Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Civics Learning Act of 2019, a bipartisan bill that focuses on increasing civic participation by ensuring that young people in our country receive a strong civics education.

It might surprise you to learn that, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, in 2018 only 32 percent of Americans surveyed were capable of naming all three branches of government. Only 30 percent of Americans surveyed knew that the Senate is in charge of confirming Supreme Court nominees. In 2017, only 37 percent of Americans surveyed could name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. In 2014, only 23 percent of eighth graders performed at or above the proficient level on the National Assessment of Educational Progress civics exam. This startling reality makes it clear that civics education in this country is in need of renewed focus.

Madam Speaker, the Civics Learning Act of 2019 promotes new and existing evidence-based strategies to strengthen and prioritize innovative civics learning and teaching by encouraging innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction. Professional development activities, programing, and learning strategies would also be available to prepare teachers, principals, and other school leaders. Such instruction and programing would particularly benefit low-income students and underserved populations including students and teachers at high-need schools and low-access areas such as rural or inner-city communities. Recognizing that most civics programs focus on high school teachers and students, this bill would ensure funding for elementary, middle, and high school programs in order to create a lasting foundation for civic knowledge.

Madam Speaker, it is my sincere hope this body will expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to civics education, fostering a more informed citizenship that will only strengthen our democracy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Jack Shifrel. For decades, Jack was a tireless voice for our veterans, the Democratic Party, and for countless other causes close to his heart. I was blessed to count him as a close friend. He was one of the very first people to endorse me for public office. He supported me in three losing causes, and in 1992 when I was first elected to Congress. I will always be eternally grateful to my dear, dear friend.

Jack dedicated his life to serving our community. As a proud veteran, he worked tirelessly to ensure that his fellow veterans had access to the services they rightfully deserved. He was deeply committed to improving access to health services, and his advocacy helped make it safer and easier for veterans to access the VA Clinic in Sunrise, Florida. Among the many hats Jack wore was that of the President of the Broward Veterans Coalition, where the good work he did continues to positively affect the lives of those who have served our country.

Jack was also known for going out of his way to mentor the next generation of Democratic activists, and was always available for advice and counsel. As a leader in the Broward Democratic Party, he was a delegate to five Democratic national conventions and an outspoken advocate for equal rights and what he considered our collective responsibility to each other. He was serving his 10th four-year term as a Democratic Party committeeman, and was just as committed to making our community and country stronger as the day he began. That's who Jack was, and he was one of a kind. He made our entire community a better place, and every life he touched was made better. His loss will be felt in Broward County for years to come.

I extend my deepest condolences to Jack's wife, Laurie, his children Darrin, David, and Jillian, his siblings Lori, Myke, and Scott, his grandchildren, and his entire family during this extremely difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Darlene Hatcher. Darlene was so many things to so many people: a committed mother, loving daughter, fiance, sister, grandmother, aunt, and co-worker. She was a very strong family woman and a staple of our community for all of her professional life.

After graduating from Jupiter High School in Florida, she received her Associate of Arts degree from Palm Beach Atlantic Community

College and her Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Miami. Darlene initially worked as a coordinator for the Radiology department at Good Samaritans Hospital for 15 years, where she was able to display her passion for helping people in need. She then followed her desire to aid her community when she moved to work at Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) as their Community Redevelopment Director, where she had served for the last ten plus years. Darlene's hard work and dedication will always be remembered by her co-workers.

Darlene's commitment to community work did not stop at the CRA. She loved volunteering and was the president of the Limestone Creek Community group, a non-for-profit advocacy organization with a primary focus on improving, protecting and promoting civic, cultural and recreational community interests.

Madam Speaker, Darlene will be remembered by the many people she touched in her 44 years of life. She held herself to the highest standards, and always encouraged others to be successful contributing members of society, in whatever way that could be. Fond memories of her will forever remain with her parents, Willie and Pearline, her fiance, David Coley, and her two children, Johnathan and Shatoria, as well as her two grandchildren, Noah and Jeremiah. I offer my deepest condolences to her entire family during this time of great sadness. She was truly a blessing to our community, and I am pleased to honor her memory today. She will be dearly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools Act of 2019.

