Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Absolutely.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you very much. First of all, let me just say that it has been such a breath of fresh air. I know Speaker Pelosi likes to say that each new Congress breathes in new life from the trenches, new people who have just come from having their fingers on the pulses of their communities. Both of you, Mrs. Dahlkemper and Mr. Tonko, reflect that statement really to a T. I know that you're in your districts, constantly working hard to make sure you can come up here and can fight for the things that the people in your districts care about. Particularly, I know I never tire of hearing you talk over and over about how important it is that we restore that manufacturing base and that we be supportive of an economy that makes sure that we can make things again. I have heard that refrain from you and from your industrial, you know, rust belt colleagues for many months now, and now we are seeing the fruits of that effort with the increase in manufacturing. Also, it is really exciting that you can actually point back, Mr. Tonko, to a point in time and to a policy decision that we made, to a vote that we cast, which made a difference. I mean it's hard, you know, to gauge sometimes whether or not what we are doing is working, you know, whether a policy decision has had the desired outcome, but you can see. I mean the proof is in the pudding. I mean here are retail sales that Mrs. Dahlkemper just talked about. Now let's just look at consumer confidence in general, because the consumer confidence numbers did just come out, as you talked about. Every month for, I think, the last 7 months, we have had consumer confidence on the rise. We have had another jump in consumer confidence. This is a chart that talks about the increase in household wealth and how American household wealth is beginning to recover. $17.5 trillion of household wealth was wiped out under President Bush. Under President Obama, we have already recovered $5 trillion of that household wealth. When people have their wealth restored, when they have resources again, they start spending money. That's why those retail sale numbers are going up. When you have your wealth restored, you gain more confidence in your ability to make some spending decisions that you might not have made. So, ultimately, we are going in the right direction. Really, I have to laugh at some of our friends on the other side of the aisle. You know, with the expression ``your glass is half full or your glass is half empty,'' that's sort of the determining factor of whether someone is an optimist or a pessimist. I don't even think it's half. I think their glass is just empty. I think they broke the glass, because, to be honest with you, it's really shocking how they can see only gloom and doom with positive economic numbers like this. I mean what is so sad is sometimes I think they wish that this were not the direction that our economy was moving in because, sadly, for so many of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it's about regaining power rather than about seeing the American people regain some power, some power in the purse. So I just thought I would point that out. Before I flip it to you, Mr. Tonko, some really exciting and interesting poll numbers came out this week. In these hours, we like to make sure that we don't just have people taking it from us. I mean, you know, obviously, I'm a Democrat. I'm, you know, supportive of my party's agenda, of our leadership's agenda and of moving the country in a new direction, so we try to talk about third party validators on the House floor. The ABC News/Washington Post poll was released just this past week, and it showed that Democrats are favored over Republicans to handle the Nation's biggest problems. Six in 10 who were polled are dissatisfied with congressional Republicans' ideas. In terms of the individuals polled, we were supported by a 12-point margin. By a 12-point margin, Americans trust Democrats over Republicans to handle our Nation's biggest problems 44 to 32 percent. That is a pretty significant indicator that Americans are happy with the direction that we are going. I think no matter what district you go to, whether it's to a progressive district like mine or to a moderate district like Mrs. Dahlkemper's--and you're probably halfway in between Mrs. Dahlkemper's and mine, Mr. Tonko, as far as the philosophical spectrum in your district--our constituents would tell us we are cautiously optimistic, that things are moving in the right direction but that we're not out of the woods yet. You need to keep pushing. You need to keep innovating. You need to keep passing legislation that is going to jump-start and spark this economy and be an engine of job creation. That's what we're keeping our nose to the grindstone on.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. That is the choice they are making.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Tonko, as the parent of twin fifth- graders, I can tell you that my fifth-graders often scratch their heads and wonder, Mom, what the heck are your colleagues on the other side of the aisle doing? They wonder why they only focus on the most narrow view.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Since you asked the question rhetorically, I'll actually jump in and answer it with an answer from Mark Zandi, Moody's economist who Mrs. Dahlkemper just referred to. As to what would have happened without the Recovery Act, without the TARP legislation, and without making sure that we grabbed a hold of the tiller of this economy, what he says would have happened is we absolutely would have sunk into a depression, that literally the policies of President Obama and of the Democratic leadership in the House and the Senate steered our ship of fate away from a depression.