Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, which sends military aid to Israel to defend herself, protects U.S. troops in the Middle East, and provides urgently needed food and medicine to those suffering in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, my grandfather Abe fled Europe as the Nazis took over and murdered 6 million Jews. Today, almost one-half of the world's Jewish population, over 7 million people, live in Israel.

With calls of ``from the river to the sea,'' Iran's regime and its proxies have vowed to wipe Israel off the map. Hezbollah fires rockets. Hamas brutally attacks innocent Israelis, raping women and taking hostages. Iran sends a barrage of missiles as it builds its arsenal.

Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, Iran is not our friend either. Israel's security is our security, and without our attention and resources, the Middle East is at risk.

The funding in this bill will save lives with missile defense for our ally, protecting our troops in the Middle East, and humanitarian aid for the heartbreaking need around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I am rising today not only as a Member of this Congress but as a mother and a grandmother.

Mr. Speaker, there are some subjects that are so difficult to talk about, but it is our responsibility to do so.

Today, we shine a light on something very terrible: sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Today, our usually divided House, with the support of our Speaker, the Democratic leaders, and my friends, Kathy Manning, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Jen Kiggans, are presenting with 200-- let me repeat that, 200--cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, from all philosophical bents, a bipartisan resolution condemning sexual violence as a weapon of war and Hamas' despicable acts of rape and sexual violence in its war against Israel.

I send a special shout-out to my good friend from Florida, Mario Diaz-Balart, for his exceptional leadership for standing up for Israel and for the girls and women of this world.

Mr. Speaker, today we mark 131 days since October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, mercilessly killed 1,200 people, tortured and maimed thousands of others, taking 240 hostages.

War is never nice, but some actions in war are so awful and so devoid of humanity, they are considered crimes.

Hamas terrorists' actions on October 7 and continuing are almost too difficult to speak about--raping, mutilating, burning, and assaulting victims to inflict physical and psychological pain, unleashing trauma that continues to plague a grieving Israel.

This is what Raz Cohen, a survivor who witnessed Hamas' brutal rampage remembers. He said that five men came out of a van. They captured a woman, ripping off her clothes as they formed a circle around her. One raped her and killed her with a knife. Then he raped her again. He said that he still remembers her voice, screams without words--while Hamas just laughed.

Raz' story is just one account of the widespread, unimaginable crimes Hamas committed.

A well-known Israeli activist and actress, Noa Tishby, put it this way, saying that these rapes were not spontaneous. They were planned. They were calculated. In fact, they were a priority.

In their interrogations, captured Hamas terrorists calmly shared their orders to soil the women. They gang-raped women to death. They shot them in the head while they were raping them. They stabbed them and shot them while raping them. They raped them next to bodies of those who already had been slaughtered. They sliced off their breasts. First responders found bodies with nails driven inside girls' vaginas.

Mr. Speaker, together with colleagues, I recently met with the parents of two young women kidnapped by Hamas. They are 19 and 20 years old. They are both musicians. They, along with 20 other young women, are feared to be held captive underground in Gaza where air and food are scarce and abuse is abundant.

They have been there 131 days.

It is excruciating to imagine the horrors they are experiencing each day and the emotional torture of their families.

We must bring these hostages home now.

Shockingly and alarmingly, Hamas' brutal violence has been met with a shrug from many corners of the world. Some even deny it.

Sexual violence as a weapon of war has been used throughout history and around the world to terrorize and traumatize victims, but that doesn't make it okay. It must never be normalized.

Our resolution makes it clear: Sexual violence is a crime against humanity. Our resolution condemns all rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, including those acts committed by Hamas. It calls on all nations to criminalize rape and sexual assault. It calls on all international bodies to condemn Hamas' barbaric actions. It reaffirms our support for an independent investigation of rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas and reaffirms our commitment to supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence.

I urge all our Members to join us in supporting this important amendment in a statement of humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill for emergency funding for Israel and for U.S. military operations in the Middle East.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, murdering, maiming, and raping innocent women, men, and children, and taking 240 hostages, many who remain in dark tunnels being starved and abused.

