Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I can appreciate the dilemma faced by my colleagues on the commission and the difficulty of securing suitable space for such events and meetings. I am committed to working with the gentleman from Florida in finding a durable solution to this persistent problem. My understanding is that he has identified space in the CVC that might meet the commission's needs.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you to the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, Mr. Hastings. I appreciate that. It is important that we get back to the business at hand, and I simply wanted to address the gentleman from New Jersey's remark about the Office of Technology Assessment, which is an important agency of the legislative branch that remains authorized in the U.S. statutes, but that currently does not receive funding. Especially given the age of technology and the advent of scientific progress that we are in the 21st century, I think it is incredibly important that we begin to reestablish or explore reestablishing that legislative branch agency, and I look forward to working with the gentleman and with my colleague, Mr. Aderholt, the ranking member, and Mr. Wamp and a number of other bipartisan members that are interested in doing that over the course of the next year.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Will the gentleman yield?

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this essential amendment, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself from an imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran and other countries and organizations. As Iran forges ahead with its quest for a nuclear weapons capability, it is vital for Congress to recognize Israel's urgent need to deal with the looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. Like all sovereign nations, Israel has not only a right, but moreover, an obligation, to ensure the safety and security of her citizens. An imminent nuclear or military threat from Iran would certainly endanger her citizens, and that is why, in the strongest of terms, I support my colleague's vital amendment. According to the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, Iran has sped up its production of nuclear fuel and has increased its number of installed centrifuges to 7,200--more than enough to make fuel for two nuclear bombs per year. If Iran possessed nuclear weapons, it could share this technology with terrorist groups to carry out attacks against both Israel and the United States. Let me be very clear. A nuclear-armed Iran would certainly constitute an existential threat to Israel, but would not only threaten Israel. As the leading state sponsor of international terrorism, a nuclear-armed Iran would pose unacceptable threats to global security. This rogue nation's possession of a nuclear weapon would likely lead to nuclear proliferation elsewhere in the region and around the globe, while fundamentally altering the strategic balance of the Middle East, and endangering U.S. national security interests. Undoubtedly, now is the time for us all to stand together in support of Israel and global peace and security. I urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment, and pray that Iran suspends its nuclear program, and starts working towards peace instead of terror.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I thank the gentlelady from California for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 109, which honors the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest and most progressive group of breast cancer activists in the world. So it is no surprise that the race, now in its 20th year, is the world's largest and most successful fundraising event in the fight against breast cancer. Over the years, participants have raised tens of millions of dollars to fund screening, treatment and education programs for the medically underserved. And with over 120 races across the globe, it is fitting that when the thousands of runners, walkers and, yes, even sleepers participate this Saturday, they will be part of the newly named Global Race for the Cure. The new name is also fitting because we know that breast cancer respects no national boundaries and is, in fact, the leading cause of death among women worldwide. To be sure, while we have come a long way in the fight against breast cancer, we still have too far to go. This year in the United States alone, over 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of those women will be younger than 45 years old. Each year, 28,000 women younger than 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer, and far too many of them lose their battle. Forty-thousand of the women diagnosed nationwide will not survive. Globally, over 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost half a million will die. That is why we cannot rest in our efforts to fund research and find a cure for this insidious disease, and it is why we cannot rest in our efforts to provide education and awareness for all women. We must ensure that they have access to screening and treatment, and we must do all we can to support the more than 2.5 million survivors in our country alone. As many of you know, I recently had my own battle with breast cancer. I am both grateful and humbled to count myself among this growing group of passionate survivors. I was fortunate to have access to the treatment and support that I needed to win my own fight. Through efforts like the Race for the Cure, we can all work together to make sure that everyone has that same opportunity. So thanks to the many people participating in this year's race--the countless volunteers, the supporters, the runners, walkers and all the staff of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for making this event an annual reality. And thanks to my colleague and friend Representative Gerry Connolly for his leadership in sponsoring this important resolution and for working with myself and Delegate Gregorio Sablan to honor the work of everyone fighting against breast cancer. And congratulations to Mr. Sablan's family on his child's high school graduation. I urge my colleagues to support this wonderful resolution and to take a moment to honor all of those we have lost in this fight and also those that struggle on. Let us not stop until the race is won. Early detection is the key. I did not find my tumor through luck. I found it through education and awareness. All women and all families in this country deserve access to that education and awareness. Let me just issue a little challenge to the 13 teams in the congressional division competing in the Race for the Cure this Saturday. Let's show all the other teams what our congressional teams can do, step up our efforts in the last few days, and really increase the participation of the Members and staff of the congressional division for the Global Race for the Cure.