Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York. That is a searing account of the absolute importance that there is in ensuring that we bring the hostages home immediately to their families. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud and thankful to be joined by a woman who makes our Special Order hour bipartisan, although I know there are far more Members on both sides of the aisle who share our sentiments. She is a woman who has become a dear friend, especially because of the experiences we have shared together unexpectedly over the last several months. The gentlewoman from Iowa and I were part of a bipartisan, bicameral delegation that was in the region on October 7, and returned at the end of December. She is a veteran of the United States Army of 24 years and an ophthalmologist. I appreciate her advocacy and passion about making sure that we bring these hostages home. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller- Meeks).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her solidarity. I thank the Members, Jewish and non-Jewish, Democratic and Republican, for joining us tonight. Mr. Speaker, I close by reminding the American public, the hostages that they heard about this evening have been held captive in Hamas' captivity for over 115 days. Hamas must end this crisis today by releasing the hostages and allowing them to be reunited with their families. I hope every American understands that Israel is fighting to rescue her people and to protect her citizens from a terrorist organization that is dedicated to destroying the State of Israel and carrying out the October 7 attack against Israel and the Jewish people over and over again. The United States will not let Hamas succeed. The Jewish people will not let Hamas succeed. Any people with a shred of humanity would not let Hamas succeed. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I in this Chamber will continue to stand with Israel and fight for the release of those held captive, of those being brutally abused and sexually violated. We will continue to make sure we shine our white-hot spotlights on the plight of these hostages until they are safely home with their families and until Hamas is eradicated as a threat on Israel's doorstep or to anyone worldwide. ``Am Yisrael Chai.'' ``The people of Israel live.'' Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise to oppose yet another extreme Republican assault on families and reproductive freedoms. This thinly veiled attack on abortion rights would let States divert critical Federal funds meant for struggling families with children into shady anti-choice groups. These so-called crisis pregnancy centers claim to help women, but they are unregulated, unlicensed, and not even required to have medical professionals. They say whatever they want, and they offer inaccurate, biased information meant to scare women and limit their choices. Worse, this bill diverts vital TANF funds from needy children and steers it to dangerous anti-choice outfits that will help Republicans secure their extreme national abortion ban. With partial government funding about to run out, why do Republicans waste our time on these shameful stunts? I want to be clear: This deceptive bill does not help pregnant women. It simply funds groups that lie to them. As a woman and mother of three young adult children, I ask my Republican colleagues to truly help women and families and stop deceiving and defunding them. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this deceptive bill.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I recognize the remarkable life of James Fox Miller. James (or Jim/Jimmy to his friends and family) was born on June 13, 1939, in East Orange, New Jersey. He met the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Barbara, at the University of Michigan in 1958, and he earned his J.D. from Northwestern University in 1965. He was a man who embodied character and integrity. As a young lawyer freshly arrived in Florida, James quit his job in the first week rather than sign an affidavit he did not know to be true. He knew no one in his new home state, had no meaningful experience, and no clients, so he took whatever work he could get to support his young and growing family. From these spare beginnings, Jim eventually came to be recognized by his peers and the general public as one of the nation's top family law attorneys. Amongst his many accomplishments, James served on the Board of Governors and then as President of the Florida Bar from 1990 to 1991. In addition to being an exceptional trial lawyer, Jim was a prolific teacher and lecturer at seminars and law schools across the United States. He was passionate about mentorship and was instrumental in guiding and educating scores of young lawyers, helping to shape the next generation of legal practice. James Fox Miller loved the law, his legal colleagues, and achieving justice for his clients. His practice was not solely about family law, but also about strengthening families, which was something he focused on with his own beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. The only thing stronger than his mind was his heart and his code of ethics. My heart is with his wife Barbara, three children, and seven grandchildren, but his loss will be felt by our entire community. His life burned brightly, and it is reflected by all those he touched during it.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this perverse, illegitimate effort to do Donald Trump's political dirty work. This resolution is nothing more than an extreme political stunt built on absolutely zero evidence of wrongdoing. The one thing it does prove is that Republicans are focused on the wrong priorities. This resolution clearly has nothing to do with protecting the Constitution from high crimes and misdemeanors. How do we know? Because a year of investigation, piles of documents, and a herd of the Republicans' own witnesses confirm there is zero evidence of wrongdoing. Instead, the Republicans' wasteful witch hunt just confirms that President Biden is a good and honorable man. What this resolution really does is cover up a full year of do- nothing Republican policies that ignored our families' needs and neglected an array of global threats to democracy. Worse, this resolution tries to obscure the corrupt and criminal acts of the former President and want-to-be dictator Donald Trump. This extreme political stunt is built upon the sick, twisted extremism of House Republicans and totally unmasks their complete absence of an agenda that helps the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, December 11, 2023, I was not able to be recorded on Roll Call Numbers 707, 708, and 709. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 707; YEA on Roll Call No. 708; and YEA on Roll Call No. 709.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100-year legacy of Liberia, a historically Black neighborhood, rich with culture, art, faith, strong families, and a rich legacy nestled in the city of Hollywood, Florida. This diverse community is filled with people of all backgrounds today, but there was a time when Black residents were only afforded one option: the Liberian neighborhood. The Liberia name is fitting, as it represents freedom. With this spirit of freedom imbued within the people, the community was inhabited mostly by Black people from The Bahamas and the Southern United States. Through determination, faith, and resilience, the residents of Liberia built a community with a strong foundation where they not only could live but thrive. Some of the early residents, such as Robert Mitchell and Henry Graham and fourth-generation Liberia resident Commissioner Linda Hill Anderson, were and are pioneers for progress for countless individuals who emerged from Liberia to become successful professionals, elected officials, athletes, artists, and role models. I celebrate the perseverance and brilliance of this community today and for generations to come. I congratulate Liberia on 100 years. Here is to 100 more.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lead my colleagues in a Special Order hour. On October 7, Hamas launched a horrific attack against Israeli civilians, murdering over 1,400 people and taking hostage more than 244 women, children, families, and the elderly. Hamas spared no one. The hostage crisis has left hundreds of families desperate and searching for answers on the health and safety of their loved ones. This past month has been gut-wrenching. I have never felt this magnitude of pain, shock, and anger burning in the hearts of the Jewish people. The intentional, genocidal violence inflicted on Israeli civilians and the unconscionable apathy of many nations is a sobering reminder of the fact that Israel remains surrounded by hostility and danger. For me, and for so many of us, this goes beyond our belief in the survival of the Jewish State. It rises far above politics as usual. It is a moment in history that begs for humanity, unity, and solidarity with Israel. I am wrecked by how quickly people in this country have forgotten the hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. I find myself having to reiterate over and over again that Israel was attacked by a terrorist organization whose mission is the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people. We must all remember not only the horrifying statistic of 240 captured, but who they are as people. These are real human beings. That is why we are here tonight. We will continue to come to this floor to call attention to all of the human beings who are brutally being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, until every last one of them is released. Each of my colleagues who are joining me will speak about a hostage or family of hostages, show their beautiful faces, and remind all of us not to forget these victims who are suffering under terrorist brutality. Thankfully, Israel has welcomed home many children and some women this week. I am extremely grateful for President Biden's efforts to help make that possible. We cannot and we will not stop until all hostages are reunited with their families. Tonight, I will be sharing the story of the Bibas family, parents Shiri and Yarden, 4-year-old Ariel, and 10-month-old Kfir from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Look at this beautiful family. Kfir, the youngest hostage, was just 9 months old on October 7. He had just learned to crawl when he was abducted. His family is worried Kfir doesn't have access to formula. Look at Kfir's beautiful face. How could anyone justify kidnapping and taking hostage a 9-month-old. As a Jewish mother, I remember when my babies were that age. I remember nursing them. I remember holding them in my arms and being joyful about their first crawling, their first steps, and looking forward to the beauty of their lives unfolding. Looking at Kfir and Ariel's faces is heartbreaking and is deeply personal. Many of us have had the opportunity to meet with the families of these hostages. Yesterday, Hamas claimed that Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were killed in Gaza. I pray with all my heart that that is false. The barbarism and cruelty of Hamas knows no bounds. The Bibas family would never have been in harm's way in Gaza if Hamas did not launch its murderous attack on Israel and take children as leverage on October 7. On that fateful day, Shiri, Yarden, and their boys were hiding in a safe room when militants fired semiautomatic weapons outside the family's window as Yarden texted relatives: ``I love you all.'' One- half hour later, he texted, ``They are coming in,'' just before communication ceased. Since then, the world has seen a distressing video of Shiri holding her two young boys wrapped in a blanket close to her chest while surrounded by Hamas militants. Another video depicts Yarden with a head injury forcibly being taken away on a motorcycle. On Monday, the IDF announced the Bibas family was transferred by Hamas to another Palestinian terror group in Gaza as if they were a commodity to give leverage to another terrorist organization. While we know the facts about October 7 and have seen the family's pictures and videos, it is important to remember the light and love of this family. Shiri is described by loved ones as a woman who touches everyone's heart, gentle and full of tenderness, which you can clearly see when she was trying to shield her children and the terror on her face. She was reborn with her two little sons. They were the light that filled her life. Under her loving wing, they were growing up happily. Ariel loves anything with wheels and a motor. He dreams of superheroes and dresses up as Batman. Yarden is a sensitive and loving father and husband. Ofri says that while her brother looks big and strong, inside he is the most sensitive and gentle person she knows. Shiri's cousin Yifat said in an interview about her family: ``I can only hope they are together. I hope they didn't separate her from her children. I try not to think about the worst. This is the only thing that keeps me going. But every day that goes by, we can't go the same path anymore. Things need to be changed. Israel is going to be changed after this. We are all traumatized, okay? This touched every family that is involved in Israel.'' My heart goes out to Ofri, Yifat, and their whole family. Make no mistake, Hamas will be held responsible. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for his poignant remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his words. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Trone).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his participation. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Frankel).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey so much for his words, and I can say it was so incredibly moving and meaningful to be able to join him and Mr. Panetta from California and Senator Ernst just days after those horrific attacks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stevens), who is the co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on American Hostages and Americans Wrongfully Detained Abroad.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her poignant remarks and her dedication to this cause. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning), the co-chair of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Auchincloss).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for his remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ryan).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta), who I also had the privilege of traveling with to Israel in the days after the attacks.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his poignant words. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my friend from Michigan, General Bergman, for his indulgence and his generosity. Mr. Speaker, I close by reminding the American public the names and faces you saw tonight are only a fraction of those who remain held hostage in Gaza by cowardly terrorists, by Hamas. I hope every American understands that Israel is fighting to protect her citizens from this diabolic terrorist organization and to rescue her hostages. There is only one culprit to blame for this war, and that is Hamas. Their singular goal is to destroy Israel and kill Jews. Mr. Speaker, this Chamber has always and will always continue to stand strong with Israel and work to release these victims from terrorist tyranny and support, preventing an attack like this from being perpetrated against Israel by Hamas ever again. ``Am Yisrael Chai,'' ``The people of Israel live.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I recognize my longtime friend, sister, and someone with whom we've served interchangeably as mentors to one another, Senator Nan Rich, as she assumes the office of Mayor of Broward County, Florida. Senator Rich was first elected as Broward County Commissioner in 2016 and re-elected, unopposed, in 2020. She was recently selected by her colleagues on the County Commission to be the Vice Mayor of Broward County through November 2023 and now selected to serve as Mayor. Her top priority has been addressing the affordable housing crisis in Broward, as well as ending homelessness. Prior to her service on the County Commission, Senator Rich was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2004 after serving two terms in the Florida House of Representatives. She was recognized as one of the most passionate and dedicated members of the Florida Legislature and was the first woman to be elected Senate Democratic Leader. Her years of advocacy and activism on behalf of women, children, and families is admirable and inspiring. She served as the National President of the National Council of Jewish Women, the first Floridian elected to that office. She was also honored to receive an appointment by President Bill Clinton to serve as a Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Council in Washington, D.C. My friendship with Senator Rich runs deep. When I first ran for office at the age of 25, she was one of the first people I called for advice. She subsequently succeeded me in the Florida House and the Florida Senate. She is someone who paved the way for women to reach and shatter the glass ceiling--helping to break the barriers of gender-bias and discrimination. I am proud to have stood on the shoulders of my friend--Florida's friend--Nan Rich. On behalf of the people of Florida's 25th district, we are grateful for Senator Rich's leadership and look forward to the progress she will continue to make as Broward County's next Mayor.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the remarkable life of Carolyn W. Jones. As a woman of faith, Carolyn was a leader of St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church in Dania Beach where she served as a Trustee, Church Clerk, and as a member of the Hospitality Ministry. Carolyn, along with other prominent church members, was instrumental in ensuring St. Ruth was recognized with a commemorative historical marker, detailing the notable status of the church in the community. Carolyn was also one of the founders of the revered JWS-Journey of Hope Cancer Ministry at St. Ruth. As a strong compassionate, servant leader, Carolyn had a passion for supporting and working in the community to fight against cancer. Carolyn was the team leader for the Dania Beach Relay for Life fundraising walks, where she and others in the community walked to honor cancer survivors. Carolyn's love for developing young minds led her to be a part of the Broward County Public School District for more than 38 years. Her esteemed career included Parkway Middle School, Apollo Middle School, and Attucks Middle School. The pinnacle of Carolyn's educational career was when she was honored as Attucks Middle School Teacher of the Year. She was also a member of The Charmettes, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Red Hat Society. As a supportive wife, Carolyn stood by her husband Albert as he served on both the Dania Beach and Broward County Commissions. Truly an inspiration, Carolyn is remembered for her kind and generous spirit and legacy of service to family, church, and community. My heart is with her family in mourning the loss of this kind, generous, and compassionate soul. We were forever privileged to have shared this time with her. May her memory be for a blessing.