Adding fuel to the fire, Iran proxies are shooting rockets into Israel, jeopardizing commerce in the Red Sea and killing American soldiers on military bases.

Funds from this bill will enable Israel to defend itself and the U.S. to protect our own military personnel.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize and respect the concern of friends who support Israel but want other also important issues to be addressed.

Mr. Speaker, the perfect should not be the enemy of the good.

Let me be clear: My vote will be for what is in this proposed bill and not a rebuke of what is left out.

I fear that a divided Congress will embolden Israel's adversaries and put our own military in harm's way. Israel's security is our security.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with Israel. I stand with humanity. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Holocaust Learning Experience, hosted by MorseLife in my Congressional District. This year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks 79 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Red Army and Allied troops. On January 27, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially reminded the world of the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. We should never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. At liberation, allies witnessed the devastation of human remains and the destruction of the human spirit. This is the day we also acknowledge the multigenerational impact of the horror and terror perpetrated against innocent women, men and children.

Globally, we are witnessing an alarming rise in antisemitism, and it is more important than ever to recognize the critical lessons from the Holocaust. I am proud to recognize the Holocaust Learning Experience, to continue to develop, deploy and deliver Holocaust education to public schools. Last year, the Holocaust Learning Experience was awarded seed funding from the state of Florida to cast the education statewide, scalable, and the Holocaust Learning Experience is poised to be in the 67 school districts, impacting approximately 2.1 million students.

I wish to congratulate and encourage the Holocaust Learning Experience to continue changing lives of our nation's young people. Each day, the Experience teaches students to stand up, not stand by.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, Representative Wasserman Schultz, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I make these remarks with a very heavy heart. As we have heard today, we mark 115 days since the darkest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

On October 7, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and mercilessly took the lives of 1,200 people. They tortured, they maimed, they raped people, and seized over 200 hostages.

Among the hostages, as you look at the photograph behind me, are Daniela Gilboa and Agam Berger, two vibrant young women, 19 and 20 years old, respectively. Agam, a skilled violinist since fourth grade, and Daniela, a singer with a captivating voice. Teenagers full of life with dreams and aspirations, and they have been held captive almost 4 months, most likely in the dreadful underground tunnels in Gaza where air

and food is scarce and abuse is abundant.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with the parents of Agam and Daniela. Their hearts are heavy, burdened by a living nightmare and the constant terror of the exploitation they dread their daughters are experiencing.

Mr. Speaker, as we speak, over 100 hostages, including Daniela and Agam, remain separated from their loved ones and it is terrifying to even think of the fear, the brutality, and the perverse mistreatment they are experiencing every single day. It has been our solemn responsibility to share their stories and it is even a greater responsibility to bring them home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the veterans of the Korean War. The Korean War was fought from 1950 to 1953 and resolved by Armistice on July 23, 1953, 70 years ago, and seemed to be forgotten about. In fact, last year I introduced House Resolution 858 acknowledging the importance, courage, and sacrifice of veterans from the Korean War.

We should all remember with honor those who bravely served in that war. We should also honor the memory of the more than 36,000 Americans and 7,000 Korean Augmentees who lost their lives to Chinese and North Korean armies, not to mention the tremendous loss of life to the Korean people, as well as remembering the more than 7,500 Americans still lost, unaccounted for and missing to the day.

We are blessed to have almost 50 Korean War veterans with us at SongFest for Korean vets today, who served in every aspect of the Korean War and support of those efforts, with awards that include the Purple Heart, Silver and Bronze Stars, Combat Infantry Badges and Combat Patches from units with names like the First Marine Division, the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions as well as many others. Including those who served on ships with names like the USS Antietam, the Baoding Straight, the Bennington, the Boxer and the Cabot. These men and women served in Pusan, Inchon, Chosin, and on hills with names like Heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill. We have many Korean Americans who remember that war and the effects on their land that remains divided and dangerous to this day, some of whom have joined us for this celebration and commemoration.

Mr. Speaker, let it be Proclaimed that we will always honor and never forget the contributions of every Soldier, Marine, Sailor, and Airman who served on the Peninsula or in support of Korea, the Forgotten War. We will also never forget the sacrifice of the Korean people and will not rest until all those missing come home again. A grateful Nation honors them on this American Heroes Day at the South Florida Fair.

Mr. Speaker, my, my, my, Republicans are at it again, trying every which way to obstruct legal access to abortion, preventing women from the freedom of making their own choice of when or whether to start or grow a family.

This time, Republicans want to fund fake clinics run by anti-abortion activists who deceptively provide women with misleading information with one purpose: to scare, disgrace, or pressure them from getting an abortion.

Shamefully, in order to bankroll these fake centers, this Republican bill grabs funding from a program designed to assist needy pregnant women and children get back on their feet.

Overwhelmingly, Americans believe that women should make their own personal healthcare decisions without interference by politicians.

This proposed legislation is dangerous hypocrisy on steroids and not worthy of support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Temple Israel of Palm Beach County on its 100th anniversary. The Temple is the oldest Jewish organization in Palm Beach County and the only Reform synagogue in West Palm Beach. Formerly known as Temple Beth Israel, six Jewish families came together to create the synagogue in 1923 with a commitment to the ideals of Progressive Judaism.

In 2012, Temple Israel made history by hiring the first female congregational Rabbi in Palm Beach County. Her successors, Rabbi Carlie Daniels, Rabbi Ryan Daniels and Rabbi Howard Shapiro, continue to shine a bright light on Temple Israel's legacy; by encouraging social activism, being actively involved in events that concern social justice, while continuing to embrace and empower those of interfaith and LGBTQIA families and individuals.

Temple Israel's commitment to providing our community with a House of prayer, study, and gathering and their service to our community is remarkable. I congratulate them on 100 years of service and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Joaquin Garcia, an esteemed medical professional of Palm Beach County. January 12, 2024, has been officially declared as Dr. Joaquin Garcia Day. Dr. Garcia is the first notable Hispanic in Palm Beach County to have a High School named after him to honor his memory and community contributions.

As a Cuban native, Dr. Garcia continuously strived towards progressing immigrant members of the community in collaboration with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other various Hispanic-affiliated groups. As a founding member and chairman of the Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County (HEC), Dr. Garcia avidly promoted the education of children through his support for dual-language programs in the community. Beyond his role at the HEC, Dr. Garcia was deeply involved in an array of advocacy groups including the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, Compass, International AIDS Education Foundation, Cycle for The Cause, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Health Education Outreach.

Dr. Garcia once stated, ``I did not have any natural children, but I consider the tens of thousands of students in the district to be my children and my responsibility.''

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joaquin Garcia's dedication to advocacy on behalf of children and his service to the people of South Florida is truly admirable. May his legacy be honored by the success of the students of Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Delray Orthodox Synagogue's 20th anniversary at their location in Delray Beach, Florida.

Delray Orthodox Synagogue is a small, vibrant Modern Orthodox Synagogue serving the spiritual and social needs of their members and guests. Currently led by Rabbi Zevi Saunders, the synagogue was created in 2003 and has grown the community over the past 20 years. In addition to services, the synagogue provides educational opportunities, sisterhood events, informational speakers, and more to give back to the community.

I congratulate the synagogue on their anniversary and wish them many more years of success.

Mazel tov.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my constituent, Sylvia Ogron, a Happy 100th birthday. Sylvia is the proud mother of four, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of 19--the matriarch of a big, beautiful family that is her pride and joy.

Sylvia, once an avid baker and tennis player, has lived in South Florida for decades, where she has enjoyed watching the new generations of her extended family continue to grow.

Always the competitor, Sylvia has lived a long, full life, surrounded by family and friends who love her dearly and cherish every moment spent with her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sylvia a Happy 100th birthday--here's to many more.

Mr. Speaker, on October 7, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Hamas terrorists took over 200 hostages from Israel--men, women, children, the elderly, and the young, including dozens of IDF soldiers who Hamas has refused to release. I want to tell you about one of them.

