Jared Moskowitz

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Luke and Jett Justin, the founders of the nonprofit Cereal4All, for their tremendous volunteer work in Broward County, Florida. Both twins are cadet sergeants in Boca Raton's Civil Air Patrol Squadron. Through this, they have dedicated much of their time to community service and volunteered at events such as the Special Olympics airlift. While volunteering for Boca Helping Hands, Jett and Luke got the idea to create their nonprofit, Cereal4All, in 2016. Their nonprofit aims to ensure everyone in their community receives a good breakfast and raise awareness about food insecurity. Averaging around 35-50 hours of volunteer work a month, Luke and Jett have provided over 275,000 bowls of cereal to needy families. They even went international, donating over 100 pounds of Quaker Oats Protein Instant Oatmeal to vulnerable families in Bimini, Bahamas, in their ``Oatmeal Airlift'' operation. Furthermore, the twins have partnered with organizations such as Kindness Matters 365 and the FAU Community Service Club and have even received donations from companies such as General Mills, who were eager to get involved with Cereal4All. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Cereal4All founders Luke and Jett Justin for their outstanding community service in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kelley Shanley, the President and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, for his 25 years of leadership and countless contributions to the industry. As a patron of the arts, Kelley Shanley has made endless contributions to Broward County, including but not limited to a yearly $130 million financial impact, as well as opening the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center, which has fostered a love of the arts for over 130,000 students annually. Under his leadership, the Broward Center has developed a reputation as a leader in the performing arts industry, with over 700 performances each year, viewed by more than 700,000 guests. It is known for bringing South Florida the finest arts and entertainment programs. The Broward Center has become a cultural anchor and beacon of community impact and engagement in the downtown arts district. Shanley is admired for many things, but his commitment to innovation and how he has redefined the role of the performing arts center stand out the most. Through his hard work and leadership, the Broward Center and The Parker, a sister theater, have been revolutionized and transformed into world-class entertainment facilities. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the President and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Kelley Shanley, for his outstanding career and leadership of the Broward Center in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, we are about to begin the impeachment inquiry debate, and my Republican colleagues are going to show you how important it is to them. They are going to show you how much evidence they have supposedly uncovered. They are going to show you how serious of an issue they think this is. Do you want to know why? Because as soon as we take this vote today, you know what they are going to do? They are going to break for 3 weeks. They are going to run out of this place and leave for 3 weeks, even though it is so important and it is so overwhelming and the Nation must be focused on this, that they are going to run away and leave Washington for 3 weeks. It is because there is no evidence on Joe Biden. The only thing they have uncovered is that Joe Biden is the father of Hunter Biden. That is it.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize McAllister Towing, their President and CEO Brian Buckley McAllister, and their recipient of the Patriot Award, Senior Vice President Captain Chuck Runnion. Founded in 1864, McAllister Towing operates a fleet of more than 70 tugboats, crew boats, and barges in 14 locations along the U.S. East Coast from Eastport, Maine, to San Juan, Puerto Rico. McAllister is engaged in each port's ship docking, general harbor towing, coastal towing, windfarm support, and bulk transportation. Additionally, McAllister manages and operates the POLARIS ATB Unit that is used to bunker vessels with Liquefied Natural Gas in Cape Canaveral. The assets and talented teams at McAllister continue the McAllister family tradition of being an innovative force in marine transportation. Furthermore, I would like to recognize Brian Buckley McAllister the President and CEO of McAllister Towing and the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. Mr. McAllister serves on the Steamship Mutual P&I Club boards, the Seamen's Church Institute, and the Coast Guard Foundation. He is also a Member of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey and the American Bureau of Shipping. He served as Chairman of the American Waterways Operators from 2013 to 2014. McAllister's senior vice president, Captain Chuck Runnion, also received the prestigious Patriot Award. Captain Runnion has worked in the industry since 1980, adding invaluable experience and insight to McAllister's Southeast operations. Captain Runnion is being honored for his effort to hire and retain veterans through thoughtful efforts that support specific veteran needs. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing McAllister Towing, their President and CEO Brian Buckley McAllister, and their Senior Vice President, Captain Chuck Runnion, for their contributions to ports across the eastern shore and Port Everglades, proudly located in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, Israel has a right to exist. There are only two ways to vote on this. Either you vote ``yes'' or you vote ``no.'' ``No'' means you do not believe Israel should be a country. ``No'' means you believe a country should be wiped off the face of the Earth. A ``present'' vote means you do not believe Israel should be a country. Hanging out in the cloakroom, having a hot dog, or missing the vote means Israel shouldn't be a country. This is a moment for people in this body, on a bipartisan basis, to stand together and say they believe Israel has a right to exist. Hamas doesn't think Israel has a right to exist. Hezbollah doesn't think Israel has a right to exist. Iran doesn't think Israel has a right to exist. People who vote ``no'' or vote ``present'' side with them. They pick a side with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. I don't want to hear excuses. ``Oh, I didn't like this `whereas' clause,'' or, ``Oh, there was a period or a comma out of place,'' as if somehow we always vote on perfect resolutions around here. Again, it is an opportunity to show the world that we believe Israel has a right to exist. We see anti-Semitism in the streets and at rallies. At cease-fire rallies, which is a foreign policy position, we see people holding signs that say: ``Gas the Jews,'' ``Kill the Jews,'' and ``Cleanse the Jews.'' That is not a foreign policy. If it is, it is a foreign policy of Germany in the early 1940s. This is a moment for people in this body, some of whom sit in the rows behind me, to show they believe Israel has a right to exist. I am for a two-state solution, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important that the Palestinian people get a state. But rest assured, in that two- state solution, one of those states is going to be Israel.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I conclude with this: Anyone who believes that Israel doesn't have a right to exist is calling for genocide. We hear that word thrown around a lot now on social media, ``genocide.'' We have a war in the Middle East. We don't have genocide. If you believe a country should not exist, the millions of people in that country should also not exist, which means you are calling for genocide. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote ``yes'' on this resolution. Israel has a right to exist.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor South Florida's first responders as they are celebrated at the fourth annual Blue Mass at Assumption Catholic Church taking place in Florida's 23rd Congressional District on November 15, 2023. Today and every day, America's first responders remain on alert and on call whenever we need them. Putting themselves at great personal risk. They are our police officers and sheriff's deputies protecting our communities. They are our firefighters running into burning buildings or emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers and other public health workers providing emergency cases. There are not enough words to explain how grateful we are to all our extraordinary brave men and women who put themselves in harm's way each day, to keep our Nation safe. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our first responders for their service and sacrifice to our communities. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Chair, during rollcall Vote No. 603 on amendment 5 to H.R. 4820, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 20 Offered by Mr. Perry

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lori Baer, the Executive Director of the Port Everglades Association and port industry veteran, for her three decades of contributions to the industry. Lori gained her port experience in the public and private sectors, holding various distinguished roles. At AECOM, a global engineering and consulting firm, she held the positions of Vice President and Ports and Marine Lead for the Americas. She also served as Executive Director of the Port of Palm Beach. Additionally, she has performed in senior management positions at the Port of Miami and the Western Hemisphere- wide American Association of Port Authorities. Lori has dedicated her career to developing an unmatched expertise in the port industry, which has served her communities domestically and internationally. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the Executive Director of the Port Everglades Association, Lori Baer, for her outstanding career and contributions to the ports of the Western Hemisphere and Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of Charter Schools USA and its President and CEO, Jonathan Hage. Mr. Hage worked closely with former governor Jeb Bush in developing charter school legislation in Florida, opening the first charter school in the state. He has diligently worked with legislative representatives on both sides of the aisle to create equitable student learning opportunities. He has provided high-quality educational options for more than 95,000 students in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Furthermore, Mr. Hage is a veteran who served in the Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. He is committed to supporting the military community through hiring practices that recruit, maintain, and promote veterans from all military branches. Additionally, where permitted by each school's charter agreement, students from military families are given enrollment preference. These commitments helped a Florida school receive the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction, recognizing schools that support the unique needs of military families and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. I am pleased to honor Mr. Jonathan Hage and Charter Schools USA for their continued commitment to student excellence by providing an educational environment that builds strong minds and good hearts to ensure a brighter future for all.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Coconut Creek City Official Mikkie Belvedere for her many years of public service. Born in Tel Aviv to German parents who fled Nazi persecution, Mikkie emigrated to the United States as a teenager. Elected to the Coconut Creek City Commission at 72, she has a long history of serving her community in Coconut Creek. Mikkie served three four-year terms, during which her fellow commissioners elected her Vice-Mayor and then Mayor of Coconut Creek. Her public service extends far beyond city government, becoming active in various local groups, from helping establish and grow the Coconut Creek Multicultural Circle to serving as President of the Wynmoor Democratic Club. She is also an active member of her synagogue congregation. In her retirement, Mikkie remains intent on staying positive and helping her community, encouraging everyone she meets to ``Keep Smiling.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing former Coconut Creek City Official Mikkie Belvedere for her outstanding service to the people of Coconut Creek in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a local hero, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson, who sadly passed away on August 28, 2023, in the line of duty. Battalion Chief Jackson proudly served the people of Broward County for 19 years. He began his fire rescue career in March 2004 in Deerfield Beach and joined the Broward Sheriffs Office (BSO) in October 2011. Chief Jackson joined the Air Rescue 85 team as a flight medic in July 2013, and on February 24, 2016, he was promoted to Captain. Broward County has acted to posthumously promote Chief Jackson from the rank of Captain to the rank of Battalion Chief. As a flight paramedic, he impacted the community daily, providing critical patients with the highest prehospital care. He consistently showed an unmatched passion for the job. He always provided expert care, compassion, and reassurance to those during their most significant time of need. He is survived by his parents, son, daughter, and siblings. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the life and service of Chief Terryson Jackson. May his memory bless his family, friends, and the Broward County community to whom he dedicated his life in service.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th Anniversary of the City of Coral Springs. Coral Springs is one of Florida's first truly planned cities. It was first incorporated on July 10, 1963, as ``the last piece of gold on the gold coast'' and has since become home to more than 134,000 residents. Now a thriving city with ``Everything Under the Sun,'' the Coral Springs community is proudly celebrating the city's past, present, and future during this Diamond Anniversary year with memorable family events, limited-edition merchandise production, and yearlong initiatives that aim to promote a sense of community pride and historical appreciation. Comprising 24 square miles and nestled in the northwest corner of Broward County, Coral Springs is known for its family atmosphere, thriving business community, a vast array of parks and recreational facilities, and top-rated schools. As one of the fastest growing cities, and now considered fully ``built-out,'' it is hard to believe the same land was merely a green bean farm on the edge of the Florida Everglades just over 60 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the City of Coral Springs and a special thanks to the residents, past and present, for making it the thriving community it is today.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, last week, we saw this House floor, the people's House, taken hostage by Republican Members from Republican Members. We were sent home early. Bills were canceled. Committees were canceled because they couldn't pass the rule. Why are we back here? Why are things functioning now? What was the one thing that brought all the Republicans together based on some of the public reports and statements that have come out? Guns. We need to figure out in this country how we can solve this issue. The idea of more guns, more gun accessories, that is the issue that brought the Republican Conference together. That was the issue that broke the logjam of letting the people's House function again: guns potentially in the hands of people who are mentally ill, and gun accessories in the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or a danger to others. They are so lost on this issue.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Denise St. Patrick-Bell, Debby Eisinger, Aurelio Fernandez, Janet Groman, Renee Herman, Diane Lade, Edythe Lamb, Elaine Schwartz, Diane Wilen, and Marlene Maragh-Williams who are being honored by the Broward Senior Hall of Fame administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County (AAABC). The AAABC is a nonprofit organization serving Broward County's senior residents, age 60 or older, and is part of a state network, which contains a total of 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Florida which each have their own planning and service areas. The Broward Senior Hall of Fame comprises seniors, 60 years of age and older, who have performed outstanding volunteer work in Broward County for 5 or more years. They are nominated by residents and selected by a special committee. These elders are honored at a Senior Hall of Fame Breakfast, taking place on May 25, 2023, during Older Americans Month, and their names are placed on the Senior Hall of Fame plaque, which hangs in the Broward County Government Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing these honorees for their outstanding service to the people of Broward County in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 30 years of ``The Moving Wall,'' a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling Half-Size Replica, while it stops in Coral Springs. Florida from May 5th to May 7th The wall, a half-size replica of the permanent memorial in Washington, D.C., is sponsored by the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs and the City of Coral Springs. Veterans built the Moving Wall replica and are traveling throughout the United States from April to November 2023. It has been touring the country for more than 30 years, marking the second time the Moving Wall will make its way to Coral Springs, previously having stopped in 2015. The Vietnam War was one of America's longest and most challenging. From January 12, 1962, to March 29, 1973 the United States was engaged in combat operations against the Viet Cong. Over that time nearly nine million servicemembers contributed to the war efforts around the world. Battle of the jungles of Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia resulted in 47,434 deaths and 2,583 Americans did not return home. Many who returned home from Vietnam faced an imperfect Nation, one that they had risked all to defend. They returned to unfair treatment, to a lack of support, and a lack of public recognition of their service. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to each and every man and woman who served in our armed forces. Regardless of politics, we must never forget those who have risked all in the name of our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the 30 years of the Vietnam Veteran Moving Wall, the Coral Springs Veterans Coalition and giving a special thanks to the City of Coral Springs for sponsoring the visit of the Moving Wall.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my friend, Andrea Levy Goldman, who sadly passed away on December 10, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Andrea was born on March 27, 1985, to Mark Levy and Jo Ann McClosky Levy. She was the granddaughter of Donald and Judy McClosky, and Richard and Beatrice Levy. She was the middle sister to Brian and Evan. She was the twin flame to her husband, Adam Goldman, and a loving mother to Bryce. She was also a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews Mason, Decker, Sunday, Layla, and Henry. After graduating from Pine Crest School in 2003, Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Andrea was a proud third-generation Floridian who loved spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, going to the beach, volunteering with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and supporting the Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the life of Andrea Levy Goldman. May her memory be a blessing to her family, friends, and those whose lives she has touched.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all the teachers being honored at this year's Rotary Club of Boca Raton 37th Annual Boca Raton Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration. As a father of two growing boys eager to learn, I am acutely aware of educators' lifelong impact on their students and families. Education is the foundation of our country's future. As a community, we depend on our teachers daily to prepare the next generation of Americans. We are gifted with extraordinary teachers in Florida's 23rd Congressional District. Despite the challenges of the past few years, our teachers have been committed to their students. From navigating a global pandemic, nothing has stood in the way of their dedication to their student's futures; we are beyond grateful. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating all the teachers being recognized this year at the Rotary Club of Boca Raton 37th Annual Boca Raton Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration: Christopher Clevenger, Kelly DeForrest, Jacqueline Steinberg, Shelly Wasrshawsky, Jonathan Greene, Breana Kone, Kelly Burton, Elizabeth Lean, Amy Goldberg, Lara Lee Evans, Elizabeth Gottlieb, Aureole Van Heerden, Megan Jones, Lauren Rigler, Amanda Aiello, Lisa Kranitz, Aria Doeck, Nicole Borden, Melanie Kramer, Marisol Velasquez, Christina Feraco, Satoko Nourishirazi, and Klaudia Romano.