This bill would prohibit any educational institution from receiving federal funding that allows school personnel to inflict corporal punishment on students and creates grants to encourage improvements in schools, which promote positive behaviors.

Madam Speaker, corporal punishment is a form of physical punishment where someone deliberately inflicts pain on another individual in order to punish them. In schools, it includes the spanking or paddling of children by school officials.

Although corporal punishment in schools has certainly been part of this country's history, it has been a blemish on that history and must end immediately. In addition to the fact that there is no conclusive evidence that corporal punishment mollifies disruptive behavior, it is disproportionately used against African American students and children with disabilities. These punishments can result in physical as well as emotional harm to children.

Schools must be a safe place where students are protected from harm, so that they are able to thrive, grow, and learn. Sadly, 19 states still allow corporal punishments in school. Last year, more than 100,000 students were physically punished by being hit, slapped, and spanked. This is completely unacceptable.

Madam Speaker, schools must be a safe space for our children to learn. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critically important bill, and hope to see its swift passage very soon.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my House concurrent resolution, which expresses Congress' support for extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian Nationals who resided in the United States when Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti on October 4, 2016.

Hurricane Matthew was the worst hurricane to hit the country in 50 years. It took the lives of over 1,000 people and directly affected 2.1 million Haitians with the internal displacement of 175,000 people and leaving 1.4 million in need of urgent humanitarian aid.

It is estimated that Hurricane Matthew resulted in damage that will cost Haiti $1,000,000,000, or about 11.4 percent of its gross domestic product. This includes extensive damage to Haiti's roadways, bridges, buildings, and other critical infrastructure. Additionally, Hurricane Matthew resulted in tremendous destruction in Haiti's agricultural sector with crop losses estimated to be $360 million.

Madam Speaker, as we all know, Haiti continues its efforts to rebuild from the 2010, 7.0 magnitude earthquake, and recover from the Cholera outbreak of the same year. With these tragedies in mind, and the knowledge that Haitians continue to work diligently to address these and other important issues, including creating strong democratic institutions, I encourage all Members to join me in letting the Haitian Diaspora know that we stand with them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Haitian Educational Empowerment Act of 2019.

Thought the current occupant of the White House may want to have us believe that all is well in Haiti while, parenthetically, speaking of the country in derogatory and disgusting terms, those of us who truly know this country, those of us who truly care about the country and the Haitian Diaspora, know that Haiti remains on the road to recovery. The rebuilding continues from not only Hurricane Matthew, but the 2010 earthquake and the cholera outbreak, all of which continue to provide roadblocks to Haiti's full recovery. It is imperative that we do all that we can to ensure that the Haitian people receive the assistance they need to realize a vibrant, strong, and healthy democracy.

To that end, the Haitian Educational Empowerment Act of 2019 authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a scholarship program for Haitian students who have had their studies disrupted by the 2010 earthquake or Hurricane Matthew. Such scholarships will ensure that Haiti has access to the future teachers, doctors, lawyers and civil servants it will need to realize its full potential with strong democratic institutions and a strong economy.

Madam Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me in support of this important bill--a bill that will help Haitians help Haiti as the country continues its hard work on its road to recovery.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 221, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019, important and bipartisan legislation that will ensure we continue addressing anti-Semitism across the globe. I was proud to cosponsor this bill last Congress, and I am proud to cosponsor it again this year, in the hope that the Senate will this time act to send it to the President for signature.

The Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act would elevate the position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti- Semitism to the rank of Ambassador, reporting directly to the Secretary of State; as the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat Anti-Semitism and Anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries. In short, it will ensure that the United States continues to play a leading role in combatting Anti-Semitism across the globe.

We have seen a dramatic increase in anti-Semitism in recent years. It is ugly. It is tragic. It must be addressed. High attacks like the one at the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris and the horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh captured the world's attention and forced the issue into the international spotlight. Other incidents, including the stabbing of Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll in Paris, the shattering of windows at the HaCarmel kosher restaurant in Amsterdam, and countless other daily occurrences of harassment or physical assaults against Jews do not garner as much attention. Europe is facing a growing number of right- wing, nationalist, extremist political movements, and across the globe, the growing trend of anti-Semitism masked as anti-Zionism threatens Jewish communities and delegitimizes the existence of Israel.

Those of us who have served on the U.S. Helsinki Commission have taken efforts to combat anti-Semitism at the international level. As the incoming Chairman of the Commission, I intend to continue prioritizing this work with representatives of governments throughout Europe to highlight the resurgence of Anti-Semitism and elevate efforts to push back against this despicable resurgence through education, outreach, and improved security. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hoyer, Senator Cardin and I have all chaired the Helsinki Commission, and together, we have worked with several other Members of both the House and Senate, as well as with parliamentarians particularly from Germany and Canada, to have the Parliamentary Assembly of the 57-country OSCE condemn the escalation of anti-Semitic violence in Europe. We first did this at the Assembly's 2002 annual session in Berlin, Germany, and have kept it on the agenda there ever since, suggesting measures to counter anti- Semitic statements and acts of violence alike. I pushed it strongly while serving as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly from 2004 to 2006, and then as chairman of the Commission from 2007 to 2008. We succeeded in getting OSCE institutions, officials and diplomatic representatives to incorporate efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance into their ongoing work.

Ensuring that our country continues to lead in the fight against Anti-Semitism is a priority that we should all embrace. I fully support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Everglades for the Next Generation Act.

Protection and restoration of the Everglades is vital to the overall health of both South Florida's ecosystem and economy. As America's largest sub-tropical wilderness, it is the source of much of Florida's drinking water, an important flood barrier and a home for wildlife, including a number of endangered species.

As we know all too well, this vital ecosystem is facing a number of threats, and while much progress has been made, including the recent authorization of the Central Everglades Planning Project, there is still much work left to be done. Congressional inaction has persevered for far too long despite bi-partisan support for restoration.

Regardless of any progress, it is clear that restoration efforts will not succeed without the next generation of projects, which cannot begin without further Congressional authorizations. That is exactly what this bill does: authorizes the shovel-ready projects which have been awaiting another Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Additionally, this legislation will make it easier for the Army Corps of Engineers to move on many of the remaining projects in order to prevent future Congressional bottlenecking.

Restoration is not a theoretical exercise. The Central Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) has demonstrable successes and biennial reports from the National Academy of Sciences. We know that the federal and state governments can successfully work together with private businesses and landowners to reach mutually beneficial agreements that restore the health of this unique, beautiful, wild, and wonderful resource that is absolutely essential for Florida.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critically important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this particular measure.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize State Representative Richard Stark of Weston, Florida, a dedicated public servant and my good friend and who will be honored as the Elected Official of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

Richard attended New York public schools before receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver. He then moved to South Florida to join his family's furniture business. In 1990, he became an independent insurance agent, and today, operates a thriving independent agency specializing in life, health and insurance plans for seniors.

After holding leadership positions with Temple B'Nai Aviv, Rotary Club of Weston, and the American Youth Soccer Organization, Richard was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012. Soon after, he was elected Chair of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus. Under his leadership, the Caucus has been instrumental in promoting legislation to combat the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, securing funding for human services needs in the Jewish community, and ensuring the security of Jewish Day Schools throughout our state. As a State Representative, he works closely with rabbis, Jewish community leaders, and Hillels at Florida State University to engage students in the policy process and grow the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Richard currently Chairs the Broward County Legislative Delegation, serves as Deputy Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, and serves on the House Appropriations Committee, Commerce Committee, Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and Health Quality Subcommittee.

He has been married to his wife, Debbi, for over 30 years and his children, Lindsey and Jason, attended and graduated from Broward County public schools.

Madam Speaker, this award is a true testament to Representative Richard Stark's ongoing commitment to his community. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to him on receiving the Elected Official of the Year Award from the Jewish Federation of Broward County, and send along my best wishes on such a momentous occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruthann Geib, a great friend, who is retiring after 36 years of working with the American Sugarbeet Growers Association and the sugarbeet and sugar cane communities.

Originally from Wooster, Ohio, her grandparents had a dairy and feed grains farm nearby where she learned about the care and feeding of animals and the joys of grain harvest.

