Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you for joining us. Thank you so much. It is now my privilege--boy, it's hard to say enough good things about an incredible woman, a fighter, someone who has been a champion for the values that I know I was raised to believe in around my family dinner table growing up, the epitome of Tikkun olam. Mr. Speaker, let me--we're going to use some Yiddish phrases here and Hebrew expressions tonight that some may not understand. But the foundation of the Jewish community, and our commitments to service and our commitment to fighting injustice, is based in the notion of Tikkun olam, which means repairing the world. And so often, we have mountains in front of us that seem so tough to climb, and repairing the world can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. But working together to address a little bit of injustice, just a small bite at a time, but banding together to do it, is something that the Jewish community has stood for for many years. And there is no finer example of someone--I have to tell you that Jan Schakowsky, as a representative from Illinois, and as someone who had a reputation that I became aware of long before I actually had the privilege of serving in this institution, was someone I wanted to be like when I grew up because she has been the absolute epitome of what I know I was taught to believe in around my family table, which was that we should stand up for people who have no voice, fight for the civil rights and civil liberties that are instilled as Jewish values. And I'm so thrilled that you joined us here tonight, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky from the great State of Illinois.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor May as Jewish American Heritage Month. I'm so pleased to be joined by my colleagues tonight as we honor our Nation's Jewish community through Jewish American Heritage Month. As the first Jewish woman to represent the State of Florida in the United States Congress, I am so proud to be a strong voice on many issues crucial to our community, from tolerance and understanding to tikkun olam--repairing the world. In 2005, members of the Jewish community in south Florida approached me with the idea to designate a month to honor the contributions that American Jews have made to our Nation. As a result, I was the proud sponsor of Jewish American Heritage Month, which the House and Senate unanimously passed in 2006 and has been proclaimed by both President Bush and President Obama annually since then. This year, in 2012, is the Seventh Annual Jewish American Heritage Month. JAHM promotes awareness of the contributions American Jews have made to the fabric of American life from technology and literature to entertainment, politics, and medicine. As we are all well aware, the foundation of our country is built upon the strengths of our unique cultures and backgrounds. The American Jewish experience is the story of the immigrant, the labor movement, the battle for civil rights, and so much more. Jews in America have blazed trails from the battlefield to the Supreme Court, from the sports field and symphony hall to the pages of our Nation's history books and our Nation's Capital. From the time of the Colonies until today, Jewish communities have played a significant role in American history and telling the American story. That's why communities across the country have come together to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month during the month of May. Seven years ago, this idea gained momentum as 250 of my colleagues joined me as original cosponsors of a resolution urging the President to issue a proclamation for this important month. Senator Arlen Specter led the effort in the Senate, and together the House and Senate unanimously passed resolutions supporting the creation of Jewish American Heritage Month. Now, each year, the month of May introduces Jewish culture to the entire country in order to raise awareness and dispel harmful prejudices. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we have seen a precipitous rise in intolerance and anti-Semitism, not just in this country but across the globe. It is my hope that by providing the framework for the discussion of Jewish culture and contributions to our Nation we will be able to reduce the ignorance that ultimately leads to anti-Semitism. Over the last number of years, I have talked about the impact and the contributions of the Jewish community to our country over more than 350 years of Jewish life in America. It has always struck me that Jews in America are less than 2 percent of the American population, and so as much, many of our colleagues--most Americans--never actually spend much time around the Jewish community. So our traditions are unfamiliar, our culture and our religion--of which we are both--are not something that most folks encounter every day. That is the reason that we honor communities like the Jewish community with a cultural awareness month so that we can raise that awareness and make sure that people who don't usually have an opportunity to get the kinds of information that these months provide can really reach out to one another and learn more so that we can be the melting pot and also the salad bowl that is always debated about the United States of America. Over the last 7 years, we have seen JAHM grow from an inspired idea to a national reality. We've had a group of committed organizations and museums around the country that have worked to get JAHM into the classroom, on the airwaves, and into the halls of our government, as today's activities demonstrate. Just before votes this evening, President Obama hosted the Third Annual Jewish American Heritage Month reception at the White House, welcoming leaders from the Jewish community into the Nation's House. The President told the story--not a really wonderful note in our Nation's history--of General Ulysses Grant who, at the time of the Civil War, had actually issued an order, Mr. Speaker, to expel Jews