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congregation Kol Tikvah's Sisterhood's 25th Annual Woman of Valor Honoree, Dr. Barbara Weinstein, and her significant contributions uplifting children and families in need in South Florida. Barbara has dedicated her life to the support and enrichment of children. Following a career as a teacher, she joined Family Central as CEO in 1985. Since then, her mission has been to ensure South Florida's children are given a fair start in life. She has worked tirelessly to eliminate the increasingly long wait list for services, provide every family in need financial assistance with critical child-care services, and provide a support system for parents. Barbara and her husband, the Honorable Peter Weinstein, have two sons, Andrew and Michael, and a daughter-in-law, Anne. She is the proud grandmother to Amanda, Matthew, and Daniella. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Dr. Barbara Weinstein's outstanding contributions to the children and families of South Florida. She is truly an inspiration to us all, and we cannot thank her enough for committing her life's work to help so many in need.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic achievement of the Florida Atlantic University Men's Basketball team, the Florida Atlantic Owls, in the 2023 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The Owls have appeared in the NCAA tournament only twice. The first time in 2002 and again this year, where for the first time, they finished in the Final Four. To celebrate their success, I include in the Record their names so their achievements may be remembered forever: No. 0, Brenen Lorient from Ocala, Florida No. 1, Johnell Davis from Gary, Indiana No. 2, Nick Boyd from Garnerville, New York No. 3, Giancarlo Rosado from West Palm Beach, Florida No. 4, Bryan Greenlee from Gainesville, Florida No. 5, Isaiah Gaines from Pensacola, Florida No. 11, Michael Forrest from Lauderhill, Florida No. 12, Jalen Gaffney from Columbus, New Jersey No. 13, Jack Johnson from White Plains, New York No. 15, Alijah Martin from Summit, Mississippi No. 21, Alejandro Ralat from San Juan, Puerto Rico No. 23, Brandon Weatherspoon from Canton, Mississippi No. 25, Tre Carroll from Punta Gorda, Florida No. 30, Leo Beath from Malibu, California No. 50, Vladislav Goldin from Nalchick, Russia Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's 23rd Congressional District, please join me in congratulating the FAU men's basketball team's historic Final Four finish in the 2023 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. They should be genuinely proud of their accomplishment.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my District Director, Ms. Wendi Lipsich, for her remarkable 26 years of public service in the House of Representatives. Since the age of 26, Wendi has been instrumental in helping multiple Members of Congress successfully serve our constituents. Wendi launched her career as a Congressional District Director to former Congressman Robert Wexler in 1997, soon after she graduated from the University of Miami Law School. While working for Congressman Wexler, Wendi married her husband Todd, and had 2 beautiful children, Taylor and Joey. In commemoration of such a noteworthy career, I would like to relay a message from Congressman Wexler: With an infectious smile and positive spirit, Wendi Lipsich has been a public servant in the truest sense for three decades. Wendi has helped countless people solve problems big and small. Everyone--and I mean everyone--loves Wendi. And for a good reason. Wendi personifies impeccable character and integrity. What joy it was for me to work alongside Wendi for 15+ years. The people of Palm Beach and Broward Counties owe Wendi enormous gratitude for her never-ending dedication and kindness. Wendi is one of a kind, amazing! Immediately after Congressman Wexler retired, she was hired as the District Director for my predecessor and friend, former Congressman Ted Deutch, from 2010 to 2022. Congressman Deutch had this to say about Wendi: Wendi is more than the district director. She is and will continue to be a good friend to anyone needing assistance. Even if it's not related to Congress, people know Wendi will happily do anything she can to try to help them. She cares so deeply about our community and about all of the talented people she has worked with to help our constituents. Everyone, literally everyone, loves and appreciates Wendi Lipsich. Mr. Speaker, I have always known Wendi to be a selfless public servant, and I am eternally grateful for her service to the constituents of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. In addition to enjoying her professional life, Wendi goes above and beyond to give back to her community. She is the founder and Co-Chair of the Boca Raton Lupus Walk with the Alliance for Lupus Research and continues to play an active role in raising awareness and funds to help cure lupus. Wendi has also been the Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach Board Member and Chair of the Student Life Committee, Guardian Ad Litem Child Advocate with the 15th Judicial Circuit of West Palm Beach, Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Business and Professional Cabinet Co-Chair and Board Member, KidSafe Foundation Board Member, Spanish River Community High School Foundation Board Member, Junior League of Boca Raton's Volunteer of the Year honoree, Democratic Professionals Council of Palm Beach County, Alliance of Delray Association, Democratic National Convention Delegate and a supporter of many other charities. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating my friend and colleague, Ms. Wendi Lipsich, as she embarks on the next chapter of her career. I am eternally grateful to her for her years of service to our Nation and wish her all the best.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 22 years of service by Coconut Creek Commissioner, Becky Tooley. Born in 1948 in Newark, Ohio, Mayor Tooley has a long history of service to the community of Coconut Creek. Before her election to the Coconut Creek City Commission, she served on the City's Environmental Board and the Planning and Zoning Board. Her public service continues beyond city government, mentoring the youth of Coconut Creek at the Atlantic Technical Center and Coconut Creek High School. She also serves on the Boards of numerous community organizations, including the Coconut Creek Woman's Club, Alzheimer's Family Center Board of Trustees, Northwest Medical Center, Coconut Creek Democratic Club, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, and the board of the Broward League of Cities. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Mayor Becky Tooley for her outstanding service to the people of Coconut Creek in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my hometown, the City of Parkland, in celebration of its 60th anniversary. Parkland is a diverse community of more than 34,000 people that was established in 1963. Nestled in the northwest corner of Broward County at the edge of Everglades National Park, Parkland is unique amongst its neighbors in its dedication to protecting its park areas. Given its name, Parkland boasts nine parks that span the city's landscape, each providing unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation for families. Beyond the parks, Parkland is a picturesque city, with numerous lakes dotting the landscape and tall trees lining the residential streets. Unfortunately, Parkland has also experienced significant loss. On February 14, 2018, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School my alma mater, which educates many of Parkland's children, became the scene of one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history. But together, the resilience of this community was shown not only by its ability to unite and heal--but by its strength to transform this trauma into change. Parkland's residents only add to this beautiful city's wonderful disposition. Family focused, Parkland is a compassionate community united by its resident's diverse lifestyles, promoting a kind and peaceful suburban setting. For this momentous occasion, the City of Parkland plans to celebrate Parkland Day on March 11, 2023. The first Parkland Day celebration occurred in 1967 when Mrs. Betty Bell, a local artist and two-term commissioner, held an event to show horses on her property. Since then, the event has changed venues to include classic games, such as barrel riding, apple bobbing, egg balancing, cake and pie walks, and horse contests. As the celebration grew, stage performances, live music, food, and new games were added. However, at the center of these events was the continuation of Parkland's community efforts to keep a neighborly hometown feel a central aspect of each Parkland Day. Mr. Speaker, I again extend a heartfelt congratulations to my hometown on its 60th Anniversary. I grew up in Parkland, my kids are growing up in Parkland, and I hope to see it flourish for years to come.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind this body of the 5-year anniversary of the shooting at my high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, in my hometown of Parkland on February 14, and the 17 lives we lost that day. I remember that day like it was yesterday. My wife called. I was on the floor of the Florida legislature, and she told me that she had just passed the high school, and she had never seen that many police officers in her life. We would soon find out that 17 people didn't make it out of the building, most of them children. I went home. I went to the school. I saw what it looks like when a mass shooting comes to your neighborhood, to your high school. I went to the hotel where they were keeping the families of the children that were missing. I knew they weren't missing. Eight hours those families were in a hotel ballroom waiting to hear from the local police department and the FBI what floor their kid died on in the building. I didn't hear crying. I heard screaming. It haunts me. I brought my colleagues to the school from the Florida legislature, Republicans and Democrats. They got to see what it looks like when backpacks are piled up outside, when bullet holes are trying to go through classroom glass, what it looks like when homework is scattered in the hallway and where there is blood outside the front door where someone passed away. These parents now have empty rooms in their homes, empty chairs at the dinner table. There is no graduation. There