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I too today rise with a heavy heart. We learned early this morning that America lost a great patriot, Roslyn Littman Schulte, who was killed this morning just north of Kabul by a roadside bomb. First Lieutenant Schulte, an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force, was serving in Afghanistan. She was only 25 years old. A 2006 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Roslyn was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I am heartbroken for a good friend of many of us, Todd Schulte, chief of staff to Congressman Scott Murphy, who is Roslyn's brother. It is on days like today that we must remind ourselves of the great sacrifices that members of the armed services and their families make in defense of freedom and the security of the United States. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Bob and Suzy, her brother Todd, her extended family and her unit at this grievous time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the fourth annual Jewish American Heritage Month, which takes place in communities across the country each May. Jewish American Heritage Month 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. Yet, while our diversity is America's strength, ignorance and intolerance about the culture, traditions, and accomplishments of the Jewish people are still prevalent. Jews make up only 2 percent of our Nation's population, and, therefore, most Americans have had few interactions with Jews and our traditions. I personally experienced this lack of knowledge when I was a student in the dorms at the University of Florida. While at school, a fellow student noticed my name and said, ``Wow, you're Jewish? I've seen pictures, but I've never met a real one.'' Now, this girl did not mean any harm, but the limited understanding of the Jewish people and our historical role in the Nation's development leads to ignorance, which contributes to stereotypes and prejudices. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most recent Hate Crimes Statistics report, 68.4 percent of criminal incidents motivated by religious bias stemmed from anti-Jewish prejudice. Additionally, due to a lack of understanding, some Americans perceive Judaism as only a religion, when, in reality, Judaism is a religion, a rich tradition, and a culture that dates back 4,000 years. Mr. Speaker, this is why communities across the country have come together to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. A few years ago, the Jewish community in South Florida approached me with the idea to honor the contributions of American Jews with a designated month each year. As the concept gained momentum, 250 of my colleagues joined me as original cosponsors of a resolution urging the President to issue a proclamation for this month. Senator Arlen Specter led the effort in the Senate, and together the House and Senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting the creation of Jewish American Heritage Month. In May of 2006, we celebrated this important occasion for the first time and have been celebrating each May since then. Now, the month of May introduces Jewish culture to the entire country and dispels harmful prejudices. Like Black History Month and Women's History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the abundance of contributions American Jews have made to the United States over the last 353 years. 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. One way Jewish American Heritage Month counters these prejudices is by providing educators the opportunity to include American Jews in discussions of history, as well as highlighting the leadership of members of the Jewish community in significant historical events. For example, it might surprise many to learn that it was an American Jew, Irving Berlin, who wrote the lyrics to the song, ``God Bless America.'' Even the very foundations of our country were impacted by Jews. Haym Salomon, a Jewish man, was one of the largest financiers of the American Revolution War. And Rabbi Joachim Prinz was a passionate civil rights activist, appearing on the podium just moments before Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his ``I Have a Dream'' speech. And the list goes on. This year's Jewish American Heritage Month has been packed with programs celebrating the contributions of American Jewry to our countries 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 be hosting a reception for Members of Congress and members of the Jewish community. 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 is not all. The Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration will be hosting lectures, 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 major league Florida Marlins baseball team will host a Jewish Heritage game, with kosher food and Jewish music in between innings. Cincinnati will be hosting lectures, including one on President Lincoln's solid relationship with American Jews. And Wyoming will host a festival celebrating Jewish food, and we all know how much we love food! Events are also scheduled to occur in New York, California, Texas, and other States around the country. Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way in recent years to promote appreciation for the multicultural fabric of the United States of America. It is 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.