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Would the gentleman yield on that example? Because let's tell them how they slowed that process down. It's not only that they were not voting for the America COMPETES Act, which by any measure will create literally millions, potentially, of new jobs and definitely tens of thousands of jobs. They added an unrelated, irrelevant pornography amendment to that legislation to try to catch Members on our side of the aisle in a vote for or against pornography. And what they did was they ran an amendment that said that we would vote on whether or not Federal employees would be able to be paid if they viewed pornography on work hours.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Dr. George Tiller, a brave and prominent physician who dedicated his life to providing women the ability to choose. Dr. Tiller was shot and killed while serving as an usher at his church in Wichita, Kansas, a year ago this past May. His story is tragic but he is not the only one who has been targeted by intimidation tactics and acts of violence. Since 1993, eight clinic workers have been murdered in the United States and seventeen attempted murders have occurred since 1991. Opponents of the women's right to choose have directed more than 6,100 reported acts of violence against physicians since 1977, which does not include the 156,000 reported bomb threats and harassing phone calls. Whether you are on the right or left side of the isle on this issue, I believe we can all come together and agree that violence as a solution is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We should be able to work in unison to find common ground on the issue of female reproductive rights without putting anyone's life in danger. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act was enacted in 1994 to provide federal protection against the unlawful and often violent tactics used by opponents of abortion rights. While violence has declined since then, violence at reproductive-health centers and abortion clinics is far from being eradicated. Dr. Tiller was respecting the women's right to choose and for that, his life was taken. We must all work to ensure that no more lives are destroyed and acts of harassment are stopped. If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that violence is not the answer and I look forward to the day that all doctors and clinical workers can go to work, free from fear of violence.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, we want to emphasize that this is a frustrating process at times, but the women of the Congress, both the House and the Senate, not only know how to have a good time, know how to play softball, but they know how to get along and suggest that our male colleagues could take a page from our book. We look forward to seeing you at the game.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the bipartisan Women Members of Congress softball team, we want to once again extend an invitation to all Members, staff, and anyone listening to attend the second annual congressional women's softball game, which will occur next Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Guy Mason Field, once again benefiting the Young Survival Coalition, which is a young women's breast cancer organization. We really thank all of the Members and staff who came out last year. Over 400 people attended. We raised $50,000 for the Young Survival Coalition. And this year, captained by myself and my colleague from Missouri, Jo Ann Emerson, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Lisa Murkowski, the team members are Donna Edwards, Grace Napolitano, Jean Schmidt, Laura Richardson, Betsy Markey, Betty Sutton, Linda Sanchez, Susan Davis, Kathy Dahlkemper, Shelley Moore Capito, Debbie Halvorson, Senator Kay Hagan, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Kathy Castor, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Nydia Velazquez. With that, I yield to my good friend from the State of Missouri.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the state of Israel on its acceptance into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This shows a great triumph for the country of Israel, and I congratulate them on their prestigious achievement. On May 10, the 31 states in the OECD unanimously agreed to invite Israel to become a member, noting the country's ``scientific and technological policies have produced outstanding outcomes on a world scale.'' On May 27, Israel officially joined. The fact that Israel is now a member of the OECD is proof that, despite hardships and struggle, Israel has become a thriving and prosperous democracy. It has made important contributions in technology, medicine, agriculture and environmental innovation, worldwide. I am proud to see that these contributions are being acknowledged. I also want to recognize President Obama and Secretary Clinton for their strong efforts ensure this happened. This victory for Israel is equally a victory for our country. Congratulations, too, to the participating countries in the OECD for their ability to see past the possible politicization of this offer. The OECD was responsible and fair in its assessment of Israel's qualifications, focusing on what matters: economic and democratic standards. But even as we stand here to recognize the Jewish State's achievement, we must remember that Israel, one of our strongest and most consistent allies, still continues to face attacks from hostile neighbors and challenges in its dealings with the rest of the world. We must continue to be supportive allies to the Jewish State. Though Israel has made this significant advancement, threats still exist, and we must ensure that anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments do not dictate Israel's viability as a strong, democratic nation.