is no college. There is no wedding. There is no tomorrow, no future. My 4-year-old went to school right around the corner from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, one traffic light away. He was in a writing class that day because he needed to learn how to write his name. The teacher that put him into a closet when they went into a lockdown procedure during the shooting was Jen Guttenberg, Fred Guttenberg's wife. She was protecting my son when her daughter Jaime was killed at Douglas. Five years later, my 4-year-old is now 9, but Jaime and the other kids are forever the age they were. She is forever 14. On February 14 of this year, the 5-year anniversary of the shooting at Parkland, parents will do what they have been doing for the last 5 years, visiting their children at a cemetery. I remember the parents telling me that the only thing they did wrong that day was send their kid to school. That is not a statement. It is an indictment on us. Government failed those families that day. We did respond. We did pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act. We did raise the age in Florida to buy any gun to 21. We did institute red flag laws that have been used 9,000 times since we put them there. We did place more school resource officers and mental health counselors in all of the high schools. We passed that on a bipartisan basis. We passed it with Democrats and Republicans. It was signed into law by a Republican Governor who became a Republican Senator. Not one Republican who voted for that law to make kids safe in school lost their reelection, not one. I am going to read the names into the Record, Mr. Speaker, and then I am going to use the rest of my time to take a moment of silence for the victims: Alyssa Alhadeff, Martin Duque Anguiano, Scott Beigel, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Carmen Schentrup, Alex Schachter, and Peter Wang.

Mr. MOSKOWITZ

Mr. MOSKOWITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 382, and I urge my colleagues to support my motion to recommit which would prohibit this legislation from going into effect if it will negatively impact Medicare beneficiaries. Speaker McCarthy has publicly stated that cuts to Medicare will be off the table in any debt ceiling negotiations, but that commitment clearly does not carry over to today's legislation. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 382 would increase patient costs and cut hospital payments to Medicare beneficiaries. In its nearly 68 years of existence, Medicare has given millions of Americans access to affordable healthcare coverage. Generations have been given peace of mind knowing that they will have comprehensive available coverage to them as they age, regardless of their financial status. In 2021, nearly 64 million Americans, including 4.8 million Floridians, were enrolled in Medicare. These individuals are Democrats, Republicans, and everything in between. They are our friends, our family members, our colleagues, our neighbors, our mentors. We must ensure that these beneficiaries can continue to rely on the lifesaving coverage provided through Medicare. The President has announced his intention to end the public health emergency on May 11, providing a glide path to smoothly transition out of the emergency era programs. As Florida's former director of Emergency Management during the early days of the pandemic, I helped stand up many of the public health emergency initiatives that provided Americans with COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines at no charge. These initiatives offered enhanced social safety net benefits to help the Nation cope with the pandemic and minimize the impact. What would an instant cut to the social safety net mean for Medicare beneficiaries and their families? The American family could face an abrupt increase in costs and decrease in care. What would this mean for your local hospital back home? Hospitals could see a cut of 20 percent for care of COVID patients. Without a responsible plan in place, millions of patients, including many veterans and children, would abruptly face increased barriers to critical hospital care. Rural patients and those with behavioral health needs would be among the most impacted. So why are some of my colleagues pushing for this to happen? Because it is rooted in political messaging, not thoughtful policy. An instant termination to the public health emergency without proper coordination with agencies, States, and providers, would interrupt insurance coverage, access to care, increase patients' out-of-pocket costs, and threaten provider payments. I, like many of my Democratic colleagues and millions of Americans, want to officially end the pandemic and the emergency. As I mentioned, President Biden has announced his intention to do so while taking the time necessary to absorb the impacts. Pushing for an immediate cessation of the emergency initiatives for messaging purposes could leave millions of Medicare beneficiaries unexpectedly without access to programs that they are currently on. Mr. Speaker, it is for those reasons that I submit a motion to recommit that will prohibit the bill from going into effect if it will negatively impact Medicare beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to add the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.