Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, as part of ongoing efforts to educate our communities about the dangers of inattentive driving and to promote safer streets. On average, nine people a day are killed in a distracted driving crash. Texting and cell phone use while driving is the most common type of unfocused driving; however, any action that takes a drivers' attention away from the road is distracted driving and is extremely dangerous. Texting while driving is especially prevalent among younger drivers, with 39 percent of high school students reporting texting or emailing while driving during the past month, according to a 2019 CDC study. Even though 48 states have banned texting and driving, including Florida, drivers engage in this behavior anyway. That is why I am proud to uplift leaders in my district who are taking action this month to educate Floridian students and families about the importance of attentive driving. The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter at Hollywood Hills High School and the Florida Teen Safe Driver Coalition's April Safety Awareness Campaign truly shows the power of community-based advocacy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have focused on road safety, especially for our teens. So, in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, I will take the following pledge from the National Safety Council and encourage others to do the same: ``For my friends, my family, and anyone else who may have fond feelings toward me, I pledge not to drive distracted or recklessly. For every person I may never meet, but share the road with, I pledge to give driving the 100 percent attention it deserves.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate my Florida Gators, the University of Florida men's basketball team, for winning the 2025 National Championship. It is their third title and the first since back-to-back Gator wins in 2007. In a heart-stopping final, mostly my heart, they erased a 12-point, second-half deficit to defeat the amazing Houston Cougars with a score of 65-63. Under Coach Golden, they showed the resilience, discipline, and heart that epitomize Gator athletics. Walter Clayton, Jr., the tournament MVP, led that charge, proving time and again that he and his teammates rise to the occasion when it matters most. Yet, this championship is more than just a trophy. It is a symbol of U.S. excellence both on and off the court. It reflects the strength of our State's public universities and the pride we all share as Floridians. The Gator Nation is still humming. As a proud alum, along with my dad, brother, husband, and all three of my kids, I will say it is great to be a Florida Gator. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all the players and coaches and all the students and alumni who cheered them on. Our Gator boys stayed hot and brought a title home. Go Gators.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, the State of Florida is teeming with champions. I rise today to proudly congratulate Nova Southeastern University on winning the 2025 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Championship. The NSU Sharks, based in Davie, in my congressional district, have made our entire State proud. With a thrilling 74-73 victory over California State University, Dominguez Hills, they capped off a dominant 36-1 season to bring home their second national title in just 3 years. This is such an accomplishment. Led by Head Coach Jim Crutchfield and tournament MVP MJ Iraldi, these Sharks showed grit, determination, and the excellence that defines Florida's student athletes. Their 23-game winning streak to close the season is nothing short of extraordinary. These student athletes represent the very best of south Florida excellence, pride, and heart. Their dedication, both on the court and in the classroom, is an inspiration to us all. We congratulate President Moon, the coaching staff, the students, and alumni. We thank them for bringing another national championship back home to the Sunshine State. Go Sharks.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life, the work and the legacy of Congressman Raul Grijalva. While others rush to punch down on people who chase a better life, he was always a brave, bold voice for Tribes, workers and migrants. And he always swung straight and hard at the powerful who blocked their path. Congressman Grijalva was just as comfortable demanding environmental justice from a Big Oil lobbyist, as he was striking up conversation with a bus boy at a restaurant. He served his district, and this Nation, with a humility and genuineness that fostered love and respect from anyone who worked with or for him. His legacy is long and will not be forgotten. As a community organizer, local elected official and leader in Congress, his footprints are all over this nation's march toward progress. Countless acres around the Grand Canyon and Bears Ears National Monuments are federally protected because of him. He demanded and won the right to clean land and water for indigenous peoples and all his constituents. If you heard demands for urgent climate action and immigration fairness in Congress, it was his voice that often rang out. As Chairman and the lead Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, Rep. Grijalva insisted that historic investments be made in our environment and public lands, and that they touch all communities, not just the well-connected ones. Your grandchildren will benefit from his push to tackle the climate crisis in the Inflation Reduction Act. We all know that the prevailing currency of this realm is stoking divisions, but Raul Grijalva built bridges. As a cancer survivor, I also know how hard the battle against this terrible disease can be, and his stoic determination in staring it down while doing his life's work was inspiring. He fought that disease, and for the people he represented--with grace and dignity. Congressman Grijalva was a mentor to me and so many others. I'm proud to have been touched by his friendship, and his life of service. May his memory be for a blessing.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman, two extraordinary individuals whose unwavering dedication to service, philanthropy, and cultural enrichment has profoundly impacted South Florida and beyond. Since making Broward County, Florida then home in 1962, Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman have been steadfast champions of initiatives that uplift individuals, families, and seniors. Then generosity and leadership have played a vital role in expanding social services, advancing education, promoting Jewish values, fostering a love for the arts, and supporting groundbreaking research in Multiple Myeloma. Through their philanthropy, the Goodmans have cultivated a spirit of giving, inspiring others to contribute their time, talents, and resources to causes that create lasting change. Their contributions have not only provided immediate support to those in need but have also established a legacy of enduring impact through endowments and promised gifts that will benefit generations to come. Today, we recognize and celebrate Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman for their remarkable generosity, vision, and commitment to strengthening our community. Their efforts serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of service and the profound impact compassionate, thoughtful individuals can make on others. On behalf of the constituents of Florida's 25th District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman for their lifelong contributions. May their legacy of kindness and philanthropy continue to enrich lives for years to come.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this cruel betrayal of America's veterans, seniors, and working families. This 1-year CR doesn't make rent or healthcare bills more affordable, which is what keeps my constituents up at night. Instead, it actually cuts housing aid that could force 32,000 veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, and people with disabilities into homelessness. What does this spending patch do as we all now stare down the barrel of another Trump recession? It hands an unelected billionaire free rein to keep stealing taxpayer dollars and paves the way for billionaires and big corporations to luxuriate in more tax breaks. This isn't a clean CR. This CR stands for cut and run. It lets Trump close hundreds of Social Security offices and fire thousands of workers who deliver our seniors' checks. It allows Musk to keep hacking into your private tax data. It puts critical Everglades restoration funds at risk. Worst of all, it lets Trump and Musk keep up their brutal assault on veterans and the people who care for them. It does it by eliminating $23 billion in guaranteed funding for healthcare for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. We should debate bipartisan, full-year funding bills that grow the economy and provide vital resources Americans need. Instead, this Republican cut-and-run bill turns Congress into a missing kid on a milk carton and cedes massive power to Trump. This is the same President who, in 2 short months, tanked your 401(k) and unleashed a job-killing trade war. Yesterday, the stock market just recorded its worst day since 2020. What really enrages me is that this cut-and-run bill sides with the most anti-veteran President in American history. Trump has fired 6,000 veterans, inflicted mass VA layoffs, and killed hundreds of veterans services contracts. Trump even plans to lay off another 83,000 VA workers. On top of that, this cut-and-run bill makes even deeper cuts to the healthcare services for all those who bravely served our Nation. Democrats are more than willing to back bipartisan funding legislation, but we will never sell out our seniors, veterans, and children like this cut-and-run bill shamelessly does. Vote ``no.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I announce to the House the passing of the respected and revered former colleague from the State of Florida, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Lincoln and his brothers are family to me, and Lincoln was a man whom I was honored to learn from, a respected public figure who was in politics and public service for all the right reasons. The one thing you must know, Mr. Speaker, is he loved this country. Lincoln was a fierce patriot. He championed many issues important to our community, our country, and our continent, but few, if any, fought any harder for a free and democratic Cuba. Whether as a Democrat or later as a Republican, he was always a guiding light in this fight for freedom in Cuba and around the world. I am so grateful I was able to serve with him for 6 years and then continue our work with his brother and ``my brother,'' ``mi hermano,'' Mario, ``at the same time,'' ``en el mismo tiempo.'' Mr. Speaker, he was exactly who you wanted in your corner because he was a fierce fighter who put principle over politics. Lincoln Diaz-Balart was a kind and giving leader and a remarkably effective legislator who led by example. He also loved this institution, what it represented, and his constituents. He served as a member of the Rules Committee including serving as ranking member from 2007 to 2011. Lincoln also worked to open this building and our legislative process to more Americans, especially Hispanic Americans. To that end, he; his brother, Mario; and former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen started the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. Today, as a mark of respect for that legacy, the institute has a public service fellowship named in his honor. Congressman Lincoln Diaz- Balart will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members in the House Chamber along with Members, staff, and guests throughout the Capitol complex rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Mr. Speaker, ``may his memory be for a blessing,'' ``Que su recuerdo sea una bendicion.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the Republican budget resolution that utterly betrays middle-class Americans and threatens to explode the deficit. This deceitful budget would gut Medicaid, schools, and affordable housing, all so Republican billionaire donors can get more tax breaks. Instead of cutting costs for families, it undermines veterans' benefits and forces millions more families to live paycheck to paycheck. Instead of lowering prices at the pharmacy or the supermarket, this budget will bleed Americans dry. Billionaires get a windfall, and taxpayers get stuck with the bill. This budget would swipe food from seniors and children, and in my district, ACA healthcare premiums would leap by almost $500. A 60-year- old Broward County couple with a household income of $85,000 would see their ACA premiums jump $16,000 a year, a 226 percent increase. How does this Republican rip-off help American families? Long story short, it won't. I urge my colleagues to reject this billionaire buyout budget that would crush working families, make Americans less safe and secure, blow out the debt, and devastate lifesaving resources that families need.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and I thank my fellow appropriator and friend, Marcy Kaptur, for initiating and hosting this Special Order hour. I thank my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), for standing in for the gentlewoman because it is incredibly disturbing that we must come together to condemn what should be inherently obvious. Elon Musk was elected by no one, confirmed by no one, and is accountable to no one. Yet, President Trump allows this conflict- riddled billionaire to rifle through Americans' highly sensitive records and attack the public servants who look out for all of us. I have never witnessed such utter contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law. It is clear who is running this White House. It is Elon Musk, whose nonstop lies would leave human rights groups in Cuba and Venezuela out to dry and victims of famine and natural disasters left to starve or die. Donald Trump is allowing Musk to illegally slash our efforts to counter dictators and protect democracy, the man with billions on the line in China. Trump and Musk are gutting agencies that are investigating Musk's companies. Is that coincidence? All the while, Donald Trump ignores what he committed to prioritizing throughout his campaign: making everyday life more affordable for everyone. Mr. Speaker, this chaos crew in the White House is rocking the faith of Americans. It is alienating allies and destabilizing our businesses. It is trashing our ability to honor our commitments and fulfill the basic functions of government. My constituents are angry and afraid, and they should be. It is understandable. Musk and his minions will gut any program that doesn't line their own pockets. These cruel, reckless cuts built on lies and illegal funding freezes will devastate the children, veterans, and seniors that we Democrats fight for every day, and worse. All that this chaotic Republican rip- off will do is raise grocery prices and healthcare costs for our families. While Musk steals children's Social Security numbers, Trump is busy enacting policies that will raise prices on everything from prescription drugs to affordable housing. As Musk digs through mom and dad's tax returns, he and Trump are gutting consumer protections that keep scammers from ripping Americans off. All of this is designed for one thing: to pay for more millionaire and billionaire tax breaks and open the door to gut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. In fact, the Budget Committee is meeting right now, as we speak, to do just that. They all get wealthier, and the lives of working families become even more unaffordable. Mr. Speaker, we are not going to roll over and let this madness continue. Every dollar illegally stolen from our Federal agencies must be restored. We must continue to hold Trump and his billionaire friends accountable. We are going to continue to protect victims of scams and natural disasters, regardless of what Trump or his billionaire puppeteer proposes. The Musk-Trump unchecked raid of taxpayer dollars must end. We must commit together to reduce people's everyday kitchen-table costs, and Democrats will stand up every single day to fight to put lowering people's costs at the top of the agenda.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mary Barley of Florida to celebrate her much-deserved induction into the Everglades Coalition Hall of Fame. Mary and her late husband, George, brought unmatched passion and commitment for decades to serving America's Everglades. For instance, this award-winning advocate was pivotal in helping pass the bipartisan Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan in 2000. This landmark legislation authorized the world's largest ecosystem restoration effort, one that continues to guide our renewal efforts today. Mary is also a founding director of the Everglades Foundation, the leading scientific, advocacy, and educational group working to restore this ecological treasure. Mr. Speaker, Mary Barley has been more than a leading bipartisan force in the historic quest to save the River of Grass. She has been a mentor, friend, and role model to generations of young environmentalists who were fortunate to learn from her passion and devotion to this cherished ecosystem. We are so fortunate to have a persuasive advocate to preserve and protect this unique and magnificent ecosystem. Mary's induction into the Everglades Coalition Hall of Fame is timely and well-deserved.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Republicans' reproductive healthcare surveillance act. This bill is the very definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing. It uses an intentionally scary title that simply doesn't happen. Babies born alive are not killed by abortions after birth. Republicans pretend to support families and pregnant women, but this bill is clearly another attempt to control a woman's body. It is a bill to wedge the government between couples and their doctor when facing incredibly difficult decisions. This bill pushes lies and misinformation about pregnancy and abortion care. It targets women who received heartbreaking diagnoses of serious health complications, the kind of complications that puts the life of a fetus or their own life at risk. That is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly opposes this legislation. These are the very frontline medical professionals who provide care for women throughout their pregnancy. We all know women who are suffering due to the Republicans' agenda that puts pregnant women in the crosshairs of their extremism. Sadly, these tragic stories are not hard to find in my home State of Florida. Let's not create more of them. Mr. Speaker, we must reject these attacks and stand up for women in our country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to other Members, Mr. Speaker, I will begin with my own remarks regarding my longtime chief of staff, Tracie Pough. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a woman who, as much as anyone in my adult life, has been a true partner, mentor, counsel, confidant, and quite frankly, like the sister that I never had. I do have a great brother, though. I rise to honor my chief of staff, Tracie Pough, who is retiring after 20-plus years of service in the House, which has spanned my own 20 years representing my community in our beloved home State of Florida. Rarely, Mr. Speaker, are any of us blessed with someone who can see our inner self with just a glance, someone who without one word knows exactly where you stand, someone who is truly your natural alter ego. Throughout all of my time in Congress, and even before that, in my time in the Florida Legislature, I leaned on no one more than my chief of staff, Tracie Pough. We often joke in my office about how the two of us share one brain. I can't tell you how many nights I leaned on her for advice, knowledge, and insights, not just on how to make life better for the people that I represent, but how to navigate through life. Anyone who knows her has benefited from her Tracie-isms, wisdom that comes with its own vocabulary. She is a staff leader who has mentored and trained dozens of staffers on our team, many of whom are watching C-SPAN. I know I am breaking rules referring to people in the gallery, but many are also joining us in the gallery tonight. She is a staff leader who is sought out by other staffers, as well as chiefs, for her guidance. She is widely respected on both sides of the aisle, and her political acumen is legendary. Tracie is and always has been a trusted voice, an empathic voice to all who seek her counsel. Her amazing political instincts, unmatched relationships, and her highly structured leadership of my office is something I have come to rely on for two decades. When former staffers reached back to me with their thoughts about her leadership, many shared how Tracie was an invaluable mentor to them over her 21 years in Congress. She has been both my top general and that ever-reliable shoulder to cry on. She has been there with me through it all. Tracie helped lift me to my highest of highs, and she was right there to pick me up in those low times. It is during these times that you find out who you can really count on, Mr. Speaker, who has the courage, the passion and temperament and loyalty to continue to help you take steps forward, never back. I have a couple of items that I want to recall, one of which was the story behind my passage of the first bill that I ever passed as a Member of Congress all the way back in 2005, which created Jewish American Heritage Month. It is a lengthy story, but suffice it to say, you want to find yourself--to the new Members who may be listening to these remarks--you want to find yourself a chief of staff, a team leader, who knows the intricacies of the legislative process, who actually picks up the daily calendar, who looks closely at it, and then figures out what plays need to be made to get your legislation to the floor. I can comfortably say that we would not have just celebrated the 17th year of Jewish American Heritage Month this past year in May if not for Tracie Pough's acumen, her strategic incite, and her relationships. As a freshman, I can tell you, I would not have been able to carry that ball by myself. Tracie has also been an incredible generational bridge, which both of us have very much needed as the evolution of the age and generations of my staff have gotten younger than we are today. I was elected to Congress, Mr. Speaker, when I was 37 years old, and suffice it to say, that I had several staffers that were older than me back then. No longer. If anyone has dealt with the challenges--and I am now a parent of Gen Zers, three Gen Zers, whom I, like every parent, struggle to understand--but now I have an entire team, almost an entire team of staff who are either Millennials or Gen Zers, and Tracie and I have enjoyed helping raise them up. Under her leadership, we taught them how to actually pick up the telephone and call other people, rather than just shoot them a text or send them an email. When they are sitting there wondering why someone hasn't gotten back to them, or they are ready to throw their hands up, and say, you know, it is time to move on, Congresswoman, Tracie will say, why don't you have Debbie actually go talk to that Member on the other side of the aisle. Lo and behold, when I take the opportunity to do that, the logjam and the dam breaks. Human interaction is so incredibly important, and with the explosion of technology that the next generation of staffers and children and kids grow up with, she has been an incredible guide to ensuring that old school remains new school. As with all wonderful relationships, this one will now evolve. She is prepared to move on and start that inevitable new chapter. Her impact on me, our staff, and the people that I represent runs so deep. Through her tireless work, Tracie has made life better for millions of people across Florida, across my congressional district, and this entire Nation. She is someone who there aren't words to describe the depth of my feeling about her departure, but I will so miss working with directly and spending time with her each day. Although, I am confident that we will probably talk almost every day, at least for the foreseeable future and much to her dismay, probably. She is someone to whom I will forever remain attached to. Tracie Pough is family to me, and I cherish her friendship and the time we have spent together more than I can ever put into words. As I always say, when a trusted and valued team member goes on to the next stage of their career, they will always be on team DWS, but she will technically move to the concentric circles of our family. She will always remain in the center as a trusted adviser, dearest friend, and sister. On behalf of so many here today, and so many others, I thank her. I am honored to have her by my side and to celebrate her work, her character, and the indelible mark she has left on all of us. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Mr. Whip, for helping me honor my friend, my sister, Tracie Pough. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from the great State of Florida (Ms. Castor), my colleague and friend.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you so much, Congresswoman Castor. That was a very special and important tribute. I appreciate it so much. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to the Congresswoman from the great State of Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Frankel, my friend, for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto).

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Two.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Soto and all of my colleagues for helping me honor this remarkable woman. Mr. Speaker, I will close with this. I think every Member can appreciate that their chief of staff, really their entire congressional staff, but their chief of staff is often a person we spend more time with than we spend with any member of our family, including our spouses and significant others. It is someone who needs to put up with us and tolerate the highs and lows. Tracie has done all that and more. She has taken calls at all hours of the night. Then, in the morning, she has always made herself available. The sacrifices that all of our staff members make to be able to help us be successful and make sure that our constituents are able to have their representation maximized is truly remarkable. Tracie and I have been through marriage, children, raising those children, helping one another raise our children; appointments to committees for me, like the Appropriations Committee in my second term, becoming a cardinal on my first day; being diagnosed, beating, and surviving breast cancer; and chairing the Democratic National Committee, and surviving the aftermath of that experience, including threats, bomb threats, international hacks. We had the absolutely incredible opportunity to be able to do all of that together and to be able to make sure that we do the best job every day when we walk across the threshold of our office doors to give voice to the people of now Florida's 25th Congressional District, but prior to that the 23rd, and prior to that the 20th. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be able to honor this remarkable woman on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, the beacon of democracy, our temple of democracy that is a light unto the world and whose light is going to be a little bit dimmer with her departure on Friday. I know that we will continue to work together and lean on one another for all the rest of our days. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a treasured Florida statesman, the Honorable Governor Kenneth ``Buddy'' MacKay. Today, his hometown and family will celebrate this compassionate fighter who served 26 years in the State house and senate, Congress, as Florida's Lieutenant Governor, and briefly as Governor. A righteous fighter for what he believed in, he fought the Cross Florida Barge Canal and defended a fellow University of Florida classmate from racist taunts. When others of his generation saw an issue to exploit, Buddy remained steadfast to protect civil rights, reproductive freedoms, and our precious ecosystem. Political foes used his decency against him, but Buddy MacKay remained a man of principle. He was a proud liberal who never abandoned causes that helped the less fortunate, even if it cost him votes. I came of age watching Buddy MacKay masterfully maneuver against powerful adversaries and work tirelessly behind the scenes to help people. Buddy MacKay embodied all the values of decency and honesty, and his public service legacy is a model we desperately need. May his memory be for a blessing.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present in the chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, due to a family medical emergency. Unfortunately, the final version of the FY2025 NDAA includes a misguided provision preventing the dependents of service members from receiving the medical treatment they need and deserve. Further, the bill callously stripped provisions that would have given more service members and their partners the ability to start a family through IVF. However, as the Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I fight every day to improve the quality of life of our service members and their families and on balance, this bill does that. Among many meaningful investments, it includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members while eliminating contraceptive copayments for TRICARE beneficiaries. I will continue to fight for all service members and their families to receive the benefits and care they deserve. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 499 and YEA on Roll Call No. 500.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise and recognize the distinguished career of Dr. George Hanbury, the president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University. Since 2010, Dr. Hanbury guided this institution with vision, integrity, and a true dedication to excellence. His impact is evident in the growth, innovation, and spirit that defines NSU, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. During his tenure, NSU established a state-of-the-art teaching hospital. It also opened the Levan Center of Innovation for startup businesses and student entrepreneurship. It became the third university nationwide to offer both osteopathic and allopathic medical degrees in 2018. Dr. Hanbury also established the President's 64, an elite group of student leaders with the purpose to strengthen the relationship between the university and its community. During a recent interview, he said his 27 years at NSU is ``the most noble thing I have ever done.'' I wish him well on his retirement and thank him for, the thoughtful and committed work he has done to enrich the students and faculty at Nova Southeastern University.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank my good friends from Maryland, Mr. Mfume and Mr. Raskin, for their diligent work on this bill to honor the life and legacy of Elijah Cummings. Chairman Cummings was known throughout this Chamber and the Nation as a man of strength and integrity and someone who compassionately yet fearlessly wielded his powers of oversight and transparency to make our Nation as strong as it could possibly be. He was also a mentor to me and many others, and someone I proudly called my friend. I had the privilege of serving on the Committee on Oversight and Reform under Chairman Cummings and saw up close how he fought for what is right and just, even if it wasn't popular. Elijah Cummings was also known for telling hard truths. It didn't matter who you were, what your politics were, or where you came from. He told difficult truths to American baseball heroes who had tarnished our beloved pastimes, and he confronted powerful people who priced prescription drugs beyond the reach of our citizens. One of Elijah Cummings' best qualities was that he listened, and more importantly, he actually heard you. He heard you whether you were a schoolteacher or a janitor, a colleague here in Congress or the President of the United States. I still carry the advice that Chairman Cummings gave to me, and I am sure he shared it with many of you as well: You need to think about the decisions you make and their impact not just on the moment at hand but on the future. I could spend all day listing out his legislative and political accomplishments, but one thing stands out and cements his lasting impact: the thousands of people he inspired to fight for justice and freedom. He served this House and the American people with grace, unmatched integrity, and passion. He loved the city and the people of Baltimore, and they loved him right back. This post office is another visible and lasting testament of respect for this true American giant, and I proudly support this bill and encourage all of my colleagues to do the same and continue to acknowledge the incredible legacy and leadership of this remarkable man. Rest in power, my friend.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jewish Refugee Day, or Yom Haplitim. On November 30th, we remember the 900,000 Jews who were exiled from Arab and Muslim-majority nations during the early years of the State of Israel. For over 2,500 years, Jews lived in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf region. Over generations, Jews were subjected to discrimination and even second-class citizenship in many cases. But, nevertheless, they were loyal citizens who made substantial contributions to the culture and development of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, and several other Arab countries. In the wake of the Holocaust and the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, entire Jewish communities were forcefully exiled from the countries in which they had lived for millennia. Their homes and property were stripped from them along with their citizenship. These women, men, and children fled in a mass exodus, leaving everything behind to start new lives in the lands of their ancestors, as many of them were absorbed by Israel and now form an indispensable part of the fabric of the Jewish homeland. Other refugees became part of the Jewish Diaspora, including in the United States. I had the privilege of meeting with researchers and historians in Davie, Florida who are crucially documenting and preserving the life stories of Jews who lived for millennia across the Middle East and North Africa. I was honored to have the opportunity to hear survivors share testimonies of experiencing exile from their countries and bravely navigating a new life. It is critical that these stories are preserved for future generations. Their struggle and resilience--along with the hundreds of thousands of Jews who also stood in their shoes--is inspiring. It is a testament to the improbable survival of the Jewish people throughout history. In 1910, the first Jewish person permanently settled in Broward County. From then on, our community has only grown, diversified and thrived. Throughout my time in Congress, I've always fought to embrace the diversity of our Nation and the immigrant heritage that follows us to this day. I am proud to represent the Jewish American community in my district and to use my platform to amplify the voices of Jewish Americans. Since the horrors of October 7, antisemitism has risen sharply around the world. Many Jewish Americans are fearful and isolated as threats reemerge from the darkness. But I and the Jewish American community--and Jews all over the world--will not be deterred. The history of the Jewish people is characterized by our strength and resilience in the face of strife. We must acknowledge the history of the Jewish refugees to keep their stories alive.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I could not be physically present in the House to vote on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 461; NAY on Roll Call No. 462; YEA on Roll Call No. 463; and NAY on Roll Call No. 464.