Lois Frankel

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Defund Planned Parenthood Act. I want to say this as respectfully as possible, but this bill is dumb, it is foolish, and it is mean- spirited, with only one purpose, and that is to punish one of our country's premier health organizations because it provides women access to an array of services that we need to lead healthy lives. The bill is based upon lies and exaggerations. Now, if you want to have a truthful debate, then let's talk about the 400,000 Pap smears, the 500,000 breast exams, and the 4.5 million STD and HIV tests that Planned Parenthood does each year. Now, that is saving lives. That is the truth.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wilton Manors City Commissioner, Julie Carson and her work with the LGBT community. Commissioner Carson is being presented with the ``Community Partner for Equality'' award from Equality Florida for her tireless work for the LGBT community. In 2010, Carson became the first openly lesbian elected official in Broward County. Throughout her tenure as Commissioner, she has focused on helping the homeless, assisting the elderly, advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS, and supporting the Transgender community. Specifically, she sponsored the Equal Benefits Ordinance and the Broward County Vendor Preference Ordinance, which ensured equal benefits to all married couples. She is also proud of her continued dialogue and collaboration between the Transgender community and the Wilton Manors Police Department. Outside of her duties as Commissioner, Carson is a free-lance paralegal and a guest lecturer at Florida Atlantic University. She enjoys spending time with her partner Susan and horseback riding in her free time. I congratulate Commissioner Carson on her award and thank her for all her tremendous work for the South Florida LGBT community. I am proud to represent her in the 22nd District and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Josephine DeFina Stetson for her work in the U.S. Army War Department. Josephine was born in New York City to Pasqual and Antoinette DeSimon, as the youngest of eight children. From a young age, Josephine had a passion for dance, a talent which led her to teach soldiers how to dance as a volunteer for the USO. Josephine served as a civilian employee for the U.S. Army War Department for four years, developing flow charts illustrating the organizational structures of various commands. After working for the Army, Josephine began selling real estate in the Palm Beaches, opening her own firm in 1973. She was consistently ranked one of the top firms in the area and the nation. Josephine is an enthusiastic member of the Palm Beach community, serving on the Palm Beach Board of Realtors for many years and as a longtime member and parishioner of the St. Edward's Church guild. In honor of her years of commitment to her country and dedication to her community, I'm pleased to recognize Mrs. Josephine DeFina Stetson and thank her for her service.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Sal Esposito of Plantation, Florida, who turned 100 years old on August 27, 2015. Mr. Esposito moved to the 22nd District in 1980 from New York. Before moving to South Florida, he proudly served in the military and was overseas for nearly three years during World War II. He worked in a factory making tools and dies for 45 years. Mr. Esposito still works with machinery and tools in the Lauderdale West Community. He helps to make toys for children for the Plantation Historical Museum. He also enjoys playing tennis, playing cards, and performing in shows. I thank Mr. Esposito for his service to our country and wish him many happy and healthy years to come.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Vincent A. Miro for his service in the United States Navy and to congratulate him for being presented with eight medals. Mr. Miro served in the Navy for over 2 years during World War II. He enlisted as soon as he was old enough and served up until the end of the war in Europe. Mr. Miro served in the D-Day invasion, storming the beaches of Normandy when he was just 18. We are honored to present him with the following medals: World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (with bronze star appurtenance), Combat Action Ribbon, Discharge Button, Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck). In honor of his commitment and sacrifice for his country, I am honored to recognize Mr. Vincent A. Miro and offer him my sincerest congratulations.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barbara Dubler of Boynton Beach and to congratulate her on her retirement after forty years of dedicated service to the children of Florida. A Bronx native, Mrs. Dubler moved to South Florida in 1960 and later became an educator after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to inspire and educate her students. After nearly twenty years teaching in the Dade County Public Schools, she moved in 1993 to Palm Beach County to continue her work as a teacher, most recently at the Woodlands Middle School in Lake Worth, Florida. During her tenure at Woodlands, she primarily taught sixth and eighth grade English, and consistently produced some of the best- performing students in the county. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Dubler also served as the Chair of the English Department and ran a high school drama program, which she considers one of her fondest memories. Barbara's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2000, Mrs. Dubler was the recipient of the Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award for Palm Beach County. Dedicated teachers like Mrs. Dubler are the backbone of the American education system. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to foster a positive class environment, while keeping her students engaged and eager to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. She truly serves as a model for other educators to emulate. As a loving mother and wife, Barbara is still happily married after twenty-nine years to her husband Dr. Gary Dubler, and they have one son. In her free time, Barbara enjoys reading, traveling, and going to the theater. In honor of her tireless work to educate our children, I am proud to recognize Barbara Dubler and to thank her for her forty years of service to our children. I wish her good health and a well-earned retirement.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate James Mondo of Ridge, New York who turned 100 years old on July 4, 2015. James, who is commonly known as Jack but more affectionately known as ``pop'', was born in Brooklyn, New York. The youngest child of Italian Immigrants, Francis and Clara, James grew up with seven siblings. In 1933, he married Anna Brillante, and together the couple had twin girls Clara and Marie, and a son Francis. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, as a part of Delta Company's 25th tank division in Germany from 1945 to 1946. Following the war, James and Anna moved the family to Mineola, New York where he drove trucks for the National Biscuit Company for 30 years before retiring in 1978. He continued to serve his community as an American Legion Post chaplain for over 20 years and by becoming a fourth degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. A die hard Yankee fan, he had witnessed all 40 of their American League pennants and 27 World Champions and still cheers the team on today. James and Anna settled down in Ridge, New York, where they have resided to this day and enjoy seeing their 8 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. James is truly an exceptional man and 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. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Barbara Ann Poland Harris of West Palm Beach, Florida, who turned 84 years old on June 29th, 2015. Barbara, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, is a lifelong educator, member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and loving mother of two sons. Barbara moved to Florida in 1954 to teach and coach basketball at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Miami Beach. She went on to teach at Watkin B. Duncan Middle School in 1965, where she taught until her retirement in 1995. While teaching at the middle school, Barbara was named teacher of the month, had a yearbook dedication in her name, and was a tennis coach and avid sports supporter. After her retirement Barbara traveled extensively across Europe and Asia. I am proud to represent Barbara in Florida's 22nd District. I join with her friends and family in celebrating her birthday. I wish her good health and continued success in the coming years.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate James Augustine Ponce of St. Augustine, Florida who turns 98 on July 19, 2015. A native of St. Augustine, Florida, James Ponce was born on July 19, 1917. His relatives descended from the family of Juan Ponce de Leon. Ponce grew up in the downtown area of St. Augustine, where his father owned R. Ponce Funeral Home. As a young boy he recalls his father burying American Tycoon, Henry Flagler, and other prominent figures of the community. In addition, Ponce has stated that his days at St. Joseph Academy afforded him the opportunity to learn about how Florida became a U.S. territory. This early exposure to America's Oldest City cemented his passion for the rich history that Florida boasts. Since that introduction as a child, Ponce has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the histories of St. Augustine, the Breakers, and Palm Beach. Ponce also proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Marines during the Korean War. Since the 1950s, he has called Palm Beach County home. During his time at the Breakers Hotel and Resort, Ponce worked at the front desk and eventually retired as an assistant manager. As of now, he conducts weekly walking tours of the Breakers. Ponce is the official historian of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and has also served as the President of the Historical Society of Palm Beach. Throughout his career and retirement, Ponce has been recognized for his vast historical knowledge. In 1996 the Palm Beach Town Council named him ``Palm Beach's only two-legged, historical landmark.'' He is the recipient of the Providencia Award from the Palm Beach Country Convention and Visitors Bureau, which recognizes an individual or agency that contributes to the prosperity of the tourism industry in the county. James Ponce is an exceptional man, and one whom I am proud to represent in Florida's 22nd District. I know I join with his family and friends in celebrating this wonderful occasion. I wish him good health and continued success in the coming years.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Supreme Court's ruling last month in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. The Inclusive Communities Project. The Justices ruled 5-4 that federal housing law allows people to challenge lending rules, zoning laws, and other housing practices that have a harmful impact on minority groups, even if there is no proof that companies or government agencies intended to discriminate. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, ``Much progress remains to be made in our nation's continuing struggle against racial isolation.'' He continued, ``The Court acknowledges the Fair Housing Act's continuing role in moving the nation toward a more integrated society.'' Housing is one of the backbones of the American economy and for many is integral to the American dream. No person should be shut out because of the color of their skin.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Debbie Frazier on winning the Michael Brown Memorial Faces of the Community Award. Ms. Frazier is an outstanding member of our community, and I am proud to represent her in Florida's 22nd District. This distinguished award recognizes community members who have dedicated themselves to grassroots organizations that promote LGBT pride, diversity, and awareness. Debbie is a prolific advocate and leader, and her long list of credentials illustrates her passion for public service and promoting LGBT equality. In 2010, Ms. Frazier founded the Straight and Gay Alliance in Wellington, Florida. Debbie also led a county-wide effort to `Get Out the Vote,' which included a social media photo campaign. Currently, she serves as the President of the Alliance for Social Justice, a grassroots outreach program designed to empower young adults to become the leaders of tomorrow. When she is not doing community outreach, she works as the executive regional director of the GLBT Democratic Caucus. In honor of her award, I am proud to recognize Debbie Frazier and thank her for her tireless advocacy and work for our community.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today our nation faces challenges across the globe, but there is no threat more central to current world order than the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran. Tuesday, June 30, is the self-imposed negotiating deadline for the P5+1 over Iran's illicit nuclear program. At this critical juncture I am thankful for the Administration's repeated promise that no deal is better than a bad deal. I want to remind my colleagues why this issue is so vital. Even a threshold nuclear Iran--where they have a short breakout capacity--would lead to massive nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. We have already seen troubling statements from regional partners like Saudi Arabia about developing or purchasing nuclear weapons of their own. Mr. Speaker, I don't need to tell you the consequences of possible proliferation of the world's most dangerous weapon in the world's most dangerous region. Just look at the destructive role Iran is already playing in this chaotic region without nuclear weapons. Iran is the most active state sponsor of terrorism, sending weapons and support to Hamas and Hezbollah. It is actively assisting rebel advances in Yemen, it has long destabilized Iraq and Lebanon, and it is propping up the brutal Assad regime in Syria. Not to mention that this Iranian regime systematically violates its own citizen's basic human rights. That is why there is broad bipartisan support for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and on both sides of the aisle, we hope for a diplomatic solution to this crisis. But we must be vigilant and ensure that if a deal is reached it truly is a good deal that verifiably prevents all Iranian pathways to a bomb. Such a deal must include five key components: robust and intrusive inspections, phased sanctions relief that comes only as a result of Iranian compliance, dismantlement of key nuclear infrastructure, disclosure of possible military dimensions of the program, and a long timeline that gives the international community confidence that it can hold Iran accountable. My colleagues and I will be watching closely and stand ready to scrutinize any final agreement to ensure the future security of our nation and that of our allies in the region.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this debate is personal to me. I watched my son Ben, then a proud United States marine, being sent off to two wars, Afghanistan and Iraq. My family was blessed; he returned safely. Both sides of the aisle know the price of the battle: too many killed, too many deeply scarred, too many lives of loved ones disrupted, trillions of dollars spent, and the reputation of our country at stake--sometimes for good reasons and sometimes in tragic error. I will agree with those who say that, when terror strikes in the world, it is our concern and it does require our leadership. There are times when we must risk brave lives to save many more. With that said, when I came to Washington, I vowed not to send anyone else's son or daughter in harm's way unless I understood the mission and the end game, too. We owe this to all our children. That is why I urge my colleagues to take the time to deliberate and debate on the use of force against the terrorists who threaten the security of our country and our allies. Congress has no greater responsibility.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Fort Lauderdale High School, a vibrant and innovative school in South Florida. The home of the Flying L's that opened its doors in 1915 to a graduating class of 5 people has now grown to a diverse community of more than 2,100 students. Fort Lauderdale High School is celebrating a long history of academic excellence. It has consistently been ranked among the best public high schools, not only in Florida but also across the nation, with US News awarded Fort Lauderdale High School the silver medal for education in 2015. Under the current leadership of Principal Priscilla Ribeiro, the school is working to meet the needs of a new generation, offering students many opportunities through a state-recognized magnet program, an array of Advanced Placement courses, a competitive athletic program, as well as an active alumni community. The school continues to strive to embrace their motto, ``Strong and True, White and Blue.'' In honor of Fort Lauderdale High School's centennial anniversary, I want to congratulate the faculty, administration, students, and alumni on all of their successes and wish them a bright and prosperous future.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote 250, I was not present because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' (By unanimous consent, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania was allowed to speak out of order.) moment of silence for those lost in the philadelphia train derailment