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the more than 40,000 teachers from Broward and Miami-Dade Counties during National Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place this year from May 3 through May 9, 2009. This week all across America, our Nation's schoolchildren, their parents, PTAs and others are gathering to show their appreciation for the professional educators who work every day to make their futures brighter. Teacher Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to stop and pay tribute to the profession that shapes the world of tomorrow. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the lasting contributions that these men and women make to the lives of thousands of students in South Florida. Today, I am pleased to commend the efforts of two special teachers in my district: Tony Dutra, a reading teacher from the Hallandale Community Center in Hallandale, Florida, teaches Extraordinary Student Education. When he was a student Mr. Dutra was learning disabled so he understands the challenges his student go through on a daily basis. Mr. Dutra was named Broward County's public school teacher of the year. Patricia Fairclough, a second grade teacher from Airbase Elementary School in Homestead, Florida, was Miami-Dade County's public school teacher of the year. As a first-grader, Patricia struggled in class, but she was inspired by a caring teacher and now she is helping other children who need a little extra tough love. I hope that you will all join me in thanking Mr. Dutra and Ms. Fairclough and all of our nation's teachers for everything they do each and every day to encourage, instruct and guide our students. All of America's teachers deserve more than a week of recognition for their investment in our country's most precious resource, our children. Too often teachers are overworked and underpaid. They spend long hours in the classroom, many hours after the school day coaching our kids and leading their extracurricular groups, and then go home to spend more time grading papers. Teachers invest their own lives in the lives of our children, and every day they empower young people with the knowledge and tools needed to be successful and confident. America's future is in the hands of our children and we owe our teachers a universe of thanks for their hard work.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I wonder if our friends on the other side of the aisle would be singing the same offensive tune if we were talking about hate crimes based on race or religion. It seems to me that it is the category of individual that they are offended by rather than the fact that we have hate crimes laws at all. We have already heard the powerful story of Matthew Shepard. His mother, Judy, addressed our caucus this week. As the Speaker noted, we are all inspired by Judy Shepard's 10-year quest to turn her pain and tears into change because these cases are tragic and real. Ryan Skipper was a 25-year-old gay man from Polk County, Florida. Like Matthew, Ryan's body was found murdered and dumped along the side of the road about 2 years ago. Ryan's body had been stabbed 20 times and his throat was slit. His car was found abandoned nearby and contained the fingerprints of his two killers. One of his killers told the police his conduct was justified to rebuff unwanted sexual advances. Because there was no hate crime law with which to charge Ryan's killer in Florida, only one of Ryan's attackers has been convicted, and that was of a lesser charge. Why do we need a hate crimes law? Because hate crimes do more than threaten the safety and well-being of individuals. Hate crimes do more than inflict incalculable pain and suffering on individual victims. Hate crimes target groups and terrorize communities. Left unpunished, hate crimes send powerful messages of intolerance. Hate crimes leave both the victim and others in their group feeling isolated, vulnerable, and unprotected. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation again this Congress. I want to commend my colleague, Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, and my committee colleague, Tammy Baldwin, for their leadership in bringing this issue forward again this year. Let's announce here and now that we will not tolerate this kind of terror in America. Let's vow that we will not turn a blind eye to hatred and violence in America. And let us pledge to give police and prosecutors all the resources they need to stamp out this scourge. Mr. Speaker, Matthew Shepard and Ryan Skipper may be gone, but we can honor their lives today. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the more than 1,200 employees from Broward and Miami-Dade Counties who will volunteer to benefit Samuel Delevoe Park and Oleta River State Park on Saturday, April 25th for Comcast Cares Day. Volunteers and their families will join together to landscape facility grounds, paint and enhance two of Florida's parks. This event will mark the eighth annual company-wide day of service. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to commend Comcast and its employees for their service to our community at a time when our nation faces enormous challenges. Families are losing jobs, health care, and other key services. Our public needs are growing while our resources for meeting them are disappearing. As a mother of three young children, I believe that service is the lifeblood of this country. Volunteers can play many roles. They teach in our classrooms; clean up our waterways, roads and parks; care for the elderly; and feed the hungry. All the while, they learn valuable skills that will help them throughout their lives. I hope that the selfless actions of the Comcast employees and their families will serve as an inspiration for other Americans to enrich their own lives by helping others and giving back to their communities.