from their homes in the war zone during the Civil War. President Obama went on to also talk about how President Lincoln issued an order rescinding that order. The Library of Congress brought out from its archives all of the documents related to General Grant's order and President Lincoln's order to make sure that we could protect the rights of individuals and make sure that our commitment as a Nation to religious tolerance and freedom was preserved from then through history. Tonight, I'm so pleased to be joined by my colleagues to commemorate the American Jewish experience. From sports games, to concerts, to lectures and films, JAHM is truly an interdisciplinary and multimedia experience, and we want to see these efforts continue to grow. However, it's vital that this idea takes hold not only for Jewish organizations, because, after all, we're already familiar with the contributions of Jewish life in America. We want to make sure that this month is an opportunity to grow that knowledge and reach out to communities across the country. It's our responsibility to continue this education. If we as a Nation are to prepare our children for the challenges that lie ahead, then teaching diversity and celebrating it is a fundamental part of that promise. Together, we can help achieve this goal of understanding with the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. The lessons of Judaism inspire us to do great things, from our commitment to service, to our political advocacy, to our cultural contributions to this Nation. Together, we can and should celebrate our community's history and values so that not only the Jewish people, but all Americans may go from strength to strength. Now I'm delighted to recognize one of my colleagues who has been an incredible leader for the United States of America, for the people of her district in New York, and someone that I am proud to say has been a mentor throughout my time here in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Nita Lowey from the great State of New York. By the way, let me add, Mr. Speaker, that Congresswoman Lowey is the ranking member on the Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Maybe I would be part of the ``something'' in 30-something. I did have a chance to meet your fantastic Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman, today at the Jewish American Heritage Month reception at the White House. She is obviously an incredible leader, an example of the political leadership that is part of the contributions that American Jews have made to American life. Mr. Murphy.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, and thank you for your service on the House committee on the Budget. We serve on that committee together, and you have represented your constituents well. I appreciate you honoring the contributions of Jewish Americans across this country here tonight. Now it is my privilege to bring to the rostrum--for lack of a better term--a friend and colleague who represents the southern region of California in San Diego, who has been an incredible leader on the Armed Services Committee, and who has definitely in her own right been a Jewish leader and as a Jewish woman someone who has taken a leadership role in the area of armed services, not only not traditional for women, but one that we have a story to tell about Jewish involvement throughout our American military history. And I'm going to share a little bit about that later, but thank you so much. Congresswoman Susan Davis.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Congresswoman Lowey. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment as a Jewish American woman, and for blazing a trail. And thank you for acknowledging my daughter and son's bar and bat mitzvah.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the topic of this Special Order.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you, Congresswoman. Let me also thank you for your leadership as a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade for the Energy and Commerce Committee; and your leadership in the area of health care has been incredibly important for America. I think it's interesting. First of all, you taught me something that I didn't know tonight. I did not know that there are two Jewish players on the Chicago Bears. One of your staffers was joking with my staffer today, saying that there are actually more Jews on the Chicago Bears than there are in the Illinois delegation, which is really kind of ironic, actually. Thank you so much for being here. Now it is my privilege to introduce and acknowledge a friend and colleague from the neighboring district of mine, someone who is a relatively new Member, who had some big shoes to fill but who has done so capably. He serves as a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary and on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and he was a State senator in the State of Florida. I am fortunate that I don't need his bio as a cheat sheet because I know him so well. He is our colleague from the great State of Florida, Congressman Ted Deutch.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. It was the twins, yes, both of them, and it was a pretty incredible weekend. It was really amazing to, coincidentally, have the B'nai Mitzvah service and ceremony during Jewish American Heritage Month. Their birthday is May 15, and we had a wonderful celebration last weekend. Thank you so much. And thank you for being an incredible example. As a Jewish mother who is raising Jewish daughters, thank you for being an incredible example for them.