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I just want to start by thanking Mr. Shuster and Mr. DeFazio for their bipartisan leadership. I am going to vote for this 2-month extension for the highway trust fund in order to avoid a shutdown of America's transit building and repair. But with that said, Mr. Speaker, this legislation is like fixing our roads and bridges with Silly Putty. It is just not strong enough to hold our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. So I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to say it is time to make those long-term investments necessary for people and goods to get to their destination safely and timely. Mr. Speaker, transportation moves our economy. It is time for Congress to get going.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate John George Bezantakos-Baker of Boca Raton, Florida, who turned 100 years young on May 10th. A native Washingtonian, John was born in D.C. on May 10, 1915. He has fond childhood memories of selling peanuts in his push cart to prominent figures like the 30th President of the United States Calvin Coolidge and then Secretary of State Herbert Hoover. In 1944, he received his law degree from New York University and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After being honorably discharged in 1946, John worked at MetLife Insurance Company until his retirement in 1976. John moved to Ft. Lauderdale post-retirement and became active in the South Florida Greek community as a lifetime member of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association, the first Greek-American Neighborhood Commissioner for the Boy Scouts, and a trustee in his local Greek Orthodox Church. John was married 44 years to his late wife and has two children and three grandchildren. John is an exceptional man, and one who I am proud to represent in Florida's 22nd District. I know I join with his family and friends in celebrating this wonderful occasion. I wish him good health and continued success in the coming year.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, and I want to remind everyone why it is so important that we prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear state. Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, and the brutal crackdown in Syria. Iran's efforts to expand its influence is destabilizing Iraq, Lebanon, and now Yemen. The Iran regime systematically violates its own citizens' basic rights and, as terrifying, has the potential for nuclear proliferation. If Iran becomes a nuclear state, we will see a regional race for the bomb spreading the world's most dangerous weapons through the world's most unstable region. Mr. Speaker, Congress played a critical role in bringing Iran to the negotiating table. Iran cannot be trusted, and Congress must continue to be vigilant.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Mr. Irwin Stovroff of Boca Raton for receiving his honorary doctorate from Florida Atlantic University on April 30th at age 92. Irwin was an Air Force 2nd Lieutenant and bombardier who flew over Normandy in the D-Day invasion during World War II. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) awards the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree on a very selective basis to recognize achievements in the arts or high distinction in public service. With his golden retriever Cash by his side, Irwin addressed a group of 2,400 graduates and their families explaining his experience as a Prisoner of War after being captured by a Nazi soldier. After returning home, Irwin did what so many from the Greatest Generation did. He married, started a family, and went on to a successful business career. After retiring at age 75, he continued to serve his community and volunteered at our local Veteran's Administration Hospital in Riviera Beach. During his time at the VA Hospital, he spoke to many veterans and realized that they needed additional emotional support, so he founded ``Vets Helping Heroes''. His organization has raised over $4.5 million dollars to provide service dogs to wounded service members. In honor of his continued service to our country during World War II and still now, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Irwin Stovroff and congratulate him on the receipt of an honorary doctorate degree from Florida Atlantic University. I am proud to represent him in our great district.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Act. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. Another painful piece of legislation inflicted on the women of this country by people who don't believe we are smart enough or moral enough to make our own life-changing decisions. You want to talk about pain? Let's talk about the agony of a woman who is raped and again violated by unnecessary government intrusion. Or what about the suffering of a woman and her family, knowing that her pregnancy will end in tragedy because her doctor would be sent to jail for saving her life? Mr. Speaker, enough is enough.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor thirty high school seniors in Florida's 22nd District who have decided to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. Of these thirty, four have joined the Army; their names are Margaro Hernandez, Brandon Iglesias, Dylan Reynolds, and Darren Ross. Sixteen have joined the Marines; their names are Lamech Murzike, Joshua Scott, Connor Bunch, Yeicob Duran, Jose Ribot, Jonnathan Gonzalez, Davie Medina Perez, Kenton Ennis, Jacob Rodriguez, Luis Mendez, Mike-Rodman Lorissaint, Jose Vega, Gregory Spotts, Sean McCusker, Alyssa Pontier, Delone Griffin. Four have joined the National Guard; their names are Trey Rawls, Merisanda Carstea, Spencer Hickey, and Warren Dutes. Six have joined the Navy; their names are Destiny Huntley, Marco Juarez Jr., Anthony Lewis, Amanda McCarthy, Sergio Santiago, Pedro Jose Silva. It is in thanks to the dedication of patriots like these that we are able to meet here today, in the United States House of Representatives, and openly debate the best solutions to the diverse issues that confront our country. On behalf of myself and all of my constituents in Florida's 22nd District, thank you for your service and best of luck as you pursue this challenging endeavor.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement in the Record that the House should focus on the real priorities of Americans instead of another attack on women's health care.