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, this week I will be introducing the EARLY Act: The Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009. The EARLY Act is designed to empower young women to learn the facts, know their bodies, speak up for their health, and embrace support. Despite the perception, young women can and do get breast cancer. More than 10,000 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States. Although the incidence of breast cancer in young women is much lower, young women's breast cancers are generally more aggressive, are diagnosed at a later stage, and result in lower survival rates. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, including Ashkenazi Jews and African American young women, have an increased risk of breast cancer. I became acutely aware of all of this information, and more, a little more than a year ago. After finding a lump in my breast while doing my routine breast self-exam in the shower, I learned a few weeks later from my doctor that I had breast cancer. Upon learning of my diagnosis and after genetic counseling, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. As a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, I was in a category of at-risk populations for these gene mutations. The test results showed that I did indeed carry the BRCA2 genetic marker that suggests a greater susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers. After further consultation with my doctors and my husband, I decided to have a double mastectomy and have my ovaries removed to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of cancer. Today, with a clean bill of health and cancer-free, I plan to introduce the EARLY Act. The EARLY Act encourages young women to be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts. By knowing what feels normal, a young woman has a better chance of knowing when something feels different. The EARLY Act will also work to educate young women about changes in their body that could be warning signs of breast cancer. We want them to know that it doesn't only start with a lump. It can be swelling, a rash, breast pain, nipple pain, redness or scaliness, too. The EARLY Act will encourage young women to be their own voice--to speak up for themselves and know when they need to go to their doctor. The EARLY Act will teach both young women and medical professionals alike about risk factors, warning signs of breast cancer, and predictive tools such as genetic testing, that can help women make informed decisions about their health. It will also provide grants to organizations dedicated to supporting young women and the unique issues we face when diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as managing and understanding their risks. Today, we often fail to teach about risk in this country. As a result, many of us face serious consequences in our lives. We need to change the educational dialogue and empower not only young women, but everyone to take control of the risks they face. And that begins with education and awareness. I thought I knew all of my personal risk factors for breast cancer. Because of those risk factors, I performed self-exams, went to my doctor regularly, and have been a longtime legislative advocate in the fight against breast cancer. But when I was diagnosed, I found out I had more risk factors than I was aware of. For example, I had absolutely no idea that as an Ashkenazi Jewish woman, I was five times more likely than the general population to have an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, or what the risks of carrying that gene entailed. This bill will give all young women the tools they need to take control of the risks by teaching awareness of their personal risks and what they can do to manage those risks. At the end of the day, the old saying rings true: Knowledge is power. By making sure young women know their risk factors, the EARLY Act is the first step in transforming how we approach the fight against breast cancer. In hearing my story, some people might say I was lucky. While I was certainly fortunate enough to have access to good health care, I didn't find my tumor early because of luck. I found my tumor early because of knowledge and awareness. I knew I should perform breast self-exams, and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like. It is my hope that by sharing my story we will pass the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 into law this year and further reduce the death rate of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. We need to ensure that every young woman in America can rely on more than just luck. Their survival depends on it. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this vital legislation. Thank you very much.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of National Women's History Month. With this year's theme of ``Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,'' I am pleased to recognize the many women who have showed exceptional vision and leadership in the ongoing efforts to save our planet, women like Carol Browner, the White House Coordinator of Energy and Climate Policy, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first ever female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Eileen Collins, the first woman shuttle commander, and Nan Rich, my State senator, who just became the first female Democratic leader in the Florida State Senate in our history. These women exemplify that a woman can do any job a man can do. As we saw during the Presidential election, women like Secretary of State Hillary Clinton showed Americans that women are ready to lead. My daughter, Rebecca, turned in her fourth grade biography report on Susan B. Anthony this week. She and I learned together about the right to vote and equal access to education for women that she fought for so valiantly but never lived to see. As the mother of two young daughters, it is so important to me that they see strong women taking the lead to repair our world. As we look to the future and the steps that must be taken to save our planet, women can and will take the lead.