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Mr. Murphy, and thank you for your leadership as a member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well, and your commitment and support to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, also an important issue to those of us in the Jewish community and important to Americans, as Israel is our strongest ally and friend. You are right, and the reason that I wanted you to come down tonight is because growing up as a nice Jewish girl on Long Island, I knew a few folks over your way in Connecticut, being a resident of the tri- State area, and knowing the rich tradition of political activism and involvement of Jewish leaders in Connecticut and your leadership. You know, we will call you an honorary Jew tonight--Murphyberg, or something like that. But thank you so much for your leadership on behalf of your constituents and your State, and thank you for joining me this evening to honor the contributions of American Jews to the fabric and the tapestry of American life. Mr. Speaker, I am going to wrap up here in a few moments. I want to share a few other things to help tie a ribbon on the second-to-last day of Jewish American Heritage Month. We'll wrap up tomorrow. I want to share a story of a Floridian, because oftentimes-- certainly, recently--Florida would be well-known for our significant, sizable, and accomplished Jewish community, particularly in south Florida, where my district is. I like to say that I'm the person that represents paradise down our way in south Florida. But the paradise that we see today in south Florida was mostly swamp land many, many years ago. And so the pioneers that blazed the trail that allowed for the vibrant communities that we have in our State really were just that--they were pioneers. I want to share a story of one of those pioneers. For example, Moses Elias Levy, who lived from 1782 to 1854, was one of the earliest and largest developers in the State of Florida. At his Pilgrimage Plantation, which was the first Jewish communitarian settlement in our country, Moses housed several Jewish German families while reintroducing sugarcane to our State. Thanks to his cultivation of the first sugarcane plantation in Alachua County, which also has the good fortune of being the home county to the University of Florida, my alma mater--go, Gators--Florida boasts a thriving sugar production market today, and that can be traced directly to Moses Elias Levy. As a civil rights activist, though--that's the contribution that I want to highlight--as America's first Jewish abolitionist author, Levy exemplified not only the American entrepreneurial spirit, but the Jewish value that we've been talking about here this evening of tikkun olam--repairing the world. He was an early and ardent advocate for public education for both boys and girls--and that also was not common back then. Education was typically more often left for boys, and girls were kind of lucky if they had someone in their lives that encouraged them to get an education and to continue it for any length of time. So I'm proud to remember Moses Elias Levy's early contributions and dedication to education and gender equality. Interestingly enough, Levy County today is named after this gentleman, as well as David Yulee Levy, who was our first United States Senator in the State of Florida, and who was also an American Jew. The other thing I want to mention, Mr. Speaker, is it is also not often that Americans are aware of Jewish contributions to our military history. And there is a way that people can get educated about American Jewish contributions to the military history throughout our history of involvement militarily by going and visiting the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, which is in our Nation's Capitol on Dupont Circle. I had an opportunity to host a Jewish American Heritage Month event month there a few years ago, and was really thrilled to learn about the contributions all the way back, Mr. Speaker, to the Revolutionary War. Jews were not only a part of fighting the Revolutionary War and fighting for freedom in the United States, but also financing and making sure--Haym Solomon was an important figure in ensuring that the Minutemen had the resources under George Washington's leadership to ultimately be able to make sure that we have a country and that we are the beacon of freedom across the world that we are today. That was in no small measures thanks to the contributions of Jews who were pioneers here in America. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to share some of the really unique and wonderful events that have happened throughout Jewish American Heritage Month, and that we will continue to foster and thrive in and encourage both Jews and non-Jews to celebrate these rich traditions. Earlier this month, right at the beginning, on May 2, there was a focus and program on ``Religion and Politics: When General Grant Expelled the Jews.'' It's so important. And Jewish community leaders and religious leaders talk so often about the importance of not forgetting about previous persecution so that we can make sure that history doesn't repeat it. Having an opportunity at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia to hold that lecture so that we are familiar with that history was important. There was also a program in Miami Beach, ``Coming to America: The Jewish Impact and the Jewish Response.'' We had some unique programming, ``The American Jewish Deli--A History,'' because food is so important to the Jewish way of life all over the world. That was held in New York City at the Park East Synagogue. Two other important events to highlight were the Jewish American Heritage Month Film Festival, which was held right here in Washington, D.C., in the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library Auditorium. And lastly, the program held in Margate, New Jersey, by the Board of Jewish Education highlighting the contributions of Jewish women in America. As a Jewish woman in America, I am really proud to have been a part of introducing this resolution ensuring that ultimately we were able to honor the contributions of American Jews to our history, but also to make sure that we can help all Americans make it a priority that we promote tolerance, that we reduce anti-Semitism, reduce bigotry, and hopefully, Mr. Speaker, reach out to non-Jews across this country and help them learn a little bit more about a culture that they may be unfamiliar with, about a tradition and a history that might be a little bit foreign to them, so that we can all come together as we're so committed to do in America as one people standing for freedom, standing for tolerance, and standing for justice. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much. Thank you, Congresswoman Davis. Thank you for your leadership and for sharing the stories of the important contributions that Jews in the San Diego community in America have made through the fabric of American history. It's now my pleasure and my privilege to ask my colleague from the great State of Connecticut, Chris Murphy, to share some things. I had--this is a reunion of sorts. A number of years ago, when Mr. Murphy and I, along with Mr. Ryan of Ohio and our former colleague, Congressman Meek from Florida, we used to spend a little time down here on the House floor, around this time of night or later in the 30- Something Working Group, and you may still actually be eligible to participate. I no longer would be.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much for your commitment and for your leadership. It is really a privilege to fight side by side with you on behalf of our constituents in south Florida and on behalf of the values that matter so deeply to our community. For many years, actually, before you were elected to public office, I watched your commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and to a strong and vibrant Jewish State of Israel as an AIPAC activist and then as a State senator, now as a Member of Congress and as a colleague. I thank you so much for joining us here this evening. It is now my privilege to recognize a newer colleague and a newer friend but someone whom I have seen develop as a leader and someone who has stepped up to represent her constituents in the western part of our country, which I'm sure is a completely different Jewish experience than the east coast experience. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici is a new Member who was elected in a special election not even a year ago--actually, just a few short months ago. She has stepped up and represents the Portland area in Oregon. More importantly, she is a member of Congregation Beth Israel, and I am pleased to recognize her here tonight.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I never could have anticipated speaking in opposition to the Violence Against Women Act, and it's unfortunate that we've come to this point, but here we are. This comes after more than a year of bipartisan efforts to put together a comprehensive, effective, and much-needed VAWA draft. But Republicans in the Senate and then in the House decided to ignore the recommendations of the FBI, the Department of Justice, and advocacy groups on the ground and push a version of VAWA that endangers immigrant women and children, ignores the needs of our native communities, and perpetuates discrimination against LGBT victims. That is why hundreds of victim services organizations oppose this bill, and I stand with them today. At the Women in Distress shelter in my district, there has been a 39 percent increase in requests for services over the last year. Women need us now more than ever, and this is not the time to allow for discrimination or helping only some victims of domestic violence. This is the time to take a stand. As lawmakers, we speak for the voiceless, and today I speak united with my colleagues in opposition to this shameful bill.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act, the second phase in the Republicans' Pathway to Poverty plan. This bill, once again, fails to reach any measure of fairness and shared responsibility. All of us agree that the implementation of sequestration would be a damaging, harmful approach to take in an effort to achieve deficit reduction. The difference between Democrats and Republicans is that, instead of taking a balanced approach, the Republicans would replace sequestration with tax breaks to millionaires and special interests while ending the Medicare guarantee, slashing investments that strengthen our economy, and shredding the social safety net. Not surprisingly, important provisions of the Affordable Care Act are in their sights. The Prevention and Public Health Fund was an unprecedented investment in our Nation's health and well-being, particularly the health of America's women and children. By providing funding for vital cancer and infection screenings, modernizing vaccine systems, and the fight against epidemics like obesity and diabetes, this fund truly invests in our Nation's health, and it will provide savings down the line by helping to catch afflictions early. By seeking to undermine the Affordable Care Act, the Republican reconciliation bill would eliminate funding for hundreds of thousands of lifesaving screenings, all to score political points with their extreme base. Mr. Speaker, just a few years ago, when I was 41 years old, I found a lump in my breast, which was confirmed to be cancer in a series of screenings, including a clinical screening just like the ones that this fund provides. These screenings saved my life. But this bill would prevent 326,000 women from having access to the same lifesaving screenings that I did. It will prevent an estimated 10,300 women from being diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer in its early stages, and it may cost them their lives. Furthermore, this bill slashes funding for screening for birth defects, developmental disabilities, and hearing loss in children. How can any of us, in good conscience, cut funding by cutting investments in children's health? Frankly, as a mom of three young kids, I'm stunned because I think it's just common sense that you don't pay down a deficit our children didn't create by compromising their health. Our constituents deserve a balanced approach to deficit reduction. The Republicans' approach would deny women like me access to screenings that save lives and deny children the screenings they need so we can keep them healthy. It's unacceptable, and I ask colleagues with a conscience to vote down this terrible bill.