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And it was an absolute pleasure to join you on the CODEL to the Middle East in January where we learned quite a bit about the progress of the peace process. And it has been noted by a number of our colleagues this evening that we cannot allow, in spite of all the recent controversy--which is unclear to me why a country that is defending its borders, its territory, and its people is controversial--but that we cannot allow it to take our focus off to that of a nuclear-armed Iran. One of the things that is unbelievable to me has been the criticism and the questions that have been thrown at Israel: first, that they supposedly boarded the flotilla ships in international waters as if they somehow didn't have the right to do that. That this is a legal blockade, there isn't any disputing that. They are well within their rights and, understandably, are defending their borders and their people. Because what country would not make sure that items coming in from a ship to an area that is run by a hostile terrorist organization would not be checked to make sure that they are the genuine humanitarian aid that the people bringing the goods in say that it is? That is simply common sense. And I would think that the citizens of any nation would expect nothing less than their government. But the other criticism that I have heard during the week is that somehow the people of Gaza--and no one denies that there is suffering that has gone on in Gaza. The people of Gaza went through a war. They continue to be ruled by a terrorist organization, and so, as a result, they are definitely suffering. But it is important to note that, over the last 18 months, Israel has allowed a steady flow of humanitarian aid and food to go to the people of Gaza. One million tons of humanitarian aid, to be specific, have been allowed into Gaza over the last 18 months, the equivalent of one ton of aid per man, woman, and child in food and materials living in Gaza today.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. And just a few days later, an Irish ship, the Rachel Corrie, was offered the same thing, to take their goods. And they were also challenging the blockade, yet had a very different response and accepted the boarding and accepted travel to the port of Ashdod and had their goods offloaded. The point is that Israel cannot be expected to stand idly by and allow for goods to be flowing unchecked without making sure that there aren't hostile intentions behind those goods. And as Israel continues to face unjust criticism on the world stage, the United States must continue and will continue to support our friend, ally, and partner. And I am so proud to stand with my colleagues today. You have a tragic situation that occurred, but we cannot forget that this blockade exists because Hamas, the ruling party of Gaza, is a terrorist organization with the sworn goal to destroy the Jewish state. A blockade supported by both Israel and Egypt is a means to stop the smuggling of illegal materials and weapons to Hamas. And I am so pleased that you have organized this special order hour this evening and look forward to continuing to stand with you.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment from yesterday, and I am proud to have joined my colleagues in repealing the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, I did so not only because I believe this is an important step toward full LGBT equality, but also because I believe repealing the policy will make our military stronger and our Nation more secure. Mr. Speaker, since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was created in 1993, more than 13,000 able-bodied patriotic Americans have been jettisoned from the military simply because of who they are. These are brave men and women who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We owe these Americans a debt of gratitude, not disrespect and dishonor. This was not a difficult vote for me. The preamble to our Constitution states: ``We, the people, in order to form a more perfect Union, to provide for the common defense, and secure the blessings of liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution.'' Our President often says we are in the constant process of making our Nation a more perfect Union. In my view, this amendment is vital if we are to uphold the Constitution's promise of equal protection to gays and lesbians in my home State of Florida and all across America. My friends in the LGBT community know all too well that serving their Nation openly and honestly in the Armed Forces is but one of many rights they are currently denied. That's wrong, and with this vote we made it right. Yet as important as this amendment is towards bestowing full civil rights for gays and lesbians, it is equally important because it will improve our military readiness and make our Nation more secure. Too often we are told in this Chamber that we must choose between our security and our liberty. And I generally reject that false choice. But in this case, with this vote, we both expand civil liberties and make our Nation more secure. Mr. Speaker, since the attacks of September 11, when our Nation has been waging wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, at the very time that we have been under serious and sustained threats from global terror networks, the United States military has discharged more than 800 soldiers in mission-critical positions, including Arabic and Farsi linguists. Why? Are they bad translators or poor soldiers, marines, or airmen? No, they were discharged for only one reason, because they were gay or lesbian. They were discharged despite the fact they made valuable contributions to our intelligence community. They were discharged despite the fact we have an alarming shortage of translators. So this policy is not only an affront to civil liberties; but at a time when we are fighting two wars, it is idiotic. But it is important to repeal this policy for a third reason. It is dishonorable. Gays and lesbians are serving in our Nation's Armed Forces with great distinction. They always have. The only question is whether our government must continue to ask them to lie about their sexual orientation in order to do so. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy is the only law in the country that requires people to be dishonest about their personal lives or face the possibility of being fired. Our own Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, recently said, ``No matter how I look at this issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me personally, it comes down to integrity-- theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.'' Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more. No one should have to lie to perform any job, but especially not those sworn to protect our Nation. I think it is only fitting that this amendment was offered by the first Iraq war veteran to serve in Congress, Representative Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania. Congressman Murphy served in Bosnia and in the famed 82nd Airborne in Iraq. So when he brought his amendment before this House, he did so with deep love for his country and with our military's best interests at heart. The policy Congressman Murphy crafted, in cooperation with our Commander in Chief and Pentagon leaders, is a responsible one. It merely unties the hands of leaders at the Pentagon by removing the outdated Don't Ask, Don't Tell statute, while ensuring that the transition to a new personnel policy takes place without disruption to our fighting force. In the spirit of equality and a more perfect Union, with the confidence we are making our Nation more secure, and with pride that we are ending a policy of dishonor, we uphold our American values by repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Me as well. And in that same vein, Emma Lazarus was by far at the time the leading Jewish literary figure in 19th-century America. And it's her sonnet which was called ``The New Colossus'' that is engraved on the base of the Statute of Liberty: ``Give me your tired, your poor, yearning to breathe free.'' And then the rest is history.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I am really privileged to have been here to listen to the gentleman acknowledge the patriots that gave their lives and that have served our country so faithfully from his community, and I can tell you that the constituents of the district that he represents in Indiana have no greater friend, no greater advocate, than Joe Donnelly. With that, I yield back.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I would be happy to yield.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Mr. Perlmutter. We appreciate your contribution to our effort to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to American history. It is now my pleasure to yield to one of our newest Members, who as of just yesterday is no longer the most junior Member of the House of Representatives. He held that title for, oh, about a month. He is the neighbor to the other side of my congressional district, and did a fantastic job as a State senator, was another leader in the organized Jewish community in south Florida, someone who has been a staunch advocate for Israel and for issues that are important to the Jewish community, the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Deutch.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. The rest is history, exactly. There are so many contributions that this month allows us to highlight. And I really thank you for joining us tonight, to continue to be able to do that. And I know we look forward to the rest of the month and the celebrations across the country.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much for your eloquence, Ms. Berkley, and for acknowledging that a lot of people think about the arrival of Jews in America as really being an infusion after World War I, an infusion after World War II; but we have 353 years of Jewish life in this country. And, unfortunately, much of our arrival followed persecution in other parts of the world: after the Spanish Inquisition, the pogroms in Russia--that's when my family came initially in the 1800s--and then in the early 1900s fleeing Poland for a better way of life here. And it's so incredibly important that we tell our story. Jewish American Heritage Month allows us to do that now. President Bush proclaimed it 5 years ago. We had 250 cosponsors, of which you were one, of the original legislation that urged him to do that. And one of the things that I really think is important to acknowledge is there is so much partisanship here in the House of Representatives. I was the most proud at the time that we passed that resolution unanimously out of the House. With over 400 Members voting for it, we had 250 cosponsors, bipartisan cosponsors, and then we had a bipartisan effort across the Jewish community in this country to urge the President at the time to proclaim the first Jewish American Heritage Month. And they did so willingly, put aside party differences because they knew that it was incredibly important. And we have continued to be able to mark the occasion every year.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Mr. Grayson, for sharing your unique perspective. And, again, it's so incredibly important that we had this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Jewish Americans to American history. And I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that something that I am quite proud of is a contribution that I wasn't aware that I had made. Upon my election to the Congress in 2004, I learned that I was elected as the first Jewish woman to represent the State of Florida in Congress in history. And that's a source of great pride certainly to my parents, my Jewish parents, who were extremely proud and who kvelled, which is a Yiddish expression for a great bubbling of pride, so to speak. But it's something that has been a source of pride to me.