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern about the difficulties Member offices are experiencing offering staff-led tours of the Capitol. As Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, I am fully committed to making sure Member offices can continue providing this important service to their constituents. The Capitol is not a museum. It is a living, breathing institution at the core of our representative democracy. Staff-led tours give our constituents a chance to experience the work that goes on here on a personalized level. When there was talk last year about eliminating staff-led tours, we made clear at our oversight hearings that preserving those tours should be one of the highest priorities for the Capitol Visitor Center. Reflecting that priority, we included a provision in last year's Legislative Branch Appropriations bill prohibiting the elimination of staff-led tours. However, preserving the existence of the tours and putting a button on the CVC Web site is simply not enough. We also need to make sure that the system in place doesn't diminish Member offices' ability to offer staff-led tours. Mr. Brady and I intend to work aggressively over the next few weeks to ensure that improvements to the system arrive before the peak visitor season hits. Staff who give tours should receive training, but we need to make sure that the time requirements make sense, that the training is consistent and effective, and that classes are offered frequently enough to meet Member office needs. We also need to make sure that we don't homogenize the Capitol tour and turn this beautiful institution into a museum. Staff-led tours offer something that guide-led tours cannot, a personalized experience that incorporates items of State and local interest. We need to make sure that we don't take that personal touch out of the tour process. We also need to make sure that Member offices are given clear information about how to accommodate their constituents if the on-line reservation system shows all the slots for a given day are taken. The CVC Web site and reservation system also could stand improvement, particularly standardizing the on-line process for booking staff-led tours so that you don't have to hunt and peck to figure out how to book one. I look forward to working with Mr. Brady and the authorizing committees on these issues so we can make the existing system more user-friendly, without compromising security or overloading the Capitol building. And I encourage and ask all Members if they have suggestions to please offer them to us.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. Mortgage foreclosures lay at the very heart of our financial crisis. Until we stop this bleeding, we cannot hope to stabilize the housing market and truly rescue our economy. This legislation is about more than just shoring up our economy, it's about helping hardworking Americans hold on to the American Dream. Foreclosures uproot families and decimate communities. Vacant homes blight our neighborhoods and depress all of our property values. Foreclosure rates are now approaching heights not seen since the Great Depression. In my own home State of Florida, we have the second highest foreclosure rate in the Nation. Since January, more than 4,200 Florida families have lost their homes. Another 1.2 million Florida homeowners are ``under water,'' that is, they owe more than their homes are worth. Mr. Chairman, my constituents, our constituents need a lifeline, and we must throw it to them. Voluntary modification is just not working, and our current bankruptcy laws fail our families. Unlike every other secured debt, including debts secured by second homes, investment properties, luxury yachts and private jets, the mortgage for a primary residence cannot be modified in bankruptcy. That is simply not fair. The Bankruptcy Code should be a safety net of last resort for families in distress. In this recession, excluding the family home makes no sense and fans the flames of foreclosure. This bill allows families to remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure. It will also lead to a financial recovery for the lender that would be as good or better than they could get at a foreclosure sale. This is a win-win. I know some well-meaning opponents believe families will rush headlong into filing for bankruptcy. We all know, however, that the grave consequences of filing for bankruptcy means it will always be a last resort. Thank you, Chairman Conyers and Chairman Frank, for your leadership on this issue.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday next for morning-hour debate.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. I thank the gentleman. I rise in support of this important piece of legislation and suggest that our good friends on the other side of the aisle are either suffering from some state of amnesia or maybe stuck in an alternative universe because it's pretty clear that the American people are suffering, that we are living through the worst economic crisis in almost any of our lifetimes. I don't know that there's anybody who is a Member of this Congress today that lived through the Great Depression, but there is an unprecedented crisis that the spending and appropriations in this legislation will help address beyond the important recovery legislation that we passed last week. It is critical that we invest in the quality of public education, that we make sure that children and the frail elderly have the services that they need, that we make sure that we rebuild our infrastructure, and that we make sure that we make an important and historic commitment to improving the quality of life of all Americans. That's what this legislation will do, and I am proud to support it.