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the teachers of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties during National Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place this year from May 7 through May 11, 2012. This week affords students, parents, and communities across the nation a chance to come together and honor the extraordinary work our teachers are doing in the classroom to transform the lives of young people and educate the next American generation. It is a time to remember that education is the cornerstone of a vibrant and prosperous America, and to recognize the teachers that make America's successful future a reality. As a member of Congress and the proud mother of three children in Broward County Public Schools, I see the talent and hard work of our teachers every day--not just in my role as a policy maker, but in a very personal way. Educating the next generation is an essential and great act of public service--it's a calling that our teachers have answered because they care, they believe in our children, and they choose to make a difference in the lives of future generations. For our students, nothing is more important than an excellent teacher at the front of the room and in their lives, and now more than ever, we must make an investment in our future by investing in our teachers. We must provide them with the resources they need to successfully do their jobs, and we must afford them the respect and support that their profession deserves. Thank you to Florida's teachers for investing your skills and talents into the lives of future generations, and thank you for the sacrifices made each day to ensure that our kids have the tools they need to learn. We are all grateful for your work.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I rise today out of concern for the language in this bill that would hinder the access of people with disabilities to swimming pools. The standards that this language would undermine were based on standards first adopted under the Bush Administration. They are common- sense, flexible, and an important step for our constituents with disabilities. Yet the language in this bill would prohibit the Department of Justice from enforcing these regulations, even though swimming venues only need to satisfy these standards if doing so is ``readily achievable'' and does not cause an undue burden. These regulations would allow disabled Americans seeking to swim for physical relief, emotional therapy, or simple enjoyment the ability to do so, thus enjoying the same benefits that you or I would receive from swimming. And the regulations ensure that no business faces an undue hardship in doing so. I'm disappointed that this language made its way into the bill. Sometimes it feels like there is little we can agree on here, and I would hope that providing physical, emotional, and social relief to Americans struggling with physical disabilities while not imposing on businesses would be something we could come together on. I hope that as this bill goes to conference, this harmful language is removed so that all Americans--regardless of abilities--can enjoy one of life's simple pleasures.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise to ask for my colleagues' support for an amendment to protect our most vulnerable constituents--our children. This bipartisan amendment is a simple one. It says that child victims of sexual predators should not be forced to fight for funding scraps if deep cuts to the Department of Justice occur. This amendment fences off $30 million within the Department of Justice's Juvenile Justice Missing and Exploited Children Programs account for Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. It ensures that even in this time of painful budget cuts, we will protect the most precious and most vulnerable among us. Over the last decade, child pornography trafficking has exploded into a multibillion-dollar global industry. The majority of both demand and supply is based in the United States and, sadly, most often involves parents or adults that the victim knows and trusts. Tragically, the demand for images of young children being sexually exploited, raped, and even tortured can only be supplied through the continued sexual abuse of more children. Literally every image of child pornography is a crime scene photo. Several years ago, law enforcement informed Congress that it could identify hundreds of thousands of individuals perpetrating child exploitation offenses online, but admitted and acknowledged that it was investigating fewer than 2 percent of these known individuals because of a lack of resources that left them outnumbered and overwhelmed. The vast majority of these identifiable sexual predators remained at large and their young victims beyond rescue. Congress and the President responded by passing and signing into law the PROTECT our Children Act, which provides desperately needed resources for the vital Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. These task forces are teams of local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors that lift the digital fingerprints, rescue the children, and hold perpetrators accountable. The ICAC task forces rescue child victims in real time--victims like Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was sexually assaulted at age 13 by a man who befriended her online and abducted her from her Pittsburgh home. She was rescued by the FBI and the Virginia ICAC task force. Congress is already funding this effort at only half of its authorization. Yet the law is making a difference. So please join Congressman Shuler, Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith, and me in supporting this important amendment that will give State, local, and Federal law enforcement the resources they need to protect our most vulnerable. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. For decades we have looked to Medicare and Medicaid with the expectation that the Federal Government would honor its commitment. Now, under this budget plan, Republicans are trying to back out of our commitment to seniors. We cannot go back on our promise to the Greatest Generation. There is a better way forward. I ask my colleagues to think about our seniors and our most vulnerable and reject the Republican budget plan.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, over the past several months, in hearing after hearing in the Budget Committee, we have heard one recurring theme from our expert witnesses. Chairman Bernanke said it, Director Elmendorf said it, Acting Director Zients said it, and Secretary Geithner reaffirmed that the draconian, reckless cuts proposed by the Republican majority, and made evident in their budget proposal that we are considering on the House floor today, will create an enormous headwind for our economy. Yet, here we are again. Yes, here we are considering the same Republican budget plan as last year, hearing the same arguments from Chairman Ryan and the Republican leadership. As I said last week in committee, I feel like it's ``Groundhog Day'' all over again, but Bill Murray is nowhere in sight, and this is no comedy. In all seriousness, the harmful spending cuts incorporated into this budget proposal go further than simply damaging a fragile recovery. These cuts pull the rug out from under our most vulnerable: our seniors, our children, and those with serious illness. Democrats reject the idea that the way to deal with rising health care costs is to give seniors a voucher to purchase private insurance and then tell them to figure out how to keep their own costs down. Democrats believe that we cannot solve our budget challenges simply by shifting health costs and risks onto people who are least able to bear them: seniors, disabled individuals, and poor families. Last week I offered an amendment in the Budget Committee that no one in this body should ever have to offer. My amendment would have prevented reckless and shameful Medicaid cuts to seniors in nursing homes. Like all of the other amendments offered by my Democratic colleagues, this amendment was rejected on a party-line vote. This is simply unconscionable. As a Member of Congress representing a large number of seniors in south Florida, I can tell you that the House Republican budget would be devastating for seniors and older Americans. This Republican ``path to poverty'' would pass like a tornado through America's nursing homes, where millions of America's seniors receive long-term and end-of-life care. Sixty percent of Americans in nursing homes are on Medicaid, so cuts to Medicaid would have a dramatically negative impact on our seniors. The Federal Government made a commitment to each and every one of us that when we got older we wouldn't need to live in poverty or force our children into poverty in order to care for us.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Captain Robert C. Grant, who has dedicated his life to serving our Nation and protecting the residents of south Florida. Captain Grant is retiring after a distinguished career with the United States Coast Guard Reserve, where he served as the deputy chief of staff of the Seventh Coast Guard District. His selfless work has included providing support to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, assisting in relief efforts after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and building strong bonds between the Coast Guard and the Cuban and Haitian communities of south Florida through dedicated public outreach. In his capacity as a congressional liaison, he was instrumental in this body's work on combating maritime smuggling and other threats. He has received numerous military awards and unit citations, and is capping a career that has also included service in the United States Air Force Reserve and the United States Treasury Department. On a personal note, I can't thank Captain Grant enough for his friendship over the years. I know I speak for my staff as well as the greater south Florida community when I say, Captain Grant, we are all so proud of your career and your accomplishments, and you will be sorely missed. Thank you for your service.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the so-called PIONEERS Act that, among other things, repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA. It's hard to believe that the lessons of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are already being forgotten, less than 2 years after almost 5 million barrels of oil flowed out into the ocean and devastated the gulf region's environment and economy. Through this horrible tragedy, we learned firsthand the dangers of drilling at extreme ocean depths and the difficulties in stopping a spill once it occurs. We also learned the dangers posed by the powerful Gulf of Mexico loop currents in the eastern gulf. These loop currents are capable of transporting spilled petroleum into the Florida Straits, through the Florida Keys, and onto shorelines up the Atlantic side of my home State, endangering hundreds of miles of coastline in Florida, and beyond up the east coast. We were extremely lucky that more of Florida was not affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010 and that the site of the spill was not within these normally-occurring loop currents. Allowing drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico would place leasing directly within the strong loop current and is the height of folly. Even if we didn't have such a powerful precautionary tale as the Deepwater Horizon accident, drilling near Florida's coast simply doesn't add up. Florida's $65 billion tourism industry relies on pristine beaches. Florida is also home to 85 percent of the United States' coral reefs, which are profoundly sensitive to oil spills. Coastal resources like mangroves and sea grasses would also be put in harm's way, as well as Florida's vibrant commercial and recreational fishing industries. That is why so many bipartisan members of Florida's congressional delegation have lined up in opposing drilling near our shores. In fact, a few weeks ago, Congressman John Mica held a field hearing in Miami to discuss the dangers of offshore drilling by Cuba that is within 100 miles of Florida's shores. The Florida Lieutenant Governor--a Republican--Jennifer Carroll stated at the hearing that: The Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 has shown that a spill that poses even a potential of impacting Florida's water or land causes a huge negative impact on the economy. I could not have said it better myself. This is why we simply should not allow drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. I would welcome a debate weighing the harms against the benefits of expanding offshore exploration off Florida's coastline if the benefits were comparable to the risks, but they're not--not even close. Expanding drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico would not lower gas prices or produce enough oil to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In short, opening the eastern Gulf of Mexico is not the answer to our energy concerns. If we are serious about weaning our dependence on foreign oil, we need to continue the clean energy policies of the Obama administration and efforts in recent years by Congress. We have more domestic oil production today, right now, than we have ever had. For example, the 2007 bipartisan effort to increase the fuel efficiency of cars over the next decade will have a profound effect on the demand side of the supply-demand equation. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that by 2020 the new auto fuel standards will save consumers $65 billion in fuel costs by cutting consumption by 1.3 million barrels a day--more than could be produced in the eastern gulf in an entire year. Finally, a little history lesson on the 2006 law that this bill will repeal. In 2006, Republican leadership in both Houses of Congress enacted GOMESA, which opened 8 million acres for new oil drilling leases off Florida's panhandle in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. In exchange, the 2006 law placed the rest of the eastern gulf under a statutory moratorium until 2022. That agreement should be honored, not tossed aside less than 6 years later. Our word must be our bond, or negotiations and handshakes are rendered meaningless. In my 19-year legislative career, your word being your bond was always supposed to be paramount. In this case, apparently there are some Members of the Republican leadership that don't believe that and are willing to cast it aside. Beyond the economic and environmental reasons for honoring the 2006 deal, protecting our military training areas is also important. The military uses the eastern Gulf of Mexico for training operations, and the Pentagon has said that drilling structures and associated development are incompatible with military activities, like missile flights, low-flying drone aircraft, and training. For this reason, the Pentagon has long opposed expanding offshore drilling in the eastern gulf. The 2006 law incorporates an agreement between the Department of the Interior and the Defense Department to set aside waters east of the ``military mission line'' to preserve military readiness. On behalf of Florida's tourism industries, fishing industries, and on behalf of the needs of the Defense Department and in the name of military readiness, I urge my colleagues to remove this terrible provision from this legislation. To add insult to injury, it is unconscionable that House leadership has refused to even allow a vote on a bipartisan amendment that I cosponsored with my Florida colleagues that would have stripped out the GOMESA repeal. If they had the courage of their conviction, they would allow a fair and open debate on this. But when you don't have much to back up your argument, you can't allow a fair fight.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible story of the USAT Dorchester's four chaplains. The brave ``immortal chaplains,'' a Jewish rabbi, a Catholic priest, and two Protestant ministers, selflessly provided comfort and guidance to their interfaith community aboard the transport ship as it sunk into icy waters on February 3, 1943. These leaders of different faiths gave up their lifejackets and stood strong, singing prayers and hymns, sharing words of healing and peace as the ship went down. We are so fortunate to have Rabbi Astrachan here with us today to help honor their sacred memory. Rabbi Astrachan currently serves the same congregation in York, Pennsylvania, where Rabbi Goode, one of the four chaplains, once served, continuing to honor his legacy. The four chaplains, Reverend George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Father John Washington, and Reverend Clark Poling, serve as inspirations in their military service and their sacrifice for our country. Their quintessentially American tale of faith and courage now has an ending we can proudly commemorate, as all four of these men are honored and memorialized together on Chaplain's Hill at Arlington National Cemetery. For nearly 200 years, our Nation's breathtaking military cemetery has been a place to honor all of America's fallen soldiers, providing the sacred and majestic setting fitting to our Nation's heroes. Thanks to the dedication of many of my colleagues, we now have monuments at Chaplain's Hill to each of these faith groups, where we can honor their sacrifice together. This is a testament to the courage and commitment of all who have served our Nation in this way, and I am so honored to share in this observance with chaplains, members of the military, veterans, religious community advocates, family, and friends.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of Family Central, Inc. Since its founding in 1971, Family Central has played a pivotal role in the lives of South Florida families by providing quality, safe, and affordable child care. By working at the local level, Family Central serves as an essential community partner in improving the lives of the constituents of Florida's 20th Congressional district and beyond. Throughout our region, Family Central has served approximately one million children since its founding. I applaud Family Central's work to ensure that families in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties have access to excellent child care. As a working mother, I understand the struggles that working families go through to provide and care for their children. With the number of parents working full time on the rise, more and more families are fully engaged in the daily juggling act of making ends meet and caring for their children. Family Central provides safe and affordable child care to over one hundred thousand South Florida children annually. The role they play is critical to ensuring families do not have to choose between being able to afford child care and being able to trust that their child is safe. Family Central also provides training to childcare practitioners, giving them new skills to help them create a learning environment that supports a child's emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs. In the years since Family Central was created, research has reinforced that early learning is an integral part of successful child development and reducing achievement gaps in our educational systems. This wonderful organization not only helps provide care for children when parents are working, but it also helps parents to become better and more effective caregivers for their children at home. They are one of only ten groups in the country identified as a Nurturing Parenting Affiliate. By helping parents to nurture their children, Family Central helps the families of South Florida become and remain strong, stable, and united. The difficult economic conditions of the past few years have been especially tough for working families across the country, and particularly in South Florida. Now more than ever, the essential services provided by community partners like Family Central are critical to giving children in our community an environment in which to thrive. Congratulations to Family Central on their 40th anniversary--and thank you to everyone who has made it possible. I commend their service to our great state, to South Florida and to the families and children of Florida's 20th Congressional District. I look forward to more great achievements from Family Central as it continues its long tradition of providing quality, accessible and affordable services to South Florida's families.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Chair, I rise today in firm opposition to this legislation that would repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, the CLASS Act. As part of the Affordable Care Act, the CLASS Act is our nation's first real attempt to provide voluntary, fiscally-responsible, long- term care for the more than 70 percent of Americans who will need such support at some point in their lifetimes. As the Representative to thousands of seniors in Florida's 20th district, I know too well how hard our families strive to plan and pay for the long term care services that most of them so desperately need. By repealing the CLASS Act, this Congress abandons millions of middle class seniors, Americans with disabilities, and all families struggling to provide long term care for loved ones. Of course, we are willing to admit that this program isn't perfect. But that is no excuse for the Republicans' ``repeal and abandon'' approach to legislation--and our nation's seniors. Rather than pull the rug out from under our seniors and loved ones--I urge my colleagues to work to fix this vital program.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge our House leadership to schedule a vote on the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, or ``STOCK Act,'' filed by my friend and colleague Congressman Walz of Minnesota. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this common-sense legislation, which would prohibit Members of Congress from profiting from the nonpublic information to which we are often privy. It is just plain common sense that we, as Members of Congress, should be held to the same standard as the American people we represent when it comes to insider trading. It is not right when a company executive does it, and it's not right when a Member of Congress does it. The fact that action has not been taken sooner to clearly prohibit a Member of Congress from acting for personal gain on such information is frankly shocking. Over the past several months, the American people have been increasingly vocal that enough is enough. It is high time for the Congress to come together to pass this bill and send a strong message that Congress should, and will, play by the same rules as everyone else. Just as we have passed Wall Street reform in the 111th Congress; we must act now to ensure that the law is crystal clear when it comes to the activities of our own colleagues. Personal financial gain from non- public information cannot be tolerated. In this very chamber last week, President Obama made special mention of his support for the STOCK Act, calling on Congress to ``send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it tomorrow.'' Like many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I have received countless calls and emails from my constituents urging the Congress to answer the President's call and bring debate of the STOCK Act to the House floor for a vote. Congress must waste no time in coming together to pass this bill in a strong bipartisan fashion, and by doing so, restore the American people's trust in the integrity of the system, the democratic process, and their elected officials. I urge our leadership in the House to respond to the President's call to action by following the Senate's lead in bringing the STOCK Act to the Floor for debate, and to schedule a vote on this sensible and responsible legislation.