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, every year I am reminded of the extraordinary accomplishments of the young State of Israel. See, our birthdays are just a few days apart. This year we both turn sixty- seven. When I think of some of my own milestones I inherently think about Israel. We came into the world at the same time, but while I was being cared for by loving parents, Israel was forced to fight for its very survival when it was attacked by surrounding Arab armies immediately after declaring independence in 1948. As I entered my college years at Boston University in 1967, Israel retook control of the holiest site in Judaism during the Six Day War, allowing Jews to once again pray in the old city of Jerusalem where they have prayed for thousands of years. During my days as a law student at Georgetown, in the early 1970s, Israel elected an American-born woman, Golda Meir, to lead the country as Prime Minister--one of the first women to ever lead a nation. In March of 1979, following the birth of my son Ben, Israel reached a ground-breaking treaty with Egypt, ceding the entire Sinai--a landmass larger than the current State of Israel--in exchange for recognition and peace. In the early 1990s, as a State Legislator, I took my second trip to Israel meeting with many Ethiopian Jews who were among the tens of thousands saved by Israel when they were airlifted to the Democratic Jewish State. While I was back in Florida's Legislature, Israel reached yet another critical peace agreement, this time with Jordan, demonstrating once again Israel's enduring commitment to ending conflict. I remember facing many challenges in my next role as Mayor of West Palm Beach but none compared to the daily barrage of terror attacks Israelis suffered during the Second Intifada. And over the last few years, while I have served in the House of Representatives, Israel has accomplished so much even while faced with the constant threat of rocket attacks from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah terror in Lebanon, spill-over from the war in Syria, attacks from Sinai in Egypt, and the ire of a possible nuclear Iran. Since its founding Israel has been at a near perpetual state of war, yet the resilience of Israeli people has allowed the nation to thrive and contribute so much to the community of nations. In a tiny country where 60 percent of the land mass is desert, Israelis invented drip irrigation to make the desert bloom with vineyards and vegetable farms. They now share that technology with countries in Africa facing water scarcity where millions more people are being fed by cutting water use over 90 percent. Israel also perfected seawater desalination which it is sharing today with California to help them during their drought. In fact, an Israeli company is helping to build what will become the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere just north of San Diego. Israel at 67 is a world leader in medicine, technology, defense, and energy. It is a country with whom the United States has partnered since President Harry Truman recognized the nascent state just minutes after its founding. And Israel is a country with whom we continue to partner because it represents freedom, democracy, and progress in a region where tyranny too often reigns. As we celebrate more birthdays together in the future, I will do all I can to ensure Israel continues to flourish as a Jewish and democratic state, and that the bond between our two nations never falters. Yom Huledet Sameach, happy 67th birthday to our enduring ally Israel.

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida

Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Murray Janoff of Boca Raton, Florida, who turns 100 years old on April 26, 2015. Murray was born in Bronx, New York in 1915. He graduated from New York University with a degree in journalism and had a long and distinguished career writing for the Long Island Press's sports section, the Associated Press, U.P.I., and Reuters. Murray served in the Navy during World War II receiving several merits with the highest being a Bronze Star medal. Murray was married 52 years to his late wife and is proud of his three children, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Murray is an exceptional man, and one who I am proud to represent in Florida's 22nd District. 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, I rise today to recognize National Alcohol Awareness Day and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) initiative to have open discussions with children about alcohol. PowerTalk 21 is a program that gives families an opportunity to come together to discuss the dangers of underage drinking. The Southeast Florida chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been proactive in their efforts to educate the community about the dangers of underage drinking. This year they have offered more ways than ever before to share personal experiences about alcohol abuse and the consequences of driving under the influence. Every day from April 1 to April 21, MADD volunteers published blog posts about their personal tragedies caused by individuals driving under the influence. By sharing their stories, these brave volunteers have given a face to the daunting statistics of lives lost to drunk driving. The Southeast Florida Chapter of MADD has a long history of championing efforts to raise awareness of underage drinking in our community. They also facilitate the DUI Victim Impact Panel Program, an awareness program for offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. This program shows offenders the trauma, emotional suffering, and financial loss that is commonly experienced by innocent victims and their family members resulting from a DUI-related accidents. I am honored to recognize the PowerTalk 21 program, and I hope that this initiative can help inspire our community to come together to make safer decisions for all of us in South Florida and around the United States.