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, I missed Rollcall Vote 55, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, because I was attending to official events in my home state of Florida. If present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, over the past eight years, American consumer safety has taken a back seat to the special interests. As a result, many Americans have been exposed to dangerous toys for their children, hazardous household products for their families and even contaminated food, resulting in illness. Now is the time to support consumer advocates across the country by encouraging the new administration to restore the White House Office of Consumer Affairs. Our country gave the government a clear mandate for change in November. Without question, a new focus on consumer safety should be part of this change. Under President Clinton, consumers had an effective advocate with a long record of commitment to protecting consumers in Ann Brown, former Chairwoman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Unfortunately, staff cutbacks suffered by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have undermined effective efforts to protect consumers. While bipartisan legislation has attempted to address these challenges, it is clear that more progress is required. We must act now. Americans should have confidence that the products they use are safe and will not pose any dangers to them or their families. The new Administration can make significant progress toward this goal by restoring the Office of Consumer Affairs to its rightful place in the Executive Branch. I strongly encourage President Obama's administration to do so, and I echo the New York Times and their call to action. The editorial follows. [From the New York Times, Jan. 4, 2009] A Voice for the Consumer The time has come to give the American consumer a much stronger voice in Washington. President-elect Barack Obama has already named what amounts to an energy and environmental czar in the White House, and America's beleaguered consumers deserve no less. Mr. Obama should restore the White House Office of Consumer Affairs, which vanished during the Clinton years, and appoint a director who has both the president's ear and the authority to rebuild the consumer protection agencies that were undercut or hollowed out by the fiercely anti-regulatory Bush administration. There is no shortage of agencies ostensibly designed to protect consumers. But without an emergency like killer spinach or lead in children's toys, the Bush administration has mostly failed to hear customers' complaints. The consumer safety net is simply far too weak. The Food and Drug Administration has suffered cutbacks in expert personnel, and still relies too heavily on industry to police itself. Credit-card holders who have been subject to all kinds of Dickensian tricks and traps were finally told by the Federal Reserve that relief is in sight--in 2011. Not so long ago, there was only one official toy tester at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and oversight generally was so weak that Congress was forced to step in with new protections, which still could be strengthened. It will be up to the Obama administration to bring these agencies back to life. In part this means restoring the morale of government workers who have too often been stymied by the anti-regulators at the top. It will also mean stronger consumer protection policies and hiring more skilled people. It will mean giving one official responsibility for coordinating the entire apparatus. Presidents Johnson and Carter both recognized the need for a strong person to do that job. Both chose Esther Peterson, who during about eight years in office pushed for then- radical ideas like nutritional labeling on food and truth in advertising. As the Reagan anti-government era began, the consumer protection job steadily lost clout until it was shuttered in the late 1990s. During his campaign, Mr. Obama promised consumers that he would help them get a fairer deal. As the victims of lead toys and predatory lenders can attest, they certainly need one. Restoring the Office of Consumer Affairs and appointing a director as strong and capable as Mrs. Peterson would be an encouraging first step.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my profound concern and indignation regarding the recent attack on the Tiferet Israel Sephardic synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela. The attack, which occurred just days after International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on the Jewish Sabbath, was reminiscent of Kristallnacht. For five hours, violent anti-Semites profaned and vandalized a Sephardic synagogue in capital city Caracas, leaving behind graffiti with words of hatred. But the violence didn't stop there. Sacred torah scrolls were hurled about recklessly and damaged. The synagogue's guard was held at gunpoint and was found on the floor of the building by synagogue members on Saturday morning. Let me be clear. This brazen attack on the Venezuelan Jewish community did not occur in a vacuum. It was the direct result of the Venezuelan government's leaders, officials, media commentators and others, who have fostered an atmosphere of intimidation against the Jewish community. During the Gaza crisis, anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements were made by the Venezuelan President, the foreign minister, interior minister, the president of the national assembly, a number of congress members, and governors across the country. In the most recent example of his blatantly anti-Semitic public comments, President Hugo Chavez said ``the Israelis criticize Hitler but have done something worse,'' and also asked ``Don't Jews repudiate the Holocaust? This is precisely what we're witnessing.'' Hateful, fear-mongering comments like these were condemned by our own Department of State, in a 2008 report where they listed ``drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis'' as an example of anti-Semitism. President Chavez ``condemned'' Friday's attack on Tiferet Israel as briefly as possible, making no mention of plans to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in his country. He did, however, take a considerable amount of time to throw mud at his opponents, accusing them of staging the synagogue assault. This is unacceptable. In November 2008, President Chavez signed a statement along with the presidents of Argentina and Brazil condemning religious intolerance, and ``in particular anti-Semitism and anti-Islamism.'' In the strongest of terms I urge the government of Venezuela to live up to this statement, and end the incessant bullying and harassment of the Jews of Venezuela.