That beautiful young lady is Naama Levy. She is the second of four children. She is an athlete, loves soccer, the triathlon. During her summer in high school, she was a participant in the Hands of Peace project in the

United States working toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

After she graduated high school, like other Israeli youth, she completed her coursework to be an observation soldier, and she began her military service on October 5 at the Nahal Oz base. It was 2 days later, on October 7 at 6:32 a.m., she woke to red alerts and went into a safe room with her friends. She then texted her mom. There is the text:

Mom, we are in the safe room. I have never heard anything like this.

Her mother says:

What is happening, my darling?

What her mother then saw on a video loop over and over was her daughter being dragged off by her hair by Hamas into the back of a truck.

Her mom lives the same nightmare as the other families of the hostages. She thinks about her every day. Where is her daughter now? What kind of life is she living? Where does she sleep? Does she have water? Does she have air? Is she being treated well?

Mr. Speaker, look at this young lady, just starting her life with hopes and dreams. Let's bring her back.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, Florida, on its 126th anniversary. This significant milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community that has thrived within its walls since its inception.

St. Paul AME Church. originally named Mt. Tabor, held its first service on November 19, 1897, in what was then called Linton. St. Paul was the second church established in the area that would become Delray Beach in 1964. Prior to relocating in 1902, St. Paul shared a building with the first church in Delray, Mt. Olive Baptist. The fact that it has weathered the test of time, evolving and adapting over the years, speaks to the resilience and commitment of its congregation.

Reverend James C. Watson, Jr. and First Lady Viola Watson are committed community leaders and their dedication to St. Paul AME Church is a steadfast commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.

As we celebrate the 126th anniversary, we must recognize that St. Paul AME Church is part of a broader legacy. The African Methodist Episcopal church founded in America in 1787, has a rich history of promoting both spiritual enrichment and social justice. St. Paul AME Church stands as a local embodiment of this legacy, contributing to the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Delray Beach.

Pastor James and First Lady Viola Watson's commitment to St. Paul AME Church and their service to our community is remarkable. I congratulate them on 126 years of service and wish them continued success.

My, my, my. In the spending bill that most affects our social fabric, MAGA Republicans take an ax to women's reproductive freedom, public education, and Medicare.

At a time when costs are too high for working people, Republicans underfund childcare and eldercare. Instead of lifting up American families, this bill brings us down with culture war garbage.

It is a ``no'' for me. We can and we must do better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus to recognize Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal as we celebrate her well-deserved ascension to EEOC Commissioner.

As you may know, women still lag behind in pay and promotions, are the victims of pregnancy discrimination, and are the primary survivors of sexual harassment in the workplace. We cannot overstate the importance of enforcing EEOC laws and pay data collection. Commissioner Kotagal will do exceptional work to ensure that every individual, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, has an equal opportunity to succeed in the workforce. This mission is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral imperative.

We know that having strong equality laws are not enough. Enforcing these laws requires dedicated individuals who understand the urgency of their mission. Our newly sworn-in commissioner embodies this commitment. Her experience, expertise, and unwavering dedication to the principles of equality makes her the right person for the job.

I would like to personally thank her for her leading role in the class action against Sterling Jewelers which was an impetus for two major bipartisan bills that became law in 2022, nullifying forced arbitration and nondisclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment and abuse.

As we celebrate this moment, we recognize that the EEOC's work extends beyond individual cases. When people are given an equal opportunity to succeed, we all benefit. Diverse teams lead to innovation and stronger decision-making. Equal pay ensures that every family can thrive. A discrimination-free workplace fosters a culture of respect and dignity for all.

The work of the EEOC is also about fostering a culture where respect for diversity is not just a requirement but a guiding principle. It's about educating employers and employees on best practices and the benefits of a more inclusive workforce. It's about shaping our collective future by ensuring that opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

So today, we celebrate our commitment to equality, fairness, and justice in the workplace by congratulating Kalpana Kotagal and wishing her only the best on her new journey. I am confident that as commissioner, she will continue her life path of exceptional work.