After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with Minors in Psychology and Political Science from Malone University, Ruthann was accepted into a three-month internship program in Washington, D.C. She worked at an international development organization and was later hired to be the diplomatic liaison with embassies for the more than 20 countries where the organization had development and linguistic projects.

Following her internship and after a brief stint at a law firm, she joined the American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA) in 1982. Ruthann quickly moved through the ranks, becoming Vice President of the association a few years later. Her portfolio included federal legislation, regulatory and administrative issues, Board education and communications, and management of the annual grower fly-ins. Her years with ASGA covered 19 Congresses, seven farm bills, and multiple free- trade agreements. In 2016, after over 30 years of service, the ASGA presented Ruthann with a Distinguished Service Award.

Her most memorable experiences include visiting the farms and communities in sugarbeet and sugar cane areas, and visiting Cuba in 1999 as a member of the U.S. sugar industry delegation to a United Nations sugar meeting.

Ruthann and her husband, Paul, currently live in Alexandria, Virginia, but are looking forward to moving to the mountains of Tennessee in 2019. In her retirement, she plans to travel and volunteer with various projects in her new community.

Madam Speaker, Ruthann's impact on the sugarbeet and sugar cane communities is a true testament to her longstanding commitment to the industry. I wish her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her life in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 6, Title II--Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

Title II establishes a bipartisan Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to investigate, study, make findings, hold public hearings, and develop recommendations to modernize and improve the way Congress operates.

This institution has a responsibility to the people--to our constituents--and to this country to build a Congress that works for everyone, not just those at the top. This is not something that will happen on its own. It is going to take hard work, but it is worthwhile work.

This is not the first time Congress, as an institution, has wrestled with how to be more effective and efficient. Three times in the 20th century--in 1945, in 1965, and again in 1992 when Ms. Lofgren and I came to Congress--we established joint committees to examine various aspects of the legislative process in an effort to improve efficiency and promote transparency.

Madam Speaker, today we are at a similar crossroads. Last Congress, we witnessed the Republicans lead the most closed Congress in the history of our country. Republicans blocked everything from immigration reform and infrastructure to gun safety and lowering prescription drug costs.

Last November, many of the American people demanded a new direction. Part of that new direction includes making the House of Representatives an institution that debates big ideas.

We are at a moment where the challenges we face as a country are so great--everything from the opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across the country to the immense economic and human cost the world will incur as a result of climate change--that we must come together as a body in a deliberate and transparent way.

The select committee will provide a venue for Members to consult outside experts, academics, and this institution's own Members in an effort to analyze, debate, and adopt those ideas that will help us improve how we do the people's business.

This select committee, along with the bipartisan rules package that passed on the House floor yesterday, is proof that we stand ready, willing, and able to protect not only this institution's prerogative but the interests of the American people.

With public trust in Congress at historic lows, House Democrats are taking transformational steps that will modernize Congress, restore regular order, and bring integrity back to this institution. This comprehensive and deliberate approach will undoubtedly improve the overall function of this great institution that we all have the privilege and honor to serve in.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), chairman of the Rules Committee and my good friend.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer), my friend, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes), my good friend and a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the resolution, and I yield the control of the remainder of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), the distinguished chairwoman of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall No. 448, S. 756--the First Step Act of 2018. However, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on the measure.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today with my colleagues who have helped organize this, particularly my colleague Congressman Rutherford, to pay tribute to the servicemembers who tragically perished on December 5 during a training exercise off the coast of Japan:

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Herrmann of New Bern, North Carolina;

Major James M. Brophy of Staatsburg, New York;

Captain Jahmar Resilard of Miramar, Florida, who was raised in my district and whose mother I have spoken with;

Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores of Surprise, Arizona;

Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, Illinois; and,

Corporal William Ross of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

These decorated marines served our Nation with distinction. Listing their achievements does little to pay adequate tribute to their bravery, courage, and dedication to our country.

On behalf of my colleagues, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families of these honorable servicemembers, their friends, and their colleagues in the United States Marine Corps. Our Nation grieves with you, and we pray that you find comfort during these extremely difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, I request that the House of Representatives observe a moment of silence in memory of these American heroes.