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Theodore Bikel on receiving the Creative Leadership Award from the National Jewish Theater and the American Theater Festival. Throughout his life, Mr. Bikel has displayed an unwavering commitment to arts awareness, human rights, and Jewish activism, and his service to our nation is truly inspiring. No stranger to the Sunshine State, Theodore Bikel was the co-creator, co-author and co-star of the successful play Sholom Aleichem Lives, performed in early 1997 in several Florida theatres. He is also the writer and star of Sholom Aleichem: Laughter Through Tears, which recently had its world premiere in Washington, D.C. Additionally, on his long list of accomplishments, Mr. Bikel created the role of Baron Von Trapp in the original Broadway production of The Sound of Music and starred as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof more than 2,000 times. Bikel's career began in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he co-founded the Cameri Theatre, and performed classical and modern drama in Hebrew. Some of his most prominent honors include receiving an Emmy Award in 1988, having held the position of senior vice president of the American Jewish Congress, and accepting both a Doctor of Humane Letters from Hebrew Union College and the title of MAGGID from the World Union for Progressive Judaism. As Mr. Bikel marks his 85th birthday this June with a celebratory concert at Carnegie Hall, I feel grateful for this talented individual whose artistic vision and civic activism have profoundly touched the lives of all Americans.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, as a proud University of Florida alumna who bleeds orange and blue, I am delighted to be an original cosponsor of H. Res. 58, Commending the University of Florida Gators for winning the 2008 Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game. The University of Florida Gators football team squarely defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 24-14. This tremendous victory is nothing but extraordinary on all counts. The Gators' win over Oklahoma was the third football national title for the University of Florida and the second in the past three seasons. This victory makes the University of Florida the fourth school in the modem era to win two outright national collegiate athletics title in three years. Additionally, Gators' quarterback Tim Tebow was named the game's Most Valuable Player, with 340 yards of total offense, the third-best pass-rush total in a BCS Championship game. While this victory is among the many reasons to be proud of the University of Florida, I am most proud of that the excellence of its academic, athletic, and research programs is beyond compare. It is both a premier public research university and a top contender in the athletic arena. With so much to be proud of, it is no wonder that the Gator nation includes millions of people from all over the world--students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, sports fans, and anyone who shares the values and spirit of the University of Florida. It goes without saying that the Gator nation has continued to make its mark and make her alumni and the Gator family proud.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this essential Resolution, recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. As Israel faces intense international criticism for exercising its legitimate right to self-defense, southern Israel is being repeatedly and consistently showered with Hamas rockets and northern Israel has been hit by rockets from Lebanon. Like all sovereign nations, Israel has not only a right, but moreover, an obligation, to ensure the safety and security of her citizens. Let me be very clear. Israel's response, her defense of her people, is in reaction to the hundreds of Hamas missiles that were targeted at Israeli citizens throughout the flimsy ceasefire of 2008. Hamas's leaders, choosing terror against Israel over the welfare of the Palestinian people, have chosen violence over peace. And while Hamas has been going out of its way to kill innocent Israelis, Israel has been going above and beyond--even putting itself at risk--to protect innocent Palestinians. Specifically, Israel drops leaflets and makes phone calls to targeted Palestinian areas to warn citizens they are in danger, even if this means losing the element of surprise and putting the lives of its own soldiers at risk. In contrast, Hamas deliberately attacks Israeli civilians and uses its own people as human shields. In addition, Israel has been facilitating the transfer of significant amounts of humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip; delivering 15,000 tons of aid over the past week and a half. Hamas, on the other hand, has stolen some of those humanitarian medical supplies from civilians to give to their gunmen. Undeniably, the suffering is great in Israel and Gaza. Now is the time for us all to stand together in support of Israel and peace. I urge my colleagues to support this critical resolution, and pray that Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel, and starts working towards peace instead of terror.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I met Lilly Ledbetter during a Judiciary Committee hearing in 2007. She told us then how it was only after 20 years of working at Goodyear that she learned of the long- standing pay discrimination against her. Immediately upon learning this, Lilly took her case to court. But instead of following long- standing precedent that each new unfair paycheck represented a new cause of action, the Supreme Court denied Lilly Ledbetter justice. In the real world, discrimination is subtle and takes years to become evident. However, Justice Alito ruled that victims have only 180 days after the start of a discriminatory action to file suit, even if that employee has no way of knowing about it. This standard is impossible to meet. The Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rights this wrong. It clarifies that an employee is discriminated against each and every time she receives an unfair paycheck. I thank Chairman Miller and Congresswoman DeLauro for their outstanding leadership on this issue, and for my two beautiful daughters and the daughters of America, urge my colleagues to support fair pay in the workplace.