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you. That's right. They wished for a doctor or a lawyer; they got a Member of Congress. What can you do? They had to settle. Mr. Speaker, as I wrap up, and I am going to yield the last portion of our time to my good friend from Indiana, but I do want to talk about this year's Jewish American Heritage Month. And it's been packed with programs celebrating the contributions of American Jews to our country with movies, cultural exhibitions, speakers, and innovative educational curricula. Right here in Washington, the United Jewish Communities and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington will once again be hosting what has become their annual tradition, a reception for Members of Congress and members of the Jewish community right here on Capitol Hill. J Street will also be hosting a reception to celebrate May as Jewish American Heritage Month with Members of Congress, their staff, and the Jewish community. But that's not all. The Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration has been hosting lectures and exhibits and discussions about Jewish contributions to America. In my home State of Florida, there will be a celebration of Jewish contributions to the civil rights movement. And the Marlins baseball team will host a Jewish Heritage Game. I can share with you that I had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch last year at the Jewish Heritage Game, which was really neat. But at that game they have kosher food and Jewish music in-between innings, and it's really an incredible experience. Cincinnati, Ohio will be hosting lectures, including one on President Lincoln's solid relationship with Jewish Americans. And Wyoming of all places will host a festival celebrating Jewish food. And Lord knows that we Jews like food a whole lot. Events are also scheduled to occur in New York, California, Texas and other States around the country, but I think the thing that we are all the most proud of is that tomorrow we will join President Barack Obama and the first lady, who will hold the first ever White House celebration and ceremony honoring Jewish American Heritage Month and the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout American history. It's our first opportunity to have that celebration in the White House during the month of May and Jewish American Heritage Month. Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way in recent years to promote appreciation for the multicultural fabric of the United States. 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 is a fundamental part of that promise. Together, we can help achieve this goal of understanding with the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. I thank my colleagues for their support and call on all Americans to observe this special month by celebrating the many contributions of Jewish culture throughout our Nation's history. With that, I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly) who hopefully will come up with a good segue from Jewish American Heritage Month to what he has come to share with us tonight about his constituents. Honoring Three Sons from Second District of Indiana

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much. It is now my privilege to invite my colleague from the State of Florida, the gentleman from central Florida, who is a newly elected Member and who has done a fantastic job fighting for his constituents, fighting on behalf of the issues that are important to this country, and fighting to help particularly focus on job creation and turning our economy around, the gentleman and my friend from central Florida, Alan Grayson.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much. I thank the gentleman for his remarks and for taking us through an important aspect of Jewish life in America. Now it is my pleasure to yield to another colleague from the West, and a leader on the House Rules Committee who has a Rules Committee meeting that is imminent that he needs to get to, and a leader in the Jewish community as well, Congressman Ed Perlmutter from the State of Colorado.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much. Ms. Schwartz, I have to tell you that I've heard you share that story before, and I get a lump in my throat every time you tell it. It is so moving and meaningful for you to share that story in the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, and it's one of the ways that we can help people understand why acknowledging the contributions of American Jews and the rich tapestry that we have weaved throughout American history is so important. So thank you again for sharing that story once again. It's now my privilege to yield to one of the most significant Jewish leaders in our country, someone who has been a stalwart fighter for Israel, a stalwart fighter for the issues that matter to American Jews and to Jews across the globe, the gentlelady from Nevada, Shelley Berkley.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you very much, Mr. Deutch, and I'm really pleased that you chose to highlight in your remarks the contributions that our Jewish war veterans have made. Last year, I think it was last year, Ms. Schwartz, last year, we marked, the Jewish Members, a number of us and some non-Jewish Members, marked Jewish American Heritage Month by taking a trip to the Museum of Jewish Military History, which is based in Washington, D.C., and it was a museum that I was not familiar with, didn't know existed. And we had an opportunity, all the way back to the Revolutionary War, to see the contributions of Jews throughout our military history and how they proudly, so many of them, as you said, hundreds of thousands, proudly fought side by side with their fellow American citizens to defend the freedom that we continue to enjoy today. So thank you so much for acknowledging that. It's now my privilege to yield to my good friend, the gentlelady from Pennsylvania, who has been a leader, whom I've shared many a conversation with in the time we have served in the Congress together. We were elected in the same year and both served as State legislators, championing many of the same cases. She was a leader on health care in the Senate in Pennsylvania and has been a leader in the Jewish community in her own right, and I'm so glad you've joined us here tonight. The gentlelady from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz).