (HEC), Dr. Garcia avidly promoted the education of children through his support for dual-language programs in the community. Beyond his role at the HEC, Dr. Garcia was deeply involved in an array of advocacy groups including the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, Compass, International AIDS Education Foundation, Cycle for The Cause, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Health Education Outreach. Dr. Garcia once stated, ``I did not have any natural children, but I consider the tens of thousands of students in the district to be my children and my responsibility.'' Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joaquin Garcia's dedication to advocacy on behalf of children and his service to the people of South Florida is truly admirable. May his legacy be honored by the success of the students of Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School.

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HONORING TEMPLE ISRAEL OF PALM BEACH2024-01-17

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Israel of Palm Beach County on its 100th anniversary. The Temple is the oldest Jewish organization in Palm Beach County and the only Reform synagogue in West Palm Beach. Formerly known as Temple Beth Israel, six Jewish families came together to create the synagogue in 1923 with a commitment to the ideals of Progressive Judaism. In 2012, Temple Israel made history by hiring the first female congregational Rabbi in Palm Beach County. Her successors, Rabbi Carlie Daniels, Rabbi Ryan Daniels and Rabbi Howard Shapiro, continue to shine a bright light on Temple Israel's legacy; by encouraging social activism, being actively involved in events that concern social justice, while continuing to embrace and empower those of interfaith and LGBTQIA families and individuals. Temple Israel's commitment to providing our community with a House of prayer, study, and gathering and their service to our community is remarkable. I congratulate them on 100 years of service and wish them continued success.

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CELEBRATING DELRAY ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUE'S ANNIVERSARY2024-01-10

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Delray Orthodox Synagogue's 20th anniversary at their location in Delray Beach, Florida. Delray Orthodox Synagogue is a small, vibrant Modern Orthodox Synagogue serving the spiritual and social needs of their members and guests. Currently led by Rabbi Zevi Saunders, the synagogue was created in 2003 and has grown the community over the past 20 years. In addition to services, the synagogue provides educational opportunities, sisterhood events, informational speakers, and more to give back to the community. I congratulate the synagogue on their anniversary and wish them many more years of success. Mazel tov.

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HONORING SYLVIA OGRON2023-12-15

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my constituent, Sylvia Ogron, a Happy 100th birthday. Sylvia is the proud mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of 19--the matriarch of a big, beautiful family that is her pride and joy. Sylvia, once an avid baker and tennis player, has lived in South Florida for decades, where she has enjoyed watching the new generations of her extended family continue to grow. Always the competitor, Sylvia has lived a long, full life, surrounded by family and friends who love her dearly and cherish every moment spent with her. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sylvia a Happy 100th birthday--here's to many more.

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ISRAELI HOSTAGE CRISIS2023-11-30

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on October 7, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Hamas terrorists took over 200 hostages from Israel--men, women, children, the elderly, and the young, including dozens of IDF soldiers who Hamas has refused to release. I want to tell you about one of them. That beautiful young lady is Naama Levy. She is the second of four children. She is an athlete, loves soccer, the triathlon. During her summer in high school, she was a participant in the Hands of Peace project in the United States working toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians. After she graduated high school, like other Israeli youth, she completed her coursework to be an observation soldier, and she began her military service on October 5 at the Nahal Oz base. It was 2 days later, on October 7 at 6:32 a.m., she woke to red alerts and went into a safe room with her friends. She then texted her mom. There is the text: Mom, we are in the safe room. I have never heard anything like this. Her mother says: What is happening, my darling? What her mother then saw on a video loop over and over was her daughter being dragged off by her hair by Hamas into the back of a truck. Her mom lives the same nightmare as the other families of the hostages. She thinks about her every day. Where is her daughter now? What kind of life is she living? Where does she sleep? Does she have water? Does she have air? Is she being treated well? Mr. Speaker, look at this young lady, just starting her life with hopes and dreams. Let's bring her back.

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HONORING THE ST. PAUL AME CHURCH'S 126TH ANNIVERSARY2023-11-28

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, Florida, on its 126th anniversary. This significant milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community that has thrived within its walls since its inception. St. Paul AME Church. originally named Mt. Tabor, held its first service on November 19, 1897, in what was then called Linton. St. Paul was the second church established in the area that would become Delray Beach in 1964. Prior to relocating in 1902, St. Paul shared a building with the first church in Delray, Mt. Olive Baptist. The fact that it has weathered the test of time, evolving and adapting over the years, speaks to the resilience and commitment of its congregation. Reverend James C. Watson, Jr. and First Lady Viola Watson are committed community leaders and their dedication to St. Paul AME Church is a steadfast commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. As we celebrate the 126th anniversary, we must recognize that St. Paul AME Church is part of a broader legacy. The African Methodist Episcopal church founded in America in 1787, has a rich history of promoting both spiritual enrichment and social justice. St. Paul AME Church stands as a local embodiment of this legacy, contributing to the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Delray Beach. Pastor James and First Lady Viola Watson's commitment to St. Paul AME Church and their service to our community is remarkable. I congratulate them on 126 years of service and wish them continued success.

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DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-11-14

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. My, my, my. In the spending bill that most affects our social fabric, MAGA Republicans take an ax to women's reproductive freedom, public education, and Medicare. At a time when costs are too high for working people, Republicans underfund childcare and eldercare. Instead of lifting up American families, this bill brings us down with culture war garbage. It is a ``no'' for me. We can and we must do better.

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HONORING COMMISSIONER KALPANA KOTAGAL2023-11-13

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus to recognize Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal as we celebrate her well-deserved ascension to EEOC Commissioner. As you may know, women still lag behind in pay and promotions, are the victims of pregnancy discrimination, and are the primary survivors of sexual harassment in the workplace. We cannot overstate the importance of enforcing EEOC laws and pay data collection. Commissioner Kotagal will do exceptional work to ensure that every individual, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, has an equal opportunity to succeed in the workforce. This mission is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral imperative. We know that having strong equality laws are not enough. Enforcing these laws requires dedicated individuals who understand the urgency of their mission. Our newly sworn-in commissioner embodies this commitment. Her experience, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the principles of equality makes her the right person for the job. I would like to personally thank her for her leading role in the class action against Sterling Jewelers which was an impetus for two major bipartisan bills that became law in 2022, nullifying forced arbitration and nondisclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment and abuse. As we celebrate this moment, we recognize that the EEOC's work extends beyond individual cases. When people are given an equal opportunity to succeed, we all benefit. Diverse teams lead to innovation and stronger decision-making. Equal pay ensures that every family can thrive. A discrimination-free workplace fosters a culture of respect and dignity for all. The work of the EEOC is also about fostering a culture where respect for diversity is not just a requirement but a guiding principle. It's about educating employers and employees on best practices and the benefits of a more inclusive workforce. It's about shaping our collective future by ensuring that opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. So today, we celebrate our commitment to equality, fairness, and justice in the workplace by congratulating Kalpana Kotagal and wishing her only the best on her new journey. I am confident that as commissioner, she will continue her life path of exceptional work.

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ISRAEL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-11-02

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am standing here as a Member of Congress because my grandfather, Abe, was able to flee Europe as the Nazis took over. Then on October 7, it happened again. Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Make no mistake, Hamas are terrorists out to kill all Jews and destroy Israel, and other enemies in the region are on the same mission. Reaffirming Israel's right to exist, Golda Meir said: ``Jews have nowhere else to go.'' Mr. Speaker, the United States has a moral duty and national security urgency to aid Israel in defending herself. We must send an unmistakable message to the world that we stand with Israel. I hope that as this process moves forward, we will all come together to do just that.

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STANDING WITH ISRAEL AS IT DEFENDS ITSELF AGAINST THE BARBARIC WAR LAUNCHED BY HAMAS AND OTHER TERRORISTS2023-10-25

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather, Abe, fled the Holocaust as 6 million Jews were shot and tortured and gassed and starved. We often say, ``never again.'' Yet on October 7 it happened again, and make no mistake: The brutal, barbaric attacks by Hamas was not about freeing innocent people; it was about destroying Israel and killing Jews. Today, I am proud to stand with all those who condemn Hamas, support Israel's right to defend itself, and reaffirm the United States' commitment to Israel's security.

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DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-09-28

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act because it cedes our leadership in the global community, undermines human rights, and diminishes access to healthcare, education, food, and economic security for millions around the world. Why should we care? It comes down to this: When people lack access to the basics in life, it means a greater risk for hopelessness and instability. Gutting climate change activities only escalates the consequences. For Americans at home, that means fewer trading partners, more danger from violent extremists, global pandemics, and even war. We live in a very complicated world, and this bill undermines diplomacy and commitments to our allies and partners to make the world a better place in which to live, upending our commitments to the United Nations, and turning our back on decades of relationship-building, leaving a vacuum for unfriendly countries to fill. If that is not enough, it hurts the most vulnerable women and girls in the world, slashing funding for women's healthcare and family planning and blocking access to reproductive care. Mr. Chair, let me make it clear to the politicians in this room: Women, not the folks in this Chamber, should decide whether and when a woman should start or continue a family. Tragically, this bill is going to leave our country and the world less healthy, less safe, and even more divided. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-09-27

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Representative Wilson of South Carolina and my bipartisan amendment supporting efforts to modernize personal equipment for female servicemembers and small-statured servicemembers. Twenty percent of our servicemembers are women serving our Nation. It is alarming, Mr. Chair, that, according to a new Army report, nearly half of female servicemembers in the Army Special Operations Command have trouble accessing and acquiring equipment that is the right size for them. Imagine one of these warriors are in the battlefield, they are facing an enemy combatant, and their ill-fitting body armor prevents them from proper use of their rifle. That puts them at severe risk for harm and prevents them from executing their duty. There is no excuse for not giving these patriots the equipment and tools to allow them to do their job safely and effectively. Our military women, they leave their families, they train hard, and are willing to risk their lives to defend our freedom. We need to do a better job to stand up for theirs. I urge my colleagues to join me and my friend Representative Wilson of South Carolina in a bipartisan amendment to make sure that all our servicemembers have the equipment that they need to keep them safe and do their job effectively.

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-09-27

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my bipartisan amendment supporting the Department of Homeland Security implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Act, which was passed in 2017. Relevant to our debate today, that bill recognizes that women bear the brunt of harm during disasters, and importantly, they can play an essential role in responding and preventing them. Whether it is a hurricane, a flood, a fire, a refugee seeking asylum, evidence shows that women are more often vulnerable during disasters and crises that the Department responds to, and sadly, there is more gender-based violence and often more responsibility for care put on women to provide for their families. Our amendment ensures that gender perspectives are included in DHS' responses to crises to ensure that the needs of women and their families are met, they have the resources they need to recover, and ensure that DHS is taking steps to prevent these outcomes in the first place. It also recognizes the impact of women's participation. The amendment supports efforts to increase the number of women in law enforcement, senior DHS leadership, including staffing, programming, research, and department-wide training. When women are at the table where decisions are made and on the ground to prevent and respond to disasters, outcomes are better for women and for their communities.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4365, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4367, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024...2023-09-26

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule, which is for a bad bill that takes food out of the mouths of children, hurts our farmers, guts climate change actions, and is another step toward the Republicans' dark and extreme goal to ban abortion nationwide. More specifically, it nullifies the FDA's decision to make the abortion pill, mifepristone, more accessible. The medication abortion pill has been used effectively and safely for 20 years. FDA made an evidence-based decision to allow patients to fill this medication as they would fill any other prescription, by going to a drugstore or to their doctor or getting it through the mail. The FDA decision removed a barrier for women in underserved communities in need of care. Reversing this decision harms the most vulnerable populations--women in maternity care deserts, women without reliable access to transportation or childcare, and women who can't take time off from work to visit a doctor. Madam Speaker, I say this with emphasis: All women deserve the freedom to decide whether or when to start or grow a family without interference from politicians. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to listen to the science, listen to the FDA, and reject this rule for these and so many reasons.

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REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM FOR SERVICEWOMEN2023-09-19

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, my, my, my. The Republican attacks on reproductive freedom never end. The latest target: our servicewomen in the military. Many of our over 500 military bases are located in States that now ban or severely restrict abortion. That is why the Department of Defense established a travel allowance for servicemembers and dependents who need to go to another State to access an abortion. Now, shamelessly, the Republicans are seeking to block that effort. These military women leave their homes, families, and friends. They train hard. They have dreams and goals. We trust them with Black Hawks and Special Ops. We should trust them with the very personal decision of whether or when to start a family. They stand for our freedom. It is time for us to stand for theirs.

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HONORING PASTOR GERALD AND FIRST LADY MAMIE KISNER OF TABERNACLE CHURCH2023-08-25

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverand Gerald Kisner and First Lady Mamie Kisner for 29 exceptional years of presiding leadership over Tabernacle Church of Palm Beach, Florida. I had the privilege of attending many church services and working closely with the Kisner's during my 8 years as Mayor of West Palm Beach and to this day continue to honor our friendship. The Tabernacle Church, formerly the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (TMBC), was originally founded in 1893 in an area called the ``Styx'' in Palm Beach where it served families of African American construction crews who were building the grand hotels and homes in Palm Beach. One year later, the TMBC relocated to downtown West Palm Beach and established the first school for African American children in Palm Beach County. A new TMBC was built at its current location on Eighth Street in 1925. With its distinctive towers and lighted domes, the TMBC is recognized as 1 of Florida's most important Romanesque Revival design churches. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Pastor Gerald Kisner and First Lady Mamie Kisner became the leaders of Tabernacle Church in 1994. They have provided both spiritual and tangible leadership from the pulpit, on area civic boards, and with community projects. Of special note are the U. B. Kinsey Educational and Community Center that provides a comprehensive source of programs and services to the underserved and The Rosemary Village Construction Project that provides 53 free of charge single family homes, and a park in the Northwest neighborhood of West Palm Beach. Pastor Gerald and First Lady Mamie Kisner's commitment to the Tabernacle Church and their service to our community is truly remarkable. I congratulate them and wish them continued success.

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FOUNDER'S DAY FOR THE LADIES OF FUTURITY, INC ORGANIZATION2023-08-11

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor founders Tracey & Amaris Graham, and each of the members of the Ladies of Futurity Inc. on the occasion of their 10 year anniversary. Amaris is a member of my team as a Staff Assistant and Legislative Correspondent. Amaris and her mother, Tracey Graham, founded the Ladies of Futurity, Inc. nonprofit organization on May 26, 2013, to equip and empower young girls of diverse backgrounds to become ladies, obtain a higher education, and to be servant leaders in their community with essential life and leadership skills to create a pathway to educational success and career development through workshops, sisterly gatherings, and exceptional community service in Palm Beach County, Florida. With over 312 inducted members since its inception, Ladies of Futurity continues to accomplish its mission of helping girls realize their true potential as they establish and ultimately achieve their future goals. Their dedication to ensuring each of its members is ``empowered to achieve, educated to succeed, and forever evolving as a lady'' is truly admirable. Tracey and Amaris Graham strive to provide the tools necessary for each young lady to ``possess a favor, fulfilling, future.'' Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulatory wishes to the Ladies of Futurity, Inc. for 10 years of remarkable service. I am honored to recognize them today and wish them continued success in the years to come.

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MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242023-07-26

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chair, well, my, my, my, here we go again. The Republican attacks on access to legal abortion never end. Today, the target is women veterans, women who left their loved ones, trained hard, sometimes risked their lives to stand up for our freedom, and now it is time to stand up for theirs. All women should have the freedom to make their own personal decision about when or whether to start or grow a family. This bill would undermine the current Biden policy that allows VA medical centers to provide an abortion when the life or the health of the pregnant veteran is in danger. Republicans are willing to force women to wait until they are on death's door to receive the healthcare that they need. Really? This is how we thank veterans for their service? Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

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ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR2023-07-13

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, my, my, my, the Republican attacks on abortion never seem to end, and now they are targeting the servicewomen in the military. After that extreme decision by the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, half of the States in our country are banning or severely restricting access to legal abortion. Take a look at this poster and this map. The dark-shaded States are where these abortion restrictions are now in place. Look at those black dots. Those are the over 500 military bases in our country. Many of them are in States that now ban or restrict abortion. Mr. Chairman, that is why, last year, the Department of Defense established travel transportation allowances for servicemembers and dependents who need to travel to access abortion. Shamelessly, the Republicans are now seeking to block this effort. Our servicemembers leave their homes, their families, their friends, and are willing to risk their lives to serve our Nation. They train hard. They have dreams. They have goals. We trust them with Black Hawks, intelligence operations, and special ops. We should trust them with their own healthcare decisions, including when it comes to deciding whether to start or grow a family. Mr. Chairman, they stand for our freedom; it is time to stand for theirs.

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DEBT CEILING CRISIS2023-05-25

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, with Memorial Day on my mind, I rise today to call on House Republicans to stop playing dangerous political games, manufacturing a crisis that has driven the American economy to the brink of default. To our veterans and for our veterans, a default would have severe consequences. It would mean wounded warriors losing out on physical therapy sessions that could get them back on their feet, for Purple Heart recipients missing a disability check that they use to make ends meet, for a student veteran coming up short on paying tuition. Our servicemen and women have stood up for us, and now it is time for us to stand up for them. Defaulting on our debt would be a dereliction of our duty. The dangerous game playing must stop.

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HONORING RABBI MICHAEL C. SIMON2023-05-23

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rabbi Michael C. Simon, a respected scholar and spiritual leader, and to recognize him for eighteen years of exemplary service to Temple Beth Kodesh, the oldest conservative synagogue in Boynton Beach, Florida. Rabbi Simon has invigorated Temple Beth Kodesh through his meaningful and topical sermons. After practicing law for 20 years, Rabbi Simon turned to this calling full-time and has spread nothing but joy and enthusiasm to all of those he has encountered. As a full time scholar and teacher, Rabbi Simon has been dedicated to encouraging his congregants through innovative and interesting services, programs, classes and lectures, warmth, kindness, and compassion. Rabbi Simon also serves the community as the Chaplain for Jewish War Veterans, Instructor at Florida Atlantic University, and faculty member at Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, where he is a popular lecturer on Jewish subject matter and history. Rabbi Simon was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk in recognition of his many years of service to the Jewish community. Rabbi Simon's commitment to the Synagogue and his service to the Jewish community is truly remarkable. I am honored to recognize him today and wish him continued success.

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RECOGNIZING BEN FERENCZ2023-05-11

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month by sharing a story of my personal Jewish American hero, Ben Ferencz. Ben was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He was the last living Nuremberg prosecutor, who recently passed away at age 103. Ben enlisted in the U.S. Army straight out of law school. He was assigned to collect evidence of Nazi war crimes, which he later used to prosecute the biggest murder case in the history of the world. At age 27, he convicted 22 Nazi leaders for their roles in the deaths of over 1 million people. Ben later dedicated his life to creating a world of acceptance and compassion, becoming a tireless advocate for the rule of law and international justice. Ben Ferencz is a real Jewish-American hero. His legacy is one of peace, justice, and humility. May his memory be a blessing.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2023-04-26

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call votes 193 and 194, I was not present because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``AYE.''

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LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT OF 20232023-04-26

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it, extremists in this Congress are trying to hold us hostage. Republicans have given us a ransom note: choose between wrecking our economy or wrecking our families; lose jobs and retirement funds or inflict cruel pain on American families. More children will go to bed hungry. More women will die during childbirth. More parents will be without childcare. More neighborhoods will be without police. There will be more evictions, more drug overdoses, more veteran suicides, and more carbon in the air. There will be more misery. Make no mistake, Republicans are willing to sacrifice Americans in order to protect tax cuts for the very wealthy and for big corporations.

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RECOGNIZING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARSAW GHETTO UPRISING2023-04-19

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a profound and significant event in history that demonstrated the extraordinary resilience and defiance of the human spirit in the face of evil, hatred, and genocide. In April of 1943, German forces entered the Warsaw Ghetto with the intention of relocating thousands of Jews to concentration camps, where they would face near-certain death. They were met by hundreds of courageous Jewish fighters, many of whom were just teenagers, who chose to stand their ground and resist despite having limited military training and weaponry. Led by the 24-year-old Mordecai Anielewicz, these brave individuals remarkably pushed back the Germans, forcing them to retreat outside the Ghetto wall. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising became the first urban--and first Jewish-- uprising in German-occupied Europe, inspiring uprisings in other ghettos in the region. The Jewish fighters and their supporters held the Germans at bay for nearly a month, displaying unwavering courage and determination in their struggle for freedom and dignity. Eventually, the Germans burned the Warsaw Ghetto to the ground, killing 13,000 Jewish men, women, and children, and sending the remaining survivors to death camps. Mr. Speaker, as we gather here today to remember and honor those who courageously stood against the overwhelming force of the Nazis, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the values of tolerance, justice, and human rights. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against tyranny and oppression, no matter the odds, and highlights the power of unity and the indomitable will of the human spirit. Today, it is our duty to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten, and that we pass on the stories of those who fought and resisted to future generations. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the remarkable bravery of these Jewish fighters, and in remembering their memory, we are reminded of the importance of remaining steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of human rights for all.

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